We would like to thank you all for being patient with us, we know it has taken a while, but we are finally on the home straight.
We are now opening up the doors to our Discord community, to start testing the Unreal Engine 5 version of Jaws of Extinction.
Don't worry if you are not part of the test, we are only testing performance with the new UE5 lighting and other features. We want to make sure that updated features are performing well and get information before any full updates to the main game.
If you are interested in joining the community beta, pop on over to our official Discord server. We will be opening the beta to more players with each update we release on the testing branch.
50% OFF - Open-world, Survival, Crafting FEST
Grab your copy of Jaws of Extinction at 50% off from now until June 3rd 2024
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Checkout more information about Jaws of Extinction and BloodEater Games:
We’re back! First of all, we would like to give a quick summary of what has happened over the last year followed by an update on what’s being worked on right now.
As many will have noticed, we have been quiet over the last year. We have been dealing with financial and legal challenges due to an investor. Thankfully, these issues are now behind us. Forthright remains as the Jaws of Extinction publisher while the game’s development is back in the hands of the original team.
We are sorry for not being able to communicate these issues to the community while they have been happening. The hiatus was not really intentional, but rather the result of a great deal of uncertainty between all the parties involved. It was not clear what could and could not be communicated publicly.
There are a few adjustments being made though. KYE Creations, the company which owns JoE, is now being dissolved. The IP is now going to become the property of BloodEater Games, which is co-owned by members of the original development team.
Furthermore BloodEater Games will now be partnering with Immortal Hand Studios. Immortal Hand have a wealth of experience with open world survival games and developing in Unreal Engine 5.
Where is the UE5 Version?
Internally, JoE is now running on Unreal Engine 5. Several under the hood mechanics have been rebuilt to work properly with the latest version.
We can now utilise new open-world landscape systems to provide significantly better performance. Some of our old landscape systems have been entirely replaced with improved ones. The first phase in this engine update will roll out the original map upgraded to Unreal Engine 5 with the UE5 Version world map coming later.
Why is the new UE5 map update not being released yet?
This map update is ongoing and will not be released until fully optimised and ready. Our priority is to optimise the game to run smoothly at 60FPS on mid-range machines, and even on less powerful hardware and the new map is just not there yet.
When will we see the 0.5.0 of the game?
We are currently doing in-house testing on the latest build. The earliest opportunity to try out the next build will be as part of a special beta test we are going to run on Steam.
We are particularly interested to hear feedback on performance and stability, which is the main focus of the update.
We’re back and giving away more Jaws of Extinction Steam Keys! Enter now for a chance to put your survival skills to the test on the zombie-infested island of Eden-Nadir. 🧟
We wanted to reach out to and discuss our release plans for the next few updates. We are going to be releasing an update next week to the staging and main branch addressing several issues we are keen to fix.
However, we’re going to be modifying our release schedule while we work on several under-the-hood performance issues and coop development. Additionally, work is continuing on the Unreal Engine 5 version of the game as well. We wanted to make sure that everyone was aware that even though there may be updates less often during this period, the team is still hard at work behind the scenes.
Thanks for your patience!
-JoE Developer Team
Steam Development Update #4: Infected Nests
Hey, Survivors!
Enter a world of mystery and suspense, where every decision you make could mean the difference between life and death! Stay wary of more threatening locations - we’ve heard that the zombies have taken their toll on everything on the island of Eden-Nadir. We've also been listening to your feedback and are making changes accordingly.
Changes and updates to expect:
The team has been focused on making performance improvements this week for the UE4 version of the game, as well as continuing progress with some UE5 updates.
UE5 updates:
Nests are being upgraded. They can now take over entire houses.
Nests are like hives which will continually spew out infected. The infected will keep coming out until the nest is destroyed - remember, they are highly flammable.
The visuals of nests are being fully updated in line with the UE5 visual updates.
Burn out nests to gain access to the loot inside and stop infected spawning
Some safezone missions might involve clearing nests from the nearby area to ensure the infected population doesn’t overrun the area.
Current updates:
Updated:
Initial time of day is now 7.30
Removed placeholder backer bench plaques
Material adjustments for some concrete floors
Optimised:
Optimisations affecting NPC overhead text
Significant optimisations improving non-optimal geometry in the world, especially around the dam
Fixed:
Fixed The Rare Plants book not recycling.
