The Withering 2.0 - Gunplay controller development update
The Withering 2.0 - Gunplay controller development update
Gunplay
Hello everybody! As I mentioned in my posts, I was working on implementing a new gunplay mechanic into The Withering 2.0 controller. Today I would like to share a demonstration video that can viewed by clicking on the link below:
The new gunplay controller allows players to engage enemies in ranged and close combat with a firearm. The controller allows for melee strikes on a closed in enemy, to push them away dealing damage. A new dynamic in world crosshair mechanic allows for better precision aiming, as it reflects on the environment.
The new explosives mechanic has also been implemented into the gunplay controller, allowing players to throw an explosive device on the enemy.
Next Steps
Now that the new gunplay mechanic has been implemented, the next step would be to combine all three controllers into a single machine and link the controllers with the new character system. This will allow the functionality of the character stats to reflect on both melee and firearm combat as well as provide a large verity of weapon customization.
The scope of work for this step is yet to be defined, and I will be announcing the next update release date this week.
If you have any questions regarding the new gunplay controller features, please feel free to discuss them in the thread provided in the Feedback section below.
Feedback
Please leave your thoughts, feedback and ideas in the following thread:
Please feel free to ask questions in that thread as well.
Thank you!
The Withering 2.0.0.2 Update
The Withering 2.0.0.2 update is now live!
This update focuses on bringing the melee combat gameplay into the 2.0. Players will now be able to try out the new melee controller system. As well as a few other features being added with this update that are listed below.
Melee Combat
The new melee combat system is now available. Players can now roam the testing environment and engage enemies in melee. The new combat stance toggle functionality has been implemented into the 2.0 controller that allows players to go in and out of the combat stance by pressing "TAB".
Currently player character is equipped with a test melee weapon and players don't need to worry about dying, once dead players will simply respawn, no penalties are being involved. This approach is selected to expedite the testing procedure.
Extended Settings
The options menu has been extended to allow players more control of the graphics and audio settings in game. Players can now control the quality settings and enable or disable post effects directly from the game. In addition, the audio volume controls have been implemented.
Additional extension of these settings will be added in the next update.
Additional information
During the course of the melee combat development, several game mechanics were involved, developed and implemented into the game. Such as the advanced spawn system. This system will spawn and monitor the enemies and is designed to manage the entities to maximize the performance. The system will work with all enemy types, including the infected enemies that will be added in the future updates. Additional configurations can be applied based on the player feedback.
What's next?
As a next step, I will be adding the gunplay controller functionality into the 2.0 gameplay. The new gunplay controller will be similar to the melee controller in nature and will have all of it's advanced features including smooth transition animations, fluent character aiming and more.
I will be posting a development update along with the demonstration video sometime next week.
Feedback
Please leave your thoughts, feedback and ideas in the following thread:
Please feel free to ask questions in that thread as well.
Gaining Access to BETA
Please note that this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Thank you!
The Withering 2.0 - Melee Combat development update
The Withering 2.0 - Melee Combat development update
Melee Combat
Hello everybody! As I mentioned before, last week I was working on implementing a new melee combat mechanic into The Withering 2.0, and today I would like to share the development progress with you as well as actually show you how this new functionality works with a demonstration video that can viewed by clicking on the link below:
The new melee combat controller functionality allows players to engage enemies in a fluent real time melee combat with brand new amazing features like enemy locking system, dodging, blocking, a counter system, quick and heavy melee attack combos, and more!
I am currently working on combining the unarmed and melee controllers to work seamlessly together and allow players to dynamically switch between melee and unarmed controls with a single press of a button.
I also plan to release an update for the 2.0 by the end of this week and let you test this new functionality yourselves.
I'm sure you will have questions regarding the new melee controller and it's features, please feel free to discuss them in the thread provided in the Feedback section below.
Feedback
Please leave your thoughts, feedback and ideas in the following thread:
Please feel free to ask questions in that thread as well.
Thank you!
The Withering 2.0
The Withering 2.0 Update is now live!
Personal announcement
Hello everybody! Oh, where to begin..? I guess I'll start from the beginning. When I originally introduced The Withering to the world through Steam Greenlight program, I had a vision, I wanted the game to bring something new to the genre. Being a gamer and a fan of the survival games, I wanted to expand the gameplay elements that I felt were lacking in many games. While we achieved a lot during the last year, I still did not feel like we are in the place I have envisioned.
During the last couple of weeks, I have personally did a lot of heavy lifting in game design, gameplay and features. And would like to share this experience with you as well as provide you with a new 2.0 update for the beta branch. This update will change the game in a lot of ways and introduce to you, the players, all the new features that I personally think will make The Withering great.
