Dead Containment News

This update aims to add some skill based play to the game by making some big changes to gameplay, including a rework of all the guns, limited ammo, dynamic weapon spread, partner rescue events and enemy rebalancing.

The demo has also been updated to include all the latest additions and changes. All the changes can be seen below in the update notes section.


All weapons now have a bigger kick to them, with the shotgun and SMG getting some extra changes to make them feel more like power weapons. The trade-off for this is the power weapons now have limited ammo, making them useful for certain situations rather than constant use.

The pistol retains its unlimited ammo and has the smallest max spread of any gun along with a damage buff. The SMG had it's fire rate boosted but can reach its max spread quickly over rapid fire. The shotgun had a big damage buff along with an extra pellet being fired with every shot, firing a total of 4 pellets over a wide area, making it very useful for close up crowd control.


Ammo for the power weapon can be filled up by shooting ammo pickups (floating bullets) around each level. Currently each stage only has 1 ammo pickup so use the power weapons wisely.


Dynamic weapon spread was added to the game to make the guns feel rewarding if used right along with bringing some fairness to the guns by removing the random spread patterns and instead using dynamic spread. The old spread system meant a bullet will randomly hit a spot in an area around the crosshair depending on the fixed spread value of the gun. The new dynamic spread means firing a gun longer or quicker will increase the spread of the gun over time, making the bullets less likely to hit at a longer range. Spread is reduced and gradually resets to its base value when the gun is not being fired.

The pistol starts of with 0 spread, meaning the first shot will always hit the centre of your crosshair. Rapid fire will increase the spread but to a very small value.

The SMG start of with 0 spread but will quickly rise to a large area of spread the longer the trigger is held down. Burst firing at longer ranges will help a lot with spread control.

The shotgun has a fixed spread, meaning no matter how fast or slow you shoot, the spread is always the same.


Partner rescue events require the player to save the other player before they are attacked by enemies. Saving the other player will result in bonus score.

In multiplayer, one player will be knocked down and temporally lose control as they are attacked, during which the other player must save them. In solo play, the player will rescue a character representative of the 2nd player.


The green blood setting makes the blood...well...green. This applies to blood on the enemies, blood impacts and bullet holes on flesh. Blood in the environment, such as stains and drips, remain red. This is still an experimental feature so expect more work to be done on it in the future.


Leaderboards are still in beta phase and will be ready for the 0.4.0 update. Although the leaderboards aren't viewable in this update, scores are being collected for each level with the addition of a Overall leaderboard score if you complete every level in one sitting.


You can follow the progress of Dead Containment by visiting the Trello page here. The page is updated regularly with what I'm working on, what's planned in the next update and the state of reported bugs.


No one wants bugs in their game and I try to my best to squish any I see. However, if you do find any bugs that I missed then please post a report on the official bug report thread here.

• Added partner rescue events.
  
• Added a green blood option.
  
• Added ammo pick ups in each level.
  
• Added partner rescue event in level 1.
  
• Added partner rescue event in level 3.
  
• Added dynamic weapon spread.
  
• Added detailing to level 1.
  
• Added detailing to level 2.
  
• Added detailing to level 3.
  
• Added a faded overlay over the HUD of dead players.
  
• Added a sound cue when trying to fire a gun with no ammo.
  
• Added a reset keybinds button to the settings menu.
  
  
• Changed the score counter to show unused digits in a shaded colour.
  
• Changed the loading screen images.
  
• Changed SMG and Shotgun to use limited ammo.
  
• Changed weapon balance for all guns.
  
• Changed level 1's lighting in the basement area.
  
• Changed lobby level's background.
  
• Changed car shaders for more accurate reflectivity and roughness.
  
• Changed water splash particles for bullet impacts.
  
• Changed water sounds for bullet impacts.
  
• Changed water shaders.
  
• Changed the speed of birds to 2/3 of original speed.
  
• Changed the health of birds to 1/2 of original health.
  
• Changed the FX of pickups once collected.
  
• Changed interactive objects to give points when shot.
  
• Changed how particle effects render to increase performance.
  
