Hello Exorcists!
We're back with another “Letter from the Developers” to talk to you and show you what we're working on right now.
We are quite happy with the progress of the work for this important update, with, as always the goal of offering you the best experience of hunting supernatural entities.
We have read your feedback in emails, in the Steam comments, as well as in Discord- and we will clarify a number of points regarding the future new progression system:
"What exactly will it consist of?"
You will earn experience and money as you complete contracts, from objectives/secondary objectives, from photos you take, and from occult items you bring back to the HQ after a contract. With the experience and money accumulated, you will unlock a certain number of elements.
"Why do entities unlock with levels?"
In order to allow new players to discover the game and progress at their own pace and to avoid them having to fight an entity that is too aggressive in their first game. We are also thinking of more experienced players, who have been able to improve their approach to the various contracts and locations. We want them to be able to easily visualize their progression in the game, and give them even more ways to be proud of progressing.
"But, maps are also unlocked at high levels?"
No, the maps are unlocked with the money you earn as you complete the missions. Why? To encourage players to discover the maps, to give new or updated maps a fair chance, to try different approaches or methods, but also to master the purchase of equipment, so players are less incentivized to buy dozens of copies of an item. Instead, we can begin developing the process for players to start spending in-game money elsewhere. In conclusion, we want a second wind and a new interest with in-game money. You should also know that it will not take a lot of money to unlock each map. This is hopefully just the beginning of purchasable unlocks, we hope to add more options/new content to be purchasable and unlocked with in-game money in the near future.
"But... until now we could play on all maps, with all entities. What is the point of restricting now on already existing data?"
Well... Ghost Exorcism INC is in Early Access, the gameplay has always been changing, evolving, and improving, that's what we strive to accomplish. Moreover, it would indeed be of little interest if there were no further additions in the the update, which will not be the case! ;)
"We're going to lose our save and have to start all over again?"
The save system is getting a slight overhaul. In view of the first tests, players will keep the money they have accumulated, regarding experience, since we will change the experience necessary to level up, players will keep the experience they have accumulated until they reach a capped ceiling corresponding to the "new" level 40. This will allow players not to feel a "waste" of time, but also to have content to discover despite their high level. To boil it down; those of you who were very high level before, will still be very high level in the new XP system. The new system has different scaling, and different thresholds, so your level may not be a perfect mirror of what it is currently in-game, and this is intended.
"A progression system, sure, why not... but if it's still so difficult to navigate when you're new, it will be useless."
Well precisely! A map specifically designed to be an interactive tutorial is in development and will arrive with the update. You will be able to learn how to use the different game objects in a live-action way.
"So this is more than a graphics and lighting update?"
Yes!! At this stage, we can speak of a real overhaul and improvement of the game. You will know more about it in the next announcement!
"When is this huge update coming?" "Any ETA?"
We will be able to give you a date in the next announcement we post. Stay tuned!
We hope to have answered most of your questions!
Here are some new visuals of different maps:
Fort St Samael is also entitled to its graphic and light overhaul.
A map where you learn to defend yourself against evil forces?
Imagine if the piano... could play music on its own...
We will come back to you very soon with new visuals and always more new improvements to announce!
The feedback you give us as well as your warm messages allow us to consider the best for Ghost Exorcism Inc, thank you again!
Don't forget your Crucifixes and Statues of Mary.
- The Ghost Exorcism Inc. team