Hello everyone!
I'm happy to showcase the first gameplay preview of Project Prison. I wanted to create a devlog or showcase video to demonstrate how the game actually looks. In this video, you'll see that there are a total of 8 different prison wings, though I only visited 3 in the footage. I've also captured some scenes from the yard. I didn't want to stretch the video beyond 20 minutes, so I'm only showing part of the yard and 3 prison wings. Additionally, in the yard section, I'm showcasing different weather conditions, and at the end, I'll demonstrate the inventory system and the use of contraband.
Inventory actions are completely independent of general player actions. For example, you can smoke while running or sitting on any interactable object. The same applies to drinking, eating, and other actions.
Note that there's an addiction system in the game. If you start drinking, smoking, or taking drugs, these needs will be added to your character. They're more demanding than general needs and have severe effects. You can read more about this in our previous Steam blog posts.
Prison Layout:
There are over 300 prisoners and 8 prison blocks in total. Gangs that control specific wings can more easily recruit soldiers from those areas. Other territories, like areas in the yard, provide access to unique contraband items.
When you start the game, you can select the population count in the prison. The maximum limit is 320 prisoners, and the minimum limit is around 150. This selection will help with performance.
Before interacting with a prisoner, you can see general information about them, including their status, info, and opinion of you.
Regime System:
The regime system is a crucial part of the prison life simulation. There are two main schedules:
1. Sleep
2. Freetime
During Freetime, there are 3 sub-schedules:
* Work
* Shower
* Eat
You'll notice an icon when a particular sub-schedule is active. Importantly, specific areas like the shower, canteen, or work-related areas are only accessible when the corresponding sub-schedule is in effect. This system ensures a realistic flow of prison life and adds depth to the gameplay.
Gang System Overview
On the minimap, you'll notice areas with colored overlays. These indicate gang-controlled territories. Each zone in the prison is controlled by a specific gang, and the color coding helps you navigate these complex social dynamics.
You'll have the opportunity to join a gang and compete for rival territories. Gangs have a three-tier structure:
- Leader: The gang owner
- Lieutenants: Manage assigned territories and have their own soldiers
- Soldiers: Sell contraband and protect territory
I hope you enjoyed this blog! This is my first time creating something like this, and there's still so much more to show, including:
- Quest system
- Gang warfare
- Political system
- Various minigames for prison work
But those will have to wait for next time.