Happy New Year!
It is now a year since Resolve was first announced on Steam, and since then a lot has happened. It has been a wild year that saw the announcement, breaking, remaking and rebirth of Resolve in a very short amount of time.
Today I would like to do a quick round-up and status of 2023, and layout the plan for what 2024 is going to bring.
Looking back at 2023
When we set out to remake the game back in March we observed a fundamental issue that's very common in the genre:
You have a team and teammates, but you rarely interact with or care about who is on your team.
Since then we have been dead-set on finding an answer to this problem, and formulated a main design objective:
We had a strong basis and a lot of experience from the first tests and have throughout 2023 completely redesigned the game into something we are very excited to share with you in 2024!
Here are a few highlights of all the work that has been done in 2023:
- Created a new gamemode with dynamic objectives that is easy to learn.
- Created a system for dynamic team creation that make players value their teammates and brings the genre in a new fresh direction.
- Moved to an alternate history setting that opens new options for gameplay design.
- Experimented with item scavenging and a simple inventory system to make your life matter and increase tension - No more endless deploy-die-repeat. Further testing is required so stay tuned for that.
- Redesigned gunplay to be more grounded with weapon-specific characteristics and recoil.
- Refactored the entire codebase and all assets for optimisation.
- Implemented first vehicle with modular armament and compartmentalized damage model.
- Brought the game from concept to a complete playable build.
Current Status
The status now is that we have a complete proof of concept of the game that has been tested with a limited group of people so we can ensure a high quality experience before you get to play.
It was an equally nerve-wracking and exhilarating experience to see people play the new Resolve for the first time. And I feel very confident about where we are going after seeing all our ideas in action.
All-in-all It looks like we are on track to accomplish our main design objective to create a game about meaningful teamwork that feels truly unique and where every match plays out differently.
2024 Testing roadmap
In order to continue development we now need to see how it plays with many more players. Therefore we are aiming to begin experimental playtesting again as soon as possible using the #tester-sign-up list in the Discord.
The objective of experimental testing is to refine the game concept to be ready for Kickstarter. When the Kickstarter is launched we will limit playtesting to Backers only.
There are still many parts of the design and setting that are unsettled, but this means your feedback and input will make a big difference moving forward. We will also be looking to expand the team now that the concept and direction is starting to settle in, so feel free to reach out anytime.
Test map progress
For the Kickstarter proof of concept we have been focusing on one map - a fortified island North of Sicily. This environment is very easy to change and adapt based on feedback, and helps us decide what to look for when scouting for new locations.
Here are a few screenshots for you while we get the open testing ready for you to experience yourself:
The internal testing has helped refine the ruleset and mechanics as well as iterating the map to play better, have more distinct landmarks, covered routes and visual clarity. This makes the map a great focused experience for the Kickstarter.
Can’t wait to play with you in 2024!
It is shaping up to be an incredibly exciting year! And thank you all for your patience and understanding as we ripped Resolve apart to create something new.