• Changed explosion FX.
  
• Changed the camera to ignore enemies that are dead instead of waiting for them to dissolve.
  
• Changed reload mechanics so guns can't be reloaded when the magazine is full.
  
• Changed the settings menu buttons and sizing for better accessibility.
  
• Changed the enemy spawns along level 2's bathroom route.
  
• Changed the SMG sound to include a tail and extra bass.
  
  
• Fixed cinematic black bars in cutscenes not hiding gameplay UI.
  
• Fixed bullet holes not showing on background enemies when shot.
  
• Fixed low shadows setting removes all world shadows.
  
• Fixed game doesn't end when boss kills both players.
  
• Fixed dead players guns are visible after changing path.
  
• Fixed Level 2 - Enemies stop out of camera when attacking on the truck depot steps.
  
• Fixed Level 2 - Enemies stop out of camera when attacking in the tunnel.
  
• Fixed Level 2 - Sunset cycle not triggering.
  
• Fixed Level 3 - Backdrop invisible outside the boss elevator window.
  
• Fixed headshots on birds not counting.
  

This update is a small one in preparation for the full update 0.3.5. release, including bug fixes, new visuals and optimizations. The main addition to this update is the leaderboard support. While leaderboards aren't viewable in this update, scores will be collected and uploaded to test this feature for a future release.


You can follow the progress of Dead Containment by visiting the Trello page here. The page is updated regularly with what I'm working on, what's planned in the next update and the state of reported bugs.


No one wants bugs in their game and I try to my best to squish any I see. However, if you do find any bugs that I missed then please post a report on the official bug report thread here.

• Added details to level 1.
  
• Added details to level 2.
  
• Added details to level 3.
  
• Added online leaderboards support. These aren't viewable in the update but scores will be uploaded.
  
  
• Changed the multiplayer lobby.
  
• Changed explosions with new lighting and particles.
  
• Changed camera to ignore dying enemies.
  
• Changed particles to improve performance.
  
  
• Fixed low shadows setting removes all world shadows.
  
• Fixed game doesn't end when boss kills both players.
  
• Fixed dead players guns are visible after changing path.
  
• Fixed Level 2 - Enemies stop out of camera when attacking on the truck depot steps.
  
• Fixed Level 2 - Enemies stop out of camera when attacking in the tunnel.
  
• Fixed Level 2 - Sunset cycle not triggering.
  
• Fixed Level 3 - Backdrop invisible outside the boss elevator window.
  

The Kickstarter Early Access release is due next week, bringing a new level and gamemode to Dead Containment along with a ton of changes, additions and bug fixes.

The demo has also been updated to include all the latest additions apart from the new level and gamemode.

All the changes can be seen below in the update notes section.


This update adds Dead Containment's third level, the police station. Players must navigate the maze of tight corridors, dimly lit cells and dust filled rafters in order to recover the informant's case which contains the answers to the outbreak.

The new level adds multiple new enemy types, hidden path selections and a new boss fight.


Arcade mode is a new gamemode coming in the Kickstarter early access release. In this mode, players have a set number of credits which act as respawn tokens. Every time a player dies, the game will pause and prompt the player to spend a credit to continue to play (just like at an arcade). Credits are shared between players in co-op so be sure not to let your team mate down. Arcade mode also allows player to set their starting lives and credits.


You can follow the progress of Dead Containment by visiting the Trello page here. The page is updated regularly with what I'm working on, what's planned in the next update and the state of reported bugs.


No one wants bugs in their game and I try to my best to squish any I see. However, if you do find any bugs that I missed then please post a report on the official bug report thread here.

• Added level 3 - Police station.
  
• Added new gamemode - Arcade mode.
  
• Added boss (Chief) enemy type.
  
• Added riot cop w/ shield enemy type.
  
• Added a new area to level 1.
  
• Added new detailing to level 2.
  
• Added new world audio to level 1.
  
• Added new world audio to level 2.
  
• Added new enemy audio.
  
• Added multiple aspect ratio support.
  
• Added enemy physics items (hats).
  
• Added new destructible objects.
  
