NightSpawn News

Brace yourself for a bonus weekend on Sanguivore. All bonuses last between 6-8th April 2024. Details below.

[h2]Free Reward Character[/h2]
We are excited to unveil a new character joining the roster! Best of all, he’s free to anyone who signs in to the game this weekend. He’s only available for this bonus weekend though. Claim your character simply by loading into the main menu and you’ll receive a prompt telling you he is now part of your crew. Once acquired, he is yours to keep forever.

Remember to select him as your chosen character in the lobby screen in your next game.

[h2]Double XP Weekend[/h2]
Furthermore - we’re holding our first Double XP weekend! Twice the XP means twice the shards, as XP is converted into shards at the end of your game. Shards can be spent on in-game items such as new characters and jumping sections and more.


We’re also releasing a new patch with various fixes and improvements. Big thanks to our playtesters who helped us prepare for our latest major update earlier this week. This mini-patch contains many fixes for issues you reported.

[h3]Added[/h3]

• Added some new bolt cutter spawn locations
  

[h3]Updated[/h3]

• Body interaction animations now play in third-person if playing in third-person mode.
  
• Self healing animations now play in third-person if playing in third-person mode.
  
• Raised camera position for third-person when slipping between barricades
  
• Improved visibility when downed by removing bloom effects from outlined objectives
  
• Improved some light bleeding throughs ceiling in Scott Residence
  
• Fuel cans in Section 2 now behave in the same way as fuel cans in Section 3, where the item is stored in the inventory.
  

[h3]Fixed[/h3]

• Fixed some parts of the map being loaded when they didn’t need to be.
  
• Fixed a floating document appearing above the Supermarket
  
• Fixed the camera clipping with one of the Section 3 trucks when hiding in a box
  
• Fixed item icons on the HUD often not updating for clients who have joined the game, especially when swapping items
  
• Fixed floating objects in some houses in Section 2: The Streets
  
• Tentative fix for situations where characters become misaligned when traversing slip-through barricades
  
• Fixed camera disappearing into the wall when using Office 14 desk hiding place
  
• Fixed house names changing to street names when going in to the bathrooms in some Section 2 houses
  
• Fixed ending screen saying players had finished the first ‘two’ sections, instead of ‘three’ sections
  
• Fixed pressing Circle/B on a controller to close the ending menus causes the character to open their inventory in the background.
  
• Fixed blank objectives appearing in the journal
  
• Fixed not being able to scroll up and down with the D-Pad while in the inventory or journal.
  
• Fixed low intensity light around the player not turning on when entering vents before the player uses their flashlight.
  
• Fixed player’s meshes not being lit correctly after being forced into first-person during an animation.
  
• Fixed electrical objects such as printers not providing fuses in Section 3: The Town.
  

Version 0.28.0 is a major update containing a brand new map section, new singleplayer Time Trial mode, third-person mode, a UI overhaul and more.

This update is our largest single update to date. The new map section ‘The Town’, is a sprawling zone filled with several smaller areas, each with their own objectives. Work together to find a way out alive.

With the release of a third section, we are now giving players the ability to spend their hard earned shards to skip ahead to start on the section they want to start from. Speaking of ‘shards’, we’ve added two new unlockable playable characters.

Time Trial is now available, the first of our new game modes. This single player game mode lets players compete for the fastest possible times on our leaderboards. In addition, the game can now be played in either first or third person.

There are a lot of additional updates, enhancements and additions in this patch. Full details can be read below.

[h3]Links[/h3]
Remember to check out any of the following resources for more information and updates on the game.

Steam Store: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2432990

• Website: https://bloodeater.games/
• Sitemap: https://starter.productboard.com/beg-starter/1-sanguvoire-blood-eater-games
• Presskit: https://impress.games/press-kit/blood-eater-games/sanguivore
• Twitter(X): https://twitter.com/BloodEaterGames
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@BloodEaterGames
• Discord: https://bloodeater.games/discord

[h2]Section Three: The Town[/h2]
This update unlocks Section Three, known as “The Town”. This is the third of four sections in the Twenty Below map. The Town is made up of multiple areas that each act as their own little escape section. The main areas of this section are:-

• The Power Station
  
• The Shopping Market
  
• The Mine Exterior
  
• The Mine Interior
  
• The Streets
  

Depending on your selected difficulty mode, not all areas will be available and may be blocked off or locked up. On harder difficulties, you’ll have to figure out which escape paths are available, just like with the previous two sections.



[h2]Time Trial Game Mode[/h2]
Time Trial is the second of four planned game modes to be added to Sanguivore. This game mode is ideal for single player.

This mode is all about perfecting your game knowledge to go fast. Compete against other survivors around the world to make the fastest escape.

