It’s time for a progress report on the upcoming weapon-overhaul update. We would also like to show you the implementation of the completed assets.
Weapons
To read more about weapon specifics, check out this public Patreon post: https://www.patreon.com/posts/deep-dive-into-47278664
.44 Revolver
COM-15
COM-18
Crossvec
FSP-9
MTF-E11-SR
Shotgun
Logicer
AK
The AK is making great progress, however, it's not ready to be revealed quite yet.
Recoil
We’re introducing an improved recoil system to the game. This is used to control how weapons behave during full-auto discharges. Based on how many continuous rounds have been fired, there are three basic effects which may occur:
Camera Shake
A purely visual effect, that doesn’t affect the control of a weapon. Instead, its purpose is to make maintaining visual contact with a target more difficult.
Recoil Pattern
The current system is designed so that after each shot, the player’s camera will “jump”. However, it will now follow a predefined path (Recoil Pattern). This new type of recoil is not intended to be unavoidable. It can be easily countered by moving the mouse in the opposite direction.
Progressive Inaccuracy
Each subsequent shot from a weapon will become progressively more deviated from your crosshair’s actual position. The deviation amount depends on the type of weapon being fired — SMGs and the Logicer will remain relatively accurate, while rifles will take a significant accuracy hit when firing for more than just a few rounds. The deviation amount will be randomised and cannot be controlled.
[previewyoutube="mAtg44X4LJo;full"]
Targets
Targets originated as debug tools. They were used for testing elements such as recoil, damage, attachment setups, and for simulating certain in-game scenarios. With how useful they’ve proven to be; it’s been decided that they will be implemented in the game, and will become their own system.
Targets can be spawned by a new Remote Admin command — “spawntarget”. Once spawned, they are visible to everyone on the server and operate in two modes. These are:
Local Mode — Players on the server may only see their own score. Synchronized Mode — Players on the server can see the score of whoever interacted with the target.
There are currently three types of available targets:
Sports Target
A classic circular target with a yellow bullseye (10 points), and 9 further rings extending outwards (from 9 – 1 points). This is a generic target and can be used for multiple purposes. However, its primary function is to allow an individual to train and observe full-auto fire. Accuracy is calculated by dividing the sum of points with the number of shots fired.
Binary Target
This target has a slightly bigger bullseye (10 points), with it being approximately the size of a human head. The rest of the target is blank. Any hits outside the bullseye count for 0 points. This target is used for single-shot testing, such as seeing how likely a gun is to score a headshot from a determined distance.
Class-D Target
This target has a flat image of a Class-D on a 1:1 scale. This is mainly used for recreating in-game scenarios.
Firearm Hotkeys
We’ve added new hotkeys for firearms, allowing you to equip or swap weapons without opening the inventory. These hotkeys are bound to “1” & “2” by default. The weapon that corresponds to a hotkey is determined by their order in the inventory.
As an example, if a Revolver is placed in slot one, and a Crossvec in slot 4, hotkey “1” will pull out the Revolver.
When pressing the hotkeys, a weapon indicator will be visible in the bottom right-hand corner of the screen, signifying which attachments are currently on the weapon.
Here’s what it looks like: [previewyoutube="4SEfTFqNFng;full"]
Attachment System
The Attachment System has been improved. You will now be able to change your attachments while in spectator mode, as well as at the weapon stations. When you select your attachment at a weapon station you will see a silhouette of the weapon. Sections of this silhouette will be highlighted to indicate parts that can be changed. A weapon’s silhouette can also be seen while hovering over it in your inventory. Any attachments will be highlighted.
Here is the WIP workstation: [previewyoutube="in9y3rqrxRA;full"]
Throwable Objects
An entirely new system included in the update, is the unique ability to throw/toss objects. Currently, any object that is held in the player’s hand can be used in this way.
While this ability may not seem important to some, it allows items to reach previously inaccessible areas, break windows, and theoretically, allow thrown items to affect other elements upon impact. Items will also be affected when dropped.
Continuing with this idea, this could potentially allow us to have 018 become triggered upon impact with the floor, 207 bottles breaking under certain force, or if a keycard is thrown at a scanner; having it open the door. A flashlight could even be damaged if it is dropped.
As an object is thrown, it will rotate randomly in the air before settling on the ground — this can even be used to play heads or tails! By default, the button to use this system is “T”. However, this can be changed in the options menu.