Update Information
The 2.0 update is focused on all of the new features we are introducing with it, please keep in mind that this is a work in progress and some of the gameplay elements are not yet implemented with this first release. The weapon systems are undergoing drastic changes to fit into the new robust stats system and are not included with this release. However, players will be able to try all of the cool new features listed in details below.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Due to the nature of this update, players might experience an issue where the player character will not properly spawn during the first time running the game. In this case, simply enable the mouse pointer by pressing Left Alt and close the game from the Menu bar icon on top right. Restart the game, and it should resolve the issue.
The Camp
The 2.0 introducing a brand new camp gameplay with deep and fluent management system that is no longer a separate entity. In 2.0 players will dynamically move between the Camp and the rest of the world, while sharing the Camp features amongst all of the characters.
The new Camp is a living entity, with vendors, quartermaster and survivors populating it. The entire system is managed from a single menu directly from the character interface, which allows players to transparently switch between characters in world and still have access to all of the camp features.
The new interface allows players to manage all of the camp buildings, survivors and missions. Upgrade different structures and add-ons to gain multiple bonuses.
All of the camp upgrades, add-ons and other types of improvements are now managed directly from the character control, through our new robust inventory and stats management system. These elements have a verity of bonuses and stats, rarities and more. There are many ways for players to receive these upgrades, and one them being crafting.
New Crafting System
Crafting! Yes, in 2.0 players will gain access to a new deep crafting system that is easily managed through the new character interface. The system is based on several types of crafting categories like Tools, Armor, Weapons, Gear with recipes available in each of these categories.
More Crafting
2.0 also introduces the extended crafting mechanic that will mostly be used for constructing Camp upgrades and Add-ons, combine scavenged items into resource bundles or breaking down other types of items. This system will require players to assemble the recipe by dropping the items in appropriate slots. Different combinations will yield different results.
Players will receive the recipes by different means, like completing a mission and getting a recipe as a reward, or simply by finding one while scavenging the world with their character.
NPCs
In 2.0 players will now have access to the new types of NPCs such as a camp vendor and a quartermaster. With our new character system players gain access to the trading system, each items now have value and can be sold or purchased from different vendors throughout the world.
Some of these vendors will have specialty items that players will need for more advanced recipes or a special item bonus.
Another type of NPC introduced in 2.0 is the quartermaster. The quartermaster manages players storage, which is a shared repository available to all player characters.
These NPCs can be found in different areas in the world and players will be able to access their storage by interacting with them, so the storage is no longer limited to only Camp gameplay.
Player Characters
The new character system in 2.0 allows player to fully customize the character stats through gear, equipment and other means. Characters now have multiple stats that are used through the gameplay for different purposes, like interacting with NPCs, scavenging, combat, etc..
One of the most important changes in 2.0's character management is that players are no longer limited to the four characters defined. Instead, players will be able to find new playable characters through out the gameplay, by using the radio communication from the camp, running missions, exploring the world, etc.
Each playable character will have a background story and unique looks. Once players add a new character to their roster, they can take switch between the characters at designated spots in the world or in their camp at will, and customize the character stats to their liking with different equipment sets. This allows players to have different types of characters for different situations in the game.
One of such examples would be to have a character with high charisma and persuasion stats to use on diplomacy missions. And have another character to do the fighting.
Exploring and Scavenging
As it was mentioned above, players will now be able to fluently transition between the camp and the world map with any of their characters. This is done directly from the game world, by interacting with entry / exit points.
These points will allow players to cross between maps, Camp, missions and other areas throughout the world with their active character.
Withering 2.0 introduces a brand new scavenging system that will take the experience to the next level!
Everything in the world now becomes a part of this scavenging system, and players will be able to interact with the in world objects. The system automatically highlights the objects that are available for scavenging.
Different objects will yield different loot types and categories, such as components, resources, equipment and etc.
Scavenged objects will randomly respawn through out the world.
Feedback and Bug Reporting
Please leave your feedback regarding your gameplay experience and ideas in the following thread:
Please feel free to ask questions in the thread as well.
NOTE: [I]This update is for BETA branch, to gain access to BETA branch please follow the instructions in the patch notes below.[/I]
Gaining Access to BETA
As it was mentioned above, this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Thank you!
Update 1.1.19.7
Update 1.1.19.7 is now Live!
In this update we are focusing on the issues that were reported by the community as well as discovered during internal testing.
