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Devlog #2: GZW Mission Experience

[h3]EXPERIENCE GRAY ZONE WARFARE[/h3]

As a former Special Forces operative newly discovering the murky waters of Private Military Contractors, you find yourself a newcomer to an abandoned Lamang Island, tasked with navigating its depths and completing objectives assigned by a cast of shady characters with enigmatic motives. You approach Handshake, a slick and professional head operator that always welcomes you with a task. Here is what he has to say to you...

[h3]GATHER INTEL: RAT’S NEST[/h3]



Handshake: So, here's the deal. It looks like some of those rats in town didn't get the memo and are still scurrying around and causing trouble. It's time to put a stop to their operations. Your mission is to conduct a thorough search of the town and its outskirts and identify the hideouts used by these punks. Keep your eyes peeled for any suspicious signs or markings that might help you uncover them. The main areas of interest are the town's northwest and southeast sections.

Once you've identified the hideouts, investigate them discreetly. We want to gather as much information as possible before moving. Don't engage in direct confrontations unless absolutely necessary. Don't forget, your primary objectives are reconnaissance and gathering intelligence.


How would you approach Handshake’s assignment?

There is no predetermined path to success. Beware of ever-changing environmental and PvP variables that could turn it into an intense firefight with a surprise enemy patrol or a suspenseful standoff with rival PMCs. Therefore, remain vigilant and strategically leverage every available advantage that the intricate landscape of Gray Zone Warfare presents.

[h3]PREPERATION IS HALF OF THE SUCCESS[/h3]



Focus on your mission: gather intel on the enemy and their base. Your plan needs to adhere to this goal. First and foremost, gear up and choose your weapon of choice wisely. Utilize a granular modification system to fine-tune every detail of your arsenal according to your preferences. Advanced ballistic systems leverage extensive real-world data – every single modification can make a world of difference.

Remember, staying undetected is key. Opt for lightweight gear to move quietly and make a quick exit if needed. In the event of alerting the enemy, be ready to have at least one weapon with a silencer to resolve the unexpected situation.

When strategizing for your mission, it is crucial to decide whether to go as a lone wolf or as part of a four-man fire team. Take into account their individual proficiencies and coordinate roles and equipment based on the strengths of each team member to optimize efficiency and ensure a successful operation.

[h3]MASTER DEPLOYMENT AND ADVANCEMENT[/h3]


Be it for a short venture to accomplish a task or a massive undertaking to acquire new gear, approaching a target area is a dangerous game. The diverse array of adversaries, such as criminals, military in service to the local dictator, and rival PMC operatives, can intervene in your steps.

In your best interest, approach each location cautiously, whether on foot or aboard the Little Bird transporting you to the selected LZ (which you must discover first to unlock). Choosing the right Landing Zone is a critical part of your planning process, as the Little Bird can be visible from afar; hence, a longer hike might sometimes be the key to a successful mission.

Choosing to explore on foot not only enhances your overall progress but also uncovers hidden gems in Lamang. You might stumble upon unexplored locations with scarce loot or discover intriguing side stories—all while staying focused on achieving your main mission.

[h3]ADAPT, SURVIVE, AND THRIVE[/h3]



The ultimate challenge in every operation unfolds when players encounter opposition. Move in carefully and start your surveillance. Track the movements of enemies, note how many come and go, and study patrol routes for any patterns.

Flexibility and preparedness for the unexpected are equally crucial, so be ready for plans to deviate. Adjust swiftly to ensure survival in the face of unforeseen challenges. Keep in mind that not every scenario warrants confrontation, and opting to steer clear of conflict can often lead to more favorable outcomes.

The duration of your mission is solely determined by you. Every moment spent in the hot zone heightens the risk of your demise and the potential loss of your hard-earned progress. Yet, it also increases the odds of hitting the jackpot to complete your task. Always remember – every move matters!

[h3]CELEBRATE ONLY ONCE YOU'RE SAFE[/h3]


Once you've gathered enough intel and secured your loot, it's time to slip back to base with your findings. Keep your eyes peeled for any movement or sound until the last possible moment in a hot zone. Call in the Little Bird for extraction, approach the available LZ location in time, get to the chopper, and reach your base camp.

It's time to celebrate the fruits of your completed task and claim the well-deserved reward! Deposit the valuable haul you have collected into your secure stash, restock efficiently, and gear up for newly unlocked challenges.

Every successful mission increases your odds of surviving your next venture, but it's crucial to understand that other PMCs on the island may share similar objectives. You can collaborate, ignore, or things might take an unexpected turn. The dynamic paradise of Lamang Island is always alive!

[h3]GRAY ZONE WARFARE'S SPECIAL FORCES CONSULTANT'S APPROACH TO MISSION[/h3]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
In pursuit of authenticity, we've sought the expertise of Ondřej Spisar, a.k.a. Spicy, an ex-Czech special operations forces veteran serving as our consultant and animation reference actor. With 19 years of invaluable experience and specialized training, Spicy brings a unique perspective to our commitment to maximum realism. We asked him how he would leverage his expertise to ensure success in the face of the recon mission 'RAT’S NEST.' Watch the interview to gain a professional perspective on Gray Zone Warfare!

