Hello everyone, and welcome to our second Dev Diary!
September is here, and that also means we’re back in full swing at Exkee. After a well-deserved summer break, the team is working hard with a clear goal in mind: to deliver a first playable version of the game by the end of the year, ahead of our Early Access launch planned for 2026.
So, what did we accomplish in September? Let’s take a look 👇
A brand-new tutorial
We know our game inside and out… but you don’t (yet)! That’s why we developed the first version of the tutorial, tested during our very first public event on September 20. The feedback we received helped us refine this introduction so everyone can jump into the action more easily.
New missions
Another major focus: playable missions. Two scenarios are already well underway, and this also gave us the chance to work on the mission selection interface.
Mock-up of the new menu, currently being integrated into the engine
On the artistic side
September was also busy for the art team!
The map redesign continues with new rocks, trees, roads, and other details enriching the environment.
The training center, inspired by the firefighters’ facility in Velaux (France, Bouches-du-Rhône), now includes a brand-new locker room… and that’s only the beginning!
The fire station is filling up with this shiny new locker room! Do you have any ideas for other rooms to add?
A lookout tower is also in the works
Gameplay mechanics
On the gameplay side, several mechanics have been polished:
The management of smoke intoxication and heat has been reworked and is currently being balanced, as these mechanics encountered many issues following the implementation of our new fire system. The same applies to fire extinguishing.
Civilian rescue mechanics are improving with a new medical bag that can store multiple items to treat different injuries.
The tactical support menu has evolved alongside the mission system.
Development of a new system for placing and rotating objects. By default, objects are dropped facing the player, but the new system now allows them to be oriented and placed with greater precision.
Preview object placement before confirming it, for more accuracy and time savings
And also…
Steam and Epic Games Store integration
First internal Steam Playtest sessions
Improved fire and smoke effects
And of course… lots of bug fixes!
That’s it for September! Thank you so much for being here and supporting us. We wish you an amazing October, and we’ll see you next month for the third Dev Diary!
❤️ Rescue Ops: Wildfire team