Renown - Fresh Off The Forge!

[p]Hey folks.[/p][p][/p][p]As always, thanks for checking out the latest news in the Renown World. [/p][p]We’re on the edge of a fairly substantial patch atm. [/p][p]We’ll have direct feature spotlights coming real soon. [/p][p]For now, we’ve got a shorter and sharper update with more of the “on the ground” situation in Renown. [/p][p][/p][p]First off, I’m very excited to reintroduce Moxie:[/p][p][/p][p]Hello everyone! I'm Moxie, the new Lead Programmer of Renown. I already have a long history with both Renown and RDBK Studios, and I’m incredibly excited to help shape this game into the best version it can be. [/p][p]In my career, I’ve worked at seven different studios, with more than five years of professional game development experience exclusively in Unreal Engine, using both Blueprints and C++. Nothing makes me happier than being here with all of you, building the world of Renown together.[/p][p]Since stepping into the Lead Programmer role, a lot has already taken place. From new animations and a complete overhaul of sieging, to the introduction of the trebuchet and extensive improvements to the combat experience. There’s just plenty I’d like to cover.[/p][p]For now, a brief note on combat. It’s received major visual updates to animations, sound effects, and visual effects to improve clarity and feel. [/p][p]We’ve also squashed a number of bugs, including issues with hit registration (phasing), stagger inconsistencies, and various visual glitches.[/p][p]We’ll be doing a full breakdown and briefing on combat changes in detail, hopefully next week.[/p][p]Oh, and for all the archers out there.. bows are being completely redone very, very soon. They’ll finally be a truly viable option.[/p][p]We’ll be sharing much more detail when we’re ready to reveal everything that’s new in the combat system. [/p][p]But you can count on this next update to deliver: Critical bug fixing, smoother and more accessible combat for newcomers without lowering the skill ceiling, and most importantly, Clarity. [/p][p]Before I wrap up, I also wanted to mention that multiple traps and the ferryman are confirmed to be in the game by next month![/p][p]Thanks for reading, and thank you all for your continued passion and support. We’re just getting started, and I can’t wait to show you what’s next for Renown.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Given our Lead Artist, KZ, normally has more of a show-don’t-tell mentality, he’s done a quick explainer for what he’s been busily up to:[/p][p][/p][p]Kz here![/p][p]I’ve been deep in the combat and visuals lately, really trying to make everything feel responsive and satisfying. The goal is for every action in combat to be clearly signalled—whether visually through animations and VFX, or through audio cues. [/p][p]I think this will really enhance the overall combat experience, especially when it comes to landing hits and feeling truly immersed, instead of that older “gliding with a lightsabre” vibe. [/p][p]I’ve also been working on sounds, aiming to make everything feel more distinct and realistic. The idea is to tighten up the combat while still clearly communicating important gameplay information. [/p][p]We want knights to feel like knights, not silent thieves sneaking up on you. (Also, RIP to the first helmet I forged at home - it took one for the team). [/p][p][/p][p]As mentioned in the last few dev blogs, I’ve been adding more content and events—things like sewers, mines, and carriage encounters. Just more ways for players to engage with the world and have fun.[/p][p]Lastly, I’ve been working on a lighting overhaul. I’m pushing it closer to realism while keeping performance in mind. This isn’t just for visuals; it’s also part of prepping for the upcoming day and night cycle. [/p][p]Old:[/p][p][/p][p]New WIP:[/p][p][/p][p]That’ll bring back meaningful uses for torches and night raids. It’s a huge task since every time of day needs to look great and play well, no pitch-black nights, please. [/p][p]The day/night system will definitely add more structure to players’ in-game arcs and open up some really cool opportunities for creative plays.[/p][p]Thanks again for checking out the latest news in the Renown Development World. [/p][p]We'll be back soon with some exciting news regarding upcoming updates to the game![/p][p][/p]