📝 Developer Note
We know we’ve been quiet for a while.
During this time, we’ve been heavily focused on the game’s core systems, performance, and overall gameplay experience behind the scenes.
This update is the direct result of that work and includes many improvements that noticeably impact how the game plays.
We’d also like to note that we’re making adjustments to the previously shared roadmap.
An updated roadmap will be shared as soon as possible.
🔧 Performance & Technical
Significant progress has been made on optimization. For this reason, the game has been moved back to DX12. Players who prefer DX11 can still launch the game using the -d3d11 parameter.
Fixed a shadow flickering issue.
General network improvements.
Fixed an issue where clients were unable to communicate using the radio.
Fixed voice stuttering issues occurring while players were talking.
👥 Lobby & UI
Return to Lobby is now fully functional. The host can bring all players back to the lobby.
How to Play section has been added.
Lobby has been redesigned.
Various UI fixes and improvements have been made.
👹 Demon & Hunt Mechanics
New and varied jumpscare mechanics have been added. Jumpscares that directly affected the player camera have been removed.
Added audio cues so the demon’s location is clearer when a hunt begins. The demon now actively chases players with footstep sounds.
Increased the demon’s interaction with environmental objects.
Improved the exorcism sequence when the demon is banished.
Fixed an issue where the demon would not be banished despite touching the pentagram.
🔮 New Mechanic
Added a Necklace Hunt Initiation mechanic. If (X) players (based on player count) raise the necklace simultaneously, the hunt will begin after 5 seconds. This allows players to more easily and strategically banish the demon.
🧍 Characters & Animations
Character animations have been updated.
Player characters have been completely redesigned.
🗺️ Map & Environment
Crows on the map have been reworked and now feature a new visual style.
Fixed an issue where chandeliers would get stuck when a hunt started.
Interiors are now slightly brighter and more readable, though a flashlight is still required.
🧠 Objectives & Interaction
Objective system has been integrated.
Added a new visual effect to make interactable items more noticeable.
We identified that item setup was slowing players down when returning to the game. If the player count is below 4, the innkeeper will now bring all items except the flashlight to the front of the selected map. This significantly improves pacing for smaller groups.
🏆 Progression & Economy
Added in-game gold rewards tied to achievements. Players can now earn gold through progression and completing challenges.
🔊 Audio & Effects
Removed the fire effect from the rat cage and replaced it with rat sound effects.
Added sound effects to the ectoplasm skull.
Fixed an issue where ectoplasm would remain active after switching or dropping items.
🐞 Fixes
Many minor bug fixes.