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DevLog #16 - Working with Purpose | Tools in Chinese Frontiers



Builders!


It’s time to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty - today we’re talking about tools. Breaking rocks, raising towers, chopping wood… We’ve designed a tool system that’s practical, immersive, and that evolves with your progress and craftsmanship.

[h2]Tools with Purpose[/h2]

Every construction begins with the perfect tool, right? But not all tools are created equal. As your village expands and your workshops become more advanced, so does the quality of your gear.

Each tool in the game comes in three distinct variations:

Primitive - crafted by hand with basic materials, ideal for just getting started.
Improved Stone - built in an upgraded stonemason’s workshop, offering a great balance of durability and efficiency.
Metal - forged in a metallurgical workshop, these are top-tier tools built for longevity and heavy use.

This layered system lets you scale your tool usage with your evolving infrastructure.

[h2]Made by Hand…[/h2]

Let’s take a closer look at the essential tools that will accompany you from the very first swing. Each one has been designed to serve a specific role in construction, gathering, or farming - and they just feel great to use.

The hammer is your go-to building companion. You know, bamboo scaffolding, sturdy wooden frames, and reinforced metal supports… It’s the tool you’ll return to again and again. Expect to carry one at all times - it’s practically an extension of your arm.

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When the forest calls, the hatchet answers. Ideal for chopping wood and bamboo, it’s an indispensable tool for those moments when nature becomes your materials supplier.

Let’s not forget the shovel! Great for collecting sand and clay, but also a vital tool when it comes to shaping terrain and laying stable foundations. It blurs the line between excavation and construction in the best possible way.

Need to dig into stone or uncover valuable resources? The pickaxe is your best friend when it comes to mining! This tool delivers strength where it matters most - it’s a must-have when the terrain gets tough.

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[h2]…Built to Last[/h2]

Some tools go beyond raw function - they bring precision and care.

The hoe keeps your village thriving. Farming may not be as flashy as tower construction, but it’s no less vital. With this tool, you’ll prepare soil, cultivate crops, and keep your settlement fed and flourishing.

Oh, and the trowel, the quiet hero of clay-based architecture. Used for shaping walls and forming molds for metal casting, this humble tool ensures every edge is smooth and every joint secure.

Finally, the chisel is where that craftsmanship really shines. Whether you're working with refined stone, limestone, jade, or sculpting decorative elements for your village, this tool is all about detail and finesse

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[h2]Crafted with Care[/h2]

We designed the tool system in Chinese Frontiers to make every action meaningful. Choosing the right tool is about feeling connected to the task at hand. Whether you’re laying the first stone or harvesting your first crop, we want every move to feel rewarding.

We’ll be sharing more soon, including closer looks and gameplay footage of tools in action. Until then, be sure to follow us on social media for all the latest updates - and don’t forget to join our Discord (CLICK HERE) to connect with the community, share your thoughts, and chat directly with the team.

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See you next time
The Chinese Frontiers Team


https://store.steampowered.com/app/1640820/Chinese_Frontiers/

DevLog #15 - We Like to Move It! | Animations in Chinese Frontiers



Hello, Builders!


It’s time for another deep dive into the world of Chinese Frontiers! Today, we’re focusing on something that brings our game to life like no static image ever could - animations.

Whether it’s the precise strike of a hammer, the rhythmic sway of a worker carrying timber, or the effortless motion of a master builder at work, animations transform a collection of pixels into living, breathing characters.

[h2]Animations Matter[/h2]

In Chinese Frontiers, we want every movement to feel as real as the structures you build.

Once you step into the world of the game, the way your character interacts with the environment should feel immersive and authentic. Each footstep, shift of weight, and careful placement of a brick is designed to reflect real-world motion - because details matter.

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To achieve this, we’ve dedicated countless hours to refining how our characters move. Whether they’re lifting heavy materials, chiseling stone, or navigating the construction site, we've made sure that their actions look natural and true to life.

[h2]Bringing Motion to Life[/h2]

Realism in animation doesn’t happen by accident - it needs precision, observation, and the right tools. That’s why we’ve turned to motion capture technology, allowing us to record actual human movements and transfer them directly into the game. Cause you know, capturing real-world actions brings fluidity and realism to every motion.

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We’re not just talking about the big picture. The smallest details matter, too. The way a worker shifts his grip on a tool, the small misstep when carrying a heavy load, and even the subtle shift in posture - these are the moments that make the environment feel truly alive.

[h2]The Road to Realism[/h2]

Animations in Chinese Frontiers aren’t just for show - they’re what make the game feel real. Our goal is to make sure that every movement tells a story, every action feels grounded, and every task carries a sense of weight and effort.

