We're proud to announce a project our team is working hard on. We hope to show you more soon.
The Painscreek Killings
The Painscreek Killings: The Johnson Files
We're proud to announce a project our team is working hard on. We hope to show you more soon.
6/21/2018 patch notes
Hi everyone. As of today, we've finally finished optimizing the game. This includes the Mansion, which is the heaviest scene in the game, as well as all other smaller and medium-sized scenes which were not originally part of the optimization but we decided to include them as well. Improvements to the game are as follows:
1. Reduced the game's file size from 18GB to 10.6GB, a reduction of about 40%.
2. Reduced RAM usage by approximately 40% when accessing the Village scene.
3. Reduced RAM usage by approximately 30% when accessing Mansion and Hospital scenes.
4. Improved Unity's batching process by about 40%, which is the number of files needed to be read by the CPU, especially when accessing the Mansion and Hospital.
5. Improved load times when switching between scenes during gameplay.
6. Improved prop textures for some locations.
7. Lowered the system requirements to run the game (as shown below).
MINIMUM (updated):
OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
Processor: i3-2120 @3.3GHz
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 745 (or AMD equivalent)
DirectX: Version 11
Storage: 11 GB available space
Additional Notes: *Subject to change after updates
RECOMMENDED (updated):
OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
Processor: i5-2500 @3.3GHz
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GTX 770 (or AMD equivalent)
DirectX: Version 12
Storage: 11 GB available space
Additional Notes: SSD for faster loading time
*Subject to change after updates
Disclaimer on system requirements:
We have updated our minimum and recommended specs so the game can gaming PCs with moderate (or even slightly lower) specs. However, you may face small freezes when exploring the Village scene. This is due to the way the game now loads only necessary props and unloads the rest. Although some players might find this slightly jarring, we feel it is a necessary trade off to improve the overall loading times. If the game is installed on an SSD, this issue should be non-existent.
Since releasing the game on September 2017, we spent nine months fixing the bugs and optimizing the game. During this time period, we learned a lot about game optimization in general and the Unity game engine. We also stumbled upon an amazing community with mature and helpful players, and are extremely grateful for their patience, help and support. Now that The Painscreek Killings is officially done, the next thing on our list are localization, console and VR ports. We've never attempted them before and thus do not have a set release date yet. However, we will make effort to accomplish them within the shortest time possible. In the meantime, you can follow us on our blog, Facebook or Twitter for more updates and information!
http://eqstudios.blogspot.com/
https://www.facebook.com/EQSLV/
https://twitter.com/EQSLV
http://eqstudios.com/
6/22/2018:
We've just patched the demo version so it shares the same improvements as the full game now.
6/23/2018:
1. Fixed the issue where the game thinks it is a demo version.
2. Fixed game breaking bugs pointed out by the players.
3. Fixed drawers and cabinets interaction issues in the Mansion and Cabin.
4. Fixed notes and diaries' interaction issues in the Mansion, which prevented some key content from being revealed.
5. Fixed props and colliders that caused problem during player interaction.
6. Fixed disappearing props issue.
7. Fixed lighting that were too dark in some places.
8. Minor fix to the Mansion building mesh.
9. Floating guns have been reholstered.
10. Reduced the wait timer from 2 minutes to 30 seconds.
6/25/2018:
1. Fixed scaling issues for Widescreen 3440 x 1440 Resolution.
2. Fixed an issue with an document not recording into your Journal causing an problem with those who want 100% completion. Dorothy's note to Trisha in locked bedside cabinet in Trisha's room.
3. Fixed an issue with music settings not working in the Mansion.
4. Fixed an issue with the flash light in the Mansion.
6/30/2018
1. Fixed the portrait issue in the Mansion that prevented players from continuing the story path.
2. Fixed a few lighting issues.
3. Fixed some collider issues.
4. Fixed props that had textures not showing correctly in game.
5. The bell can now be rung again.
7/12/2018
1. Fixed the Inn’s lockbox 201 missing collider problem.
2. Fixed light bulb glowing issue in Oliver’s Photography.
3. Fixed achievement issues which did not appear for some players. Further testing might still be required.
7/20/2018
1. Fixed incorrect dates on certain documents.
7/24/2018
1. Fixed yellow dart texture issue that prevented players from making the right calculation.
7/30/2018
1. Fixed incorrect dates on certain documents.
8/1/2018
1. Fixed the Inn missing its sign.
5/31/2018 patch notes
1. Reduced Hospital loading time.
2. Reduced RAM usage.
3. Slightly reduced GPU usage.
We are currently working on the Mansion, which is probably the heaviest scene in the game, followed by a full game optimization shortly after. Once that's done, the game should run much better. More information on that later.
Hot Fix 1:
Some users were having issues on loading into the game after the latest patch. The problem was hunted down and the game should be stable now. We're sorry for any inconveniences this may have caused.
We're going to be doing an additional fix very soon to patch another small problem.
Hot Fix 2(June 1, 2018):
Certain UV maps had some issues. These were sorted out.
Some objects were missing their colliders, and others were accidentally made hidden. All of these have been fixed.
Hot Fix 3(June 13, 2018):
Fixed an issue where players would accidentally find several copies of the Inn's Room 203 Key.
Footsteps audio bug has been patched.
Oliver's Photolab is now fully optimized.
Oliver's Photolab was using an old prefab for the character, causing people to freeze. This has been fixed.
Hot Fix 4(June 14, 2018)
Small Texture problem fixed.
Hot Fix 5(June 15, 2018)
Room 203's proper key is now fixed and can be interacted with.
There was a missing cabinet in Trisha's Room...we found it had warped to the roof. This has been fixed.
Johnson's letter in his desk has been placed back in it's place.
Hot Fix 6(June 16, 2018)
Andrew's House has been optimized.