NOTE: [I]This update is for BETA branch, to gain access to BETA branch please follow the instructions in the patch notes below.[/I]
Patch Notes
The following issues were addressed in this update:
FIXED: Survivors ignored free living quarters space over level 1
FIXED: Camp reputation is not loading properly
FIXED: Leader reputation is not loading properly
FIXED: Camp Population was not properly saved sometimes
FIXED: Backpack bonuses are not displayed properly
ADJUSTED: Backpack healing bonuses adjusted for rarities
ADDED: Backpack holding space is now increased with rarity
Gaining Access to BETA
As it was mentioned above, this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Please report any issues you are encountering during the beta test under Update 1.1.0.0 Feedback thread, here:
In this update we are focusing on the issues that were reported by the community as well as discovered during internal testing.
NOTE: [I]This update is for BETA branch, to gain access to BETA branch please follow the instructions in the patch notes below.[/I]
Patch Notes
The following issues were addressed in this update:
FIXED: Bandit behavior was causing additional stress on performance
FIXED: Bandit name indicators did not show elite status sometimes
FIXED: Phases would stale in the camp management gameplay sometimes
FIXED: Construction missions were not processed properly
FIXED: MiniMap in Free Roam adjusted for better view
ADJUSTED: Time settings were not consistent between RTA scenes
ADDED: Quarantine Zone entrance on Free Roam map
ADDED: Woodsfield Quarantine Zone - Preview
Quarantine Zone
In this update we are introducing a new element into the real time action gameplay. The new Quarantine Zone is accessible from the Free Roam map and the entrance is located in the north west part of the map, just past the town, it can also be seen on the MiniMap.
Quarantine Zone is considered to be the most dangerous area and players will encounter elite enemies while exploring it.
Players will find Supply drops and Equipment Crates scattered around the QZ and elite enemies will have a higher chances of dropping a high grade equipment.
Gaining Access to BETA
As it was mentioned above, this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Please report any issues you are encountering during the beta test under Update 1.1.0.0 Feedback thread, here:
In this update we are focusing on the issues that were reported by the community as well as discovered during internal testing.
NOTE: [I]This update is for BETA branch, to gain access to BETA branch please follow the instructions in the patch notes below.[/I]
Patch Notes
The following issues were addressed in this update:
FIXED: Guns rarity did not apply as weapon stat bonus
FIXED: Melee weapon damage processed incorrectly sometimes
FIXED: Item details window display wrong stats sometimes
FIXED: Weapon mods display 0.0 as bonuses
FIXED: Quality settings did not apply properly
FIXED: Post effects did not apply properly
FIXED: Camp morale did not process properly
FIXED: Abandon camp breaks camp date and phase
ADDED: Caches types can now be seen on MiniMap in corresponding colors
Additional Information
Due to the severity of the issues that were identified, all efforts were directed at resolving these as a priority. The Quarantine Zone preview is rescheduled for the next update.
Gaining Access to BETA
As it was mentioned above, this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Please report any issues you are encountering during the beta test under Update 1.1.0.0 Feedback thread, here:
In this update we address the issues that were reported by the community, as well as issues that were discovered by the internal testing. Please see the full patch notes for details.
NOTE: [I]This update is for BETA branch, to gain access to BETA branch please follow the instructions in the patch notes below.[/I]
Patch Notes
The following issues were addressed in this update:
FIXED: Loot rarity did not work properly sometimes
FIXED: Day / Night cycle phase blending did not work properly
FIXED: Visual effects did not blend properly with time phase
FIXED: Replacing weapon mods caused extracted mod bonus to randomize
FIXED: Weapon mods bonuses did not display correct stats
FIXED: Bandits did not react to player sometimes
FIXED: Survivors could not join the camp
FIXED: Weapon model would sometimes not be displayed as equipped
FIXED: No health and name label displayed on enemies
FIXED: Mouse was not bound to screen borders on multiple monitor setup
FIXED: Quick heal label did not reflect proper Medkit amount on start
FIXED: Quick heal would sometimes overheal player
FIXED: Camp date would reset sometimes
FIXED: Camp upgrade confirmation did not release sometimes
FIXED: Hard landing animation
FIXED: Low climbing animation
FIXED: Reload animation speed was off sometimes
MiniMap
The MiniMap functionality has been extended to all maps, players can now easily spot crates and supply drops in the vicinity. Main camp intractable buildings are also displayed on the MiniMap now.
Additional expansions will be applied in the future updates.
Mouse Sensitivity
Players are now able to adjust the mouse sensitivity as it was requested by the community several times. The new setting can be found under Input tab in the Options.
The default sensitivity is currently configured to match previous sensitivity level.
In Our Next Update
I'd like to share a little bit of information on the new elements coming in our next update.