And we can’t wait to show you more!

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Be sure to follow us on social media for exclusive looks at our development process, and don’t forget to join the conversation on Discord (CLICK HERE) to share your thoughts, feedback, and excitement for Chinese Frontiers!

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Best regards,
The Chinese Frontiers Team


https://store.steampowered.com/app/1640820/Chinese_Frontiers/

DevLog #14 - Let's build something big | Landmarks in Chinese Frontiers



Hello, Builders!


We’re back with another behind-the-scenes look at Chinese Frontiers, and this time, we’re setting our sights on something truly grand. Throughout your journey, you’ll be working on more than just village and settlement - some projects will be so massive, so awe-inspiring, that they will shape the very world around you.

Get ready, because today, we’re talking about landmarks!

[h2]Monuments that define an era[/h2]

Great civilizations are remembered not just by their people, but by the structures they leave behind. In Chinese Frontiers, you’ll have the chance to contribute to monumental projects that stand as testaments to history, craftsmanship, and ambition.

From vast walls to towering pagodas, these landmarks will challenge your building skills like never before, pushing you to plan, gather resources, and construct with precision. Each structure you create won’t just be a part of the world - you’ll be leaving your mark on history.

[h2]Unveil a bit of the mystery[/h2]

While we’re not revealing the full list of monuments just yet, we can say this - every structure in Chinese Frontiers has been carefully designed to replicate authentic Chinese buildings. Our goal has always been to ensure that these landmarks don’t just look impressive, but feel true to their historical and cultural significance.

Let us give you some examples!

Among the buildings you’ll construct, you’ll find the Drum and Bell Tower, an iconic piece of architecture that played a vital role in timekeeping and communication. These towers were more than just decorative landmarks - they dictated the rhythm of daily life, marking the passage of time for entire cities.



And of course, there’s the General’s Tower, a structure designed to showcase strength and military might. Some of you may already be familiar with it from our playtest at Jiayu Pass, where you had the chance to work on part of its construction.

Rebuilding it in its full glory will be a true test of skill, requiring careful resource management and strategic planning. If you enjoyed tackling this in the demo, just wait until you see what else we have in store!



[h2]Be prepared[/h2]

Every level in Chinese Frontiers will present you with grand monuments to build - structures that demand skill, patience, and dedication. These landmarks won’t rise overnight. But for those who see their work through to completion, a special reward awaits.

Each monument you complete will earn you a unique banner, proudly displaying an emblem that represents your achievement. Below, you’ll find six of these banners - but we’re keeping the details under wraps for now.



Can you guess which structures they might correspond to? Let us know your thoughts!

[h2]Join us, Builders! [/h2]

We’re beyond excited to share these landmarks with you and can’t wait to see your reactions. What do you think these banners represent? What legendary Chinese structures are you hoping to build in Chinese Frontiers? Share your thoughts with us!

Be sure to follow us on social media for more updates and exclusive behind-the-scenes content. And if you haven’t yet, join our growing community on Discord (CLICK HERE)! It’s the best place to discuss our upcoming project, share your ideas, and connect with fellow builders.

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Best regards,
The Chinese Frontiers Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1640820/Chinese_Frontiers/

DevLog #13 - Journey of growth… | Story in Chinese Frontiers



Builders!


Hope you're all doing well! It’s time for another look behind the scenes at Chinese Frontiers, and today we’re focusing on one of the most crucial aspects of any great game - the story. Grab a seat by the fire, and let’s dive into the world we’re building!

[h2]A story of ambition and legacy[/h2]

At its heart, Chinese Frontiers is a journey of growth, perseverance, and discovery. You step into the shoes of a young man with a past shrouded in mystery, taken in by an aging builder named Jun. Under his guidance, you’ll learn the fundamentals of construction, honing your craft in a humble setting before destiny calls you to something far greater.

Later, when an Imperial Messenger arrives, seeking volunteers to help build the Great Wall, your path is set. What begins as a simple endeavor soon unfolds into an epic tale of ambition and duty.



From small projects to shaping the empire’s grandest structures, your skills will determine your legacy as a master builder. And along the way, bonds will form, rivalries will emerge, and the weight of history may even rest on your shoulders.

[h2]Pillars of your journey[/h2]

In our game, character growth isn’t about choosing a single path - it’s about balancing three key aspects that define your legacy. These pillars intertwine, shaping both your adventure and the world around you:

Mastering the Craft - Your journey as a builder starts with simple projects but soon expands to grand undertakings. From constructing rural homes to Monuments of the Great Wall, every structure you build brings you closer to earning the Emperor’s recognition.