Select a specific section you want to escape from when setting up your game for Time Trial mode. You must complete each section in order to unlock and select the next section. When you successfully complete the section, your time is recorded on our Time Trial leaderboards.

There’s no need to spend any time figuring out which escape plans are available in Time Trial mode because a specific escape plan is always chosen in advance. For example, when escaping the Sheriff Department, the Fire Alarm objective is active. This means the only thing you need to focus on is hitting all the steps in the objective to get out A.S.A.P.

Use every available technique to optimise the speed of your run - and with a little luck - you’ll be competing for a top time on the Sanguivore leaderboards!



[h2]Choose Where You Start[/h2]
Now there are more than two sections, starting from the very first section is not always ideal. Now, you can go straight into a later section. For the cost of some of your earned shards, you can unlock additional sections from which to start from.

You will have to reach each section at least once before being able to unlock it as a new starting point.



[h2]Third-Person “Action” Style[/h2]
Sanguivore is a 1st person immersive horror at heart, but we thought to give it an extra twist with the addition of a 3rd person game style known as “Action” mode. You can specify which game style you want to play in when creating the lobby, which determines whether you are in 1st or 3rd person for the game. Everyone on the team will be in either 1st or 3rd person depending on the game setup and you cannot change perspective during gameplay, so choose wisely!



[h2]Main Menu and UI Overall[/h2]
The main menu and in-game menus have received lots of TLC with an all new update. New and improved icons, better layout, bugs fixed and new VFX.

This menu update will also provide better support for new and upcoming game modes, maps and other upcoming features.

These menus have additional support for controller users.

• Section 3: The Town released.
  
• Placeable noise distraction item “FM Radio”, used to cause a distraction at a location.
  
• Additional gamemode “Time Trial”.
  
• Game styles, “Immersive” (1st person perspective) and “Action” (3rd person perspective).
  
• Character selection, select between four original characters and two additional characters that can be unlocked with Shards.
  
• Shard Dealer, allowing players to use Shards (in-game currency) to unlock characters, outfit skins and abilities (perks) that will also be available at a later date.
  
• Two additional playable characters. More will become available with each main update.
  
• Gamepad cursor control. This makes navigating the user interface a lot easier when using a gamepad.
  

• Updated section cutscene with more informative simple overviews.
  
• Character’s HUD health display.
  
• Various audio level rebalancing for AI sounds.
  
• Score calculations from time rebalanced.
  
• Improved accuracy of in-game timer. Any time before the game section begins is not counted towards the section time.
  
• Reduced fledgling field of view.
  
• Death markers are no longer removed on revival. Instead it is removed when the player reaches the dropped loot location.
  
• Gamepad button bindings have been updated to feel more fluid.
  
• Rebalanced minigame speeds
  
• Improved use of leg breaking sound when falling off high locations.
  

• Fixed interaction icon appearing on lifts, instead of the control button inside the lift.
  
• Fixed game locking up when the player brings up the game chat and loses focus with the mouse.
  
• Fixed self revive highlights disappearing for a downed player if another player is captured.
  
• Fixed the AI not correctly responding to being inside the player's flashlight cone.
  
• Fixed AI sometimes seeing the player, regardless of their location, when the player enters a vent.
  
• Fixed issues where reviving or healing other players would get cancelled right as the progress bar reaches maximum.
  
• Fixed flashlight being on during cinematics.
  
• Fixed being able to slip behind the bank into an out of bounds area.
  
• Fixed roller doors sometimes not opening for players except the host.
  
• Fixed roller doors having no collision after being used the first time.
  
• Fixed photocopier sound at start of the game.
  
• Fixed floating props in The Street garage
  
• Fixed first aid kit box lids blocking players from picking up the first aid kit inside.
  
• Fixed issue causing The Noble to be invisible for clients.
  
• Fixed missing texture on Section 2 stairs
  
• Fixed TVs glowing but not being turned on
  
• Fixed some slip-through barricades being too close to lockers, causing players to move through barricades when getting out of a locker.
  
• Fixed players' temperature going down, even though their temperature is above zero.
  
• Fixed keybind icons stretching for gamepad users.
  
• Fixed various issues where fuse box functionality could become desynced between clients and host.
  
• - plus various other miscellaneous fixes
  

Ready to test yourself on Sanguivore? Now is the perfect time with a 33% Steam Discount available right now! Purchase ahead of our bonus weekend a special reward!

Bonus Weekend! All players who play the game this weekend (6th-7th April 2024) will earn double XP and receive a limited edition reward. Intrigued? Keep your eye out for a post with the full details later this week.

Welcome to the third of our weekly highlight posts. This week we turn our attention to The Mine - one of the new potential escape routes in our next upcoming map section.

The release of Section 3 is getting very close. If development continues as planned, we expect this to be our last Weekly Highlight before the release of Section 3 - so stay tuned for further news!

