Albatroz News

Hello, everyone!

We're thrilled to announce that Albatroz Patch 11 is now live on Steam! This update follows our recent content pack release and introduces exciting improvements and fixes to issues blocking your adventures.

In this update, Scene 15 has been improved, providing players with more options to escape the Realm of the Nameless. Additionally, we've resolved some rare issues, including the black screen that appeared after death and fixes for the moving platform that frequently failed to operate. Alongside these changes, we've made various minor fixes for a smoother overall experience.

Once again, thank you for your continued support! Stay tuned for more updates across all platforms, and check the patch notes below for all the details.

[h3]Albatroz Patch #11 (Steam):[/h3]

• Fixed Black Screen After Death
  Fixed a rare issue where the screen would sometimes turn black after death and not fade out properly. The transition now works as expected, providing a smoother experience.
  
  
• Improved Scene 15 (Distortions)
  Added new paths and options in Scene 15, giving players more ways to escape the Realm of the Nameless. These changes enhance the scene's replayability and strategic choices.
  
  
• Fixed Progression Issue in Scene 15
  Fixed an issue where players could die and still continue playing. Now, death correctly resets progression to ensure proper gameplay flow.
  
  
• Fixed Moving Platform Issue in Scene 15
  Addressed a rare bug where a moving platform would sometimes fail to move. Players can now use alternative paths if the platform doesn’t function as expected.
  
  
• Fixed Initial Tutorial
  Corrected an issue with the game's initial tutorial that caused confusion. The controls and mechanics are now explained more clearly.
  
  
• Other Minor Fixes and Polish
  Various minor fixes and improvements across the game, including performance optimizations and interface tweaks for a smoother experience
  

Thanks,
-Among Giants & SOEDESCO

Hey, everyone!

We're so excited to announce that the First Content Pack for Albatroz has officially launched today on Steam! This release is filled with incredible new features, enhancements, and fixes to make your journey with Isla and her crew even more epic.

In the first content pack, we’ve completely revamped the save system, giving you up to 100 save slots. We've also rebalanced TP Costs and addressed cutscene issues on Steam Deck. For our backpackers on low-end PCs, video playback has been optimized so you can embark on this adventure without compromise. This content pack also includes numerous other fixes and improvements to refine your overall Albatroz experience.

Check out all the details below:



[h3]New Features[/h3]

Enhanced Save System

We’ve completely overhauled the save system, introducing save slots to give players more flexibility in managing their progress.

Here’s what’s new: Players can now use up to 100 save slots to capture different moments in their journey.

• A new auto-save feature creates saves at critical locations and near save points.
  
• You can load any save slot from within the game or the main menu.
  
• Save slots can be deleted individually for better organization.
  
• Backward compatibility: Your old save files are still supported.
  
• Each save slot now displays detailed information about your progress, including party members, current weather, total clues, travel points (TP), and more — a total of 14 key metrics. Previously, this information was only available after the credits.
  
• The “Continue” option now smartly resumes the most recent save.
  
• Now the load game should be faster
  

This upgrade was a significant effort for the team, and we’re thrilled with the results.

IMPORTANT: Please back up your old save files before updating. If you encounter any issues with your saves, don’t hesitate to reach out.

[h3]New Content[/h3]

• Rebalanced TP Costs: Adjusted the costs for unlocking primary and secondary skills to improve progression.
  
• Steam Deck Compatibility: Fixed an issue where cutscenes weren’t playing and showed a black screen instead.
  
• Improved Scene 17 Sequence: Refined the “Serpi Playing” sequence, adding some objects to better communicate Isla’s actions and enhance the post-credits scene.
  
• Optimized Video Playback for Low-End PCs: Players using resolutions below 1920x1080 will now experience smoother playback with Full HD videos using the AV1 codec.
  

[h3]Fixes and Improvements[/h3]

• Fixed a critical issue where a save point in forbidden lands was corrupted.
  
• Loading Warning: Added a notification when the character is floating waiting for the level to load.
  
• Particle Effects: Enhanced smoke visuals for a more immersive experience.
  
• Scene Updates: Refined events in Scene 19 and further improved the “Serpi Playing” sequence in Scene 17.
  
• Shader Fixes: Resolved issues with Albatroz’s giant eye
  
• Fixed shader and the Flashlight 3 shader.
  
• Small adjustments and improvements
  

Once again, thank you for your ongoing support and dedication to Albatroz. For any remaining issues that didn’t make it into this update, rest assured they’re on our radar. Stay tuned as more exciting content and updates are coming your way soon!

Thanks,

-Among Giants & SOEDESCO

[h2]Hello, everyone![/h2]

The journey in Albatroz just got even better — Patch #10 is now live on Steam! This update brings several fixes, improvements, and additions to make your backpacking adventures smoother.

In this update, we’ve optimized memory usage in Scene 7, improved the game flow in Scene 13, and resolved issues like black screens and corrupted collisions. As a special treat, a new secret has been added to the Forbidden Lands, offering rewards for curious players. Along with these changes, we’ve introduced additional enhancements and fixes to refine your experience further.

We hope this latest update make your time in Albatroz even more enjoyable. Stay tuned for what’s next, and as always, thank you for your continued support!


[h3]Albatroz Patch #10 (Steam):[/h3]

• Optimized memory usage in Scene 7, significantly reducing resource consumption to prevent crashes on lower-end machines.
  
