Back to the Dawn News

Greetings, Inmates!

How have you been? We hope you have been enjoying the new features in our last major update so far. Today, we're bringing you not just one, but two exciting pieces of news that you won't want to miss!

[h2]Exclusive 10% Discount![/h2]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1735700/Back_to_the_Dawn/

First off, from December 13 - 20, we’re offering Back to the Dawn at a special 10% discount! If you've been eyeing this gripping prison survival adventure, now's the perfect time to take the plunge. And hey, why not spread the joy by recommending it to a friend? Dive into the intense, survival-focused world of Back to the Dawn and discover what lies within, all while saving a bit on your purchase.

[h2]New Public opentest Branch![/h2]

Next, we’re thrilled to introduce a new Back to the Dawn opentest branch on Steam for you to try out! This is your chance to get an early peek at the latest developments, which includes an array of new features from enhanced accessibility options to expanded gameplay elements.

[h3]How to Access the opentest Branch: [/h3]

1. In your Steam library, right-click on Back to the Dawn and click on “Properties”.
   
   
2. In the Properties window, select "Betas", and under the “Beta Participation” dropdown menu, select “opentest” to opt in, and you are good to go!
   
   
3. The game should shortly update itself after, and the game should display as “Back to the Dawn [opentest]” in your Steam Library. That’s how you know that you have successfully opted in! If you’d like to swap back to the original game, simply go through the same steps as above and select “None”.
   

[h3]Opentest Branch Guidelines[/h3]

1. Please note that the opentest branch is meant for early experimental testing, and the content might be adjusted along the way. Because of this, you might experience some bugs as well. But if you do, please let us know through our bug report form! Or if you have more feedback and suggestions for us, do let us know through the Steam Community discussions.
   
   
2. We'll do our best to ensure save file compatibility between the opentest and the standard branch. However, just in case, we recommend backing up your save files before switching to the opentest branch. You can find your save files here: C:\Users\XXX\AppData\LocalLow\MetalHeadGames\Back To The Dawn (Replace XXX with your user folder name).
   
   
3. If you choose to stay in the default branch, that's okay too! We will eventually push the latest and the most stable version to the main game after a thorough quality assurance check.
   

[h3]Key Features and Optimizations in the opentest Branch[/h3]

• Expanded walkable area in the sewer. Thomas can now freely move and change equipment after climbing out of the pipe.
  
• Added a new debuff: Accumulating smell from rummaging through trash affects charm value.
  
• Added a new debuff when facing the Crab Monster. Equip Amulet to unlock a new battle move “Steadfast Will”: Pray against the monster to deal damage equal to the roll results and recover equal health.
  
• New operational guides in the skills page for stealing and extortion.
  
• New interaction options with the boxing manager, TV manager, and bank manager.
  
• Attribute tooltips now show maximum health and stamina for Strength, dodge chance for Agility, and critical hit chance for Intelligence.
  
• Added an option to delegate weightlifting to Thomas after three manual attempts.
  
• Reduced trust gain for befriending gang members from 10 to 8 points. Gain 2 trust points for meeting a gang prisoner.
  
• Weakened the negative effect of Gluttony: Changed from a chance to reduce 2 satiety points to reducing 5 mentality points when Hungry.
  
• Added a sorting function in the cabinet: New "Sort" button at the top left corner.
  
• Included a fast travel function between the first and second floor of the cell block.
  
• Added “Crafting Master” skill effect for solving puzzle games.
  
• Guided prompt for buying blankets.
  
• Sewer circuit repair can now be handled by Thomas after one failure.
  
• Additional guide for Gliding escape route.
  
• Added extra effect for “Police Uniform” armor: Opponents cannot deal critical hits to you.
  
• Reduced morale recovery effect of the Walkman, now provides additional charm experience per hour when turned on. Walkman automatically turns off when sleeping.
  
• New restriction on diarrhea medicine use: Cannot self-administer when in “Low Health”.
  
• You can apply to the guard for permission to go to the infirmary with the "Weak Body" status.
  
• Skip function for specific plot scenes: Phone call with Red, riot start scene, counting days in roll call animation, TV station entrance animation.
  
• Added special state “Potential Unleashed” for Pickman during the riot, enhancing his strength.
  
• New dialogue with Maggie during Honey Festival.
  
• Additional bargaining function for “Calculator”: Thomas can now bargain when shopping, costing 5 energy.
  
• Adjusted effect of “Mint Leaf”, “Mint Roll”, and “Fine Leaf Roll”: Health reduction is now cumulative based on daily usage of these items.
  
