Dark Moon News

Relay Towns

Once bustling with activity, these industrial hubs were strategically situated at the crossroads of disparate outposts. Their location was not arbitrary; it allowed them to serve as central gathering points for resources, processing them efficiently while offering crucial support to outposts nestled in remote and inaccessible corners of the lunar landscape.

Relay Towns were a hive of productivity, collecting raw materials and transforming them into export-ready goods destined for starports and far-flung outposts. Among the products destined for these outposts were essential life resources, crucial for sustaining operations in the harsh lunar environment. Meanwhile, the processed resources destined for starports were intended for sale on Earth's markets, a testament to the lunar colonies' interconnectedness with the wider economic web.

But now, these once-vital hubs lie silent and abandoned, their machinery stilled by the unyielding grip of the solar storm's aftermath. Where resources were once aggregated and processed, now only echoes of industry remain. Industrial bases, once a bustling center of activity, now stands as a ghostly reminder of a bygone era, its purpose and productivity lost to the ravages of time and catastrophe.

Valley Town is located between two mountain ranges at the entrance of Ocean of Storms. Multiple routes converge at this point on the way to Copernicus Starport, which led to a natural growth of a settlement. It became an industrial centre processing raw resources for the export.

Research Outposts

Various research outposts dotted the lunar surface, established by public and private entities for cutting-edge technologies. With fewer laws and restrictions, these hubs were havens for scientific exploration.

Diverse in their pursuits, from advanced robotics to sustainable energy solutions, they pushed the boundaries of human understanding amidst the desolate lunar landscape. Their presence stood as a testament to humanity's relentless curiosity and ambition. But after the solar storm, these centers of research now stand silent and empty.

The legacy of these outposts, symbols of limitless potential, remains as echoes of a time when the moon was a beacon of scientific exploration, frozen in time amidst the ruins of a shattered future.

An old research facility that was established to study the topological structure of the southern parts of the Moon. Now rather forgotten, although it continues to function on a limited basis

Private Bases

These bases kept their objectives secretive, as private companies and countries sought advantages in the geopolitical scene.

Operating in shadows, their purpose was shrouded in mystery, with each entity striving for an edge in the global power play. Their secrecy was a testament to the high stakes of lunar exploration and the lengths to which entities would go for an advantage.

But now, after the solar storm, these secretive bases remain silent, their hidden agendas lost to the ravages of time.

Kepler crater hosts one of the seven original colonization sites on the Moon. A couple of decades ago, the management of it was given solely to Europen Union Space Agency, which is currently dominated mostly by German staff.


Follow the links to read the previous posts:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1105330/view/4170972198124086562
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1105330/view/4170972198124608246
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1105330/view/4170972198124650069


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Starports

These regions were the beating heart of the Moon, thriving lifelines through which commerce pulsed and thrived. They were the vital nexus points, the sole conduits for goods to traverse the desolate lunar expanse, destined for Earth and distant realms beyond.

Within these now-haunted hubs, raw resources were refined and readied for export, against a backdrop of bustling infrastructure now reduced to ruins. Lunar Mass Drivers lay dormant, their potential silenced by the cataclysmic solar storm. Factories, once alive with ceaseless activity, now stand as hollow shells of their former selves. Research bases, once centers of discovery, now lie abandoned and forgotten, their mysteries lost to the ravages of time.

Launch pads, once poised to propel cargo into the void, now crumble beneath the weight of neglect. Storage facilities, once bulging with the fruits of lunar toil, now echo with emptiness and decay.

Amidst this desolate industrial wasteland, the shadowy silhouette of Mechaplex's Docks remains, a haunting reminder of mankind's once-unyielding ingenuity in the face of adversity. These hubs were more than structures; they were the lifeblood of a bygone lunar civilization, pulsating with the faded rhythm of survival and ambition, now swallowed by the relentless march of time.

Moon Shell Starport is a gateway to the Moon's far side. The port is still in its development phase, but it is predicted that it may reach a size comparable to the Copernicus Starport in roughly twenty years. For now, it serves as a home to Moon Shell pilots, where they learn and master their craft, and as a base of operation for squads establishing new mining sites and lunar bases

Fuel Depots

Fuel depots, vital nodes along the lunar highways, now stand as lonely sentinels amidst the desolate landscape. Placed strategically along the roads that crisscross the lunar surface, these storehouses were the lifeblood of transportation, akin to the gas stations of old Earth.

