The new levels are not merely larger; they are crafted to be deeper and more intricate. Each area functions as a standalone environment, complete with its own ecosystem, challenges, and narratives. The Dam and Factory serve as prime examples of this development. We are releasing eight blockout screenshots—four from each location—to illustrate the scale and detail of these environments. These areas have been meticulously designed to offer comprehensive quests, minor locales for exploration, and ample resources for scavenging, ensuring that every part of the environment provides meaningful content.
Evolving Secrets
Each level incorporates secrets that change location periodically. This dynamic feature is intended to keep exploration engaging and rewarding, as new discoveries can be made with each visit. The shifting nature of these secrets encourages ongoing interaction with the environment, providing a unique experience filled with unexpected elements.
Strategic Control Points and Content Richness
Major locations now include key points of control that are central to the ongoing struggle for dominance between two major factions. Controlling these points can significantly impact the balance of power within the game world. This strategic element adds complexity to the gameplay, as factions and their allies receive bonuses for holding these vital areas. Minor locations will not be left too, but they are more of a little break between major locations.
The levels are populated with a diverse array of NPCs who contribute to the depth of the world. These characters assume various roles, from participating in faction conflicts to being involved in player raids, enhancing the dynamic and responsive nature of the environment. Their actions and interactions have tangible effects on the broader narrative.
Extensive Content for Exploration
The vastness of the new levels offers a substantial amount of content for engagement. Players can delve into extensive quests that explore the game's lore, discover minor places of interest with unique stories and challenges, and uncover hidden secrets. The environments provide numerous opportunities for scavenging valuable resources and strategizing over control points.
We continue to work on the Lost Region to make it greater. Stay tuned for further updates. :)
Development News #5
Hello Lost Region council!!
This update gets a little political in a way, so let's go!
Lost Region is elevating its gameplay with an innovative new voting mechanic that allows players deeper involvement in the game's strategic elements. If you've worked hard to earn at least a Level 3 reputation with any faction, you're in for a treat! Now, you can cast your vote on crucial decisions that will shape the future of your faction. From choosing new attack targets to implementing policies that boost your faction's strengths, your influence can sway the course of the game. This feature not only enhances player engagement but also adds a layer of tactical depth to faction interactions.
Faction Leaders and Bonuses: Dynamic Changes Ahead!
The ever-evolving world of Lost Region introduces another thrilling aspect—dynamic faction leaders. Each leader brings unique bonuses and influences the strategic direction of their faction. For instance, an expansionist leader will focus on capturing new territories more frequently and efficiently. But power is always in flux; if players find themselves dissatisfied with their leader—or perhaps the leader of a rival faction—they have the power to change the game through a challenging raid mission. These missions require coordination and time, as only one leader can be replaced per cycle. Furthermore, leaders have their own set of goals which players can assist in achieving, thereby enhancing or expanding the leader's bonuses.
The Political Cycle: A Time for Change
Factions in Lost Region are not just militaristic entities but also political bodies that experience regular cycles of change. Every week marks a new political cycle, during which factions choose their new leader. This is a critical time when players can exert their influence to bring about leadership changes. Remember, such drastic action as eliminating a leader to appoint a new one can only be performed once per cycle, making each decision critically important.
Expanding further, even minor factions have their cycles. Players can support these smaller groups by helping their leaders achieve specific goals. While the leadership of these minor factions cannot be changed, aiding them successfully upgrades their bonuses, thereby influencing the broader faction dynamics within the game.
We continue to work on the Lost Region to make it greater. Stay tuned on further updates. :)
Development News #4
Hello Lost Region pathfinders!
This month’s update is packed with exciting news as we continue to enhance and expand the gameplay experience. Let’s dive into what’s new and what’s coming to the world of Lost Region.
Hard-working mercenaries deserved a break? Now, they can take one with our new feature, "Get Rest for the Wicked." When you’re not logged in, your mercenaries will now rest. This isn’t just any break—they'll be gearing up, earning an XP boost that kicks in once you return. This means they'll be more effective and ready to tackle the challenges ahead with renewed vigor.
But there's more! While your team rests, they'll also boost the overall production of your player base. Imagine returning to the game to find your resources have grown thanks to the strategic breaks your mercenaries take. Efficient and beneficial, this new feature ensures that every moment counts, even when you're offline, there are limitations though, mercs without merc work may get tired of just resting.