Leading a Thriving Settlement - A great builder is also a leader. Your village begins as a modest outpost, where you personally gather materials and construct essential buildings. Over time, your role evolves - you’ll establish workshops, manage resources, and oversee workers as your settlement flourishes into a bustling hub of craftsmanship.



Building Meaningful Relationships - The people you meet along your journey play a crucial role in your story. Among them is Mei, a determined and independent woman whose life becomes connected with yours…

[h2]Key Characters[/h2]

A great tale is nothing without memorable figures to bring it to life, and Chinese Frontiers is no exception. Two of the most important people in your journey are Jun and Mei, whom we mentioned earlier.



Jun, the wise and pragmatic mentor, is more than just a teacher. Behind his warm humor and humble nature lies a deep understanding of the craft and the challenges ahead. He sees great potential in you and hopes to pass on his knowledge, ensuring that the art of building continues to flourish.

Then there’s Mei, Jun’s granddaughter, a fiercely independent and determined young woman. Having faced adversity from a young age, she learned to navigate a world that hasn’t always been kind to her. As your journey unfolds, so does your relationship with Mei, leading to moments of friendship, challenge, and perhaps something deeper.

[h2]The Road Ahead[/h2]

As you can see, the story in Chinese Frontiers is more than just a backdrop - it’s an integral part of your adventure, woven into every brick you lay and every decision you make. As you shape your legacy, the world will respond, offering new challenges and opportunities that reflect your growth.

We’re beyond excited for you to experience this world yourself! Stay tuned for more updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and surprises we can’t wait to share.

Follow us on social media for the latest news, and don’t forget to join our growing community on Discord (CLICK HERE)! It’s the perfect place to discuss, share ideas, and chat directly!

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Best regards,
The Chinese Frontiers Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1640820/Chinese_Frontiers/

DevLog #12 - Meet the Builders! | Character design in Chinese Frontiers



Builders!


While constructing grand monuments and managing settlements are at the heart of Chinese Frontiers, it’s the people who bring the world to life. Compelling protagonists and quirky villagers with their own stories - the characters in our game are designed to immerse you in a vibrant, evolving world.

[h2]Celebration of the craftsmanship[/h2]

In Chinese Frontiers, every character tells a story. From farmers sowing seeds to carpenters shaping wood and masons working with stones, our figures are a celebration of craftsmanship and spirit of ancient China. While our protagonists are still waiting for their grand introduction, today we want to focus on the broader cast of NPCs who make up the vibrant, bustling world you’ll explore.



Because it’s not just about how they look - it’s about how they live. Each character is designed with a deep respect for their craft, culture, and the time period they represent. Their movements, attire, and even the tools they wield have been carefully researched to ensure they feel authentic while remaining enjoyable for players to embody.

[h2]A Tale Worth Telling[/h2]

Characters in Chinese Frontiers aren’t just static figures or decorative elements - they’re integral to the game’s storytelling and world-building. Their daily routines and challenges paint a vivid picture of life in ancient China. As you interact with these individuals, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the world they inhabit.



To achieve this, we’ve poured our hearts into crafting animations that not only look realistic, but also resonate emotionally. It’s about connecting you with the characters on a personal level, making every interaction meaningful and every task rewarding.

[h2]Behind the design[/h2]

We could talk about these craftsmen all day, but why not hear it straight from the source? In a special video, our talented 2D/3D Artist, Michal, shares his thoughts on what makes character design in Chinese Frontiers so special.

From the inspirations behind their appearances to the meticulous process of animating their movements, Michal dives into the artistry and passion that have shaped the souls of our game. Make sure to give it a watch and let us know what you think!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Special Wishes[/h2]

As we prepare for the Year of the Snake, we’d like to take a moment to send our heartfelt wishes to all our players celebrating the Lunar New Year. May this year bring you and your loved ones prosperity, happiness, and endless moments of joy.

Just like the snake symbolizes wisdom, intuition, and cleverness, we hope these qualities will guide you throughout the journey ahead. Here’s to a year of good fortune and success - both in life and in Chinese Frontiers!

新年快乐

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]What’s more…[/h2]

We can’t wait to share more details about the Builders and the stories they have to tell. Until then, let us know which type of inhabitants you’d love to meet in Chinese Frontiers! Don’t forget to wishlist the game on Steam and join our growing community on Discord (CLICK HERE).

Stay tuned for more updates, and as always, thank you for building this journey with us!

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Best regards,
The Chinese Frontiers Team

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1640820/Chinese_Frontiers/