• Fixed the ranking name overlap issue on the travel journal page.
  
• Corrected a problem where incorrect phrases from the travel journal would display.
  
• Improved game flow in Scene 13, "The Silent City."
  
• Fixed collision issues in secret towers that were discoverable throughout the world.
  
• Resolved a black screen issue that could appear in certain scenarios during Scene 19.
  
• Fixed corrupted collisions (invisible walls) caused by assets spawning in the player's path at:
  
  • The entrance to the last village,
    
  • The entrance to the forbidden lands, and
    
  • The "Death Road" in the snowy mountain region.
• Fixed certain rocks that would throw the character upwards when attempting to climb them.
  
• Added a loading icon during the end-game transitions.
  
• Resolved an issue where the menu couldn't alternate between gamepad and mouse/keyboard inputs if the player spammed buttons from both input types.
  
• Addressed minor issues and implemented additional optimizations and polishing for an improved gameplay experience.
  
• Increased walking speed in specific terrains, such as tall grass, in the Forbidden Lands, to improve player movement.
  
• Reduced the explorable area in the Forbidden Lands by removing empty open spaces, making exploration more focused and engaging.
  
• Added an additional secret to discover in the Forbidden Lands, rewarding curious players.
  

Thanks,

-Among Giants & SOEDESCO

[h2]Hello, everyone![/h2]

A brand-new week is here, and with it comes an exciting update to enhance your journey in Albatroz! We're thrilled to announce that Patch #9 is now live on Steam, packed with essential fixes and improvements to make your adventure through the Forbidden Land better than ever.

One of the highlights of this update is the fix to the car teleportation blocker issue. Additionally, we’ve addressed the ultra-sensitivity bug in Photo Mode. The world map regions now display correctly, and we’ve also made improvements to the game’s visuals alongside fixes to several minor issues to polish your overall experience.

We hope you enjoy this update! If you're still encountering unresolved issues, don't worry, we're working hard on more updates to deliver an even better experience.

Stay tuned, and as always, thank you for your continued support!

[h3]Albatroz Patch #9 (Steam):[/h3]

• Critical Fix: Resolved the blocker issue with the car teleporting the player back into the level.
  
• The inverted Y and X axes now work correctly with the telescope.
  
• The inverted Y and X axes also work properly in photo mode.
  
• Fixed the ultra-sensitivity bug in photo mode.
  
• Enhanced visuals on the Death Road in the snowy region.
  
• Fixed a bug where the player would be teleported back to the Death Road in the snowy mountain area.
  
• Fixed a bug in the ritual during Scene 16 where the Crying Mountain's laughter could be triggered multiple times.
  
• Fixed an issue in Scene 18 where the player would be teleported back to the beginning.
  
• Polished Scene 18 for smoother gameplay and improved performance.
  
• Resolved an issue where some world map regions were not displaying correctly.
  
• Fixed an issue where clicking anywhere on the start screen could accidentally start a new game.
  
• New regions now display immediately when the player enters them.
  
• World map regions now update based on the player's progress in translating the Albatroz map.
  
• Improved visuals and gameplay in Scene 18's car chase sequence.
  
• Reduced the difficulty of crossing the tides in the coastal region when the player is outside the car.
  
• Fixed black texture issues on the path from the Forbidden Lands to the snow region.
  
• Fixed an issue where the player would be teleported back to the tides region after crashing their car.
  
• Addressed various minor issues and implemented additional polish fixes.
  

Thanks,
-Among Giants & SOEDESCO

Among Giants wants to apply with Albatroz for the “Innovative Gameplay” Steam Awards Category

Among Giants want to be part of the list of nominees for the prestigious Steam Awards in the “Innovative Gameplay” category. Our game, which features an impressive open world, has been designed to offer a unique and immersive experience that redefines the boundaries of the genre.

Critics have indeed lauded the game for its innovative fusion of various genres, creating a fresh and captivating experience. They have highlighted how the game combines elements of strategy, and role-playing, offering players a rich and varied gameplay experience.

Moreover, the balance between a history-driven narrative and the player's sense of agency has been particularly praised. This blend allows players to feel deeply immersed in the context while still enjoying the freedom to make impactful choices. This dynamic not only adds depth to the storyline but also enhances player engagement, making the game both educational and entertaining.

A Cinematic Backpacking Adventure

Among Giants invites players to embark on a cinematic backpacking adventure, filled with narrative elements that intertwine with a relaxing and evocative atmosphere. Every corner of the open world has been meticulously crafted to immerse players in an unforgettable journey, where exploration and storytelling blend seamlessly.

Freedom of Choice and Consequences

One of the fundamental pillars of Among Giants is the freedom of choice. Players can decide their own routes and face the consequences of their decisions, adding a layer of depth and replayability to the game. This freedom allows each player to live a unique and personal experience, tailored to their own preferences and play style.

Climatic and Physical Challenges

The game also tests players’ endurance with realistic climatic and physical elements. From unexpected storms to difficult terrains, each challenge is designed to offer an authentic and challenging experience that keeps players on their toes.

Community Support

For these reasons, we ask for the support of our incredible community to back us in our nomination for the Steam Awards in the “Innovative Gameplay” category. Your support is crucial to us and motivates us to continue creating innovative and exciting gaming experiences.

Thank you for being part of this adventure with Among Giants!