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From Deltazone to Gearbound: Odyssey – what I learned, and what’s next

[p]Hey everyone,[/p][p]I want to be open about something: Deltazone never became the game I wanted it to be.
It was a big learning project for me – from code to art to networking – and while parts of it were fun, it fell short of my own standards in almost every area.[/p][p]Out of everything I learned building Deltazone came a new project that already feels like a much stronger, more focused game:[/p][h3]Introducing Gearbound: Odyssey[/h3][p]Gearbound: Odyssey is my next title – a single-player sci-fi action adventure starring Ember, a rookie space cadet on her first real deployment off-world.[/p][p]Instead of arenas and experimental systems, Gearbound is built around:[/p]
  • [p]Tighter, more responsive combat – melee and ranged with a lot more weight and feedback[/p]
  • [p]Better movement and level flow – environments designed for traversal, not just “places to shoot”[/p]
  • [p]Stronger art direction – stylized planets full of strange flora, machines, and ruins[/p]
  • [p]A clearer identity – you are Ember, with a signature weapon and story, not just a generic operator[/p]
[p]You’re exploring full planets, not “zones” or contract loops. Each location is crafted to feel like a place with history, secrets, and its own problems, not just a combat box.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]What makes Gearbound feel better than Deltazone?[/h3][p]While working on Gearbound I’ve been fixing the things that always bothered me in Deltazone:[/p]
  • [p]Cleaner, more stable systems under the hood[/p]
  • [p]More consistent visuals and style[/p]
  • [p]A stronger sense of progression and purpose[/p]
  • [p]A main character with personality and a signature weapon instead of a blank slate[/p]
[p]In short: Gearbound: Odyssey already feels like the game Deltazone was trying to be, but never reached.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]How you can support Gearbound[/h3][p]If you’re reading this on the Deltazone Steam page and you want to support where things are heading next:[/p]
  • [p]Search for “Gearbound: Odyssey” on Steam and add it to your Wishlist.[/p]
[p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][p]Wishlists make a huge difference for visibility and help me justify putting more time, content, and polish into Gearbound and any future projects.[/p][p]You can also join the Extynct Studios community if you want to follow development more closely, give feedback, or eventually help test.[/p][hr][/hr][h3]Thank you[/h3][p]Even if Deltazone was, in my eyes, a failed attempt, it would not have taught me nearly as much without the people who played it, broke it, and gave feedback on it.[/p][p]If you’re here because of Deltazone: thank you for your time and patience.
I hope you’ll give Gearbound: Odyssey a look – it’s built on all those hard lessons, and I’m already far more proud of where it’s heading.[/p][p][/p]
Stay in the loop:
[p][/p][p] As always, don't miss any information about Deltazone and Extynct Studios : [/p][p] Glen from Extynct Studios [/p]

Update 0.4.0 is in progress!

[p]Version 0.4.0 is officially in progress! We're excited to share all the incredible features and improvements coming soon. Here's a detailed breakdown of what to expect in this major update:

[/p]
Major Features:
[p]
- Complete UX/UI Redesign: Experience an all-new, intuitive, and visually appealing user interface. [/p][p]- Networking Overhaul: Improved multiplayer performance, stability, and responsiveness.[/p][p]- Weapon & Animation System Overhaul: Enhanced weapon handling, animations, and visual effects for more immersive gameplay. [/p][p]- Map Overhaul: Complete redesign of all existing maps to align perfectly with the updated gameplay mechanics and aesthetics. [/p][p]- New Credit System: Earn between 500-1000 credits every 3-4 matches to purchase exclusive skins and cosmetics. Credits can also be purchased directly via Steam, starting at 500 credits for $4.99. More details coming soon! [/p][p]- In-Game Shop: Dedicated shop to browse and purchase various skins and cosmetic items details forthcoming.[/p][p]- Expanded Achievement System: At least 50 unique achievements to challenge and reward players.[/p][p]- Enhanced AI: Improved bot behavior with crouching, melee attacks, grenade use, abilities, realistic running and jumping, strategic strafing, and adaptive hiding. [/p][p]- Full Controller Support: Comprehensive controller compatibility for seamless gameplay. [/p][p]- Advanced Level Editor: Powerful tools for collaborative level creation and editing with friends. [/p][p][/p]
Maps:
[p][/p][p]- Training Grounds[/p][p]- Cargo[/p][p]- Carrier[/p][p]- Camp Delta[/p][p]- Harbor[/p][p]- Warehouse[/p][p]- Railway[/p][p]- Nexus[/p][p]- More TBA[/p][p][/p]
Changes to DLC:
[p][/p][p]- Deltazone - Customization Pack #1: Will give you Similar Gear.[/p][p]- Deltazone - Upgrade Pack: Will be Vaulted and you will automatically get 3700-DZ[/p][p]- Deltazone - Gamemode Pack #1: Will be getting a Overhaul and the GameModes will be [/p]
  1. [p]Kill Confirmed[/p]
  2. [p]LastTeamStanding[/p]
  3. [p]DropZone[/p]
  4. [p]More TBA[/p]
[p][/p][p]- Deltazone - Map Pack #1: Will also be getting a Overhaul[/p]
  1. [p]Carrier[/p]
  2. [p]Nexus[/p]
  3. [p]More TBA[/p]
[p][/p][p]- Deltazone - Legacy Pack: You might have noticed this DLC in your Library, If you do not see it you did not play the game before the original Deltazone V2 announcement was released. You get another additional 3700-DZ for being a loyal player.[/p]
  1. [p]3700-DZ[/p]
[p][/p]
Coming Later:
[p]
- Story Mode: A dedicated story mode planned post-launch. [/p][p]- Zombies Mode: Round Based Zombies.[/p][p]- Co-op Story: The Story Mode but with Multiplayer.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p]
Stay in the loop:
[p][/p][p] As always, don't miss any information about Deltazone and Extynct Studios : [/p][p] Glen from Extynct Studios [/p]

Workshop testing complete

[p]I’ve finished the Workshop visibility tests using a separate account.[/p][p]What’s next:[/p]
  • [p]The current Deltazone build still does not support Workshop content.[/p]
  • [p]Community uploads remain unsupported and won’t load in-game.[/p]
  • [p]I may change Workshop visibility again or clear test items.[/p]

Workshop visibility temporarily public (internal testing only)

[p]I’ve set the Deltazone Steam Workshop to public so I can test publishing and subscription flow from a separate account. This is not a public test.[/p][p]Key points:[/p]
  • [p]The current Deltazone build does not load or use Workshop content. Anything uploaded will not appear in-game.[/p]
  • [p]Please do not upload items. Community submissions aren’t being reviewed or supported right now.[/p]
  • [p]Visibility may change again after testing.[/p]

Deltazone Temporary Development Pause

Hello everyone,

I wanted to reach out and update you all personally. Due to financial considerations, I've decided to temporarily pause active development and updates on Deltazone to focus on securing stable employment.

This decision was not easy, as the support and enthusiasm from this community have been incredible. I deeply appreciate all of you who have followed the game's journey, provided valuable feedback, and supported me along the way.

Please understand this is not a goodbye it's just a brief pause. My commitment to Deltazone remains strong, and I look forward to returning to development with renewed energy and resources in the near future.

Thank you all for your understanding, patience, and continued support.

Warm regards,
[EvolvedPhoenix Studios]