DevBlog #24: Exploration mechanic, WLG post-mortem and live streams!
Welcome back to the WalkScape development blog! In our previous post two weeks ago, we covered a lot of new things. This time, we have slightly less to share, but we still have plenty of cool things to show you!
Exploration mechanic & map enhancements
Let's begin with the exploration mechanic. This was the most requested feature to add to the closed beta before its release, according to our survey.
The survey we conducted for closed beta features.
So, how does the exploration mechanic work? Basically, when you start your journey through WalkScape, all locations on the map other than Kallaheim and Disenchanted Forest are hidden. Neighboring explored places are shown as question marks, but all other information remains hidden.
The vastly improved world map of WalkScape.
During the We Love Games conference live stream, we received suggestions to further improve the world map UI. Some of these suggestions were already planned and have now been implemented, while others are still a work in progress:
- Performance improvements: The world map code has been completely rewritten and now runs smoothly even on older phones.
- Visual improvements: The labels for locations have been enhanced, along with some other visual changes.
- Ability to see how locations are connected to each other.
- When you choose a travel destination, the map actually shows you the route your character will take.
- Your character is visible on the map and moves between locations based on your steps while traveling.
- Numerous UI improvements: You can now view information about the locations, information about the route you have chosen, and filter and search for specific locations.
You can see some of these improvements in action in this video:
WalkScape world map improvements
Thank you for all the valuable feedback! And speaking of feedback...
WalkScape Live Streams
During the We Love Games conference, both Maxchill and I experimented with live streaming. Maxchill streamed himself doing artwork on Twitch, while I streamed directly on We Love Games.
You can follow the WalkScape Twitch channel here!
Maxchill will be doing weekly art streams on Tuesdays from 12:00 to 16:00 (UTC+3). The VODs (videos on demand) will be saved for future streams, so you can also watch them after the streams. Additionally, there will be occasional evening streams for our North American audience on Tuesdays.
I will also be trying out development streams on Twitch, and we may also do some Q&A (question & answer) sessions.
We Love Games Post-Mortem
We also attended the We Love Games online conference last week. Here are some of my experiences from the conference!
First of all, it felt like the organizers largely forgot about the Discord side of the event. I believe only two people from the event itself visited our Discord channel, while everyone else was from our community. It was a bit disappointing, but I still had a great time and had the opportunity to engage with our own audience. Floursifter kindly compiled a list of things that were covered during the live stream that I had:
Floursifter’s stream notes
Overall, we had a great time. I particularly enjoyed the after party, despite feeling a bit strange about going to a pub alone. However, I was recognized for wearing the WalkScape shirt and had some interesting conversations, including with other CEOs. People were generally very interested in WalkScape and how it stands out in the mobile market.
Additionally, we realized the value of live streaming our work and communicating with our community through live streams. We plan to do more streaming in the future. Thank you to everyone who joined our streams!
Closed-Beta Features Recap
Another piece of feedback we received was regarding the features of the closed beta and the need for explanations. With many new people joining recently, it can be overwhelming to go through all the previous development blogs. So here is the current list of main features that will be available in the Closed Beta:
- Travelling mechanic: Players will have the ability to explore new locations in the game's Jarvonia and GDTE regions. Your character will physically move through these locations based on a pathfinding algorithm. If you cancel your travel, you will return to the most recently reached location.
- 9 Skills to level up.
- Crafting: The crafting mechanic offers 6 different tiers of outcomes for crafted items. The outcome depends on whether you use rare materials found in the game. Higher crafting skill levels and better gear can also improve the chance of a better outcome.
- Gear & items: Players can find rare items or craft their own. Equipping these items will reduce the number of steps required to perform actions in the game and provide buffs to your character. In future updates, items will have a major impact on combat effectiveness.
- Treasure system: Players can discover treasure chests while playing the game, which contain some of the rarest items.
- NPC Shops & Banks: The game features NPC shops where players can buy and sell items directly. Banks are also available for safely storing items.
- Achievements: The game offers a variety of in-game achievements to complete, which provide rewards upon completion.
- Minor community/MMO features: The initial closed beta will not include many multiplayer features, as these will be implemented and expanded during the beta. However, there will be integration with the WalkScape Portal from the start.
It's important to note that this is just the beginning for WalkScape. We have many more features planned for the game, which will be introduced and expanded upon during the closed beta. However, our initial focus is to ensure the game functions as intended and establish a stable foundation for future expansion.
A new tavern has also appeared in WalkScape…
Thanks for the amazing support
After announcing the changes for our supporters in the last development blog, our memberships have skyrocketed. The change we made is that our Patreon and Buy me a Coffee members now have guaranteed access to the closed beta upon launch if they were members before November 1st. Memberships started after November 1st will have access at a later date.
I want to emphasize that there will also be free ways to get closed beta access, which will be announced later on. However, I want to extend a huge thank you to everyone who has started supporting us and who has been supporting us throughout this journey towards release. This increased financial stability allows us to do even more awesome stuff. I can't express enough how grateful I am for all of this. So, thank you!
Until next time
That's all for today! I had to make this post a bit earlier this time because I'll be very busy during the week attending some non-WalkScape related events, including visiting my family in another city. We're constantly making progress with the development and getting closer to the eventual closed beta release.
Thank you once again for reading. Stay hydrated and keep walking!
Great work! The Closed-Beta features look awesome. Cheers!
Great to hear! I was bummed that I couldn’t make the WLG event but hopefully I’ll be able to catch some of the NA streams sometime. Keep up the good work and take care of yourselves!
I'm excited, keep it up.
Thanks for the post!
Will there be a reset of progression after closed beta?
Enjoy your time next week👋🏼
So excited for guaranteed access to the closed beta! The tavern is so cute! Can't wait!!!
@Bo_Brussen: There will be a reset after the closed beta. There might also be some resets during it due to techical problems etc.
Looking great! Can't wait to try it out :D
It's ren faire season where I'm at, I keep hoping the CBT will release before it ends! Love seeing the progress, everything looks great 👍