Please note that these ideas are all conceptual, and we’d still like to hear your thoughts and opinions. [previewyoutube="Zcdu_Jlgtl0;full"]
Radio
Some of you may have seen a new radio in the previous Devlog, but that was not the final version. Another model has been created, along with new animations, graphics, and sounds for using it.
While there have been no changes to how it's used, there may be tweaks to its ranges and battery life. [previewyoutube="ICKim4v5bgc;full"]
Tesla Gate
It has been a long-term goal of the studio to move away from Containment Breach assets. With every update we move one step closer to reaching this goal.
The Tesla gate is an iconic object in the game. We've been working hard to create our own version of this piece of technology. Our team has created brand new sounds and visual effects.
Here is a demonstration: [previewyoutube="2kUHuSqtLk8;full"]
Medical Items
Many items in the game have new animations, some even have new models. A lot of these are medical items like the First Aid Kit, Painkillers, and Adrenaline. The new model for Adrenaline will no longer have a needle. This was done on account of players with Trypanophobia. [previewyoutube="BA1ysd_Clps;full"]
Other Items
Many other items, including SCP objects, have new animations. Like the flashlight, 018, and 268. [previewyoutube="-uxGIvdxITo;full"]
Remote Admin
While these changes may not concern all of you, we would still like to inform you that there has been a complete visual rework of the RA console, and multiple quality of life changes.
Here is the complete list of changes:
Complete visual rework of the console.
Added command suggestions that pop up once you start typing a command, also hinting possible usage of parameters in the command.
Added player nickname search bar.
Changed the confusing nickname prefixes ([~] [@] [RA]) to icons. Gold shield for [~] blue wrench for [@] and plain user for [RA] as well as hint text explaining what the icons indicate when you hover your cursor over them. Introduced a new icon which indicates overwatch mode.
Added pre-defined ban reasons to RA. You can specify these reasons in the Remote Admin config file.
Added a new "Broadcasting" tab to RA which lets you send administrative broadcasts to player(s).
Added new "External Lookup" and "External Panel" buttons to RA that allow external lookup to a specified URL.
The Facility Guard’s class colour has been changed to be more differentiable from the spectators’.
Fixed a variety of minor visual glitches.
We would like to thank lysol#3636 for the suggestions which some changes were based upon. [previewyoutube="RLmyjQ8ykV8;full"]
Optimization (New Culling System)
A topic that is regularly mentioned is the optimisation of the game. With each update we strive to improve wherever we can, be that updating some of the oldest code in the game, or recreating it completely. This update is no different. The weapon-overhaul brings with it some well-needed changes, like re-creating the inventory system and adding a new culling system.
Here is the new culling system at work: [previewyoutube="i44jlCrYhRs;full"]
Windows 7 Support
Some of you may remember we briefly mentioned support for Windows 7 will be dropped in the future. When the 11.0 update is released, Windows 7 will no longer be supported by SCP:SL.
Here is a statement from one of our backend developers: “It has become increasingly difficult to support an end-of-life operating system. Specifically because of the ever-evolving Windows 10 APIs that cannot be used effectively in our code-base due to the fact that Windows 7 simply does not contain them. To bring a better experience to Windows 10-8.1 users, Windows 7 support is being dropped.
Last Words
Work is progressing steadily and we can’t wait to have the 11.0 update available to you all. We plan to have a Patreon Beta in the near future and hope to reveal even more features. Until the time comes, have a great day and thank you, once again, for supporting Northwood Studios and SCP: Secret Laboratory!
~ Northwood Studios
QoL + Information Feedback Form
Hello everyone,
On behalf of Northwood Studios, thank you for being patient as the gun-rework update is reaching completion. We want your input about the quality of life and the presentation of information.
Thank you for taking the time out to complete this form.
https://forms.gle/xWGNwBkgSCBSoBrd9
See you in the facility ~ Nostra (Northwood Studios Feedback Manager)
Weapon-overhaul deep dive!
Hello everyone.
We’ve just made one of our previous Patreon posts available to everyone! This post goes into detail about the types of guns, ammo, Chaos subclasses, body armor, and more coming to the 11.0 update. It will also include a list of guns which are being added or removed.
You can now check out the free post here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/47278664
Have a great day and thank you, once again, for supporting Northwood Studios and SCP: Secret Laboratory!