We're thrilled to share some progress updates with you!
The new zombie nests spawn randomly across the map. Destroy them and stop the infected overrunning the area.
Infected nests will be taking over houses, adding new dangers when looting for survival.
An example of a house infection location. These may vary and will provide new challenges when surviving.
Community Highlight
Join PlatypusMuerte as he furthers his journey in repairing the go-kart in the Staging Branch!
Make sure to follow his channel for more future videos!
0.4.19.0 arrives today! Wrapping up this month, we’ve implemented a first look at the new skills system. Earning XP now offers major rewards that can improve your character. You can earn XP for all sorts of skills, such as rifles, lockpicking and trading. At certain key levels, you’ll be offered a choice of perks which will define the strengths of your character.
Furthermore, almost all of the NPC cast have been revitalised, with all new voice over lines and facial animations.
This update also contains heaps of updates, fixes and quality of life improvements. Take a look at what’s new below.
Developer Comment: It would be advisable to start a fresh game as some mechanics, craftables and items may be bugged or not be available if using out of date game save files.
NPC voicelines
Our NPC cast are more alive than ever, with all new voiced dialogue and facial animations.
• Added new VO, facial animations and audio barks for Scarlet Guidry • Added new VO, facial animations and audio barks for Simon Cormier • Added new VO and facial animations for Lucille LaBoeuf • Added new VO and facial animations for Nomad • Added new VO and facial animations for Jeremiah Gass • Added new VO and facial animations for Daisy Simpson • Added new VO and facial animations for Neville Roberts • Added new VO and facial animations for Sasha the treasure hunter. • Added new VO and facial animations for Thomas the librarian. • Added new VO and facial animations for Brendan Skillen. • Added new VO and facial animations for Bruce Reed. • Added new VO and facial animations for George Paisley. • Added new VO and facial animations for Kirk, the electrician. • Added new VO and facial animations for Layton Basty. • Added new VO for Meiline Young • Many general adjustments, tweaks and typo fixes for NPC dialogue
Skills System
The long awaited skill system makes its first appearance, with customisable skill perks and more.
• First phase of Skill System V2.0 has been enabled. View skills and perks from the skills tab in your inventory.
Automatically unlock perks at set grade levels for a skill and build your skills to your preferred play style.
• Added additional skills and perks that will affect vitals, looting and more. • Trading Skill unlocked, earn XP from trading and enable the following perks. Charismatic, Negotiator, Smoke Blower, Influential, Bartering, Intuition and more. • New trading skills integrated into the trading window, like "Intuition" Stock regeneration, allowing you to regenerate the trader’s stock and deals at the push of a button with a 30 minute cooldown. • Added perk cooldown system, a ten minute cool down on a perk will activate when selecting a perk before being able to select a different one in the skill group column
Example: Trading Stage 1 Charismatic Increase reputation and XP earned from trading by 5% (Stacking)
Stage 2 Negotiator Double the traders wallet when trading with them
Smoke blower Decrease trading fees by 5% (Stacking)
Stage 3 Influential Increase reputation and XP earned from trading by 10% (Stacking)
Bartering Decrease trading fees by 10% (Stacking)
Intuition Enables you to refresh the traders stock and deals once every 30 mins
Stage 4 HIDDEN
For a full overview of the available skills and planned skills, please visit our Discord server.
Optimisations
• Removal of legacy skill system causing CPU costs every frame • Minor optimisation on wash stations • Optimisation of NPC death logic. • Removed redundant death logic running on NPCs. • Improved efficiency of on-fire burning logic on NPCs • Removal of various old debugging tools • Small clean up of the old particle system on pickup items.
