Hey all,
Rosie from RageSquid here.
We're very sorry for taking so long with updates on Descenders Next, and not being able to deliver what we've been promising yet. I'd like to give a brief explanation of what's been happening!
Since the Descenders Next launch, we've realized that the way we wanted to tie parks into the world map with the beloved procedural mode in Descenders 1 didn't really resonate with people the way we hoped it would. Behind the scenes we're slowly working on getting the feel and flow of Descenders back into Descenders Next. So Descenders Next also feels like a game where you go 'okay one more run'.
Changing these systems takes a lot of time and effort. As you know, Descenders took a while to get where it is today, and implementing that into Descenders Next is no different.
We're also taking on console development ourselves, and with this huge multiplayer update (more info below!) we've had issue after issue. This definitely affected how long this update took, and once again we're very sorry for that. Obviously we want to work on the fun stuff instead of fixing all these behind the scenes problems.
Another reason is that we all know you still love Descenders, and still love the updates we're bringing out. We also don't want to leave that behind. It's a project that we put SO much love into, and it really still is very dear to us. We're still a small studio here at RageSquid (fewer than 10 of us!) so you can imagine taking on both Descenders and Descenders Next is quite the effort. And I think we maybe underestimated the work that came with managing two big projects.
All that being said we're super happy that we've managed to put out a massive Descenders update, and are now finally pushing the Descenders Next Multiplayer Update out in the open! We know it's a big ask, but please don't lose hope in us yet. We're making some changes in the way we're going to approach newer updates, and are really planning to get smaller but more frequent updates out there in the new year. We're confident that we can turn this around!
Once again we're very sorry, but for now we hope you enjoy both the Descenders Big Air Compound update, and this Descenders Next Multiplayer Update! We wish you all the most lovely holidays, and we can't wait to regain your trust in the new year. We're on it ❤️
And now for the update details! We're super happy we're able to introduce Descenders Next's biggest update so far:
The Multiplayer Update!
We're bringing brand new multiplayer modes, custom lobbies, and a complete overhaul to how you earn gear! REP IS BACK, baby!
CUSTOM LOBBIES
Since the launch of Descenders Next, we've been working hard on getting custom lobbies in the game, and we're super happy to announce that you can now join up and play with your friends, the same way you always have in Descenders!
PARK MODE
Join up and create a private room to play the parks in Descenders Next together with all your friends! There's a voting system in place, so once you're tired of one, you'll just vote and hit up another!
RACE MODE
Are you the most Kinetic of them all? Prove it in Race Mode! Make a selection of the race levels, and compete against your friends to prove you're the fastest! The clock is ticking!
FOLLOW THE LEADER MODE
Get ready to explore the whole world map together with your friends. One person is the leader, but you can all vote on where they should take you next. Explore the world map together in a way that makes Descenders Next better than ever!
WAY MORE GEAR, NEW WAY TO UNLOCK
The shops are out of business! We've heard your feedback, and have brought back the old Descenders system where the amount of REP you gain in a session matters. Do a run from safe zone to safe zone, score loads of points, and see if you can get all the Extraordinary Gear in your itinerary. Did someone say there's shiny glowy things to collect now?!
As a side node (pun intended), this does not mean the shops are meant to be gone forever, we are still seeing if they have a place in the game. But we feel this makes every run special to get those fancy items again, back to the grind!
FULL CHANGELOG
Of course, we've got a bunch of bug fixes & quality of life changes headed your way too! Here's a full roundup of everything in this update:
Major features:
3 new multiplayer modes (Park Mode, Race Mode, Follow the Leader Mode)
New gear system based on session REP
Minor features:
New avatar hairstyles
Lots of new gear (Common, Uncommon, Rare and Extraordinary)
New input UI
New bonus objective: complete mini-boss
New notification UI
Audio/SFX updates:
Voices now pitch in replay editor
Woodslats no longer silent for Snowboarding
UI additions
Bug fixes:
When holding down your navigation input you will now hear continuous rollover SFX
Fixed input issues with socials
Fixed replay being corrupted when favouriting
Fixed replay options input
Fixed Postgame disappearing when skipping the last screen
Fixed ambient sounds not being stopped when going into a replay
Fixed News input
Fixed input indicators
Socials input now hides when buttons aren't available
Fixed low resolution images of medals and trophies
What's Next?
We are still working on bringing back Career Mode from Descenders, because we know how much you love it! Here is a little sneak peek at how it's looking - look familiar?
We also have a brand new park in the works! We're expecting to drop this early next year, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled! Here's a little sneak peek:
Thank you all for the ongoing support, and we'll see you on the slopes! ❤️
Love,
RageSquid & No More Robots