• Optimized the interaction with room items during a lockdown: Single cells do not require Sam's help to leave during the day.
  
• Added a trait where nearby fitness enthusiasts increase their favorability when you lift weights 10 times.
  
• Added new spectator interactions for tabletop games.
  
• Added a color vision assistance feature.
  
• Added new evening entertainment interactions on the second floor of the prison. You can “Play cards with Old Lee”, “Assist Phil in card gambling”, “Assist Lin in card gambling”, “Play tumbling tower with Crunchy”, “Play five finger fillets with Max”.
  
• Improved unlocking interaction for dismantling the sewer wooden board.
  
• Adjusted prisoner positions in roll call scenes for more accurate representation.
  
• Added fast-forward and real-time play buttons for watching boxing matches, along with a real-time information button.
  
• Added “Max” and “Min” quick selection buttons in the purchase item list.
  
• Default movement for Thomas changed to running, hold shift to walk.
  
• Added computer games in the comprehensive building and a preview option for the e-book “Time Crosser”.
  
• Increased experience gain for roofing work: 30 experience points per task completion.
  
• Optimized the experience gained for mini-games while working.
  
• Optimized some plot scenes and dialogues in the sewer area.
  
• Reduced listening time: From 5 minutes to 2 minutes.
  
• Lowered base difficulty for the “Framing Bag” task, but added a new roll debuff “Nearby Eyes”: Minus 1 point for each nearby prisoner.
  
• Added task mode hints in the task targets for beating Diego the Alpaca and Wilber the Goat.
  
• Added clue hints for collecting fingerprint film in task targets.
  

[h3]Skill Optimizations[/h3]

• Updated the skill “Investment Expert” of Platypus Terry: Cash on hand increases by 5% every morning, with an additional 1% increase per Intelligence point.
  
• New effect for “Street Self-Defense 50 Moves”: No health loss if victorious in a fight.
  
• New skill “Round Up”: If the cumulative roll result is within 5 points of the maximum, it will be considered a completion.
  
• Hippo Frank’s talent move “Assassinate” now deals “full” damage.
  
• “Welcome to Hawkins” gains an extra effect: 20% increased damage to “Monsters”.
  
• New effect for the skill of Horse Ray in trading with other prisoners: Reduce favorability requirement by 2 points for each point of Charm.
  
• Enhanced “War Correspondent” talent armor “Thick Fur” with an extra effect: No health loss for sleeping without a blanket at night.
  
• Enhanced “Failure Scientist” skill: Double experience gain on failed roll challenges, and quintuple experience for critical failures.
  
• Enhanced Miguel the Tapir's skill “Reverse Hypnosis”: Nightmares bring additional abilities.
  
• New skill “Bookworm”: Preview book skills and reading actions no longer consume energy.
  
• Added new abilities to “Game Manual” and “TV Program Guide” book skills: Preview skills of games and TV shows.
  
• “Insect Farm” skill gains a minimum guarantee mechanism: If no gold beetles are found in 6 plant piles, the next pile will definitely have one.
  

[h3]Quest Adjustments[/h3]

• Extended the deadlines of certain quests:
  
  • “Two Ribs” completion deadline extended to 2 days.
    
  • “Door-to-Door Delivery” and “Friendly Reminder” extended to 3 days.
    
  • “Chameleon” completion deadline extended to 10 days.
• Added a new task category “Escape”, separating escape-related side tasks.
  

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]
Now let’s talk about some bug fixes we’ve done!

• Fixed an incorrect dialogue after Bruce is demoted on the 21st morning roll call.
  
• Fixed an issue where newly unlocked items required reopening the page to reflect the updated favorability.
  
• Fixed trading transaction confirmation popup not appearing when trading with other prisoners.
  
• Fixed discrepancies in certain eavesdropping content afterthe riot.
• Fixed an issue where wearing rubber gloves would revert damage status from broken to worn.
  
• Fixed an issue where prisoners in area A did not gather to watch the hanged man event.
  
• Fixed an error in selecting difficulty for new players.
  

That wraps up today's update! If you have additional feedback or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us through the Steam Community discussions. Your feedback and support are the driving forces behind our dedication, and it is our guiding star as we continuously work to improve the game.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1735700/Back_to_the_Dawn/

Thank you once again for the encouragement you've given us, and we are thrilled to have you onboard in Boulderton Prison, plotting your epic breakout together with us!

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Greetings, Inmates!

We hope you are well and thriving in your daring adventures within Boulderton Prison! Which escape route is your favorite so far? Let us know in the comments below!

