Most of the mechanics are behind us; we are currently polishing and adding content to the world. This month, we focus on implementing two character classes, including their skills. We are also working on the final UI, some of which can already be seen in the GIFs.
Animals and creatures
Vampires won’t be fighting just humanoid characters anymore. We’ve added animals and other creatures to engage the player’s vampires when alerted. Most of these beings will try to scare the vampires off, but if approached too closely, they’ll strike. Defeated animals drop special alchemical ingredients essential for crafting potions that make gameplay easier.
Combat movement
We’ve improved hitbox detection, making combat more intuitive. Vampires can avoid enemy attacks through precise movement alone, without relying on the dodge mechanic. This makes combat even more engaging.
Quests
We have placed many story quests in the game world, allowing you to gain experience and valuable items. Quests also make it easier to explore the game world, but they are still optional, and almost any story character can be killed by the player's vampires.
Land takeover
The player's clan can now take over areas belonging to enemy clans, which provides a steady inflow of resources. Taking over the enemy area is preceded by an optional series of quests to create a resistance movement to facilitate the clash with the enemy clan. The takeover ends with a fight with the area's overseer, a high-ranked vampire.
Travel and checkpoints
Vampires can now travel using crypts, which are secret entrances to the catacombs. Once unlocked, the passage allows for fast travel between areas of the world and the castle. In addition, they also serve as checkpoints. Additional checkpoints are coffins, which allow vampires to be resurrected in the event of their defeat.
If you have any questions or ideas, please let us know in the comments or on our Discord Channel.
Devlog #15
Hello Vampires!
In the last devlog, we announced planned changes in the game mechanics based on your surveys. Since then, we have managed to implement most of them.
World
The world is open; the player is limited only by the enemies in a given area, but they are not artificially strengthened when the player's level is too low. The enemies' power increases with the player's actions. When the player kills people in an area, the area is fortified, bringing in more substantial defenders. After a few such strengthenings, vampire hunters appear in the area, who roam the area in search of vampires.
Movement
The controls are now WASD-based, and the player can freely rotate the camera and zoom in and out. The controls in Chronostasis remain unchanged. We are still working on improving the animations. We added a dash ability, which allows us to dodge incoming attacks; when the player dodges the attack at the perfect moment, a speed buff is applied.
Combat
We've made some huge changes to the combat system. Chronostasis is now a powerful secondary mode, but fighting without it will still be possible and satisfying. We've changed the basic attack. Now, attacking doesn't block the character; instead, the movement of the controlled vampire slows down, but it can still be controlled while attacking. Some other skills can also be used while the character is moving.
Aiming some skills, mainly projectiles (e.g., Blood Ball), ends when the skill starts flying toward the enemy (previously, the possibility of aiming ended when the casting started).
We implemented more complex statistics to balance the fights better. There are different damage types, defenses, and resistances. Enemies are more vulnerable to some damage types than others; for example, heavily armored vampire hunters will block much physical damage but will be susceptible to mind control. The player can now prepare the vampires' team for different journeys based on the enemies in the given area.
Also, there is more damage feedback, including new sounds, physics, blood, VFX, and animations.
Stealth
Aggressive enemies have dynamic detection cones. When the vampire is in the detection range, the cone fills. If the fill field reaches the vampire, detection is finished, and the enemies start fighting. The detection speed depends on the enemy's statistics (better-trained enemies such as Gendarmes detect faster), the vampire's current behavior (destroying things and using skills attracts more attention), and the crimes that vampires have committed before in the given area.
Story
We deleted unnecessary story parts from the game to allow the player to make his own story. There will be no more walking with NPCs or too-long dialogues. We deleted the mechanics' limitations based on the story's progress. There will be hints in the Castle instead of the quests, and quests in the World won't be mandatory. You will be able to choose which quest you are willing to accomplish. The dialogues are no longer linear. The player can now choose the answers and thus influence the game world.
If you have any questions or ideas, please let us know in the comments or on our Discord Channel.
The Playtest is over - conclusions
Hello Vampires! Thank you for taking part in the Vampire Clans Playtest.
The numerous surveys we received allowed us to make decisions regarding the game's further development.
World
In Playtest, the world was very limited; it came down to a tutorial that told the player what to do. Now, we are preparing an open world where each vampire lord can do whatever they want. The player will be able to explore the world on their own or with the help of quests from other vampires and influential characters.