• Added hidden pickups inside destructible objects.
  
• Added hidden path selection objects which change the path when shot.
  
• Added unique damage indicators depending on enemy attack type.
  
• Added dynamic crosshair which changes when reloading.
  
• Added outlines to cinematic text.
  
• Added dynamic lighting system to world lights.
  
• Added bullet holes to enemies when shot.
  
• Added new FX when an enemy losses a limb.
  
• Added new muzzle flash.
  
• Added in-game menu crosshair.
  
• Added light gun crosshair option.
  
• Added named subtitles for story purposes.
  
• Added animated objects for enemy spawns.
  
• Added IES light textures.
  
• Added background hordes.
  
• Added automatic weapon fire after reload if trigger held down.
  
• Added new camera tracking method.
  
• Added new level streaming method which should reduce stutter in new areas.
  
  
• Changed boss health to be double on co-op play.
  
• Changed the UI to a new layout and colour scheme.
  
• Changed the shotgun model.
  
• Changed the FX of gun fire.
  
• Changed the FX of fire and smoke.
  
• Changed the SMG audio.
  
• Changed the pistol audio.
  
• Changed the shotgun audio.
  
• Changed the chainsaw enemy animations.
  
• Changed the delay time before enemies can attack to almost instant.
  
• Changed the crosshair to an update crosshair with outlines and easier to see colours.
  
• Changed the 3D ammo counter models.
  
• Changed the ammo counter to hide when reloading.
  
• Changed the lighting in level 1.
  
• Changed the lighting in level 2.
  
• Changed the UI weapon icons.
  
  
• Fixed broken ambient audio sound mix.
  
• Fixed car crash audio in level 2.
  
• Fixed gun impact sound mix.
  
• Fixed zombie type in level 2 not giving any score when killed by a headshot.
  
• Fixed AI getting stuck turning to player when running at low frames.
  
• Fixed dynamic objects receiving wrong hit location from player weapons.
  
• Fixed enemies not attacking after looking at player.
  
• Fixed match start stuck on infinite loading screen.
  
• Fixed shotgun impact particles spawning too small.
  
• Fixed weapon being fired in cutscenes.
  
• Fixed weapon reloading on level start.
  
• Fixed animation blending causing error logs.
  
• Fixed broken SSAO.
  
• Fixed broken wall pieces not spawning in level 2 during chainsaw attack.
  
• Fixed glass not smashing when shot.
  
• Fixed ranged bin throwing enemy having large animations during spawn animation.
  
• Fixed missing lights in level 2.
  
• Fixed missing LOD's in level 2.
  
• Fixed the UI weapon icons being pixelated.
  
• Fixed scoreboard animations getting stuck on low fps.
  
• Fixed game crash when reloading weapons.
  

A small patch containing bug fixes.

• Added weak point markers to the boss.
  
• Added weak points to level 2's boss which slow down the bosses movement when shot.
  
  
• Increased level 2's boss health by 800hp.
  
• Increased bird enemy movement speed.
  
• Changed subtitle size to compensate for light gun users with large borders.
  
  
• Fixed UI sounds not playing when viewing the in-game friends list.
  
• Fixed key binds not saving.
  
• Fixed boss music resetting for player 2 during online gameplay.
  
• Fixed gunshot markers not appearing when shooting the sky.
  

Please report any bugs you find by posting in the official bug report thread here.

The game is finally starting to take shape and this update is a big step in Dead Containment's development, bringing new features such as drop-in-drop-out co-op, 1 credit mode and ranks to the game along with a long list of other additions, improvements and fixes. You can read all about these new features below or skip straight to the patch notes at the bottom.

[h3]Drop-in-Drop-out[/h3]
Dead Containment has always been about trying to recreate that classic arcade experience and brining it to modern gaming. With drop-in-drop-out co-op, that experience of having someone join mid-game at the arcade is now possible in online play. Friends and online players can now join you mid-game and give you a hand at killing the undead. Invite only is also an option when creating a lobby if you prefer to control who can join your game.

