🧠 Dev Recap – Abilities, AI, and the Push to Phase Two
In this densely packed developer podcast, the team walks through a sweeping set of updates aimed at transforming co-op and horde gameplay into a dynamic, scalable experience. Efrain reveals his shift from polishing Alcatraz to leading development on a new horde map set in a reimagined Half Moon Bay—designed for verticality, multiple infiltration paths, and high replay value. He outlines design decisions behind the map’s objective points, terrain flow, and defensive challenges that avoid static play. Meanwhile, Robert deep-dives into system-level changes: persistent leveling for operators and units, revamped class abilities, combat balance tuning, and significant AI and UX upgrades. Expect improved spawn logic, smarter pathfinding, and fixes for legacy pain points like targeting quirks and gate behavior. The episode also includes a real-time co-op demo showcasing snipers, heavies, flamethrowers, new UI improvements, and gate mechanics—revealing how it all plays out under stress. The Q&A tackles questions on drone design, campaign plans, vehicle and helicopter timelines, multiplayer matchmaking, emblem customization, and long-term content like future DLCs or a potential dinosaur game. This episode marks a significant milestone in pushing towards the Phase One rebuild and sets the stage for the robust gameplay foundation of Phase Two and beyond.
🎮 Community Playtest Recap
2 Operator players guard an entry point while an RTS player moves a medic to heal them
View game pageWe ran a 2-hour network stress test playtest last week! Curious about what we’re working on and where we're headed? 📘 Read about our Development Phases & Current Goals
🎙️ Next CERC HQ – Livestream Details
🕔 When: June 14, 2025 – 7 PM EST (New Time!) 📺 Where to Watch:
💬 Topics We'll Cover:
Co-op Progress
Total Revamp based on Community Feedback
Level Design Updates
🎤 Don’t miss our Live Q&A! We’ll be answering questions from the community during the stream.
📺 Missed a Stream? No Worries!
Spotify Podcast Archive (VODs may take 24 hours to appear)
🔭 What’s Coming Next?
This is just a shortlist of goals currently in motion—be sure to watch the last CERC HQ for a more detailed breakdown.
Finalize Operator Ability System
Expand Playable Classes
Visual UI Polish
Prepare for Phase 2: Airstrikes, Doctrines, Vehicles
Stay Frosty,
— The Cepheus Protocol Dev Team