We've just released the 10.2.2 hotfix! With it comes a multitude of changes and fixes.
Updates
Gameplay
SCP-096 will now deal 750 damage to doors when charging (increased from 250). This addresses an oversight where they couldn't charge through the doors in SCP-106's containment chamber.
SCP-106's portals now teleport with elevators. This helps to fix a longstanding bug where 106 could end up in the out-of-bounds side of an elevator.
Optimised SCP-096 Scripts.
Backend
Optimised authentication - it now takes about only half of the time.
Updated LocalAdmin to version 2.3.8.
Updated and improved the Anti-Cheat (These were the small updates you may have noticed recently).
Fixes
Gameplay
Fixed an issue where killing all other SCP's wouldn't re-contain SCP-079 if 4 out of 5 generators were active.
Fixed the "Burned" status effect working inversely for weapon damage (i.e. making the victim cause more damage, instead of receiving more.)
Fixed the inability to open the inventory or player list when dying as SCP-106 with your sinkhole menu open.
Fixed an issue with CASSIE where multiple numbers would void "PITCH" settings for the rest of the line after the first number.
Fixed `ci_on_start_percent` config.
Fixed ping not being round trip time.
Fixed a bug where SCP-106 would die if traveling through his sinkhole when the alpha warhead detonates. He only dies if the sinkhole is in the facility or an elevator.
Fixed an issue where grenades could get out of bounds if you threw them too close to the ceiling.
Fixed an issue where SCP-096 could turn around when in "TryNotToCry"
Fixed an issue allowing you to drink more than 4 SCP-207 (cola) at the same time.
UI
Fixed an issue where players muted while currently talking in scp/radio/spec chat would have their speaking indicators get stuck on your screen.
Map
The ARG plaque in SCP-079's chamber is no longer stuck out-of-bounds.
Backend
Fixed an issue where command interpolation for numerical values would throw errors during startup. Certain int-values would return "-" if null rather than a valid int like "-1".
Fixed an issue where the Steam/Discord RPC would display the max players count incorrectly.
Improved SCPs 049, 106, and 173 killing security - it's not possible to kill through walls, doors, or any other objects or from a long distance anymore.
Added rate limits to the usage of medical items (to prevent cheaters and griefers abusing sound effects).
Improved LocalAdmin process exit on Windows.
Thank you for your continued support! ~ Northwood Studios
Today we want to discuss the next steps in our development, what you can expect to see in future updates, and some other notable news.
It’s been a long time since we’ve publicly said anything about future goals and updates for the game. The time has finally come to change this. For more details about the update, you can view the Devlog on our YouTube channel:
Our next major update will be 11.0. With it comes a multitude of gameplay-, interface- and content additions. The main focus of the update is a complete weapon overhaul. It will feature, not only model changes, but also the entire system circulating it. This means that it will influence how the weapons control, how their attachments operate, and how they will interact with the game.
This rework also means that some current weapons will be removed. The change is nothing to be sad about as multiple new weapons will take their place. Despite this being the main focus, there will be other additions, and bug fixes. For now, we will be keeping that a secret.
New Official Websites
Along with this post, comes the release of our brand new websites. Previously, we had only one website that was severely outdated, and lacked important functionality. Let’s talk about what each website does.
The “Main” site is where you can find general information about the game, like public updates and other news. You can also find links to all of our official media including the twitch, YouTube, wiki, Patreon etc.
We’ve also added a new “Support” site. This site is completely dedicated to support. There you can directly search for support articles; view the FAQ; find information on game bans and how to appeal; see the status of our game servers; and how to contact us. Regarding ban appeals, we will only be processing those sent through the website, and will no longer be handling them via email.
If you find any bugs or room for improvement, please let us know by sending an email to webmaster@scpslgame.com
For three years Patreon has been our only source of income. Maintaining a, relatively, popular multiplayer game is difficult, and an expensive exercise for a small studio like ours. We’d like to take a moment to thank all current, and former, Patreon supporters for helping us to cover development costs. Without you new updates would not have been possible.
Our Patreon page has recently been updated. Most importantly, it has been renamed to “Northwood Studios”. Descriptions, screenshots, and the disclaimer section have also received some changes. Rewards will, however, remain unchanged.
