Hey everyone! Welcome to our first devlog.
We here at 5 Fortress believe that for a PVP game to really reach its true potential, you have to make sure it's enjoyable every time you start a game. We knew from our very first reveal that building a great multiplayer experience would not be easy, but now thanks to your feedback we hope to address some issues we have been seeing. The biggest problem at the moment is that it's been hard to fill the server with players at the same time. We believe you can't get an honest view of the game when there are less than 8 players in a 25 players server.
So today we are introducing you to the "No More Empty Servers" priority patch (As coined by our Lead Designer Jonah). So now even if you play by yourself or want to try it out and nobody is available, the server will be filled and you will get a real taste for the game and its mechanics.
Introducing new enemy AI to Shattle
We call it - Beginning of the invasion.
The streets of Bergbyn have been invaded by unknown soldiers. The map has transformed into a battlefield and the nice and tidy neighbourhood is no more. Instead, you'll be greeted by a new atmosphere with more blocks and barricades where you will find protection.
Patrols
The soldiers patrol inside and outside of the map. They can open doors, utilities and basements. They will also secure specific areas to get a better view and opportunities to find you.
Sight and Hearing
Of course, the soldiers will see you, if you move smoothly or hear you. For example, they will hear you down in the basement while they're outside in the garden. It'll be a problem if you don’t have anything to defend against them.
AI Combat
They are equipped from head to toe with firearms. Walls, barricades and other defences that can be closed will be used if you start to attack them. If you get out of sight, they will search from where they last lost you.
Fully Lootable
If you manage to bring them down you will be able to loot them and get an advantage over other players. But be careful, there might be more soldiers around the corner, be safe while looting.
In addition to implementing AI for the game, we are also working on some other important changes.
No More Weapon Mags
We heard your feedback on our weapons system. Our initial ammo and magazine system was overly complicated and hard to figure out on the fly.
That's gone!
From now on you only need the right ammo and weapon to start firing. We hope that it will give you a much more smoother experience of the game.
More Weapons Early
In addition to other players, enemy soldiers make the environment much more dangerous. This means you'll have to be quick when finding your first weapon to defend yourself with. We will also add a crafting bench to the basement floors so you do not have to go down to the shelters to build weapons.
More Time Before the First Bomb Raid
Many of you would like to have more time at the beginning of the match, before the first bomb raid. We are now testing a 5-minute slot of time before the first bomb raid goes off. That means you will have more time to loot and set up your strategy of survival.
We will do a big review on Bergbyn so it partly gets the new atmosphere of the invasion. It will bring more protection and scrap outdoors. But we will also continue the work of decorating the apartments. They have been very empty, which is due to the fact that we have not had time to clear all the assets and code. We will also go through destruction for more easy navigation. This is also a must for AI to be able to move in the ruins after the bombings.
We are working towards releasing these changes at the end of December for playtesting.
Have a great Friday from all of us!
