Intro
Hello, Storm Striker users, this is Alphakaman, the head of the Design Team.
It's already been two weeks since the release of Storm Striker.
Since the last hotfix, our development team has been fully focused on preparing the next patch.
I have revised our pre-launch plans to address the issues of Storm Striker as quickly as possible and to evolve the game into a better experience for you all. Today, I'll share those plans with you.
Update Plan
First off, here's our major update plan up until next February. It's not long-term, but I believe it's a plan that will solve the current major issues and expand the fun that the game offers.
Patch#1
This is the upcoming patch that I mentioned on Discord, originally scheduled for December 7th. However, as it includes more content than initially planned, unfortunately, the patch has been rescheduled to December 11th.
I ask for your understanding regarding this change in schedule.
Optimization
The development team was aware that the optimization was significantly lacking, and for this patch, we applied tasks that could be quickly implemented.
The development team recognizes the importance of optimization and will continue to work on improving it.
Expanded AE PASS
I thought now wasn't the right time to introduce monetization elements into the game, and since the addition of a season pass system is not in the immediate plans of my new update strategy, I felt that players needed some form of reward until then.
For that reason, we've dramatically expanded the Early Access Battle Pass by including items that were intended for future sale.
Below are the portraits of skins that you can additionally acquire in this expansion. (Please note that the actual color of the skins may differ from their portraits.)
Ladder Point System
The AE Pass expansion is a system for more casual players, while the LP system is designed for the more hardcore gamers. It's not exact, but we're adding LP that somewhat reflects MMR, allowing players to quantify their skills.
However, since it's not an official ranked game, we don't want players to feel pressured, so you'll only be able to see your own LP.
We ask for your understanding as the MMR will be reset in the December 11th patch to accommodate the addition of this system.
Chat System
We're aware that the in-game chat is currently quite limited, and it's one of the reasons the patch scheduled for the 7th has been pushed back to the 11th.
After the patch, you'll be able to chat in the lobby with your party and privately with friends through whispers.
While this isn't a complete implementation of chat, it's a significant improvement over what was available before.
Language Support
We hope that by supporting more languages, players from a variety of cultures can enjoy the game more comfortably. In addition to English and Korean, the list of languages we plan to support are as follows:
- Simplified Chinese
- Japanese
- Spanish
- German
- French
- Portuguese
- Russian
Patch#2
AI Opponent
We've noticed that many new players of Storm Striker are struggling to adapt to the game, leading to them dropping out.
Adding AI opponents is a feature intended to help these players ease into the game. Newcomers will initially play several games against AI characters, allowing them to acclimate to the game before playing with other users.
New Hero : Theo
Theo is a ranged character with simple and intuitive controls, fitting for a shooter game. We anticipate that Theo will offer a distinct and enjoyable experience compared to other ranged characters.
Skill Change Extension (Primary)
One of the most positive and unexpected responses since the launch was to the swap skill system. Players found it more intriguing than I had anticipated, and I see great potential in it.
Naturally, it makes sense to further specialize and expand on a system that players enjoy.
Since you can't change characters mid-game in Storm Striker, we want each character to have more potential. This work, along with the trait system, should well integrate this intent into the game.
In Patch#2, as a start, we plan to overhaul underused swap skills and add a third swap skill to some characters.
For instance, Narae's E skill could change to a buff that increases allies' movement speed, and Maximus's E skill might become one that sets up a barrier upfront, making it easier to break through heavily contested corridors.
Key Binding
This is the Key Binding feature that many of you have inquired about.
As it is indeed a necessary feature, we are aiming to add it as soon as possible.
Patch#3
Talents System
The Talents system is designed to allow character building during gameplay in combination with swap skills. (However, it won't be in a way that creates a disparity in progress with the opponent.)
As I mentioned earlier in the **Skill Change Extension (Primary)**, it's an additional system intended to deepen the aspects of the game that players find interesting.
I will organize and share more detailed information about this system sometime next week.
New Hero : Electra
Electra is a healer with an explosive combination of healing and damage potential, featuring a resource system reminiscent of Bernhard's rage.
Initially designed to be a sub-healer similar to a damage dealer like Sabio, Electra has been modified to also serve as a main healer like Narae, depending on the swap skills used. This flexibility will be reflected in the upcoming release.
Shop & BattlePass
BM (Business Model) is essential for the survival of the development company and also a way for us to provide various content to our players. There's not much to elaborate on this. We're eager to offer a wider range of skins to our users soon.
Patch#4
Skill Change Extension (Secondary)
Following the Skill Change Extension (Primary), the Skill Change Extension (Secondary) will involve a re-evaluation of swap skills, and we plan to add a third swap skill to all characters. This patch, along with these adjustments, is likely to also address the many changes brought about by the Talents System.
New Hero : Shifu
Siphu is a fast and versatile melee healer who can deal damage to enemies while also healing nearby allies.
Depending on the swap skills chosen, Siphu can be specialized either to dominate enemies alongside tanks or bruisers, or to protect allied ranged characters from the backline.
Controller Support
Like the Key Binding feature, there have been many inquiries about pad support. We hope that this change will allow more people to enjoy the game more comfortably.
Outro
By the next patch on the 11th, the development team plans to cover the Talents System and detailed contents of the patch on the 11th, as well as hold an AMA session.
We ask for your continued interest and support. The development team will do our best to provide you with a better game.
Thank you.