Hello, this is the Backroom Company development team.
In our last dev log, we shared news about performance optimization and graphic quality upgrades.
Today, we want to share in detail how those technical changes have completely transformed the actual gameplay, especially the "Exploration Phase."
The core keywords for this rework are "Intended Tension" and "Diverse Gameplay Experiences."
We are moving away from simple random room connections and combining high-quality fixed maps with random events to deliver a unique horror experience every time.
We would like to introduce the changes to the [Hotel] and [Pool] zones, which you will encounter first.
1. Intricate Map Design and Unpredictable Variables
Previously, exploration involved infinitely randomly generated rooms, which led to repetitive structures and the fatigue of easily getting lost.
With this overhaul, we have introduced a system based on a massive fixed map structure, but where the placement of doors, walls, and connecting passages changes randomly each time.
You will now be able to experience well-structured level design.
- Exploration: Item farming and securing routes
- Crisis: Traps, mazes, and threats from fixed entities
- Reward: Acquiring high-value artifacts and currency
- Rest: Dumbwaiters and maintenance areas
Thanks to these structural changes, you can enjoy exploring in a dense environment applied with the high-quality lighting we mentioned last time.
2. New Challenges: "Sub-Missions"
No more repetitive gameplay of just picking up scraps to sell!
"Sub-Missions" tailored to the theme of each stage are being introduced.
Sub-missions provide an opportunity to secure additional funds beyond the main objective and give you a definite motivation to explore the depths of the Backrooms.
[Hotel] Zone Key Missions
△ Preview of the [Hotel] View
① Partygoers: Frenzied Party Hall Partygoers are throwing a festival in the party room. Be careful not to ruin their party... wait, actually, you must ruin the party! Sneak in to blow out the candles on the cake or pop the balloons to collect data. However, once the party is ruined, there's no telling how the angry Partygoers will turn on you.
② Hide-and-Seek Girl You must find a lost doll for someone. But be careful. The moment you take the doll, a chilling game of hide-and-seek with the girl begins.
[Pool] Zone Key Missions
△ Preview of the [Pool] View
① Water Park Slide Puzzle When you arrive at the giant slide room, a puzzle awaits to open the locked treasure room. Cooperate with your teammates to operate levers and activate the correct slide pipes to obtain the treasure.
② Toadman's Egg You must steal "eggs" from the Toadman habitat hanging from the ceiling. The moment you pick up an egg, the Toadmen will chase you frantically. You have no choice but to hide in lockers to lose them or run for your life.
3. New Devices to Aid Exploration
As the depth of exploration increases, new elements to help your survival will be placed throughout the map.
- Shopping Cart: Now you can find carts in the early exploration zones. Transport many items at once.
- Outpost: Small dumbwaiters and safe zones are provided in the middle of the map where you can sell items or recover health without returning to the elevator.
Conclusion
Our development team is currently finishing the rework of the Hotel and Pool zones and focusing all efforts on balancing the fun and horror of each mission.
It's not just the map that's changing; the gameplay experience itself regarding "what purpose you have, what threats you avoid, and what you gain" will be completely different.
The reworked Hotel and Pool zones will be revealed to you first as soon as the work is completed.
Please look forward to it, and we will be back soon with a specific schedule.
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Thank you.
Backroom Company Dev Team