Hi everyone Rich here, so tonight I’m putting out quite an extensive change for Prospekt, I have also made a new Vlog for you on Youtube all as per requested by quite a few of you.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MeYp3cFcleI
This vlog is a look into where I work and make Prospekt and what's coming out in this update so be sure to check it out if you want to take a look into what equipment I‘m using etc to make the game.
So to begin with I guess ill say today is the Prospekt 1 Year anniversary. Exactly one year ago I got an email saying Project-X has now been Greenlit. What a crazy year it has been. Being given permission to design for video gaming's most prestigious brand has been incredible. Massive highs and massive lows. Endless work periods, sleepless nights.
Conferences in Colonge and London, online meetings with people in Seattle.
A new business was born. Many contracts signed, thousands of dollars and pounds exchanged. Met some great people. Over 1 million people have visited the store page, at one point peaking at 10,000 people a minute. Articles in every major and minor video game press outlet both online and in print magazine oh and don't forget BBC news, that was crazy. Then both the hatred and love from thousands of people.
If you would have said this would be my future three years ago when I started this project. I would have called you crazy. But here I am, and I'm super grateful to Valve for letting me do this. I Look forward to continuing to work with them in the future to make more great games. To anyone who has an idea they truly believe in i'd say shoot and just go for it. Worst case scenario you end up back in a job similar to one you just left.
Also I have decided due to the huge demand to play the closed beta to just make it an open beta because of the high demand it's just easier to keep it open. Anyway, with all that being said, I’ve been working flat out non stop on Prospekt for the last three weeks so here goes… This is what is in this update today.
( Its quite extensive. )
Changes Include :
Fixed node graph issue that was causing players to have node graph on there screen rebuilding despite node graph not being needed to rebuild
New graphical improvements throughout the game by changing the final render to remove the grey tone some of you may have noticed, now when you play the game you will notice the colours are all much more defined, sharp and provide a vastly greater experience.
New hunter battle vastly improved from the original Combine Power Co level which includes a dynamic arena with some destructible environments.
Added more random supply crates that people were asking for through level three.
Added extensive decals to levels one through three. ( I know some of you may have noticed the lack of decals in the release version of Prospekt, this was due to a complex bug that I couldn't fix in time for release unfortunately. This bug would come into effect when you would use a real time light. Regardless of where the light was shining in the map it would light up every decal to full brightness and look absolutely terrible, so I had to make the call, real time lighting, or decals. I chose the lighting. However this has now been either fixed or worked around in many areas allowing me to use both.
Improved some areas for more detail in level one
Greatly improved lighting issue in Cold Water Intake
New signs throughout level two and three to improve immersion and help guide the player
Entirely new designed from scratch second stage of level three.
New particle effects for the alternative fire on the AR2 weapon. ( I am aware the particle effect is not attached to the weapon and im working on it but couldnt get it done in time for this update )
New particle effects for the shotgun, now when you fire a round the shotgun will release a small trail of smoke.
Greatly graphically improved Combine Energy Ball Generator with new particle effects, higher resolution, and sprites.
Introduced new models to level three which include dynamic computers that have randomised sprite based flashy computer lights.
Introduced some new small combine models that I have been working on.
A new Ultra High Definition texture ( UHD ) that I would like you all to test and see how your FPS has been effected. This can be found on the power station floor
Added several new textures over all that I have been working on.
Increased detail of older textures in Half-Life 2
Introduced real time dynamic lighting in level three that I would also like to see how this affects people's FPS. I have Included a nice easy switch in the main menu to turn on the FPS counter. I have over done the lighting on purpose to see what peoples FPS drop will be like. It’s almost a small stress test to see how far I can push the engine on your pc’s and when I put this version out for good ill have a reasonable idea of how much dynamic lighting I can include. So if you are getting low FPS in the particular area it’s on purpose. However it is awesome to play, every hanging light can be shot out that provides a totally different combat event on each play through.
I would be really greatful if you are experiencing low ~ mid FPS to tell me your system spec in the forums so I can get a good idea of peoples hardware capabilities.
Removed the super annoying explosion that completely owned people if they got unlucky in the portal room of Nova Prospekt.
New Font that I have designed for Prospekt based on Opposing Force.
And of course most importantly of all, fixed the rather insignificant double doors that people were having a total meltdown over. ( I would also like to add, I did actually purposely design it that way, the thought being how can you open two doors at the same time when you are holding a gun in one hand but need to twist two door handles without putting the gun down? But I do agree it looks better in the game. )
Please do remember this is a beta for the time being so you may have some bugs, if you do please let me know and ill get on it.
To take part in the beta just go into your games properties, it will be called “Prospekt Phase 2”
Hope you enjoy it, now its time for a beer.
Rich