Since our game's launch, your feedback and suggestions have been amazing, inspiring and guiding us towards making our game even better. And today, we're thrilled to announce our first ever major update, packed with feature optimizations, bug fixes, and some eagerly awaited new features that many of you have been asking for!

Without further ado, let’s dive right in! 👇


We understand that every player brings a unique playstyle and set of preferences to the table. That's why we've introduced a new Difficulty Selection feature. You can choose among three modes, each with their unique perks and challenges! Whether you're looking to soak in the story at a leisurely pace or push your limits with zero memory recall option, these modes will give you the freedom to shape your adventure from the very beginning. Additionally, we've added new guidance for the new game modes to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.


Survived your first stint in Boulderton Prison? Get ready to dive back in with New Game+! Keep all your hard-earned inmate relationships, specialties, and skills as you embark on a fresh journey. Get ready to navigate the treacherous world of Boulderton Prison, but this time being well prepared!

[h3]Feature Optimizations[/h3]

• Added a feature to skip cutscenes and conversations between inmates. Now, listening to inmate conversations can be skipped by long-pressing the right mouse button, and cutscenes can be skipped via a confirmation pop-up.
  
• Added a feature to skip work tasks. After repeating certain tasks several times, they can be delegated to Thomas to auto-complete.
  
• Optimized the frequency of the Chaplain's appearance. In the third week (day 15—21), the Chaplain will visit the prison every day..
  
• Optimized the display position of the lack of Focus Point prompt when re-rolling after a failed steal attempt, to prevent it from being obscured by the screen.
  
• Added a puzzle replacement option. After failing a jigsaw puzzle several times, players can choose to accumulate dice rolls instead.
  
• Added "Pentacles" and "The Magician" achievements.
  
• Added a pop-up guide for adding skill points.
  
• Added a new combat debuff, "Diarrhea."
  
• Added an Easter Egg jailbreak route.
  
• Added an option to mix laxatives into food and share it with your tablemate to spike them.
  
• After confessing the jailbreak plan to Sam, Sam will no longer engage in cover-up related conversations with Thomas.
  
• It's now possible to visit Reed in the hospital with Maggie or Beth under specific conditions (Affection with Maggie or Beth is no less than 50).
• Optimized the "Fish in a Tank" status. After obtaining the status, the “Weak Mind” trigger threshold is reduced by 10 points.
  
• Game cartridges that have been completed can now be exchanged.
  
• Optimized the display of the kitchen mini-game. After cooking more than 9 dishes, it no longer displays.
  
• If the recipient hates a gifted item, the item will remain in the player's inventory (but the Rapport will still decrease).
  
• In the absence of a hammer, the task of nailing together a wooden bridge in the sewer can be done using other items.
  
• It's no longer possible to retrieve the rope after reaching the bottom layer of the Pipe Area via the infirmary.
  
• Optimized the conditions to complete certain quests.
  
• Optimized performance issues in the “Rainy Night” and the sewer scene.
  
• Optimized some aspects of the tutorial interface display.
  
• Optimized some dialogue content.
  

[h3]Skill Adjustments[/h3]

• Optimized the skill description for "Rumination+", which now extends duration by 100%.
  
• The "Ambush" status can stack up to 5 layers. Upon reaching full stacks, the "Total Hibernation" effect is activated, ensuring the next attack will hit.
  
• The attack effect of "Tiger Combo" is adjusted from end-of-turn to per-attack calculation. Subsequent combos triggered will no longer be affected by single-use buff consumption.
  
• "Pincer Smash" now includes a "guaranteed hit" effect, making the hit rate for this attack 100%.
  
• "Geek" has been modified to give +2 Intelligence and -1 Agility.
  
• Optimized the skill description for "Crushing Blow". When a critical hit is guaranteed, the hit rate is displayed as 100%.
  

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

• Fixed an issue where skipping Angelo's main storyline visit could prevent Reed's second visit from triggering.
  
• Fixed a problem where entering the infirmary during the day prevented leaving through the door.
  
• Fixed a bug where, after successfully helping Sam during the riot, Sam did not continue providing cover-up after day 19.
  
• Fixed a bug where using a controller made it impossible to select "Add Skill Points" after acquiring more than 24 skills.
  
• Fixed a bug where the discounted price of gang store items was incorrect after joining a gang.
  
• Fixed a bug where games could be played without a handheld game console when in segregation.
  
• Fixed a bug in the Central Garden stealth challenge where incorrect point bonuses were applied.
  
• Fixed a bug where "Mineworld Endless Mode" could be played when the current cartridge was not "Mineworld" or the handheld game console was out of power.
  