Added
• Added shortcuts for bandages and health kits that display on the HUD. No need to assign items as it will automatically find the relevant item for the job. • Added a new fail safe for saved inventory items: if data has changed on an item in the base game it will update the item in the save data with the correct data. • Added new detail to first person chainsaw animation • Added two new emotes. • Added shortcut for decoys that displays on the HUD when available. • Added Duct Tape as a resource which can stop bleeding. Accessible from the heath item shortcut button. • The survivor camp now has its own noticeboard and will have wanted (Head Hunter) quests. • Noticeboard quests now show a skull difficulty level 1 - 5 skulls, the more skulls the harder the quest. • Added craftable 1000 Litre IBC Tank for water collectors • Some 1000 Litre IBC Tanks can be picked up if found out in the world, not safe-zones. • Crossbridge Safe-Zone now has rentable units • Nadir Farm Safe-Zone now has rentable units
Updated
• End of the Easter 2023 event. • Significantly reduced speed when wading through deeper water. Rebalances Gustava's water section. • Emote menu is no longer blocked from opening if no emotes have been discovered. • Some emotes are now automatically unlocked from the start of the game. Others must be found by talking to hunters in the world. • Hunter Roche now offers a different emote. • Blueprints that have been read are now listed in the player guide. • Crafting recipes learned are now listed in the player guide. • Increased intensity of red legendary flashlight • Traders will now show an open book icon on blueprints/books that are already known. • Character's death loot bags no longer block movement or projectiles • Improved attenuation on NPCs reloading SFX, meaning they are not so consistently loud • Can no longer enter free-look mode while aiming. • Improved third person camera position for all protagonists when aiming weapons • Improved text order in the resources UI element when building. • RMB zoom is now enabled while using melee weapons third-person • Improved smoothness of third person character rotation when drawing and shooting bow. • Various small dialogue tweaks • Character can now rotate while reloading in third person • Interactable objects that are permanent installations in the world no longer show the option to 'pick up' • Respawn locations in the menu on death are now ordered by distance. • Duplicate respawn locations no longer appearing in the list on death. • Traders will now buy and sell ingots (Brass, copper, Iron, Steel) • Only outfits that can be worn by the character will spawn in loot drops. • Throwables such as molotovs cannot be thrown in safezones • Small update to Layton Basty's mesh • Item descriptions updated for some building materials • Improved character's animation posture when moving up and down slopes while crouched • Rearranged button display in the main menu to more sensible locations. • Kirk's mesh updated with a new version. • Arrows are now only sometimes recoverable. Chance of recovery now increases with skills. • Updated item description for sleeping bags. • Pickup items now display if the player needs to talk to someone before taking the item. • Screen gameplay tooltips now have a 5 minute cooldown before they will show again. • Updated level up UI display with animated icon and text when new perks are available. • Trader reputation display now updates in real-time, no need to close and open trade window. • XP earned capped on item stacks. • Lowered the ocean to stop character from losing oxygen on the water surface. • Ammo will no longer auto-switch to fire or explosive arrows. • Explosive arrows now have a consistent detonation fuse of 0.6 seconds after arrow impact. • Explosive arrows no longer briefly spawn an extra grenade mesh on impact. • Various item description updates • Player built structures no longer receive decals from the world • Player death bags can no longer affect navigation. • Improved third person falling and landing animation when holding a bow. • Added new audio and facial animations to Bruce Reed the trader • Added new audio and facial animations to George Paisley • Added a new barks system for traders when buying, selling and attempting to trade goods. • Small update to Bruce Reed's mesh • Freelook key now appears in the settings and is rebindable. • Increased frequency at which traders (currently Bruce Reed) will comment on attempted purchases. • Small tweaks to various NPC's dialogue. • Improved item descriptions for meat. • Buffed Steady Hand from 5% to 10% extra hold time on bows • Buffed Hunter's Discipline from 10% to 15% extra hold time on bows • Various item descriptions updated. • Damage effect has been changed to just the screen turning red instead or a chromatic aberration effect • Stamina effect has been changed to not impair vision so much with an added ear ringing SFX • Various written dialogue adjustments. • No longer able to click on a perk if it is already activated • Perks are now more visible displaying when they are active • Quadbikes now display if they have missing wheels correctly, before they would still show wheels even if they were missing. • Static tires around the world have been swapped out for lootable versions.