Their purpose was simple yet indispensable: to provide a respite for weary travelers and a replenishing point for the vehicles that traversed the unforgiving lunar terrain. Fuel depots were more than mere repositories of energy; they were beacons of hope amidst the desolation, offering a glimmer of civilization in the barren expanse.

Now, however, these once-bustling hubs of activity lie abandoned and forlorn. The roads they once serviced are now quiet, their surfaces cracked and worn by time and neglect. The fuel depots themselves, once bustling with the hum of machinery and the comings and goings of lunar travelers, now stand as silent monuments to a bygone era.

In the aftermath of the solar storm, their tanks lie empty, their pumps dormant. No longer do they offer respite to the intrepid explorers of the lunar landscape. Instead, they stand as haunting reminders of a time when the promise of the stars seemed within humanity's grasp, now lost to the relentless march of time.

Closed from the outside world, Schickard is a place where Moon Shell projects and tests new spider-vessels that are supposed to help in the expansion and colonization of the far side of the Moon. Only Moon Shell commanders may enter this area. Thankfully, looking at your badge, you should be ok.

Mining Outposts

The mining outposts, once bustling centers of lunar industry, were sprawling operations dedicated to the relentless pursuit of resources buried deep within the lunar regolith.

These outposts were more than mere installations; they were the lifeblood of lunar mining, their massive drills penetrating the rugged lunar surface in search of precious minerals and elements. Amidst the harsh and unforgiving lunar landscape, these outposts stood as symbols of human determination and ingenuity.

Their operations were massive in scale, with teams of miners working tirelessly to extract valuable resources essential for lunar civilization's survival. The sounds of drilling and machinery once filled the air, echoing across the barren expanse as they delved deeper into the moon's rocky crust.

But now, these once-thriving outposts are silent, their machinery idle and their halls deserted. The solar storm's wrath spared no corner of the moon, leaving these mining operations crippled and abandoned. Where once the hum of activity reverberated through the lunar valleys, now there is only the eerie silence of desolation.

The mining outposts, once beacons of progress and prosperity, now stand as solemn reminders of humanity's fragile foothold on the lunar surface. Their empty corridors and silent drills are a stark contrast to the bustling scenes of industry that once defined them, their legacy now frozen in time amidst the ruins of a shattered dream.

Regions of the Archytas Crater serve as one of the oldest mining sites of the northern hemisphere. For a time it was a major source of lunar dust, which was easy to collect from the crater's smooth surface. However, once all the loose material was gathegerd, digging in the crater became increasingly difficult which eventually rendered the site obsolete. Now it lies on the outskirts of the modern Moon world and is mostly forgotten.


Follow the links to read the previous posts:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1105330/view/4170972198124086562
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1105330/view/4170972198124608246


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What is on the Moon?

Bathed in the ethereal glow of distant stars, the moon stands as a partial bastion of human ambition. Though its desolate expanse remains untouched by the ceaseless march of time, whispers of humanity's presence linger in the lunar dust. Here, amidst the barren landscape, the first lunar offspring wander, their existence a testament to mankind's reach beyond terrestrial confines.

The moon, once an untouched celestial body, now bears the weight of human endeavor. Its surface, scarred by the footprints of exploration, serves as a canvas for educational pursuits and clandestine endeavors alike. Amidst the stark solitude, echoes of industry resound, marking the lunar domain as a nexus of innovation and power.

Yet, amidst the solemn beauty of lunar isolation, hints of humanity's indulgence flicker. Hotels and amusement havens dot the lunar landscape, offering fleeting solace to those who dare to venture beyond the grasp of Earth's embrace. Though mankind has yet to forsake its terrestrial abode entirely, the allure of the lunar frontier looms, casting shadows of uncertainty upon the future of human habitation.

Harvest Outposts

The harves outposts, once vital for harvesting Helium-3 with specialized vehicles, now lie silent and abandoned after the solar storm. These hubs, crucial for lunar resource extraction, were at the forefront of gathering valuable elements essential for survival.

Their significance was immense, holding the key to the moon's energy potential. Now, amidst the desolation, their machinery stands silent, harvesters idle. Once symbols of progress, they are now haunting reminders of a shattered dream, frozen in time amidst the ruins of a bygone era.

According to that mysterious woman, under the Amici crater lies a network of underground tunnels that serve as a shelter. You have received a call to go there as soon as possible. Who knows, maybe there will be a „friend" waiting for you there?