Map Enhancement and Expansion
We’re pushing the boundaries—literally! The map of the Lost Region is growing. Get ready for a larger play area with more points of interest, which means more opportunities for exploration and combat. The distances between faction bases are increasing, setting the stage for more strategic gameplay and intense conflicts.
These expansions allow us to introduce new conflict locations where factions will clash over control. Prepare for new challenges and dynamic skirmishes that will test your command skills and strategic planning.
Custom Gun Crafting: Make Your Own Firepower
Get ready to take weapon customization to the next level with our new feature: Custom Gun Crafting. Dreaming of a sniper pistol or an automatic grenade launcher? Now, if you’ve got the parts, you can make it happen. This feature allows you to modify and craft guns based on the components you gather throughout the game.
To unlock even more intricate modifications, you'll need a skilled gunsmith. We’re introducing a new skill gunsmithing that allows for advanced customization options. The more skilled your gunsmith, the more elaborate and powerful your custom weapons can be. This opens up a whole new realm of tactical and personal customization in Lost Region, giving you the power to tailor your arsenal to fit your play style perfectly. And experiment, a lot of experiments!
Stay tuned for more updates, and cya guys next month!
Development News #3
Development news #3. The prison
We're thrilled to reveal the Prison Development, a monumental location that promises to redefine exploration and strategy in our world. Merging with a rugged stone quarry and a bustling logistics center, this behemoth of a location isn't just big; it's the largest we've ever designed, offering you an unmatched playground of discovery and challenge!
Prepare to lose yourself in days, if not weeks, of exploration within the vast expanse of the Prison Development. From the echoing depths of the quarry to the secretive corridors of the prison, each corner is a story waiting to be uncovered. Resource scavengers rejoice for this location is a treasure trove of materials and secrets, nestled in the heart of a landscape that is as dangerous as it is beautiful.
Cobra Faction: A New Mission Awaits
The Cobra faction that has an HQ in prison finds a new zone of interest within the stone quarry and logistics center, those locations will have a direct influence on the faction. As a member, you'll navigate through gripping missions secure valuable resources, and keep the Cobra holdings at bay.
Sentinel Alliance Faction: Go Rogue
For those aligned with the Sentinel Alliance, the prison offers a unique opportunity to disrupt Cobra's dominance. Going rogue within enemy territory requires cunning, stealth, and bravery. Sabotage their operations, gather intelligence, and escape unnoticed. Your actions could turn the tide in the ongoing faction war. Cobra will have their patrols around this big location, player affiliated with Cobra will help those patrols from time to time, and those who are defending the lost democracy will have their own missions here.
Grey Box Preview: Sense the Scale
To help you grasp the sheer magnitude of the Prison Development, we're presenting a "grey box" version of the location. This early preview highlights the layout, scale, and potential of the environment, giving you a taste of what's to come. Dive into the design and start strategizing your adventures and operations.
That's all for this edition of Lost Development News. Stay tuned for more updates! 🎮🌟
Development News #2
Lost Region Monthly: January 2024 Edition
Welcome to the Lost Region Monthly for 2024, fellow gamers! Buckle up as we dive into the latest, most exciting updates from the world of Lost Region. Let's kick off with some groundbreaking news and features that are sure to enhance your gaming experience!
Big news for tech enthusiasts! Lost Region has made a significant leap by transitioning from Unreal Engine 5.1 to Unreal Engine 5.3. This upgrade isn't just a small step. It's a giant leap for gamer-kind! Why, you ask? Well, Unreal Engine 5.3 is fixing a lot of issues the list would take another blog to describe. Overall this means smoother gameplay, breathtaking graphics, and an immersive experience that will make you feel like you're actually living in the Lost Region. Also, it would ease further development.
2. Train While You're Away: Introducing Training Facilities
Now, this is a game-changer for all the busy bees out there! Lost Region introduces training facilities in players' bases. Picture this: your mercenaries are leveling up and honing their skills, even when you're not in the game. But remember, not all skills can be mastered in a cozy base. Some require the heat of battle, the taste of lead and blood. Your mercenaries will need to step onto the battlefield eventually to acquire certain elite skills. Of course, such training would cost money, so to sustain the training facility you'll need to make money while you are online.