On to this week's highlight…


Before survivors can delve into the depths of the mine in search of escape, they must first find a way in. Unfortunately, the way is blocked and only by restoring power in the area outside the mine, can survivors hope to power the mine gate and slip inside.



The entrance to the mine is a significant landmark to look out for. The industrial equipment of the area can offer precious cover from the Noble, who prowls the area looking for his prey. Cable spools, old containers and trucks can all be used to stay out of sight.



Some additional safety can be found in upturned mining carts, which can be a useful hiding place in a moment of need. Additionally, office containers are found around the area, with several useful hiding places.



It will be up to survivors to figure out exactly what they need to do to break into the mine itself, but - as a word of advice - keep your eyes peeled for any useful equipment the miners left behind.


For those able to reach the mine itself, the next test begins. Tight, claustrophobic passageways weave through the mountainside. Unlike the more open entrance area, the inside of the mine has limited options when it comes to running away. Listen out for threats before they arrive and make use of the various hiding places to stay out of sight when you can.



Dead miners litter this area. Be sure to check for any useful supplies they might carry on their person.



After navigating the gloomy passageways, light is at the tunnel. Just remember to stay - on track - and you should be out in no time.




Our next update will likely be the focus of our next post, although we are keen to continue sharing updates on progress as we continue on. Please let us know any topics that you would be interested in us covering in future posts in the comments or on our Discord!

[h2]Cryptid Hunters Descend on Alaskan Town Amidst Murder Mystery[/h2]
Point Hope, Alaska - A shadow has been cast over the small town of Point Hope, Alaska, as reports of a series of chilling murders have emerged, leaving the community gripped by fear and uncertainty. In an unprecedented move, the renowned C.H.I.P.S team, known for their expertise in investigating the unexplained, has arrived in Point Hope to tackle the case head-on.

The Cryptids Hunters & Investigative Paranormal Surveillance (C.H.I.P.S) organization, led by the esteemed Dr. Rebecca Wells, has gained notoriety for their fearless approach to investigations that often tread where law enforcement and traditional investigative teams dare not go. With a legacy of uncovering the truth behind some of the most baffling paranormal cases, their presence in Point Hope has been met with a mix of hope and trepidation among the town's residents.

This investigation comes in the wake of alarming reports of victims found hanging from their feet, drained of blood in a manner that has left even the seasoned investigators of the local sheriff's department at a loss. The lack of information and the eerie similarity to the massacre in Barrow, Alaska, in 2007, which saw the town decimated by an unidentified assailant, has fueled fears of a recurring nightmare.

Jerry Sawyer, a reporter for The Cryptid Journal, met with Dr. Wells and her team upon their arrival. Dr. Wells shared their plan to blend cutting-edge paranormal surveillance with traditional detective work to shed light on the dark happenings in Point Hope. "We're here to uncover the truth, no matter how deep we have to dig," Dr. Wells stated, her determination palpable.

The team's investigation has already unearthed a web of eyewitness accounts ranging from sightings of shadowy figures to the chilling sound of whispers in the dead of night. As they delve into the town's storied past, uncovering tales of ancient curses and supernatural occurrences, the CHIPS team finds themselves navigating a labyrinth of mysteries and dangers.

The tension in Point Hope has escalated as the investigation has progressed, with the community divided and rumors running rampant. Accusations and fears of ancient evils have surfaced, putting an even greater strain on the already beleaguered townsfolk.

Despite the increasing peril, including mysterious accidents and ominous threats, the C.H.I.P.S team remains undeterred. Their commitment to unraveling the mystery of Point Hope and stopping the sinister force responsible for the murders underscores their reputation as one of the most fearless and determined investigative teams in the realm of the paranormal.

As the investigation continues, the eyes of the world are on Point Hope, waiting to see if the C.H.I.P.S team can once again uncover the truth behind the unexplainable.

Dev Bites - Issue Five

Welcome to our issue five of Dev Bites! This time, we discuss a number of major developments regarding our upcoming next zone, as well as our latest upgrades to the main menu and pre-game lobbies.

Overview

• The Town progress update
  
• Shards and unlocks
  
• Menu Updates
  
• New game mode
  

[h2]Section Three “The Town”[/h2]
As a quick recap, every map in Sanguivore will be broken down into four sections. Over the last couple of weeks, preparing the third section of our initial Alaskan map has been the primary focus. The third section, known as “The Town”, is the biggest section yet with various mini-areas filled with tasks and challenges.



The good news for this upcoming section is that we have reached an important milestone. We have now started running general tests of the whole area and have done several internal run throughs of the section. We are pleased to share that our results have been very positive so far. Evading enemies was fun, objectives and AI enemies were working as intended and performance was surprisingly reasonable for the current stage of development. Naturally, there are lots of adjustments we are working on based on the results - but initial testing has been successful.

