The Wickie
The Wickie Update 0.7.4
Greetings,
We are pleased to announce the release of Update 0.7.4 for "The Wickie". This update marks significant advancements in game content, optimization, and player interaction mechanics. Please find the details of the changes included in this patch below.
New Content:
Day 4 Expansion: The introduction of Day 4 includes fully explorable new areas complete with unique environmental storytelling elements, engaging puzzles, and lore-rich scenarios. Players can now uncover the mysteries of the Lower Broch Fortifications, the Vast (non) Submerged Daolithc area, Valve Caracalla, and more.
Entity Development: We have integrated a new cosmic entity, Daolithc, into the game narrative. Daolithc offers a complex character design aligned with the overarching cosmic horror theme, presenting both a visual and narrative enhancement to the game world.
Optimizations:
Performance Enhancements: Significant optimizations have been implemented to improve game speed and maintain consistent frame rates across all supported hardware, ensuring a smoother gameplay experience.
Gameplay Improvements:
NPC Interaction: We have revisited the NPC interaction system, reverting to the 'click to interact' method to provide a more intuitive and responsive player experience.
Upcoming Work:
Interaction System Update: Later this week, we plan to roll out further improvements to the NPC interaction system to address current issues and enhance overall game responsiveness.
We are dedicated to continuously improving "The Wickie" and appreciate your feedback and support. Thank you for joining us on this eerie adventure.
0.7.4 - Day 3 Update
Sub Levels added and finalised for day 3.
- Foremans Cottage
- Guest Processing Reception
- Guest Processing 1
- Guest Processing 2
- Guest Processing 3
- Emergency Access 1
- High Passage
- Ancient Excavations 1
- Mine Tunnel 1
- Ancient Passages 1
- Ancient Passages 2
- Ancient Passages 3
- Ancient Passages 4
- Ancient Passages 5
- Ancient [REDACTED]
- Ancient [REDACTED]
- [REDACTED] Control Area 1
- Crystal Mines (Unflooded)
- Warehouse passage
This is a major update and allows me to consider that Day 3 is now in buildfreeze. I can now focus on the dialogue needed in the day 4 update and on running some tests that are essential to check on file sizes and so forth in the final build. My goal is to attempt to keep the game size under 20 gigs.
More updates soon.
C R
0.7.3.4 - Performance Update 3.
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Update 17.3.2024
- Dynamic movable physics lighting completely removed.
- All dynamic lamps and lights are optimised with fade distance and correct attenuation radius.
- The stack (huge tower) has been disassembled (a large job as it was made of a lot of parts that were hard to select).
- Additional portal added to test frame rates in various places.
- New path from bottom of smugglers run, making the journey to the esoteric gate somewhat easier and less prone to death by falling.
This will not be a tester release yet as there are specific things missing from this build, however I am pleased to announce that the problem areas that were getting approximately 7-11fps on a 3070RTX are now getting a healthy 90fps. There are some large problem areas that I will be dealing with shortly however they are not effecting massive drops to the FPS like the previous issues that have been removed.
Patch Version : 0.7.3 - Stability and performance update
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The water system has been replaced in The Wickie. Performance gains of 20-30%.
Patch version 0.7.2.2
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Release notes. Note this is the rolled back version and new fork as of 19.2.24
- New font material installed for Din 1531 G
- Menu background reinstalled
- Quit system reinstalled
- Async loading system reinstalled
- Camera smoothing removed
The Wickie 0.7 Update - A Glimpse into Pandora's Rock
Press Release: The Wickie 0.7 - A Journey Through Time, Mystery, and Innovation
[Summary]
"The Wickie," a visually stunning and deeply immersive adventure game, is slated for release in April 2024. This marks the end of a remarkable four-year development journey by Cris Robson, a passionate and dedicated game developer. Built on Unreal Engine 5.2.3, the game employs groundbreaking technologies like Lumen and Nanite to deliver an unmatched level of realism and visual fidelity.
[Body]
In "The Wickie," players are transported to Pandora's Rock, a mysterious island filled with secrets, supernatural occurrences, and an incredibly rich environment. The game spans an intense five days of in-game time, packed with complex missions and captivating storylines.