The world will react to the player's actions; each location will have awareness system that enhances vampire threat level. Suppose the player is constantly killing people in an area. In that case, it will be reinforced with additional patrols of Gendarmes and Vampire Hunters, civilians will hide in their houses, and the atmosphere will become darker and darker, new encouters will be bloodier and more difficult.
Movement
Many of you wanted to enable camera rotation and let the player zoom in, so we did that. We will also enable keyboard controls, limiting the need for point-and-click to Chronostasis mode. We also plan to develop movement animations to make them more smooth.
Combat
The feedback on combat was mixed, with many surveys indicating that Chronostasis mode was difficult to use but overpowered once learned. We will make it easier to use and limit its capabilities so that it is not too powerful.
We will make combat without Chronostasis more dynamic; we aim to implement more audiovisual feedback, introduce the ability to dodge attacks and make enemy attack animations more predictable. The combat in Playtest was sometimes difficult (especially with Gendarmes), but combat in Vampire Clans is intended to be challenging. Some areas of the world will be filled with formidable enemies, so you can return to them after upgrading your equipment and vampires' abilities.
The death of one vampire during combat will not interrupt the game; other vampires will be able to resurrect him after the combat is over. When all vampires die during expeditions, they can respawn at the base or a previously activated cemetery.
We will also refine the boss fights so that each is unique and presents some different mechanics.
Stealth
The stealth mode in Playtest was in the early stages of development. Enemies detect the player only after a moment, which is not represented graphically and is confusing. We will develop the stealth mode to make the player more aware of what is happening with a precise cone of detection consisting of different levels of detection. Enemies will react to bodies and pools of blood, and the player's role will be to hide bodies and avoid bloodshed, perform bloodless kills, and distract enemies.
Story
We will limit the story and unnecessary dialogues but allow players to choose their answers. Each quest will be available to complete in the player's own way, avoiding limiting the player with the story and tasks.
Base Building
Base building was limited by tasks in Playtest. In the full game, players can do whatever they want in the base, including destroying rooms and speeding up time. The player can leave the base every night, so in practice, they can do it whenever they want. Day in the base will still exist, but it can be sped up/skipped.
Customization
We will do our best to make character customization as advanced as possible. The main vampire, the clan leader, will not be predefined.
If you have any questions or ideas, please let us know in the comments or on our Discord Channel.
Vampire Clans Playtests Are Open! Kickstarter Launched!
Greetings, Vampires!
We’re beyond excited to announce that Vampire Clans playtests are now live! Everyone who signed up on Steam now has direct access to enter the dark, immersive world of Vampire Clans. Step into the role of a powerful clan leader, explore the depths of our supernatural setting, and experience the intense strategy and rivalries firsthand!
Kickstarter Is Now Live!
Alongside the playtests, our Kickstarter campaign for Vampire Clans has officially launched! While development is progressing well, this campaign will allow us to add even more features, polish, and content, making Vampire Clans a truly unforgettable experience. Your support will make a huge difference in helping us bring the ultimate vampire strategy game to life. Every contribution counts, and we’d be thrilled to have you with us on this journey.
Share Your Feedback!
As you dive into the playtests, we invite you to share your feedback—your insights and suggestions will be instrumental in shaping the game. Join our official Discord server to connect with other players, report bugs, suggest improvements, and get exclusive updates from the team. We’re building a community of vampire fans, and your input is invaluable!
What Awaits You in Vampire Clans:
-Explore the World: Navigate through ancient vampire lore, rival factions, and dark, intricate settings. -Strategize & Lead: Manage your resources and lead your clan in battles to rise above the rest. -Share Your Journey: Capture and share your experiences as you uncover the mysteries of Vampire Clans!
Thank you for being part of our community and helping us make Vampire Clans the best it can be. We’re looking forward to your feedback, and we can’t wait to see the stories you create within the game.
Happy hunting, The Vampire Clans Team
Vampire Clans Gameplay Trailer on IGN
Greetings, Vampires,
We’re thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated Vampire Clans Gameplay Trailer is now live on IGN! Witness the dark allure and intricate strategies of the Vampire Clans in action. This trailer gives you a sneak peek into the world we've been crafting with dedication and passion. Watch the Gameplay Trailer here and immerse yourself in the shadows that await.
But that's not all. We’re excited to reveal the creation of our official Vampire Clans Discord Server. This server will be your hub for all things related to the game—a place where you can connect with fellow vampires, discuss gameplay strategies, share fan art, and get exclusive behind-the-scenes content. Join us in building a community that thrives in the darkness. Join the Discord Server and start your journey into the night.
Lastly, while the production of Vampire Clans is progressing smoothly, we're eager to push the boundaries even further. To do this, we’re launching a Kickstarter campaign. Your support will allow us to expand the game, adding more features, content, and polish to ensure Vampire Clans becomes a truly legendary experience. Rest assured, the game's development is not at risk—this fundraiser is about making the game even better. Support us on Kickstarter and become a part of our story.
We can’t wait to share more with you as we draw closer to launch. Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of our journey into the night.
Embrace the Darkness, The Vampire Clans Team
Vampire Clans - important information
Dear Vampire Clans Community,
We regret to inform you that, despite our best efforts, we were unable to prepare the demo in time for Steam Next Fest. We understand this may be disappointing news, and we sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.
Our team has been ambitiously working to enhance the game by incorporating numerous new elements, including a revamped UI, new skills, and additional features. Moreover, we have been dedicating resources to localizing the game into multiple languages to ensure a wider audience can enjoy Vampire Clans.
To make it up to you, we are committed to opening playtests this holiday season. We are aiming for these to be available in July, giving you an early glimpse into the world we’ve been tirelessly crafting.
Additionally, we are excited to announce that we are preparing a gameplay trailer to showcase the current state of the game. This trailer will give you an insight into the progress we’ve made and what you can expect when you finally get your hands on it.
Thank you for your understanding and continued support. We can't wait to share more updates with you soon.
Devlog #14 - Hunting
“Each stone laid with the weight of centuries, each victory a testament to the perseverance of the immortal.”
Fellow Vampires,
A vampire lord is as influential as their clan is. Aren’t your brothers in arms the true sign of power? After all, they not only stand by your side but also support you with their wisdom.
Thus, we are grateful for the community of vampires on our Discord. Thank you to each and every one of you for your support, feedback, and kind words. Our team studies your activity every day and works towards creating a world where we can all conquer the lands of Paris.
We read your comments on the player’s perspective during Hunt. Therefore, we decided to implement changes in its distance and angle. After testing several options, we settled on the current camera’s placement, which you can see on the screen below. In addition, it’s now possible to zoom in and out so that you can adjust it to your preferences or occasionally admire the details of our characters and environment.
To stay within the subject of the environment, we’ve just incorporated some of the environmental animations and visual effects, breathing life into the undead world. Trees and grass now react to wind, and occasional flocks of birds cross the sky. But fear not if this sounds too lively to you, as a murky fog came over the lands of Paris to constantly remind you of the cold within your bones.
After implementing a new set of character animations, controlling your vampire is much smoother. The animation blend from the starting to the running position is on point while keeping the overall hand movement and posture natural.
We constantly improve the main combat mechanics in the game, which is Chronostasis. We believe in its uniqueness and high fun factor; hence, polishing it is one of our priorities. The last updated version of Chronostasis includes the possibility to withdraw used actions and to see which ones have been planned to cast. Further improvements include adjustment of the character’s movement during Chronostasis, both in visual and mechanical aspects; currently, the line in which the character moves is not only visible but also knows about the obstacles on its path.
Finally, give me some blood! To bring the bloodbath effect to thrilling fights, we implemented a new functionality to the visual effect of blood. Now, liquids are dynamic so that the blood dripping from your victims could leave a crimson trail of your conquest.
Stay tuned and join our Discord channel. Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions. discord.com/invite/Q7gQde9wR8
Devlog #13 - Castle expansion, UI
"In the abyss of time, I prevailed, sculpting the empire from the raw stone soaked in the slaughters I have made."
Greetings, fellow Vampires!
Remember that even if you are waiting for the night, there is always the day. And the day is not a time for relaxation, let alone slacking! It is a call for diligence, growth, and perseverance. After all, is not the mighty castle itself a testament to the greatness of the Vampire Lord?
In Vampire Clans, the castle is your stronghold; improving it becomes the first stone of your Vampire's development. There is room for expansion in every corner, reflecting endless possibilities to unravel.
Lately, in our graphic department, we have been primarily improving the player's experience in the base, as the quality of the interior has been enriched both in terms of the materials and the optimization. Also, we are constantly working on the gameplay mechanics within the castle. In the gif, you can see the function of building.
The User Interface has changed; the revamped version incorporates newly developed features and a visual style more aligned with the unique aesthetics of our game. So far, the new UI has been fully implemented in the castle, and partially in during Hunt.
And when the night comes, we hunt. But what would hunting be without the possibility of collecting all the treasures from your victims? Together with the implementation of the stash system, we integrated our new UI with already programmed mechanics during Hunt. The new icons include combat skills, bat skills, and potions. The UI is already interactive.
Stay tuned and join our Discord channel. Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions. discord.com/invite/Q7gQde9wR8
Holidays Devlog #12
As winter solstice passes, nights are still longer than days, but shadows grow larger. In the biting cold, may you feel the shiver of anticipation, for the scent of blood intensifies in the crisp air. Trace the trails left in the snow, imprints of the unsuspecting prey, a morbid ballet under the watchful eyes of the night. If it happens that you are a mortal, beware of the elongated nights, as danger lurks in them. White snow might be tempting to step on but retain yourself, as it hides the predator’s hunger. It shall absorb the warm blood fast and cover the remains so no one can find them. But if you are a vampire, it is the time when shadows dance! May your senses be sharp, attuned to the pulse of the night, as you explore the beauty of holidays veiled in darkness. Merry and vigilant holidays!
Our team is refining the stealth system–an integral component that elevates the combat experience within our game. The emphasis lies in enhancing various facets of this system, such as vampiric skills, character’s movement, and enemies’ field of view. We do our best to ensure a seamless and immersive stealth interaction. Moreover, our focus extends to enemies’ behavior, which we want to ensure is programmed to have natural responses.
Our vampire’s unique ability–Chronostasis–is not only beneficial during combat but also vital while avoiding detection. A good mastery of the skill enables the player to roam around enemies without exiting from the stealth mode. In turn, if your vampire is spotted by enemies, Chronostasis may let you buy time to plan your further actions, whether to enter the fight or escape from the enemy’s sight.
If your vampire is sufficiently nourished with blood, they enter Chronostasis automatically the moment they are detected.
Always be aware of your surroundings; even ordinary objects can become your ally in stealth mode. You can hide under the gallows, duck into the bushes, or even take cover in the privy. The environment extends a strategic advantage, enabling vampires to hunt in unconquered areas teeming with gendarmes, vampire hunters, and rival vampire clans. Engaging in open combat within these areas may result in failure.
Also, we continuously work on creating unique but historically accurate clothing designs, and implementing them into high-quality 3D models. Here, we present you with a yet-not-textured version of a modular vampire hunter’s uniform. He slays, don’t you think?
Stay tuned and join our Discord channel. Feel free to share your ideas and suggestions. discord.com/invite/Q7gQde9wR8
Halloween Devlog #11
...
In moonlight grace, while others sleep, Avoiding the light, we lurk on the street. Chills down your spine as the night unfolds, In the vampiric world, where darkness holds.
Greetings, brave souls of our community! We wish you a fang-tastic Halloween!
On this mystical day, brace yourselves for the terrifying content we implemented in our game!
We are still in the process of polishing the core mechanics of the game. Most of the systems are functional and almost ready to be presented. In the gif below, you can see our signature Chronostasis mode, which allows you to plan your vampires' moves in advance. Upon performing planned actions, vampires are incredibly fast and effective in combat against humans. Be always prepared, as Chronostasis is only allowed when vampires are sated with human blood.
We also implemented bosses to the game - strong enemies with unique abilities and mechanics. The first one you encounter, Mother of Spiders, is presented in the screenshot below. One of her powerful abilities is summoning a poisonous rain. Not every boss is mandatory to kill, but every one of them holds unique items. This might encourage you to face those strong opponents and explore different side quests.
World creation is being constantly improved; we work on enhancing the quality of materials and objects or refining the lighting. As an example of our work, we present a screenshot of a cave where the Mother of Spiders lives.
We aim to create an immersive and historically accurate environment, as we believe that fangs are in the details. Therefore, we are in the midst of the creation of XIX-century costumes, architecture, and environmental tidbits.
At the end, we present you with a part of the Chateau of Vampires. The first time you enter the castle, it seems that it fell into disrepair after some terrible event... From now on, your task is to bring back the greatness of this place and form the clan before which the entire Paris will tremble.