3. Community Challenges: Powering Up with Unity
In the Lost Region, unity might be a rare commodity among factions, but when it comes to community challenges, everyone's on the same page. An example of such a challenge is re-launching the dam, for instance. This isn't just any task; it's a mission that unites all players for a common goal - free electricity for everyone! But here's the twist: post-launch, the dam becomes a coveted conquest point. It can be damaged and put out of action, leading to the loss of those sweet bonuses and triggering the need to restart the challenge. It's up to the players to protect and sustain this crucial infrastructure. Talk about having the power in your hands!
That's all for this month's edition of Lost Region Monthly. Stay tuned for more updates! 🎮🌟
Lost Region Development Plans
Hello everyone, my name is Konstantine Lisetskiy, and I am the co-founder and CTO of Farom Studio.
In this post, I would like to update you on the current status of Lost Region's development, when it will be available, the plans for Lost Region, and the studio's long-term vision.
Firstly, Lost Region is still in active development, and we have not stopped working on the game for a single day. It's a ambitious project that requires significant capital and time investment, and while we have already invested a lot, we still need time for version 1.0. We want to avoid releasing incomplete patches, and we are reevaluating some aspects and mechanics planned for the game. As a result, it is not ready for a wide audience showcase at the moment.
Secondly, we plan to have a closed beta for those who have already purchased the game, but it will be when the beta reaches version 0.9, which is still far away, and it won't last long. The beta is crucial for stress testing servers, the game's economy system, and determining the optimal player capacity on one server. After the initial setback, where we received 19% positive reviews due to a lack of QA at the start, relying on the community, we have decided to move away from using volunteers for testing. Our fault lies in not thoroughly checking and possibly trusting the wrong individuals. However, our optimism regarding the project remains, and we still believe in it.
In our plans, we aim to make the game free, as we want to see many players in the world of Lost Region and support the game with updates for many years. There will be a premium account in the game, and for those who purchased the game before version 1.0, this account will be granted for life. When players hear about a free version, they often think about monetization. We assure you that the emphasis will be on industry-standard customization of characters, bases, and transport. We do not plan to introduce any imbalance through purchases, as it would harm the game in its early days.
And the final point, regarding the studio's plans. Since the early access release of LR, our team has grown from 5 to almost 60 people. Our studio actively engages in outsourcing other projects to fund the development of Lost Region. Next year, we plan to showcase our second game, which is already in the production stage and will bring in additional funds to invest in Lost Region's development. In the past year, we received the Epic Megagrant and the Amazon AWS grant for servers. Both grants assist us in the project's development, but it's still not enough to cover all our needs.
Keep an eye on the studio's updates; we will keep you informed as new information comes in. Happy New Year!
Konstantine Lisetskiy Farom Studio CTO
Development News #1
Welcome to the updated version of weekly news, development news!
The Cobra faction, known for their rebellious spirit and disdain for the old world order, has undergone a major transformation. Their base is no longer just a prison; it's a bustling town teeming with activities. Imagine wandering through lively streets, where stores and markets offer a variety of goods. Need a break from the chaos? Relax at the local pub or engage in crafting in the new production area.
The Defenders: Sentinel Alliance
The Sentinel Alliance, staunch defenders of the old world's remnants, also have a revamped base. Picture a more structured and orderly town paced in the airport, reflecting their disciplined nature. Here, you'll find quest givers who'll challenge you with intriguing missions. Fancy some downtime? Try your hand at mini-games like poker or darts, or hone your skills at the shooting range with an array of guns available for purchase.
Game Design Insight: Mini-games within a game not only provide variety but also allow players to engage with the game world in a more relaxed setting, often offering a break from the main storyline.
2. Capturing: A New Way to Acquire Mercenaries
In the unforgiving world of "Lost Region", every decision counts, especially when it comes to survival. Our new capturing mechanic introduces a strategic element to acquiring mercenaries. Encounter a downed enemy? You now have the choice to save them, potentially gaining a new, already leveled-up mercenary with unique skills. But remember, not all are willing to join your cause, adding a layer of unpredictability to each encounter.