The Inn has been optimized.
There was an extra journal in the Sheriff's outpost, we've removed that one.
There's been a few texture fixes.
A few drawers/cabinets have been fixed and can now be opened.
We've reduced the game file size.
5/9/2018 patch notes
1. Optimized the village, one of the three heaviest scenes in the game. This includes optimizing the terrain and improving the terrain textures, which helps with reducing the RAM and GPU usage, and the loading times,.
2. Proof-read all documents (U.S. English).
3. Updated the disclaimer at the beginning of the game, informing players of the reload option should they encounter technical issues during gameplay.
4. Fixed incorrect dates which caused inconsistencies in the story's timeline.
5. Minor bugs fixes listed by players posted in the Steam community forum.
6. Removed AA option since the game uses Unity 5.3.4 engine which does not support that feature.
7. Implemented full Steam Controller support.
8. Made changes towards the end of the game to improve the player's experience during gameplay.
We thank the community for their support and being patient with us. Currently, we are working hard at optimizing the Hospital and the Mansion, which are the remaining heaviest scenes in the game. Upon completion, the game's frame rate and loading time should improve considerably.
5/14/2018 patch update:
1. Fixed issues with some missing colliders.
2. Fixed some date errors on various documents.
Patch to fix the tutorial achievement
2. (This update was released earlier but wasn't significant enough to have it's own patch note post.) Re-added the invert mouse option, as after the Controller Update the invert axis function in the Calibration settings only worked for controllers and not the mouse.
4/26/2018 hotifx :
3. Fixed an issue where the Best Friends Forever achievement was being unlocked incorrectly.
Thank you!
3/17/2018 patch notes : Controller Support!
Hi everyone!
This one took a while, but we are pleased to announce controller support for The Painscreek Killings. Most major controllers are supported and feature full customization. These changes will be added to the demo as well so feel free to try before you buy. Also if you encounter any bugs please post them on the Steam discussion page for our game and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Here’s a list of things that were patched/implemented:
1. Implemented Controller Support for most major controllers
2. Implemented Lense Dirt slider in the video options so that now you can adjust it to your liking rather than just on/off.
3. Implemented Sprint Toggle setting to Control Settings to make it so that you can toggle sprinting on and off instead of having to hold the Sprint key to run.
4. Added support for a few more resolutions (namely Ultrawide 3840 x 2160)
5. Fixed typos in Act 1
3/19/2018 hotifx :
6. Fixed an issue where controller settings would reset after closing.
Sorry for the wait and hope you enjoy :)
2/16/2018 patch notes
1. Implemented a Reload button in the pause menu for players who fell through the world or got stuck behind furniture. It has a wait time of 2 minutes, after which the player will respawn to the entrance of the location. Any items picked up prior to this and photos taken will still be in your possession.
2. Implemented FOV slider in the video options.
3. Dirt lense removed.
The following were part of the demo, but implemented in the paid version as well:
4. New props were added to some locations and a few items were shifted around to accommodate a better experience for new players.
5. Additional audio content were added to a few key locations that gives reason for players to visit certain locations.
6. About 25% of the game content received proof-reading and grammar check.
7. Players can continue their save game from the demo version to the paid version so they do not have to replay the beginning part again.
We understand that some players are still affected by the low frame rate, long loading time and game crashes. We have recently found out the problem and are in the process of fixing it. Unfortunately, it’s an issue that needs quite some time to fix. We will post updates on its progress from time to time.
The Painscreek Killings demo now available!
Hi everyone!
The Painscreek Killings demo is now available to download! It contains the complete Act 1 and the playtime runs between 1 to 3 hours, depending on the player’s play style. The full game will run between 10 to 20 hours for most players.
A few changes were implemented during the creation of the demo that affected the release game permanently but do not break the game. They are as follows:
1. New props were added to some locations and a few items were shifted around to accommodate a better experience for new players.
2. Additional audio content were added to a few key locations that gives reason for players to visit certain locations.
3. About 25% of the game content received proof-reading and grammar check.
4. Players can continue their save game from the demo version to the paid version so they do not have to replay the beginning part again.
With the demo, players can see if they like The Painscreek Killings for what it is - a hardcore whodunit detective game that does not handhold the players and forces them to think like real-life detectives. Due to the high specs required by the game, players can also use the demo to test and see if their computers can handle it.
If you love stories, give our game a try!
Enjoy :)
Game demo submitted and pending approval
A demo version of The Painscreek Killings has been submitted to Steam last Friday and we are waiting for its approval. If approved, anyone can download it for free from the store page. The demo version is the same as the full version, other than it’s the first 20 percent of the whole game.
Some changes were added during the making of the demo, which unfortunately were also reflected in the final build. We have disabled the Steam auto update to avoid any surprises it might cause to players who are in the process of playing. However, for those who have manually updated the game, you will experience some new changes. Not to worry as the changes will not break the game, rather, it should enhance the first few hours of the game experience, making it easier for new players to get into the game.
Stay tuned for more info on the demo build.
1/30/2018 patch notes
1. Added 2K ultrawide resolution (2560 x 1080) in the video option.
2. Implemented different sliders to separate the BGM from the rest of the audio.
3. Fixed the Mansion Well bug that caused players to fall through the world when they try to descend it (this only appeared during the PAX South demo).
4. Fixed ‘Best Friends Forever’ achievement so it will be unlocked when players find a way to dig the time capsule rather than simply walking over it.
5. Fixed incorrect subtitles when the confession tape is being played.
6. Some minor bug fixes.
We have received a number of suggestions from players who demo’ed our game at PAX South as well as the Steam community on how the game could be improved. We really appreciate everyone’s input and are looking to make The Painscreek Killings better. Stay tuned for more information on this.