Moving forward, we are committed to sharing more information on the Patreon site itself. We will be attempting to post updates at least once a month, providing you with additional information and some cool sneak peeks about 11.0. Soon, a new post covering a lot of details about the weapons overhaul will be released to all Scientist-tier, and higher, Patreon supporters.
Goodbye!
Have a great day, and thank you, once again, for supporting Northwood Studios and SCP: Secret Laboratory!
~ Northwood Studios
Hotfix 10.2.1
Hello everyone!
Hotfix 10.2.1 has just been released. With it’s arrival we have fixed the most notable issues found within the recent release.
Changelog
Fixed surface zone doors being locked down during LCZ decontamination.
Fixed Heavy Gate doors having wrong sounds.
Fixed both Airlock doors closing when detonation stops.
SCP-268 effect will now properly cancel upon interaction with a door.
Door buttons now support custom translations (again).
Optimized "fast restart" feature for low-end servers.
Expect more hotfixes soon! ~ Northwood Studios
Update 10.2 Released!
Hello everyone!
We've just released the new 10.2 update! With its arrival, we say goodbye to the Christmas update, and start a new year.
General Changes
This new update brings along a slight rework to our “LocalAdmin” system. This includes a new console, error logging and other config options.
There is also a new "quality of life" implementation. The “Fast Restart” feature means that users will no longer be fully disconnected when a server is restarting its level. Instead, they will be placed back on the "waiting for players" screen. This will result in a shorter waiting time..
Door Refactor & API Changes
As part of version 10.2, we've done a complete refactor of our door system. This was some of our oldest code. Doors were prone to suffer from bugs, both during level generation, and in-game. To fix these problems we rewrote their code from the ground up, for long-term stability.
For most people, this won't affect the game too heavily; except fixing some bugs that have existed for a long time. There are also a few features that were implemented as a result of the stabler code, which you can find below. This greatly affects the door code itself.
Due to the full refactor of the door system, much of the game's internal code has received significant adjustments. Plugin developers, or server hosts using third-party plugins, should be aware of this, and update their mods to work with the new version.
For the complete changelog, please see the list below.
Complete Changelog
(Local Admin)
Added console- and error logs.
Added a config option, disabling printing stdout and stderr (errors and Unity debug messages) in the LocalAdmin live-view (while leaving them in the logs).
Added an automatic restart after server crash (you can disable this in config).
Added log retention (it's possible to configure LA to delete, and/or compress old LA and/or round logs).
Added server configuration wizard.
Added idle-mode state indicator in the title of the LocalAdmin window.
(Doors)
Doors in the airlock room can be destroyed. If one door is destroyed, then the other behaves like a normal door.
Both airlock doors lock open during Alpha Warhead detonation.
Checkpoint doors can be destroyed, but only through Remote Admin. They're immune to being destroyed under normal conditions.
Prison doors (in the Class-D Cells) are now destroyable.
Many doors have been renamed.
SCP-173's containment-chamber door automatically opens at the end of its locked phase,if there is an SCP-173 inside. The player no longer needs to open it themselves.
The doors to SCP-106's control room, and the Alpha Warhead control room, now require several strikes from SCP-096 to destroy.
Fixed issues related to door generation, such as doors clipping through walls, hovering above the ground, panels floating away from the wall, and many more.
Fixed checkpoint doors getting stuck during Alpha Warhead detonation and LCZ decontamination.
Fixed doors sometimes being invisible or unopenable.
Changed HID room door to correct model.
(API Changes)
Doors now utilize a completely new script, DoorVariant, that inherits from IInteractable. Different types of doors have separate scripts - BasicDoor, BreakableDoor, and so on.
The old door script has been marked as obsolete. It exists within the code, but is not used, and will likely be removed in a future update.
A new interaction system has been implemented. The NetworkBehaviour it uses is attached to the player prefab, and is called InteractionCoordinator. This has been in the code for a while, but we're just now starting to implement it. Doors utilize this system.
“RandomSeedSync” is no longer a player component. It has been refactored into “SeedSynchronizer”, and added to the Game Manager prefab. Seeds will now always generate above 0 - negative numbers are no longer valid map seeds.
(Other)
Added fast, round restarts.
Added functionality allowing users to fully restart the server without kicking players (softrestart command).
Added a config key allowing the enabling of automatic server restarts with a specified amount of rounds.
Changed volume and distance of the checkpoint alarm.
Removed Christmas update.