[h3]1 Credit Mode[/h3]
The default demo game mode has now been changed to the new 1 credit mode. This means you start with a set number of lives (1 credit) with no respawns. Lives now also carry over to the next level. This means any bonus lives you gain, through pick ups or rank rewards, or any lives you loose from damage, will carry over with you throughout the game.

Currently, this feature works a little different in the demo's multiplayer. Players who run out of lives will still respawn after a set time with a new set of lives. This won't be the case in the full game's 1 credit mode but as it's a demo for new players who want to try a new game with a friend, it seems only fair.

The full game will contain an arcade mode. This mode lets replenish your lives with a credits. The amount of credits you have depend on what you set in the game lobby.

[h3]Ranks[/h3]
The end of level scoreboard has now been updated to include new stats, total time it took to complete, bonus rewards and your ranks. You are ranked in 4 different categories; accuracy, headshots, times hit and kills. Your performance in these categories will determine your level rank. Earning a level rank of A will reward you with 1 bonus level where as a level rank of S will reward with 2 bonus lives. Earning a rank of B or less will give no rewards.

For online play, rank requirements for kills is halved.

[h3]Headshot Streaks[/h3]
Headshot streaks is a new way to earn score fast. Earning 2 or more consecutive headshot kill will increase your streak. The higher your streak, the more bonus points you get per headshot kill. The streak is limited to 5, with each headshot kill after 5 rewarding the same bonus points as 5 consecutive headshot kills. The streak is reset once 3 seconds has passed without a headshot kill or you get a non-headshot kill.

To indicate your streak, you will see popups on the side of the screen showing you your current streak. These popups will flash faster the longer you go without a streak kill, until the streak ends and the popup fades away. The popup order is listed as:

• Good = 2 headshot streak
  
• Great = 3 headshot streak
  
• Amazing = 4 headshot streak
  
• Perfect = 5 headshot streak
  

• Added drop-in-drop-out co-op.
  
• Added 1 Credit Mode.
  
• Added headshot streaks.
  
• Added popup text for pickups.
  
• Added ranks.
  
• Added multi-shot pickups.
  
• Added game time.
  
• Added level streaming for performance.
  
• Added footstep sounds for player.
  
• Added multiplayer sync'd loading screens.
  
• Added gamepad controls to settings menu.
  
• Added Escape key bind to pause/unpause game.
  
• Added new score system based on body location the enemy was shot.
  
• Added destroyable ATM's in level 2 for extra score.
  
• Added skippable intro.
  
  
• Changed level 1's lighting.
  
• Changed shotgun damage (increased).
  
• Changed shotgun spread (decreased).
  
• Changed shotgun fired pellets from 6 to 3.
  
• Changed shotgun reload time (0.6 seconds).
  
• Changed SMG spread (decreased).
  
• Changed SMG reload time (0.5 seconds).
  
• Changed pistol damage (increased).
  
• Changed pistol reload time (0.4 seconds).
  
• Changed main HUD design.
  
• Changed ammo counter design.
  
• Changed camera shake values for weapon fire.
  
• Changed camera shake values for movement.
  
• Changed enemy knife projectiles speed (increased).
  
• Changed bird enemy movement speed (increased).
  
• Changed level 2's boss 4th attack starting location further from player.
  
• Changed all artwork to higher resolution images.
  
• Changed logo in main menu to demo logo (Demo version).
  
  
• Fixed player crosshairs in the wrong location during online play.
  
• Fixed respawn timer showing when 2nd player has left the game.
  
• Fixed tutorial animation playing when game paused.
  
• Fixed Friends list duplicating each time it was opened.
  
• Fixed missing LOD's on meshes.
  
• Fixed enemies killed by level bounds not clearing attack slots.
  
• Fixed events skipping without completing.
  
• Fixed floating cup on level 2.
  
• Fixed settings screen showing gamepad controls.
  
• Fixed logo stretching in main menu.
  

Please report any bugs you find by posting in the official bug report thread here.


You can follow the progress of Dead Containment by visiting the Trello page here. The page is updated regularly with what I'm working on, what's planned in the next update and the state of reported bugs.