Follow the link to read the previous post:
https://store.steampowered.com/news/app/1105330/view/4170972198124086562

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Dark Moon thrusts you into a harrowing future set on the desolate lunar landscape. In the unforgiving year of 2077, humanity's fledgling foothold on the Moon teeters on the brink of collapse. What was once a beacon of progress has been ravaged by a cataclysmic solar flare, reducing the lunar colonies to ruins and shrouding them in darkness.

As the player, you awaken amidst the chaos, cut off from civilization and left to navigate the twisted remnants of lunar infrastructure. Communication is severed, and survival becomes a desperate struggle in this hostile, dystopian world. The technology that surrounds you is a haunting blend of futuristic marvels and the eerie echoes of abandoned lunar plans, a stark reminder of humanity's relentless drive for expansion.

Drawing inspiration from the blueprints of space agencies and private enterprises, Dark Moon immerses you in a grim, gritty vision of lunar colonization. Brace yourself for an odyssey through the shadows of a shattered dream, where every step could be your last in this unforgiving lunar wasteland.

An early concept of a lunar train

Who you are?

Once a respected member of the Engineering Council dispatched by Moon Shell, your mission seemed straightforward: supervise the implementation of an advanced mining system on the unforgiving lunar surface. However, the stark simplicity of this task crumbled beneath the weight of an unforeseen catastrophe.

A colossal solar storm, an act of celestial wrath, descended upon Earth with merciless fury, obliterating all electronics in its voracious path. As chaos reigned, the blinding rage of the Sun's scorching rays engulfed the Moon's main communication relay, leaving it a smoldering ruin in the unyielding light.

Now, you find yourself stranded and isolated, a solitary figure in the desolation of a lunar wasteland consumed by the relentless glare of the Sun. The once-promising outpost is now a graveyard of shattered dreams, everything within the Sun's reach reduced to ash in mere moments.

In this twisted reality, light is not a source of hope but a harbinger of destruction. Embrace the shadows, for they are your only refuge in this relentless battle for survival amidst the suffocating darkness of the lunar expanse.

Drone and bot hangar in Mechaplex

Dark Moon timeline

• 2032 - Global powers, including US, China, Russia and EU engage in the Global Trade War in order to gain control over Earth’s strategic resources.
  
• 2034 - Climate crisis, mass migration and starvation in South America results in the formation of a superstate USAN (Union of South American Nations) composed of most of the countries on the continent.
  
• 2035 - Economic warfare fueled the innovation in the resource mining sector, and due to that massive states gained additional independence from global trade chains.
  
• 2038 - African Union collapses due to conflicts of the Nile Delta and its dams. Arabian League supports Egypt, exacerbating the geopolitical differences on the continent.
  
• 2045 - The unprecedented economic recession and climate change force civilization states to stop the Global Trade War and partially restore the global trade chains. However, the major players are on their way to secure their own resource independence from the global market.
  
• 2046 - The beginning of the Resource Wars. This is a series of proxy conflicts between the major players trying to secure the resources in the weaker and divided parts of the Earth. The players for each region are:
  Middle East: European Federation, Russia, and the USA
  Oceania: CANZUK, China, India, and the USA
  Africa: CANZUK, European Federation, China
  Central America: The USA and USAN
  
• 2055 - Due to the severe depletion of resource deposits in the Earth's crust, the Civilization States begin their efforts in space. First lunar mining operations of a large scale are initialized. However, due to the lack of space law, slowly smaller conflicts between the Civilization States are on the horizon.
  
• 2066 - The Moon Shell company is founded together with the Moon Rush project, which is the first cooperative effort to lessen the chances of conflicts for space resources.
  
• 2072 - The outstanding success of the Moon Rush project and its Moon Shell Corporation ends the Resource Wars.
  
• 2077 - Dark Moon Begins…

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Welcome to the devblog for "Dark Moon," where we delve into the intricate world of our game's graphic style. In this installment, we'll explore how the visual aesthetics of "Dark Moon" are more than just pixels and polygons—they're the very essence of the game's identity. Drawing inspiration from the dystopian ambiance of "Blade Runner 2049," our aim is to craft a visual experience that plunges players into a realm of existential dread and awe-inspiring desolation. Join us as we unravel the artistic tapestry that defines the haunting allure of "Dark Moon."