• Fixed a display bug where, during the riot lockdown, moving the camera to the corridor while Thomas was in a single room showed him in the cell on the first floor.
  
• Fixed a bug where the "Healing Rest" skill did not remove debuffs during combat.
  
• Fixed a bug where playing with a handheld game console in segregation would cause the game to freeze.
  
• Fixed a bug where a 10% discount from activating Billy's shopping benefit disappeared when increasing his Rapport to 100.
  
• Fixed a bug where, after successfully declaring your feeling to Beth, choosing "Cheer her up" did not increase her Affection for you.
  
• Fixed a bug where replacing battery in a powerless handheld game console was not possible if there were multiple sets of batteries in your pocket and the first set contained less than four batteries.
  
• Fixed a bug where the "Brass Knuckles" item's buff of +4 to unarmed attacks was not effective.
  
• Fixed a bug where snitching on Caesar caused his position to be fixed on the second floor of the Main Building on the morning of the same day in all saves, which caused a black screen for all the inmate conversations related to him.
  
• Fixed a display issue where the "Galactic Knight" buff still showed even when the player did not go first in a combat.
  
• Fixed a problem where the "Makeshift Mask" was not effective.
  
• Corrected inconsistency between the buff description and the actual HP deduction for arrow wounds.
  

Your feedback and suggestions are important, as it helps us understand how we can improve Back to the Dawn. So please continue to share your experiences, suggestions, and any issues you encounter, we are all ears! Additionally, we will launch accessibility optimizations for mini-games in the next version!

If you’re enjoying the new updates and feel that we’ve addressed your concerns, we’d appreciate it if you could consider updating your review, especially if it was previously negative. Your positive feedback not only encourages us but also helps in continuously improving Back to the Dawn!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1735700/Back_to_the_Dawn/

Thank you once again for your ongoing support and enthusiasm. We hope you enjoy these new updates and continue to join us in this thrilling journey of strategy and survival. Stay tuned for more updates, and have fun strategizing your next prison break!

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Greetings Inmates!

We hope you are having fun navigating the treacherous corridors of Boulderton Prison, outsmarting guards and forging unlikely alliances. Today, we need a favor from you - help us nominate Back to the Dawn for the "OUTSTANDING STORY-RICH GAME" category in the Steam Awards 2023!



Your invaluable support will help us to bring our tale of prison strategy and survival to more gamers around the world. Every nomination counts and we're grateful for your help. Simply click the nomination checkbox above and that’s all!

In the meantime, we're actively testing out some enhancements based on the feedback and suggestions we’ve received from you. We believe that it would make your gaming experience better, and will definitely share more details about it very soon, so please stay tuned!

Thank you for being a part of this journey with us. Enjoy your adventures, and remember, every choice you make will shape your destiny!

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Hey Inmates!

We trust you've been meticulously plotting your route to freedom in the treacherous corridors of Boulderton Prison. As we continue to work on optimizing the game for the upcoming updates (stay tuned!), we would like to share some exciting news with you.

We’ve teamed up with the amazing team behind Travellers Rest to present an exclusive deal for you: the Inmates and Innkeepers Bundle! Grab it today and enjoy a 10% discount on your purchase.

Carefully curated in a Steam bundle for their enchanting pixel art and enthralling narratives, this bundle offers a delightful escapade into vividly crafted worlds. Engage in the cozy management of a bustling tavern or plot an intricate escape from a life behind bars. Enjoy hours of discovery and engaging gameplay, set against backdrops rich with challenges and opportunities.

[h2]Travellers Rest[/h2]

You are an innkeeper, on a journey to transform a run-down inn into a bustling social space. Brew your own beer, run a farm, explore the world, and build relationships with your customers to create your own fantasy tavern!

“Traveller’s Rest is a cute, retro-style, relaxing game.”
~Super Jump Magazine

[h2]Back To The Dawn[/h2]


Play as a wrongfully imprisoned fox journalist entangled in a shadowy conspiracy. Experience the suspense and thrills of prison life and exploit any weakness. Manipulate and scheme. Make friends (or foes) with fellow inmates and engineer a daring escape to clear your name.

“This is one of the best prison games I have ever played.”
~ Call Me Kevin

So, are you ready to leap into new worlds and take on challenges unknown? Buy the bundle. Buy the games. Experience the wonders of indie pixel art RPGs in this awesome collection!

https://store.steampowered.com/bundle/36429/Inmates_and_Innkeepers/

Greetings, Inmates!

