Hello everyone!
Today, I want to address you after a long time. As you know, one of the major updates of this year has been announced. Unfortunately, agriculture will come a bit later. If there are any changes, you will be informed.
Since I've finished everything related to characters, and everything is as it should be in the mechanical world of the game for now, I've started working on the map. I want to beautify it and make it look the way it should.
The map is a very complex part of the game, but of course, I manage to put some things together. I want players to truly feel the pleasure of the game when they literally walk around the map and explore the surroundings.
Many things have been changed, so we will go through each item individually with screenshots directly from the engine. The map is only 20% complete, for the simple reason that details are crucial on the map. Of course, everything you see is subject to change, in terms of adding more details and surrounding elements.
Forests
One of the biggest changes has been made to the forests. Let's start with the new trees, which aren't the best thing that could have happened, but for now, they're okay. They look very nice during gameplay, and they will look even better once everything is set in place.
Regarding the placement of trees and their positioning on the map, each tree will be MANUALLY placed on the map.
I also want to mention that there may be, but not necessarily, new mechanics for tree cutting. However, this is all in the development stages and everything is uncertain.
In the forests, you can find areas with berries, bushes, and probably some other plants that you can collect in the forests. I want to create mushrooms that you can eat. Of course, there will be poisonous ones as well as edible ones.
The grass and vegetation have been altered, especially designed for forests, as the grass in the forest and on the meadow are not the same as in real life. Fallen branches and similar things have been added.
Rivers and Lakes
Rivers and lakes have also undergone the biggest update. Sea grass, algae, sea stones, and more have been added.
I'm trying to add a fish world as well, but even if they are added, they won't be catchable. Until sometime in the future when those fish become catchable.
Of course, everything is still in the development stage, so everything will be more abundant and numerous.
Great Lake
The largest lake has also undergone a significant visual update.
The beach has been completely redesigned and tidied up. Decorative palm trees, new textures, etc., have been added.
As I mentioned, many things will be added in the realization of the update.
Rivers (outer part)
Rivers have received gravel on the sides to make them look more realistic. Perhaps there will be further improvements. :)
I hope you like how everything is shaping up. Of course, there's still a lot to be done. In addition to my daytime job, I have plenty to do with the game. I'm working bit by bit, taking it slow, and I want the story for the map to come to a close and, as we say in my country, to "put the dot on the i," ensuring everything is as it should be.
I haven't mentioned it above, but the weather will look different; everything will be synchronized and sorted out. So, there won't be fog during clear skies or maximum visibility during heavy rain or storms. And soon, as we approach the game's first release, it's not out of the question that seasons, a clock, days, and months of the year will be introduced. Realistic snow, rain, etc., are also on the horizon.
There are big plans, high expectations, a small budget, but strong ambitions. I'll say it again: I won't give up on the game. The only possibility of giving up would be when my computer becomes too weak for its development. It's not really giving up, more like taking a long break.
Unfortunately, we're reaching the point where 32GB of RAM is becoming insufficient, and even the Ryzen 5 3600x is becoming too weak for this kind of usage, but it's holding up.
Be patient. I hope this update will be released by the end of May, if not by mid-June. Stay healthy, love your loved ones, and be happy. The new update is coming :)
Warm regards,
BJS Studio.