Inspirations

While "Blade Runner 2049" serves as a foundational pillar of inspiration for "Dark Moon," our creative palette draws from a constellation of cinematic marvels. Films like "Interstellar," "Passengers," "The Martian," "Space Man," "Far from Home," and "Mortal Engines" have all contributed their hues to the canvas of our imagination. From the haunting desolation of interstellar voids to the mechanical marvels of dystopian societies, each of these works has left an indelible mark on our vision for "Dark Moon."

The solitary struggles of astronauts adrift in the cosmos, the gritty realism of Martian landscapes, and the relentless pursuit of survival amidst the ruins of civilization—all find echoes in the corridors of our game world. By weaving together these diverse strands of inspiration, we aim to create a visual tapestry that not only pays homage to its predecessors but also forges its own path through the cosmos of gaming aesthetics.

fragment from Game Development Document

The game will feature a dark and heavy mood as indicated by the title. The atmosphere will be established by a brutalist sci-fi art style reminiscent of the movie “Blade Runner 2049”. Bleak aesthetics of the lunar landscapes mixed with enormous machines moving through the silvery plains should invoke the feeling of existential insignificance, which adds to the robust character arcs and the exploration of human nature in the story.





Art Style

In "Dark Moon," the graphic style is a testament to the intricate dance between nature and technology, where every creation pays homage to the sublime wonders of the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the awe-inspiring beauty of nature, each entity in the game is a fusion of organic elegance and mechanical precision.



Robotic arachnids scuttle across the lunar surface, their metallic exoskeletons echoing the graceful movements of spiders weaving their intricate webs. Drones take flight with the delicate grace of butterflies, their wings shimmering with iridescent hues as they flit through the air on their silent missions.

Transport vessels lumber across the landscape like colossal beetles, their armored shells gleaming in the harsh lunar sunlight as they ferry their precious cargo across the desolate plains.
But amidst the echoes of nature's beauty, there is an undeniable sense of otherworldly strangeness to be found in "Dark Moon." Each creation is a testament to humanity's hubris, a reflection of our desire to bend the natural world to our will. And yet, amidst the steel and silicon, there remains a glimmer of the sublime—a reminder that even in the darkest reaches of space, the wonders of nature still hold sway.



In "Dark Moon," the graphic style is a symphony of stark contrasts and haunting beauty, echoing the themes of existential dread and industrial grandeur. At its core lies a fusion of brutalist architecture and sci-fi futurism, reminiscent of towering edifices and sprawling megacities. Lunar landscapes, bathed in the silvery glow of distant stars, stretch out in desolate majesty, while colossal machinery looms on the horizon, casting long shadows across the barren plains.

The visual aesthetic of "Dark Moon" is defined by its meticulous attention to detail, from the intricate rust and decay of abandoned structures to the gleaming chrome of futuristic technology. Every pixel is imbued with a sense of history and purpose, hinting at the untold stories that lie buried beneath the lunar dust.

Lighting plays a crucial role in shaping the atmosphere of "Dark Moon," with harsh, angular shadows cutting through the darkness like knives. Neon hues punctuate the gloom, casting an eerie glow on the steel and concrete monoliths that dominate the landscape.



But amidst the desolation and decay, there is a haunting beauty to be found in the ruins of humanity's ambition. The juxtaposition of natural wonders and industrial marvels creates a sense of awe and wonder, inviting players to explore every corner of this hauntingly beautiful world.

In "Dark Moon," the graphic style isn't just a backdrop—it's a character in its own right, shaping the player's experience and immersing them in a world where every shadow hides a secret and every reflection holds a glimpse of the sublime.



Mood and Emotions

In "Dark Moon," the mood is a haunting symphony of emptiness and isolation, a relentless tide that sweeps players into a world devoid of warmth or companionship. Against the backdrop of vast, empty expanses and the distant glow of Earth on the horizon, players are confronted with the crushing weight of loneliness and the gnawing ache of homesickness.

The lunar landscape stretches out before them, a barren wasteland devoid of life or laughter. There are no bustling cities or bustling markets here, only the cold embrace of endless silence and the distant hum of machinery. The absence of human presence only serves to amplify the sense of desolation, as players wander through the ruins of civilization, haunted by the specter of what once was.



But amidst the emptiness, there is a constant sense of threat—a feeling of being hunted, of being pursued by forces beyond comprehension. The harsh glare of the sun beats down relentlessly, forcing players to seek shelter in the shadows, to retreat into the darkness in a desperate bid for survival.

