This week we release an update to fix some issues with the game and started to add small features incrementally. We are hoping for another update next week (ok ok this week) with more incremental additions. The following items are the closest to being ready:

New torch VFX

HUD - status text above players, creatures and machines

New Slingbow models with material progression to match the other equipment

The updates after that should include the following.

New Grapple models with material progression

Warp Conduit block

Hopper, Cuttletrunk and Roadrunner models and initial AI.

Explosion VFX

Additional SFX

We already have the foundation done for adding a tutorial and achievements for players. 1st pass will be released before end of this year.

Code

This week we’ve continued on the HUD, adding logic so when it displays the information is smarter, e.g. hidden creature don’t show up. Additional information on interactions with items have been added. On the GUI we’ve fixed some of the smart stack issues but are reworking the systems to make it more robust going forward.

Additionally we have:

Started work on integrating the updated Slingbow and Ammo,

Normalised the lighting pipeline to make it more balanced and render closer to the original art,

Made the portal transitions smoother by fixing the obvious remaining issues.

On the back end we have:

Reduced the server memory footprint per user to be markedly lower so the servers will be under less stress when many people are online.

Reworked some of the client network updating to make it more responsive (less lag) at lower frame rates and pushed that to a test branch.

Continued with the local database work to integrate it into the Boundless server.

Design

This week, Rob has been helping Marc with the HUD implementation as well as polishing up visuals and user experience on existing and new GUI screens.

Ollie has been helping Rob and Marc to iterate on the HUD, as well as looking to polish the inventory, and go over stats and attributes with Luke. Also spent time thinking about how ammo changes should be integrated with the new Slingbow revision.

Luke has been continuing with the intro to the game, as well as stats, attributes and status effects.

Art

This week, we have continues to worked on the following.

The Hunter animation: Check out the latest animation here. It will be perfect for the Halloween season!

Grapple mesh: As seen in the previous concepts, they are like a third hand with big claws. The next step is to integrate this into the game but it will take a bit of effort as it will require new animation and VFX for the grapple wire.

The Basher progression level 5: This is still not ready to show but we should be able to show you its screenshot next week. Stay tuned!

The Temple concepts: The Temple is the players first entry point into the game. Here players will go through an initial but simple tutorial to get them ready to enter the main Boundless universe. You will also select your starting world and build a Warp to travel to it. We are planning to have the Temple in the game before end of this year. (The name temple is just a placeholder for this special starting location.)