[h3]GZW NEWSLETTER[/h3]

Our very first newsletter was released today. If you haven't signed up yet, you're missing out! Go HERE to sign up now!

What To Expect:
✅Latest #GrayZoneWarfare updates
✅Monthly Exclusive Dev. Interview
✅Creator Spotlight: Highlighting top GZW videos by talented content creators
✅Fans Spotlight: Showcasing fan reactions of the month

Every Move Matters,

MADFINGER Games Team

ENTER: GZW Website

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Devlog #1: GZW Lore & Story Teaser Reveal

Dear GZW Community,

We are thrilled to share more about the Lore and Story of Gray Zone Warfare with all of you today. This is merely a teaser, as our goal for each player is to discover it by themselves and have fun piecing together all the snippets of information that will be scattered throughout the game.

[h3]LEARN ABOUT THE DARK HISTORY OF LAMANG[/h3]



Our goal is for you to uncover many secrets while exploring Lamang, a former British colony marked by a turbulent past. Lamang faced civil war, foreign power influence, and a catastrophic event, setting the stage for gameplay filled with hidden revelations.

[h3]UNCOVER THE SECRETS BEHIND THE EVENT[/h3]



The story begins with an enigmatic disaster in Lamang, shrouded in varying theories from official channels and internet speculations. Following this catastrophe, chaos erupted, prompting the United Nations Lamang Relief Agency (UNLRA) to launch an evacuation mission. Most survivors departed within a week, leaving the island under international quarantine.

As Lamang lay abandoned, criminal groups seized the opportunity to exploit the situation, leading to skirmishes with the Lamang Armed Forces. Three Private Military Companies, hired by their powerful clients, then arrived, establishing their presence and advancing towards exploring what was now known as Ground Zero. However, they were met with a series of unexpected professional attacks, which caused significant losses. To reclaim territory and fulfill client tasks, the PMCs recruited new mercenaries, including you, a former Special Operations Forces member.

[h3]JOIN A PRIVATE MILITARY COMPANY[/h3]



The three PMCs have each arrived in Lamang on behalf of their clients to explore the region, uncover its secrets, and secure anything of value. As a member of one of these companies, you will have to make a choice: either stick to the given orders and earn your pay or dig deeper to unravel the truth behind the scenes. Whatever path you choose, the journey won’t be easy.

The PMCs themselves have varying backstories and starting positions on the map. So far, for Early Access, those are the only differences between them. The gear they provide, characters the players can interact with, and quests are all the same, with minor adjustments here and there. In the future, we plan to make the PMCs more distinct from each other with specific characters and questlines.

[h3]MEET THE CAST OF CHARACTERS[/h3]

A diverse array of characters awaits you, each with their hidden motives. Unravel their secrets, gain their trust, and choose how to interact based on your understanding. Below are just three examples available for early access (out of six total), with more additional characters being added over time.

[h4]Anton Jackson - Gunny[/h4]



A retired US Marine Corps gunnery sergeant, Gunny is an awkward, truculent character who doesn't seem to much like anything or anyone. However, he is extremely good at what he does, hence why the PMC recruited him to help run their operation, and if part of that job means looking after the company's PMC operators, then that's what he's going to do to the best of his abilities.

[h4]Laya Hoang - Artisan[/h4]



Artisan has worked at her father’s workshop since she was a little girl, learning all there is to know about machines and how they work. She blames UNLRA for the chaos their arrival caused and thinks of the PMCs as opportunistic vultures scavenging whatever remains of value in her country. Despite this animosity, she offered her services as a mechanic. Naturally reserved and wary of others, gaining her trust could prove challenging. However, once earned, her expertise and knowledge of Lamang could become a pivotal asset.

[h4]James Miller - Banshee[/h4]



For Banshee, the turbulent events unfolding in Lamang were akin to a gold rush. The widespread chaos proved to be a lucrative market for his trade, attracting a surge of potential clients in dire need of his merchandise. Unfettered by moral reservations, Banshee operates under a simple yet effective principle: anyone with the means to pay is a potential collaborator. He gladly brings in possible business partners for his various plans, setting up deals that promise gains for everyone involved.

[h3]EXPLORE A MATURE STORY WITH OVER 150 QUESTS[/h3]



We are working with a military advisor to create quests that prioritize realism and logic. No mundane item hunts or set events; outcomes vary based on your choices and reactions to unexpected challenges. Branching decisions affect your reputation with the characters and unlock new possibilities, weapons, and gear. More than 150 quests await you in Early Access, with ongoing additions.

Although Gray Zone Warfare isn’t a strictly narratively-driven experience, there is a story that you can engage with if you wish to do so. Even if you don’t want to complete the quests, you can still progress through the game, albeit less effectively. We aim to avoid pressuring players into any particular actions.