And yet, amidst the darkness, there is a glimmer of hope—a flickering flame of defiance that refuses to be extinguished. For in "Dark Moon," players are not alone. They are the last survivors of a dying world, the final remnants of a civilization on the brink of collapse. And as they struggle to make sense of their surroundings, to find meaning in the chaos, they are driven by a desperate desire to confront their demons, to confront the darkness within, and to find redemption in the face of oblivion.





Graphic Techniques

In "Dark Moon," the visual experience is crafted using a palette of cutting-edge graphic techniques designed to immerse players in a world of stark beauty and haunting desolation. Drawing from the latest advancements in rendering technology, our team has employed a variety of techniques to bring the lunar landscape to life in stunning detail.

One of the key techniques used in "Dark Moon" allows to simulates the behavior of light and materials in a physically accurate manner. This allows us to achieve realistic lighting and material effects, from the gleaming metallic surfaces of robotic constructs to the rough, weather-beaten textures of lunar rock formations.



Dynamic lighting is another crucial element of the game's visual aesthetic, with real-time lighting and shadow effects adding depth and atmosphere to every scene. As players navigate the lunar landscape, they'll witness the shifting interplay of light and shadow, casting eerie silhouettes across the barren plains and abandoned structures.

In addition to traditional 3D rendering techniques, "Dark Moon" also makes use of advanced shader effects to create visually striking environments. From the ethereal glow of neon signage to the subtle distortion of heat haze rising from the lunar surface, these shader effects add an extra layer of immersion to the game world, blurring the line between reality and illusion.

But perhaps the most powerful technique employed in "Dark Moon" is the use of atmospheric effects to convey mood and emotion. From the oppressive glare of the sun to the suffocating darkness of the lunar night, these atmospheric effects serve to heighten the sense of isolation and despair, enveloping players in a world where every shadow holds a secret and every ray of light offers a glimmer of hope.





Artistic Concepts

In "Dark Moon," the artistic concepts serve as the foundation upon which the visual identity of the game is built. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, our team has crafted a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and eerily familiar, a landscape where the remnants of humanity's ambition are scattered amidst the desolation of the lunar surface.

At the heart of our artistic concepts lies a commitment to realism and authenticity, tempered by a sense of artistic license that allows us to push the boundaries of imagination. From the towering spires of abandoned megacities to the rusted hulks of derelict spacecraft, every detail is meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of awe and wonder in the player.



The visual aesthetic of "Dark Moon" is defined by its fusion of disparate elements, blending the cold, industrial beauty of sci-fi futurism with the organic elegance of nature. Robotic constructs are inspired by the graceful movements of animals, with arachnoid drones scuttling across the lunar landscape like mechanical spiders and transport vessels lumbering through the darkness like armored beetles.



In addition to its thematic inspirations, "Dark Moon" also draws from a rich tapestry of artistic styles and cultural influences. From the stark minimalism of brutalist architecture to the intricate ornamentation of steampunk design, these influences converge to create a world that is at once familiar and alien, inviting players to explore every corner and uncover its secrets.

But perhaps the most important concept underlying the artistic vision of "Dark Moon" is the idea of storytelling through visuals. Every scene, every object, every texture is imbued with meaning, hinting at the rich tapestry of lore and legend that lies beneath the surface. Through the careful use of color, composition, and symbolism, we aim to create a world that not only captivates the eye but also resonates with the soul, inviting players to lose themselves in its depths and discover the truth that lies hidden within.





Summary

In "Dark Moon," the convergence of artistic vision and technological prowess has given rise to a world of haunting beauty and existential despair. Drawing inspiration from a myriad of sources, from the dystopian landscapes of "Blade Runner 2049" to the awe-inspiring wonders of nature, our team has crafted a visual experience that is as immersive as it is evocative.

From the towering spires of abandoned megacities to the desolate expanses of the lunar surface, every detail has been meticulously crafted to convey a sense of isolation and desolation. Dynamic lighting, advanced shader effects, and atmospheric techniques work in concert to create an environment that is as oppressive as it is awe-inspiring, enveloping players in a world where every shadow holds a secret and every ray of light offers a glimmer of hope.



But amidst the darkness, there is a flicker of defiance—a reminder that even in the face of oblivion, there is beauty to be found, and hope to be kindled. In "Dark Moon," players are invited to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery, to unravel the mysteries of a world on the brink of collapse and uncover the truth that lies hidden within. It is a journey that will test their courage, their resilience, and their humanity, as they confront their demons and forge a new destiny amidst the ruins of a dying world.





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