The latest 0.7 beta release is the most robust yet, featuring state-of-the-art global illumination and detailed environments for an immersive gaming experience. Smooth gameplay is guaranteed on platforms like Steamdeck, although 4K resolution demands a more robust system.
Unique to "The Wickie" is its commitment to free lifetime updates, allowing the game to evolve and grow based on player interactions. This player-centric development approach sets the game apart from traditional DLC models.
The game's narrative is a rich tapestry of history, myth, and technology, offering players a diverse and engaging experience. From encountering ghosts and mysterious creatures to solving intricate puzzles, "The Wickie" promises a journey full of discovery and intrigue.
The game world is a masterpiece of design, with a new water system that produces realistic waves and a beautifully crafted natural landscape. Key features include the lighthouse keeper mini-game, which adds a layer of complexity and realism to the gameplay.
[About the Developer]
"The Wickie" is the brainchild of Cris Robson, a 52-year-old game developer with Autism and Cerebral Palsy. Cris's journey in game development is a story of passion, resilience, and creativity. Despite facing challenges, his commitment to bringing "The Wickie" to life has been unwavering. This project is more than a game; it's a reflection of Cris's dedication to his craft and his desire to create an experience that resonates with players on multiple levels.
Cris's approach to game development is deeply personal, infusing "The Wickie" with a unique perspective that enriches the gaming experience. His journey is an inspiring testament to the power of determination and the endless possibilities within the realm of independent game development.
Explore the Dark Mysteries of Pandora's Rock: The Wickie Beta v0.5.1 Unveiled!
New Features:
- Lighthouse Keeper Jobs: Engage in the daily duties of a lighthouse keeper, including maintaining the beacon, watching for ships, and operating the foghorn.
- Dynamic Ship System: Ships now travel around the island, responding to the lighthouse signals and weather conditions.
- Procedural Landscape Evolution: Leveraging the latest procedural generation techniques in Unreal Engine, we've crafted a living, breathing environment where the rocky outcrops and terrain of Pandora's Rock evolve with each playthrough. This cutting-edge technology infuses our indie game with a level of detail and dynamism traditionally reserved for AAA titles, ensuring that every journey through the island is as unique as it is mesmerizing.
- NPC Interaction Upgrades: Enhanced dialogue trees and interactions with key characters like Captain Malin and the sailor family.
- Occult Research Mechanic: Delve into the mysteries of the island with a new research system that allows you to uncover hidden lore and secrets.
- Weather and Time System: Experience the atmospheric changes of Pandora's Rock with a dynamic weather system.
- Expanded Open World: Explore more of Pandora's Rock with additional areas unlocked and detailed for exploration.
- Meet Dougie: A New Face on Asylum Rock: A fresh narrative unfolds with Dougie, the latest addition to the enigmatic cast of characters. Stationed at Asylum Rock, Dougie's story is interwoven with the island's many secrets, offering new quests and insights into the dark past of this forsaken place.
- Beware the Shadows: The Legend of 'Bob the Burninator': Whispers of a lurking presence have begun to stir among the island's inhabitants. Known only as 'Bob the Burninator' in the hushed tales of the old sailors, this enigmatic force casts a new shadow over Pandora's Rock. Will you uncover the truth behind the legend, or will you be consumed by the island's newest mystery?
Improvements:
- AI Pathfinding: Improved navigation for NPCs, ensuring smoother movement and interactions within the game world.
- Visual Enhancements: Upgraded textures and lighting for a more immersive experience, powered by Unreal Engine 5.1.
- Audio Overhaul: New soundscapes and effects that bring the eerie atmosphere of the island to life.
- Performance Optimization: Adjustments made to texture sizes and shadow depths to improve frame rates and overall game performance.
Bug Fixes:
Addressed an issue where the gondola lift would not properly load and unload assets, resulting in visual pop-in/out.
Fixed a bug where the lighthouse lamp timer would not sync with the beacon switches correctly.