Apart from mission briefings and debriefings, we are focusing on environmental storytelling and optional intel items (notes, books, newspapers, etc.) that you can find in the world and uncover more about Lamang’s past and the situation they currently find themselves in.

[h3]FINAL THOUGHTS[/h3]



We strive to create a strong community and stay transparent about our intentions with the game. We’d just like to reiterate that not everything will be in Early Acces. The world we are creating is huge, and we want to populate it over time, so there will always be something to discover and look forward to. :)

P.S. Our website will soon showcase exclusive creator content providing deeper insights into the game's lore and storyline.

ENTER: GZW Website

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Subscribe to our Very First Gray Zone Warfare Newsletter

Hello Everyone!

You are now able to subscribe to our very first Gray Zone Warfare Newsletter. This is where you will receive regular updates on the game's latest news and development highlights.

Here's what you can expect:
  • Developer Spotlight - Gain insights into our developers and their ongoing projects.
  • Pillar Recap - get to learn more about the featured GZW Pillar, accompanied by monthly video interviews featuring various experts.
  • Fans Spotlight - showcase fan reactions to new announcements in our newsletter, offering fans the chance to be featured.
  • Creator Spotlight - each month, we'll spotlight different GZW creators and their GZW coverage
  • What's Next? - get a glimpse of what's on the horizon each month, preparing you for what's coming next.


Subscribe Here: https://grayzonewarfare.com

More updates are on the way, and we're thrilled to share them with you soon.

Wishlist the game here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2479810/Gray_Zone_Warfare

Share & Follow us @GrayZoneWarfare on Twitter, FB, & IG

- MADFINGER Games Team

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Gray Zone Warfare Exceeds 200k Wishlists - THANK YOU!!!

Dear Gray Zone Warfare Community,

You have helped us reach a massive milestone only a month after announcing our biggest game yet, which we have spent over two years working on day and night. Getting to SteamDB's TOP 100 w/ 200,000 Wishlists in such a short time feels like a pipe dream, and it is all thanks to our remarkable community and the terrific content creators who supported us from Day 1.

Please keep following us, wishlisting the game, and spreading the word because the best is yet to come. We hope that our community will continue growing into next year, and with your support, 500k is just around the corner!



Now, why are Wishlists crucial for us?

You might be curious about the significance of Wishlists for every upcoming game. As a self-publishing studio, we lack the backing of a major publisher, and we're doing everything from the ground up. We're navigating this journey independently, and Wishlists serve as a vital metric not just to our team but also to the entire gaming world. It helps to put our game on the map!

Furthermore, Wishlists are a primary factor for Steam when selecting games to feature on their platform. By Wishlisting Gray Zone Warfare, you're essentially telling Steam, "We like this game! It needs more attention, and more people should know about GZW!"

Why is Wishlisting a game crucial for the gamers?

Those who've added Gray Zone Warfare to their Wishlist will receive timely notifications for all game news and important updates. This ensures you'll have the quickest access to all information as it unfolds.

We hope this brief explanation sheds light on how crucial each click from every one of you is to us. Your collective support has played a pivotal role in the potential success of our dream project, and we're genuinely amazed by your daily encouragement.

Thank you for being an integral part of our journey!

- MADFINGER Games Team

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Gray Zone Warfare Creator Spotlight

At MADFINGER Games, we're developers, but fundamentally, we're passionate gamers. Witnessing our game featured by our favorite creators has been an incredibly surreal journey.

We're thrilled to showcase their content and hope you'll relish their insights as much as we have.

Stay tuned for more spotlights on additional creators in the near future!


BigFryTV

This individual is known for being tough yet fair, so his enthusiasm is incredibly valuable to us. We deeply appreciate and carefully consider his feedback, understanding its significance to the tactical FPS genre.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0zeQPTVbe2A&ab_channel=BigfryTV


LVNDMARK

LVNDMARK stands as one of the biggest names in our gaming community. His interest in #GrayZoneWarfare was a major topic in our group chat, and we hope to deliver the next game in his rotation.

https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1991510108?t=00h43m48s


RiloeGaming

This creator has done something amazing. Creating tremendous descriptions of our game in a short-form format multiple times, we can't wait to see what he creates next!

https://www.tiktok.com/@riloegaming/video/7307035892072615214


Ghostzy

His tremendous passion for the FPS genre is evident. Working closely with this creator is a pleasure. His TikTok videos on Gray Zone Warfare are absolutely worth watching.

https://www.tiktok.com/@ghostzytv/video/7307595550457842990?q=gray%20zone%20warfare&t=1701454064113


DevilDogGamer

DevilDog does an excellent job breaking down our new trailer. He keenly picks up on many fine details of #GrayZoneWarfare, so be sure to check it out!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WBfXLg_9ayQ&ab_channel=TheDevildogGamer


Thank you for your support and passion for Gray Zone Warfare. We cannot wait to reveal more of the lore and story to you later this month!

MADFINGER Games team