Fixes
• Fixed water section of Gustava's lair not working like water, causing Gustava not to chase the player • Fixed outfit MODs not all showing in the character screen. • Fixed various gameplay elements not activating in the vicinity of the player after they use the fast travel system. • Tentative fix for boss HP bar on HUD sometimes refilling (just a visual bug) • Fixed holstering the building hammer not disabling build mode • Fixed holstering fishing rod not disabling fishing mode • Partial fix for characters floating a bit above the ground • Fixed floating telephone in house near Sen's house • Fixed character becoming mis-aligned with ladders after jumping while dismounting the ladder. • Fixed character's rotation becoming mis-aligned with ladders if jumping on to the ladder. • Fixed dialogue with audio skipping too quickly • Tentative fix for crash after dying (although character's head will no longer appear wet) • Fixed being unable to aim or shoot due to being stuck in free-look move • Fixed changing the material type of player built walls not sourcing resources correctly from a nearby sawbench with planks. • Fixed Easter rewards occasionally giving a fishing rod that doesn't work. • Fixed endless boiling sound on campfires boiling water after saving and loading • Tentative fix for items sometimes not being able to be picked up and instead coming up with dialogue stating that the character should talk with an NPC. • Fixed research bench icon always being visible no matter how far away you are. • Fixed RMB functionality such as aiming and zooming the camera not working after switching from the building hammer to another weapon via the inventory • Fixed Easter rewards always give the outfit when over 1000 points. • Fixed being able to aim in first-person while also holstering a weapon • Fixed rare issue where a character's arms could disappear when changing perspectives, aiming and holstering a weapon at the same time. • Fixed Easter fishing rod reward not working (again) • Fixed possible issue where character's first person arms scale might be incorrect. • Fixed character's rotation often snapping in the direction of the camera when aiming a bow. • Fixed dialogue skipping too fast for NPCs with audio. • Fixed not being able to place multiple buildings as was possible in the past (new building areas need need sufficient space between them) • Fixed wording on respawn menu • Fixed pulled through the wall in Dom's Hardware when pressing F in the vicinity of the ladder on the outside wall. • Fixed being able to attack while interacting with a safe • Fixed wording on shower radial menu. • Fixed floating bushes on road between Backwater Beacon and Demolition Site • Fixed distance marker icons not sometimes do not disappear for some quests after completing the object. • Fixed issue with skill system where no weapon data was being retrieved when trying to add XP for using a weapon. • Fixed an issue with skill system that would cause the skill to be wiped from the UI display • Fixed having no way of determining what perk is selected. • Fixed UI focus issue with skill UI not being able to close inventory after clicking a skill block or selecting a perk. • Fixed 'Fill All' feature on rain collectors not filling any containers. • Fixed performance spike when looting containers, due to the skill system checks. • Fixed building UI widget not updating when items are crafted in the inventory (e.g. wooden planks would not appear as an available resource on the UI after crafting them) • Fixed several UI focus issues on the main menu preventing keyboard inputs working as expected. • Fixed Easter outfit only unlocking for Amy on a new save game. • Fixed Easter event reward ears from Trystan and Adrian appearing as the wrong mesh. • Fixed Kirk's face not fully animating during dialogue. • Fixed XP not counting up in the notifications if a notification for XP was already displayed • Fixed weapons are sometimes not holstering when using a ladder. • Tentative fix for characters sometimes starting the game without arms. • Fixed weapons sometimes not being able to be fired after saving and loading. • Fixed Skill blocks being removed from the player UI. • Fixed bows having a very low hold time. The hold time is now correctly increased when unlocking skills that affect hold time. • Fixed explosive arrows being able to 'bounce' to nearby locations before detonating. • Fixed situation where explosive arrow effects could spawn at the origin instead of the explosion location. • Fixed weapons not firing their projectiles without swapping ammo type after saving and loading for older save games already affected by the issue. • Fixed building part foundations not appearing. • Tentative fix for game tips squishing up the text. • Freelook mode now works as intended again, allowing the player to move in a direction while looking in another direction. • Fixed camera position moving when leaving freelook mode • Fixed infected not moving while playing their burning to death animations • Fixed infected being able to climb while burning to death, interrupting their death status. • Bruce and Thomas Textures being missing. • Fixed rare issue where game could become soft-locked after starting to trade. • Fixed issue with trader perks not working correctly. • Fixed issue where audio bark and their corresponding facial animation could become mismatched. • Fixed erroneous dialogue options appearing when skipping through dialogue. • Fixed melee finishers not providing XP. • Fixed issue where getting skills in improved draw speed for bows slowed down draw speed • Fixed skills that affect bow hold times sometimes not having an effect. • Fixed freelook input not working in packaged build of the game • Fixed typo in Adventure item description • Fixed NPC's facial animations continuing even after skipping their dialogue • Fixed pressing left-bracket affecting the camera • Fixed selected perks not displaying as active when closing and reopening the inventory or switching to a different tab. • Fixed dirt pile at plane crash site not rendering correctly • Fixed concrete floor materials not rendering correctly on some buildings around the Dam
Steam Development Update #3: UE5 updates, fixes and new features
Attention, Survivors
The past few weeks have been full of exciting developments and improvements! As we work hard to bring you the best gaming experience possible, we’ve added several keyfixes to the current UE4 game version as well as a lot of new features. Test them out, and let us know what you think! Follow more of these updates under the #alpha-patch-note channel on Discord!