Thank you for your continued support, and Happy New Year! ~ Northwood Studios
As the year comes to an end, so does the Creation Contest! You have submitted your entries, voted for your favourites, and chosen the winners.
Before we carry on though, there are some things that we would like to discuss. Firstly, let's talk about this event and the possibility of having a similar event in the future. We are always open to ideas, and suggestions about how we can improve these events for everyone. If you have any suggestions or ideas regarding events, please feel free to comment below.
There is also a misconception that during these events, development on the game stops. This is not the case. Events like these are handled by a dedicated team, and we can assure you that the Development team is focused on the game.
Now then let’s talk about my favourite part of the event, statistics!
We want to thank everyone who submitted their amazing pieces, as well as those who just voted. Sadly, we are not able to reward all of you, as I would if I could. But now, onto the runner-ups:
Literature: Panini Cupcake, Music: SpiderShnyuk, Meme: gibuz, Video: GBC_2015, Other: JoeBro. You all did wonderfully but sadly you just fell short. Better luck next time!
Now what everyone’s been waiting for... the winners of the Creation Contest 2020 are:
Art: “Dead Cake” for “Let's get this party started”
Literature: “kalphiter the second” for “SCP-7777”
Music: "Verri" for "Space And Time" [previewyoutube="T9U7ClcNZMU;full"]
Meme: “Quacking Gander” for “Stairs”
Video: “eXIL Games” for “Halloween Musical Video” [previewyoutube="tFKkVE5mDvE;full"]
Other: “OLES_2003” for “Micro HID in Minecraft”
You may have noticed that there was no runner-up for the Art category. That’s because we put all the runner-ups into another vote; the staff vote. The winner of that vote is:
Staff Vote: “FacinusChip” for “Near success” Sadly we had to severely compress this, so please, for a better quality version see: https://imgur.com/OQRT1MJ
Congratulations to everyone who won! We will contact you shortly to set up rewards.
Again, we want to say thank you to everyone who participated in the event, and made it as fun as possible. That's all for now, but stay tuned for more events in the future!
---------------- Best Regards, Voidus (Marketing Platform Manager)
On behalf of everyone from Northwood Studios, we hope that you are enjoying our new Christmas-themed update. As usual, we would like to hear your feedback, and thoughts on this wave of content. Below you will find a feedback form that has been translated into various different languages, with the hope to hear from all of you.
Christmas is right around the corner, and even the facility is showing signs of festive cheer. As usual, this year we have prepared some exciting Christmas gifts for you including new audio, cosmetic, gameplay, and map changes!
Christmas Decorations
As you may have noticed, since the start of December, some festive decorations have appeared around the facility. Those were just the beginning...
The facility was not built with comfort in mind, and this festive season the facility can be seen with a colder look. With snow falling from the sky, and a fresh blanket covering the ground it's almost certain the temperature will plummet. A creeping fog can also be seen through the exhales of your condensing breath. There is no doubt that this will be a chilly festive season.
To combat the cold, someone in the facility has been kind enough to make hot cocoa for all the kind personnel. If you have been deemed naughty this year, well, you can always make a fire with some coal… just be careful with some pieces.
Cosmetic and Audio Changes
With our development team focused on future updates, like 11.0, not all of our classes have gotten into the Christmas spirit. The ones that have though, seem to have taken “getting into the Christmas spirit” quite literally.
SCP-173 and SCP-096 appear to have spent too much time outside in the cold this year and are suffering because of it.
SCP-2536
Although Santa Claus won’t be paying the facility a visit, it seems SCP-2536 will. It has been spotted manifesting within the facility and giving gifts to personnel that need them.
A small notice that at the current time SCP-2536 is considered a Christmas update exclusive and will be removed upon the season ending.
Complete Changelog
Changed Alpha Warhead lighting to festive variant.
Added Surface zone snow and effects.
Added a Skybox.
Changed weapon station model to festive variant .
Changed models for SCP-173 and SCP-096 to festive variants.
Added hot cocoa to certain desks.
Added SCP-2536, gifts and special items.
Changed CI car model to festive variant.
Changed SCP-018 to festive variant.
Added condensed breath effect to human classes.
Changed facility colour palette.
Added light fog.
Enabled Christmas achievement.
Fixed Windows 7 issues, people using the operating system should now be able to launch and play the game.
Thank you, once again, for supporting Northwood Studios and SCP: Secret Laboratory!
