Hello Explorers,
Today I'm sharing an updated look at the development roadmap for Expedition to Madness.
With 15 total maps planned for Early Access, I want to give you full visibility into what is already completed, what is included in the demo, and what is currently under development.
ROADMAP
Below is the updated roadmap showing the current status of all 15 universes and the milestones leading into Early Access.
The DEMO is already available and you can play the first universe, UV01, which is inspired by "The case of Charles Dexter Ward" novel from H.P. Lovecraft.
Additionally on the 12th of December, I will be release a second universe to explore, UC13, fully inspired in "The Shadow Over Innsmouth", currently being tested in the Beta branch. With this, I am expecting players to have a full replayable experience for countless hours!
In the current universes I have tried to represent the best parts of ten Lovecraft's best stories. Forgive me if they are not 100% accurate, in the end they are adaptations as the game is following it's own story and is not my intent to reproduce the novels as they are, but to blend the main story about the search for Emily, which is its own story, with the scenarios of H.P. Lovecraft. I'm sure fans will love to explore these locations!
I will release more details about the other universes and the 3 major updates over the next months. Just some hints about Eldritch Geometry, is is related to the Gelatinous Cube that you may have found in UV01. Dimensional Collapse will be a major expansion of the current Negative Dimensions.
TUTORIAL AND CHANGES
During the first weeks of the demo, around 50 players have played, only 10 have been able to finish the Victorian Mansion,... alive. Therefore I have made some changes to ease down the difficulty:
Players now will have more energy available to extract in the expedition
A step-by-step tutorial has been introduced in the main menu. Despite the game having a few videos and manuals in game, I REALLY recommend to follow the 5 minutes tutorial, as you might find out things that you have missed, specially around doing invocations with the Necronomicon.
Updated Instructions board
New explorer HUD for clearer mission info and visuals
Flashlight now consumes less energy
Tactical visor now consumes less energy
Night-vision googles, have an independent battery, so you will never run out of energy
WHAT'S COMING NEXT
Big update on the 12th of December for the DEMO , don't miss it!
Expanded death mechanics: Deceased players will soon assist the team from the Hexeract, by controlling a maintenance robot to tune energy refinement and wormhole stability—keeping the mission alive from beyond. 3 Minigames that will manipulate the internals of the Hexeract allowing the dead? expedition members to improve the energy refinement, stabilise the wormhole or ... something else :)
Addition of 2 New minor entities
Refresh of the current major entities Pathfindings and animations.
2 new Parallel Realities that come with the new map, including "The Interdimensional hotel"
I am very excited about the changes coming, and I can't wait for you to play it.
Lastly, I want to celebrate that Expedition To Madness has reached 500 Wishlists! I'm very honoured by this achievement.
Thank You for Supporting the Expedition
Your wishlists, feedback, and enthusiasm help shape the direction of the project. I'm committed to delivering a deep, atmospheric, multi-universe horror experience, and I can’t wait to share more with you soon.
Stay safe between dimensions!
Special thanks to everyone who has been testing the demo and giving feedback specially but not only to:
Ericdraven
Rawls
Kooky
Kitsu
Miguel Angel and the team of ErrekGamer
Kathleen Noir