Here’s a recap of the areas in the Town we’ve been working on over the last few days.

[h2]The Electrical Station[/h2]
This landmark is an important objective for some escape routes which require power. Restoring power to the town is a good place to start in order to open up all available options. Be careful as you navigate the maze of electrical equipment as you attempt to balance out the power output to the town.



[h2]The Supermarket[/h2]
Escaping through The Market might be a good option… if you can navigate to avoid that which stalks the aisles. Fixing the power will be your main obstacle as you clamber over strewn groceries and storage boxes to reach the other side.



[h2]The Mine (Entrance)[/h2]
Some say the mine shafts burrow deep into the mountain. Brave souls might be able to find refuge through the gloom. But accessing the mine is no easy feat. The mine entrance is locked and will require some cunning… and power… to open up. Maybe those generators will help?



[h2]The Mine[/h2]
Once inside the mine, survivors must stay on guard. Navigating through the darkness will be difficult - and the Sanguivore can see better in the dark than you can. However, those who can keep their cool and find a way though, might live long enough to find light at the end of the tunnel..



[h2]The Shops[/h2]
Greeting survivors as they enter the zone is a small collection of shops and services. Although the staff are currently not available due to unavoidable circumstances, it may still be worth taking a look around these locations for both loot and sanctuary.



Development on The Town is now nearing completion. There is still work to be done on one of the objectives and there are a number of improvements we would like to make following our tests. But this latest section of the map has very much come alive over the last couple of weeks. Following our positive testing results, we are more eager than ever to unveil it for everyone in the very near future.


Now is the time to start saving up and earning your shards. We have added two new playable characters to the game that you can now unlock using shards earned from playing Sanguivore. See images below.



We will also be adding two more unlockable characters with the next section release, which will be the final stage of the Twenty Below map.

Over time we will also add additional outfits for your characters for you to unlock and collect.



Shards also have another use in the latest update, you can now jump start games with your friends by spending shards to skip sections. If you have already completed a section successfully, you will be able to select that section from the Host “Game Setup” screen. Spending shards to skip sections costs 200 for Section 2, 300 for Section 3 and 400 shards to attempt the boss level (Section 4).



So if you make it to section three then all perish to the Sanguivore - don’t despair. If you have 300 shards spare you can jump back in where you left off with your team.

What are Shards? Shards are Sangivore’s in-game currency and are earned from every game played then added to a player's Sanguivore account that is automatically created the first time you open the game. This currency has no real world value and can NOT be purchased with real life money.

Shards are purely used as a way for the player to reward themselves by unlocking characters, skins and exclusive perks from the in-game store, known as the Shard Dealer.


As well as giving the main menu a complete overhaul, we have opened up the shard dealer menu, character selection and leaderboards.



[h2]The Shard Dealer[/h2]
At the moment the shard dealer menu is very basic, but will be fleshed out more over time.
This gives players the opportunity to spend Sanguivore’s in-game currency known as Shards, that are earned each game played.



[h2]Character selection[/h2]
As you enter a game, the system will automatically assign each player one of the four default player characters. Now you can click on the ‘Characters’ option and select a different character including characters you have unlocked.



[h2]Leaderboards[/h2]
Leaderboards have been gathering data since the game launched into early access, but now you can officially view top players from the leaderboard menu. Two leaderboards will be available. ‘Top Players’: players with the highest XP earned and ‘Fastest Time’: the fastest time all sections have been completed by players.




With the next upcoming update, you’ll be able to try out the very first of our alternative game modes: Time Trial! This new game mode will be the first of several new modes we intend to add, offering new ways to play the game.

Time Trial mode is aimed at solo players, looking to compete for the fastest escape times possible. The top times will be available on the leaderboards for all to see.

Each section of every map can be run in time trial mode. The difference is that only one objective is available. This chosen objective is always the same, so players can focus on that single objective in order to improve their run with every playthrough.

There will be an individual leaderboard for every map section to conquer, as well as a record of your personal best time to beat. Leaderboards will likely be categorized by the patch version in the future, if and when updates are released that can affect Time Trial times.

To unlock the next map section in time trial mode, players need to complete the previous section at least once.

We have a lot of ideas to bring to the table for future game modes, so keep an eye out for future news on what’s in the pipeline.


Following on from our current objectives, after the release of the next update, we will be spending some time working with the community to test and iron out any issues in the latest section.

Beyond the next update, we will begin to implement our plans for the fourth and final map section for the Twenty Below map.


Progress continues towards our next major update, which will see Section 3 released, the new game menus and a new game mode. We are pushing full steam ahead with these elements of the game and look forward to the upcoming update.