Development Update
Hi everyone,
I wanted to share a short update on where Better Than Dead is right now, and how its core experience is taking shape.
Playtesting Status
The first rounds of playtesting have concluded.
Over the past weeks, I’ve been reviewing feedback and applying adjustments to the core gameplay.
A new round of playtests is currently being prepared.
One clear pattern emerged across nearly every level.
Encounters tend to begin under heavy pressure, then gradually settle into a more controlled rhythm as movement, space, and timing start to align. The experience is built around this shift… from instability to a deliberate, physical flow of violence.
Core Experience
Better Than Dead follows an untrained woman driven by raw revenge.
The experience starts in chaos.
You’re not prepared.
You react badly.
You survive by instinct.
But if you push through, something shifts.
Panic gradually gives way to momentum. As encounters unfold, movement and positioning become more deliberate, and control starts to emerge.
Current Focus
Development is currently focused on:
Expanding and refining existing levels
Building new locations
Improving environmental detail and realism
Adding new gameplay mechanics
A significant amount of work is going into the construction of each level.
Each environment is unique and purpose-built, with a strong focus on recreating 90s Hong Kong spaces as faithfully as possible.
About the Playtest
A new update is planned soon., and the playtest will reopen to a new group of players.
The playtest is intentionally kept small and closed. This allows feedback and bug reports to be reviewed carefully, and changes to be implemented quickly without unnecessary noise.
Starting with upcoming updates, access will rotate more consistently. Each new build will open to a fresh group of players, keeping the test focused while allowing more people to take part over time.
Thank You
Thank you to everyone following the project…
the Discord community, the playtesters, and everyone who has taken the time to share feedback.
All of it directly helps improve the game.
If you haven’t already, adding Better Than Dead to your Steam wishlist really helps and keeps the project moving forward.
-Montegallo