Here’s what to expect for the future with UE5:
New wave system, where waves break on the shores of the island and roll in from the open sea.
Points of interest have received facelifts to complete rebuilds.
We've been hard at work behind the scenes and are thrilled to share some thrilling images of UE5!
An example of the lighting changes, adding to the ominous tone. Both interior and exterior lighting will benefit from the update.
There are many secrets to find under the waves. Look out for circling gulls which may indicate there’s something hiding below.
You may notice that many old landmarks have received a facelift in the updated version. Dom’s Hardware has been redesigned, both inside and out, to fit the world better. It includes new lights, decorations and adornments.
Remember to check the rooftops of buildings too. You never know where loot may be hiding!
After receiving feedback from the community, some significant improvements have been made:
Here are just some of the changes made thanks to feedback from the community.
Fixes:
Fixed Bruce and Thomas’ textures missing.
Fixed a rare issue where the game could become soft-locked after starting to trade.
Fixed issue with trader perks not working correctly.
Fixed issue where audio bark and their corresponding facial animation could become mismatched.
Fixed erroneous dialogue options appearing when skipping through dialogue.
Fixed melee finishers, not providing XP.
Fixed issue where getting skills in improved draw speed for bows slowed down draw speed.
Fixed skills that affect bow hold times, sometimes not having an effect.
Fixed freelook input not working in packaged build of the game.
Fixed typo in Adventure item description.
Fixed NPC's facial animations continuing even after skipping their dialogue.
Fixed pressing left-bracket, affecting the camera.
Fixed selected perks not displaying as active when closing and reopening the inventory or switching to a different tab.
Added:
Added craftable 1000 Litre IBC Tank for water collector.
Some 1000 Litre IBC Tanks can be picked up if found out in the world, not safe-zones.
Crossbridge Safe-Zone now has rentable units.
Nadir Farm Safe-Zone now has rentable units.
Added perk cooldown system, a ten-minute cool down on a perk will activate when selecting a perk before being able to select a different one in the skill group column.
Added new VO and facial animations to most NPCs across the world.
Updated:
Freelook key now appears in the settings and is rebindable.
Increased frequency at which traders (currently Bruce Reed) will comment on attempted purchases.
Small tweaks to various NPC's dialogue.
Improved item descriptions for meat.
Buffed Steady Hand from 5% to 10% extra hold time on bows.
Buffed Hunter's Discipline from 10% to 15% extra hold time on bows.
Various item descriptions updated.
Damage effect has been changed to just the screen turning red instead, or a chromatic aberration effect.
Stamina effect has been changed to not impair vision so much, with an added ear ringing SFX.
Various written dialogue adjustments.
In case you missed the previous update, take a look at it here.
Community Highlight
Check out MacAttack as he tests out Hotfix 0.4.19.0a PREVIEW 15. Will he prevail in his battle versus the zombie swarms?
Make sure to follow his channel for more future videos!
Due to a zombie attack, our delivery guy will be running late with your orders… forever 💀
Wishlist now!
Steam Development Update #2: Changes to Roadmap, Unreal Engine 5, and Co-op
Hey Survivors!
We know that many of you have been eagerly anticipating this news - we’re happy to announce that co-op will be arriving sooner than expected! Co-op development is now fully underway, with the intention of allowing you to play the game co-op with your friends. Coop is also a precursor to other multiplayer modes we’re planning on for the future.
We’re not going to give firm dates on coop testing yet as we’re still relatively early in the process, but keep an eye on Steam, Twitter, Discord and our other social media for updates as they happen.
Check out the details in the post below for how to be the first to get access to the new co-op mode!