The new Quarantine Zone preview will become accessible from the Map main camp interface and directly from the Free Roam game mode.
The new area will have players engage the elite enemies with a high chances of a high end loot rarity spoils and lots of equipment crates and resource caches will be available in the Quarantine Zone.
We will be expanding the gameplay area with each following update.
Gaining Access to BETA
As it was mentioned above, this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Please report any issues you are encountering during the beta test under Update 1.1.0.0 Feedback thread, here:
In this update we address the issues that were reported by the community, as well as introducing some a new MiniMap feature. Please see the full patch notes for details.
NOTE: [I]This update is for BETA branch, to gain access to BETA branch please follow the instructions in the patch notes below.[/I]
Patch Notes
The following issues were addressed in this update:
FIXED: Delay occurring when manipulating inventory
FIXED: Bandits did not show blood when got hit
FIXED: Melee did not work
FIXED: Assigned populations did not function properly
FIXED: Assigned population was not returned when aborting a mission
MiniMap
In this patch we are introducing a brand new MiniMap feature. Players will be able to easily locate nearby points of interest while roaming in the real time action game mode.
Currently the MiniMap extends to the Free Roam map only, but we plan to expand it's functionality to all other game maps as well.
Gaining Access to BETA
As it was mentioned above, this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Please report any issues you are encountering during the beta test under Update 1.1.0.0 Feedback thread, here:
In this update we address the issues that were reported by the community during the initial 1.1 Update rollout, as well as introducing some new features into the mix. Please see the full patch notes for details.
NOTE: [I]This update is for BETA branch, to gain access to BETA branch please follow the instructions in the patch notes below.[/I]
Patch Notes
The following issues were addressed in this update:
FIXED: Health would exceed the limit sometimes
FIXED: Quick Heal cooldown did not work
FIXED: Abandon Camp did not work properly
FIXED: Melee weapons would not equip sometimes
FIXED: Weapon Mods would not apply
FIXED: Weapon Mods would not calculate properly
FIXED: Body Armor lost on returning to camp
FIXED: Did not lose inventory when killed on a mission
FIXED: Weapon models aim is off
FIXED: Items would not get picked up sometimes
FIXED: Backpacks would not increase inventory capacity sometimes
FIXED: Mouse invert did not work
FIXED: Item interaction would not work sometimes
FIXED: Sprinting did not consume stamina
FIXED: Stamina consumption when running
FIXED: None leader characters would not unload resources into camp
FIXED: Cant unload weapons
FIXED: Can dismantle equipped outfits
FIXED: Shotgun sound effect would not play properly
FIXED: No roll after falling
FIXED: Could repair items with no durability stat
FIXED: Switching to empty weapon slot
FIXED: Armor would not go into armor slot sometimes
FIXED: Items disappearing from inventory last slot
FIXED: Stats could not be trained sometimes
FIXED: Multiple HUD display issues
FIXED: Day / Night cycle would not reflect current phase on start
FIXED: Multiple inventory transferring issues
FIXED: Parts would exceed the limit in the inventory
FIXED: Character portraits did not display correctly
FIXED: Character data would get overridden sometimes
FIXED: Character outfits would not display properly on the model
Cloud Save
We are introducing the Steam Cloud save solution for The Withering with this update. Players game progress will now be saved to a file and synchronized to Steam Cloud. This will allow players to run the game on different machines and still gain access to the game progression.
Upcoming Changes
In our next patch that is scheduled for the end of this week we plan to fix the outstanding minor issues that were spotted during the testing phase and implement the brand new MiniMap feature.
Players will be able to easily locate nearby points of interest while roaming in the real time action game mode.
Quarantine Zone
We are currently working on rebuilding the infamous City of Woodsfield. The new Woodsfield will become a Quarantine Zone, where player skills will be put to the test, facing Elite enemies and new Elimination Missions.
The new Woodsfield will become a single Quarantine zone on a brand new map. The current city maps will be dismantled and reassembled as mission grounds. This will allow us to speed up the development progress and not waste any effort that was put into these maps.
Gaining Access to BETA
As it was mentioned above, this update is for the game's BETA branch only. To gain access to the BETA branch please follow the steps below:
1) In the Steam game library right click The Withering and select properties
2) In the properties window, switch to BETAS tab on top
3) Enter gimmebetapls in beta access code and click on Check Code
4) Select the Public Beta Branch from the drop down menu and allow Steam to download the new build
If you do not see the Public Beta Branch, please make sure you entered the code correctly.
Please report any issues you are encountering during the beta test under Update 1.1.0.0 Feedback thread, here:
