Hello, Chasers! This month we’re excited to share our progress on UI improvements, visual effects, vegetation updates, and more!
UI IMPROVEMENTS
We’re working on improving our user interface elements to improve readability at a glance when driving. The different systems we’re currently tackling are the player icons on the map and the car module when sitting in the car.
MAP PLAYER ICONS
We’re making the in-game map easier to read. Right now, when several players are close together, names and icons tend to overlap and make things messy. Our goal with this update is to keep the map clear and simple while still giving you all the information you need at a glance and without getting in the way of weather products.
The new design combines each player’s info directly into their icon. You’ll be able to spot friends quickly by the first letter of their Steam name and the color of their car, with an option to display passenger counts if needed. Here’s a rough programmer-art preview of the concept, but keep in mind it’s still early and our UI artist hasn’t worked his magic yet.
UNIFIED CAR MODULE
We’re also refining how information is displayed while driving, aiming for a cleaner and more unified look across the interface. At the same time, we’re beginning to integrate our new design for the probe receiver data module. The screenshot below is a Photoshop mockup that represents our current vision for how these modules could come together. Keep in mind that this is still a work in progress, and the final in-game version will look different once fully implemented.
VISUAL EFFECTS PROGRESS
Rain on Window FX + Tornadoes
The rain effect on vehicle windows is nearing completion. The system now calculates the trajectory and accumulation of raindrops based on a combination of environmental wind vectors and the velocity of the vehicle. This means the orientation of each window surface relative to the wind field and vehicle direction directly determines how obstructed it becomes. A practical example: at 30 mph with a 60 mph tailwind, the windshield registers almost no rain while the rear window accumulates heavily.
We also integrated spatialized audio tied to these effects. Heavy rain bands have their own 3D-positioned audio sources that move with the storm environment, while dust impacts produce a “sandblasting” effect that shifts around the vehicle body. Both are linked to the same environmental data that drives the visuals, so the player hears exactly what they see.
On the tornado side, the Catalyst team is continuing work on the foundations of the new system. Their focus right now is on core architecture changes that will allow more detail and more accurate behavior once the system is fully implemented.
VEGETATION UPDATE PROGRESS
Last month we outlined the next steps for the vegetation update across OUTBRK’s world. As a quick reminder, these included major tool improvements (Trello link.), reducing overall tree density by about 30%, and replacing all ground foliage assets.
We’ve made significant progress on all fronts, and David is now repopulating the map for a fresh round of visual and performance testing. This is still an iterative process, with more work ahead on both the level design tools and the vegetation itself. In the meantime, here are two updated screenshots taken directly from the editor (please note these are not final gameplay visuals):
NEW 3D MODEL
CHAIN LINK HAIL CAGE (work in progress)
NEW DISCORD SUPPORT SECTION
Our lead tester, WalkOverYou, has set up a brand-new support section on our Discord server to make bug reporting smoother and more efficient. This will help us track community-reported issues faster and respond to your concerns more easily.
Discord remains the quickest way to reach us directly, but don’t forget that we also keep a close eye on the Steam forums for bug reports and general feedback.
If you haven’t joined yet, hop into our Discord here: http://discord.gg/outbrk
Here is what the new support section look like:
That's all for this development update ! Thanks for all your support, consider leaving a review on the steam store to reach more potential future chasers !
Till next time,
-The OUTBRK Team