Resolved various collision issues that allowed players to access unintended areas.
Known Issues:
Some players have reported intermittent issues with the foghorn recharge mechanic.
Occasional clipping during NPC interactions is being investigated.
Work is ongoing to resolve minor UI inconsistencies in the occult research interface.
Meet Dougie: The Newest Face on Pandora's Rock!
The inception of Dougie is a tale of creativity and serendipity. Originally, we had a different design for another character named Peter. However, as the game evolved, so did our vision for Peter. This left us with some captivating artwork by the talented LadyPlantPots. Instead of letting such a brilliant design go to waste, we breathed life into it, and thus, Dougie was born!
We're eager to hear your thoughts! How do you think Dougie will fit into the mysteries of Pandora's Rock? Share your speculations and excitement with us!
Stay tuned as we continue to unveil more surprises, characters, and tales from The Wickie. The world of Pandora's Rock is ever-expanding, and we can't wait for you to dive deeper into its mysteries.
If you're as excited about Dougie as we are, make sure to wishlist The Wickie on Steam and share this announcement with fellow explorers!
Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Your support and enthusiasm fuel our creativity. Here's to many more adventures together!
Links & Additional Resources:
The Wickie on Steam (Thats where you are now!)
Official Website
Artwork by LadyPlantPots
Venturing into the Depths: New Atmospheric Areas Unveiled in The Wickie
As you descend into the darkness, you'll find that these subterranean realms challenge your very sanity. The architecture itself seems to defy logic, with seemingly impossible angles and disorienting layouts. The very air is thick with an unsettling ambiance that leaves you questioning your senses.
These depths are illuminated by the eerie glow of strange, wet-looking crystals. While their origin and purpose remain a mystery, they cast an unsettling light upon the twisted creatures that lurk in the shadows. One such creature is the Shambler – an ancient horror whose mere presence sends shivers down your spine. It is unclear why this monstrous being resides in the depths, but its existence is a testament to the unfathomable secrets hidden beneath the island.
As you navigate these treacherous areas, you'll need to rely on your wits and common sense. Bill, our intrepid protagonist, has the choice to either confront the menacing creatures head-on or attempt a more stealthy approach, avoiding combat altogether. However, it is essential to remember that these nightmarish beings are not easily defeated – if they can be vanquished at all.
The Wickie's new atmospheric areas are designed to challenge and intrigue players, drawing them into the depths of a world beyond their wildest imagination. With a myriad of possible paths, the choices you make will ultimately determine Bill's fate. Will you choose to confront the darkness, or will you seek to evade the horrors that dwell beneath the island's surface?
As you venture further into this Lovecraftian nightmare, you'll uncover hidden secrets and unravel the enigmatic history of the island and its terrifying inhabitants. But beware – for with each step you take into the abyss, the line between reality and madness becomes increasingly blurred.
We invite you to join us on this harrowing journey into the unknown. The Wickie's new atmospheric areas promise a gaming experience like no other, where the darkness will envelop you, and the twisted creatures of the deep will haunt your every step.
Prepare yourself to venture into the depths of The Wickie, where ancient horrors lurk, and the truth is more terrifying than you could ever imagine.
Stay tuned for more updates, and don't forget to wishlist The Wickie on Steam to stay informed on the latest news on this upcoming title!
Introducing "Wickie Weekly Watch" - Our New Live Show on Steam!
In recent happenings, our team has been hard at work polishing the demo version of The Wickie, which we'll be sharing with a select group of influencers and journalists soon. We've also been expanding our social media presence, launching dedicated channels for The Wickie on various platforms, and setting up a Discord server to connect with our growing community.
The "Wickie Weekly Watch" will be your go-to source for all things related to The Wickie, and we can't wait to share our journey with you. With the game's development in full swing, there's always something new and exciting happening, so be sure to tune in and stay up to date on the latest news!
Don't forget to add The Wickie to your wishlist and follow our developer page for more updates. See you on March 29th at 9pm GMT for the first episode of "Wickie Weekly Watch"!
Visit our website for more information about The Wickie: https://t.co/80H96stOJW