DRAKE News

[h3]Thank you for participating in the playtest![/h3]

We are striving to improve our game and share new updates with you as quickly as possible. Now, you can download our playtest version of DRAKE directly from the Beta branch of the Demo in your library. To access beta-brunch add the Demo version to your library.



Then click on "Properties" in the library page of the game



Select "Beta versions," and in the "Beta Testing" dropdown menu, choose the "playtest - New Updates Testing" branch. After that, the game will download the necessary patch.



You'll know you're on the right branch if you see the [playtest] label next to the demo name.



[h3]Don't forget to leave feedback after testing![/h3]

In patch 0.1.4, we've improved the interaction with the graphical API, eliminating visual glitches during loading, minimizing, and maximizing the game, fixing crashes during resolution changes and quality settings adjustments. This should enhance the overall smoothness of the game.

We've also refined gamepad control in the game menu and corrected the display of interface elements at non-standard resolutions, such as on the Steam Deck.

Patch 0.1.4 is available to everyone who has added Drake Playtest to their library.



[h3]Thank you for your numerous detailed reviews. [/h3]

They have helped us identify issues that we couldn't detect on our own.

We are currently working on improving artificial intelligence and fixing issues related to the movement of the bugs and character, such as falling through floors, doors, and walls, as well as AI navigation problems. This is a technically challenging task. Last year, we began transitioning AI components to an asynchronous architecture and aim to complete this transition. This will allow us to fix many errors, speed up scene loading, and avoid crashes. It will help us to create a stable foundation for developing an exciting combat system.

Next, we plan to enhance the inventory, add new types of weapons, and improve interactions with collectible items. We have already made significant progress in this direction and look forward to showing you these updates.

After completing the core code, we will focus on the most exciting aspects: progression, character creation screen, companions, and other features.



[h3]Please join our Discord channel. [/h3]

There, you can report problems or make suggestions in the "Feedback Forum" section and vote for other players' proposals.

Wishlist Drake on Steam, it helps us a lot and see you, space cowboys!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1735880/DRAKE/

Hello everyone!

We have some exciting news to share with you all! After considering the valuable feedback and suggestions we've received, we've decided to extend the Playtest period for our game. This extension means that you'll now have until the 15th of January to dive into our game world and explore all that it has to offer.



Your input has been incredibly helpful to us, and we're thrilled to give you more time to experience the game and share your thoughts. So, keep those comments and recommendations coming – they're making a real difference!

Thank you for your continued support and engagement. We can't wait to see what more you'll uncover and share with us by January 15th!

Stay tuned for more updates, and happy gaming!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1735880/DRAKE/

Friends, thank you for your feedback and comments. Last week, we dedicated our efforts to improving character control responsiveness, fixing bugs, and making minor visual enhancements to the level.



Detailed List of Changes in Playtest Update v,0.1.3:

- Added a main menu. Users with weaker graphics cards are advised to set the graphics to Low in the main menu before launching the demo level.

- Fixed a bug where character control broke after jumping.
- Improved character control sensitivity, refined stop animation, and enhanced control responsiveness when changing camera angles.
- Changed the internal logic of interacting with interactive items, fixing bugs that caused progression blocks during rapid interactions.
- Fixed a bug where bugs could become aggressive even after using the A-2 wave at the station.
- Transition to and from the station should now be faster.
- Improved camera behavior and fixed errors related to incorrect camera switching.
- Refined station geometry and enemy placement for non-combat playthrough options.

- Enhanced visuals and lighting inside the station, along with some visual bug fixes.
- Improved depth of field effects in cutscenes.
- Enhanced fade effects for entering and exiting cutscenes.
- Upgraded VFX, animations, lighting, and overall visual styling in certain cutscenes.



Known Issues:

- Using the kick move can cause improper IK behavior in the character. A temporary fix: remove the weapon and try the kick several times to exit the broken state.
- Jumping and shooting simultaneously can break the animation, making the jump animation appear incorrect.
- On Steam Deck and monitors with non-standard resolutions, the Esc menu may not display correctly.
- Visual artifacts when minimizing and maximizing.
- Excessively long level loading times.
- Crashes on PCs with weaker hardware. We're continuing to work on optimization.
- We're also working on improving the combat system and aiming, as well as reworking enemy AI.



Please report any issues you encounter during the playtest. Your feedback helps us improve Drake.

Thank you for your interest in the project in 2023. This year, we've significantly reworked and improved the game's foundation. In 2024, we aim to build on and enhance these results with additional gameplay mechanics and new content. All of this would not be possible without your support. Please continue to share your thoughts on the game and stay tuned for more updates in the new year of Drake!

Thank you very much, Merry Christmas and happy New Year! 🎄

Good evening, friends. We've opened the Playtest to everyone.

All you need to do is visit the Steam Page, find the Drake Playtest section, and click 'Play Now' if you've already requested access, or 'Request Access' if you haven't yet.

Please note that this build is early and doesn't reflect the final features and quality of the game.

The game segment used in the Playtest is set around the midpoint of the game, where your character has already developed some skills and equipment. We've prepared 3 character prototypes for you to choose from.



[h3]Good to know:[/h3]

The Playtest takes approximately 20-40 minutes to complete.

The version available for Playtest supports gamepad control and runs on Steam Deck. For Steam Deck, we recommend using Medium graphics settings.

Send us screenshots of achievements you earn on your first run in our Discord!



[h3]Features to help you in your playthrough:[/h3]

• A kick move that effectively destroys nearby enemies (sometimes too effectively).
  
• If you die, the Resurrect button will teleport you to a safe place and restore your HP.
  
• The displayed keys are tied to your current keyboard layout. If you use a Cyrillic layout but are accustomed to WASD, press Alt+Shift, and the displayed prompts will automatically change.
  
• When shooting, aim directly at the enemy, taking their height into account.
  
• Experiment, as there is no single correct way to complete the demo.
  

After completing, the game will prompt you to leave feedback. Your opinion about this part of the game is very important to us! If you encounter any bugs, write to the relevant section in the Community Hub, or contact us on Discord.



[h3]Known Issues:[/h3]

• Long initial loading time (up to 30 seconds).
  
• Pressing anything during loading may cause the game to crash.
  
• The character may not stop in time or may move beyond the accessible area.
  
• Bugs can pass through closed doors or floors.
  
• The cursor limiter doesn't work indoors. You can move the cursor past a wall, and it behaves incorrectly at the edges of some walls.
  
• Playing on a gamepad, you may lock the character when interacting with devices. (Unconfirmed)
  

[h3]Upcoming Planned Features Not in This Demo:[/h3]

• Introduction and tutorial.
  
• Inventory.
  
• Enemy AI overhaul.
  
• Humanoid NPCs and Enemies.
  
• Save and load system.
  
• Character skill system.
  

Thank you so much for your interest in Drake. We've put a lot of effort and time into enhancing the gaming experience in Drake and eagerly await your feedback!"

Come watch Denseacat, our level designer and writer, showcase the Playtest version of our game. While the stream is pre-recorded, we're here to answer any of your questions about the gameplay or how to play. Just drop us a message in our Community Hub or on Discord

Don't forget to follow Denseacat on Twitch for some great indie game development streams.

Want to try the Playtest yourself? You can! Just request access for the session, running from 7 PM CET on December 15th to 7 PM CET on January 2nd