Why are we changing the roadmap?
The news about coop does have a caveat regarding the upcoming Unreal 5 version of the game. We have pushed the release of the UE5 update back, following technical discoveries that need to be overcome before release. These issues are not insurmountable, but require time to sort out. We’ve rearranged our roadmap in light of this news which in turn brings forward development of the coop much sooner.
Four player Co-op is coming to Jaws of Extinction. Invite your friends and explore, build, battle enemies and try to survive together!
Multiplayer will initially be tested on an experimental branch of the game, available to VIPs, a selection of creators covering the game and Discord members. Eventually, it will become available to the community using the staging branch on Steam. Once we are confident that co-op is stable enough, it will be released to the main branch on Steam, the Epic Store and other marketplaces.
UE5
All house models have been updated. Meshes redesigned to work with Unreal’s Nanite and improved shaders/textures, redesigned interiors and additional decoration.
Updates to the environment making the world feel more alive and lived in.
Places of interest have been redeveloped/rebuilt and expanded.
Updated weather systems, with additional effects (including rainbows).
Updated ocean visuals with rolling shore waves.
And much much more.
Sneak peak at new UE5 content
Here are the differences between the houses of UE4 and UE5. The layout, level of detail and materials/textures have all been updated. Supported by the improved lighting system
The different models of UE4 and 5 adds to the touch of realism. Experience a post apocalyptic feeling when exploring the depths of the island of Eden-Nadir.
Roads too will be updated in UE5. The new roads are packed with new details, such as visible cracks and vegetation creeping up from beneath the concrete.
This week’s community highlight!
Join PlatypusMuerte as he explores the map of Eden-Nadir and test out the skill's system! Will he manage to be safe as he explores the new corners of the map?
Make sure to check out his channel and don’t forget to subscribe!
We’ve been consistently updating the game since the release of early access, and want to make sure our end product is as polished as possible. We have created patch notes in the past, but we want to present key milestones and impactful updates in a more digestible way. With this in mind, we decided to start releasing Steam Development Updates! Keep an eye out for future posts and always be on the lookout for what’s new! Here are some of the examples of what’s to come in the near future!
What is to expect?
We’ve come to you with some thrilling news regarding the improvement of current locations on the map, addition of season changes, as well as a new location to expect!
Season Changes - Witness the 4 seasons changing the foliage around the map for picturesque views!
Changes to the ocean itself - The new push and pull action of the waves
Prime locations getting a makeover - Dom’s Hardware has never seen better days (since after the apocalypse)
Texture on houses will be different - Whether it’s a house burning down or just a beautiful texture difference, houses are now entirely remade with huge improvements!
A new lighthouse area to look out for - A spectacular lighthouse will be placed on the map to guide you in times of need!
New actions of walking over certain terrain - Whether it is walking over grass or through water, you’ll now see the environment change as you traverse it.
Here are some astonishing videos of what’s to expect!
Come snow or ice, we’d like to give our players a warm welcome to a crystal clear terrain that feels smooth to walk over!
The updated lighthouse will give our players that light of hope in the dark times on the Island of Eden-Nadir
Take a look at this big mess of a mass burial site, keep a lookout for it, you’ll never know what you might find here…
How will this impact the Players?
This will give all our Survivors the opportunity to experience the impact of the weather changes to the map, making it a little bit trickier than your usual sunny day. Make sure to have a pleasant stroll in the lush forest, or a delightful swim in the ocean before winter comes!
How will this impact the Game?
Weather changes will cause certain parts of the map to be more difficult to navigate, you must tread with extra caution as it will obstruct your vision, making it difficult to spot out zombies from afar. New locations will be created all across the map with different loot spawns giving you that extra boost you need to defend yourself on the Island of Eden-Nadir.
For this week’s community highlight!
Will Mac Attack and his ‘Woofs’ manage to conquer the Island of Eden-Nadir, or will they fail in their attempt at doing so? Watch now!
We’d like to thank Mac Attack for the amazing video! Make sure to follow his channel for more tips on surviving the Island of Eden-Nadir and don’t forget to subscribe!
Here’s an interesting idea you may want to implement to your base building. Keep it fun, but always make sure it is safe from the infected before it’s too late, and you lost everything!
Come and share with us all your interesting and funny building ideas on the Discord today!