It’s been close to a week since we launched Back to the Dawn, and we are absolutely humbled by the enthusiasm you’ve all shown. Watching you delve into the prison world we’ve created, forming alliances and rivalries with different inmates and sharing survival tips reminds us of the joy we felt during development and the immersive experience we aimed to create with the game.

We’ve been taking in your feedback and suggestions as we continue to optimize the game, and today we're thrilled to announce that we have rolled out another new update with several feature optimizations and bug fixes, and a new feature that many of you have been asking for!

Here's a detailed breakdown of this update:

[h2]New Manual Save/Load Feature[/h2]

Added a manual save/load game functionality within Memory Recall, with a maximum of 10 save slots. Now, you can plan your escape with even more precision, save crucial moments before making pivotal decisions, and explore various pathways without losing progress!

[h3]Feature Optimizations[/h3]

• Added an option to skip puzzles after multiple failed attempts in the mailroom and electrical room puzzles.
  
• Added new tutorials for attribute enhancement, prompts for gang orders, and tips related to donation bags.
  
• Adjusted the difficulty of dice rolls in the TV station scenes.
  
• Added a confirmation prompt button when adding skill points.
  
• Exercising in the dormitory, whether by the bed or using the small desk, now accumulates towards the same progress.
  
• Updated the successful connection prompt in the sewer valve adjustment minigame to display an arrow instead of a square.
  
• Optimized the illustrations for the glider and signal tower after a successful escape.
  
• Added ending text for the graveyard ending.
  
• Improved performance issues with animations during the rainy night scene and for some prisoners.
  
• Optimized certain in-game visuals and animation scenes.
  
• Optimized sound effects in the hospital.
  
• Optimized the loading screen icons.

[h3]Bug Fixes[/h3]

• Fixed an issue in the "After-Hours Consultation" quest where the "Corrosion Solution" made before receiving the task could not be used to fulfill the objectives.
  
• Fixed an issue with the time spent not halving in the kitchen and yard toilet areas after learning the “Iron Throne” skill.
  
• Fixed an issue where using the "Master Pickpocket" skill would result in negative money.
  
• Fixed an issue where the money stolen using the "Master Pickpocket" skill could exceed the victim’s total amount.
  
• Fixed an issue preventing the purchase of free bread when you have negative money.
  
• Fixed an issue where forcefully quitting the game could prevent re-entry into the game on subsequent attempts.
  
• Fixed an issue causing a game freeze when signing up for a boxing match and checking registration the next day.
  
• Fixed an issue with the game freezing when interacting with the door on the right after entering the operating room.
  
• Fixed certain incorrect timings in task completion evaluations.
  
• Fixed an issue where players could increase Father Anderson's favorability after his departure.
  
• Fixed an issue where staying in the cafeteria until 13:00 on riot day incorrectly forced a scene change.
  
• Fixed an issue with the endless ladder climbing animation for Thomas at low frame rates.
  
• Fixed an issue with the inability to interact with the ladder on the right side of the pipe area.
  
• Fixed an issue with overlapping prisoner positions and display errors in certain scenes.
  
• Fixed an issue in the mailroom warehouse where being over the time limit would forcibly move the player to the right side of the mailroom, and clicking on the cabinet behind the workbench at an angle would teleport back to the warehouse.
  
• Fixed an issue preventing exit from the hospital door when entering the operating room at night.
  
• Fixed an issue with the disappearance of time limits in hospital scenes after saving and quitting.
  
• Fixed an issue where players could get stuck when lying on the bed and selecting "Check under the bed" or "Tidy up the bed”.
  
• Fixed an issue where Franklin and Ray would appear on the first floor when brawling with Diego on the second night.
  
• Fixed an issue allowing computer usage despite having no remaining computer time.

In our previous announcement, we shared about an upcoming Difficulty Selection Mode feature. While this is still very much on our agenda, we decided to implement the manual save/load feature first as we believe it would offer more flexibility and control to your current playthroughs. Rest assured that we're in the midst of testing and fine tuning, and will keep you updated on our progress. Thank you for your understanding and patience!

We're grateful for your feedback and suggestions as they are key in refining Back to the Dawn at every step ahead. While we may not be able to implement all of them, we are committed to striking a balance between your expectations and the core essence of the game.

If you’re enjoying the new updates and feel that we’ve addressed your concerns, we’d appreciate it if you could consider to update your review, especially if was previously negative. Your positive feedback not only encourages us but also helps in continuously improving Back to the Dawn!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1735700/Back_to_the_Dawn/

Thank you once again for your unwavering support. Please continue to stay tuned for more updates, and in the meantime, happy strategizing (and prison breaking)!

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