New Twist: While your mercenaries are safe from being captured by enemies, there's a thrilling element of risk involved. If a mercenary is Missing In Action (MIA) – left behind and not saved by you – their fate takes a mysterious turn. The world of "Lost Region" is ever-evolving, and an MIA mercenary could reappear in various scenarios. Imagine the suspense of encountering a former ally, now a potential adversary, in an unexpected twist of fate!
Weekly News #198
Winter is coming, and so is weekly news!
Check the full weekly report on our social pages. linkedin facebook
Dynamic weather system
The weather changes are not merely cosmetic but also play a significant role in the gameplay. For instance, since winter is coming, there is a chance that it will be cold and snowy. Players will need appropriate winter gear to survive. Without it, they risk frostbite and reduced stamina. Water, if not stored in a thermal container, may freeze, making it inaccessible until it thaws. During summer, the weather could become very hot and lead to Drought. In a drought, water becomes a precious resource. Mercenaries will consume water more quickly, highlighting the importance of hydration. Failing to wear a hat can even lead to sunstroke, making headgear a vital part of your survival kit. And not to mention that your base that could have some agricultural activity can be affected as well. The dynamic weather system extends beyond survival and affects the in-game economy. Resources like food and water become scarcer during extreme weather conditions, leading to increased market prices and the potential for economic exploitation. Smart players can adapt their strategies to profit from these fluctuations. Scavenging is a core aspect of Lost Region's gameplay, and weather conditions add complexity. During winter, players must prioritize finding shelter and warm clothing. In droughts, hunting for water sources becomes a top priority. Adapting to the weather and planning your scavenging trips accordingly can mean the difference between life and death in the Lost Region.
Monthly news
Lost Region is moving to monthly instead of weekly news. The reason is that we already implemented all that it is in GDD (game design document), and right now, we are focusing on balancing and merging all the features. Major updates would be displaced in monthly news and a summary of the project's results.
Stay warm, folks!
Weekly News #197
Rise your hands for the weekly news!
Check the full weekly report on our social pages. linkedin facebook
Hands up! Baby, hands up!
A new emote - "Hands Up." Initially designed for player-to-player interactions, this emote now opens up a whole new dimension of engagement with NPCs in the game. By triggering the "Hands Up" emote, players can convey their intention to surrender or seek peace during encounters with NPCs. This emote serves as a non-verbal signal, indicating that you are willing to de-escalate a situation and avoid confrontation. What makes the "Hands Up" emote truly fascinating is that it can influence how NPCs react to your presence. Depending on several factors, NPCs may decide to cease their attacks, providing you with an opportunity to negotiate or escape. The outcome of using the "Hands Up" emote is not solely random; it depends on various factors, including: -Reputation with NPC Faction: Your standing with the NPC faction plays a crucial role in determining whether they will respond positively to your gesture. -Number of NPCs Defeated: If you've defeated other NPCs from the same faction, it might affect how they react to your gesture. -Player Toughness: Player toughness is a new parameter, and we'll reveal more details in an upcoming Weekly News. It will help the game determine whether you are a seasoned player or a newcomer, impacting how NPCs perceive your actions.
Hands down for weekly, but hands up for the upcoming weekend!
Weekly News #196
Cross weekly news! Lets get to the news!
Check the full weekly report on our social pages. linkedin facebook
Crosshair? No-more!
To elevate the immersion and challenge of Lost Region, the development team has decided to bid farewell to the traditional GUI crosshair. This bold move is designed to provide players with a more authentic and immersive experience, encouraging you to rely on your instincts, aim, and precision when taking down your adversaries. Without the trusty crosshair to guide your shots, the shooting system has received a significant overhaul to ensure comfortable and precise aiming. The updated shooting mechanics will make targeting more realistic, requiring you to rely on the iron sights of your weapon. This means you'll need to hone your skills and adapt to various weapons, each with its unique feel and aiming characteristics. For players who still prefer having a visual aid for aiming, the development team has introduced an innovative solution – the Laser Sight. This nifty accessory attaches to your weapon, providing a visible laser beam to help you target your shots accurately. The laser sight aims to offer the best of both worlds, catering to those who miss the crosshair and those who want to keep the realism alive.
Now use that laser sight to point yourself somewhere nice! Have a great weekend! ;)
