DEV LOG #6 | Current State of Development

[h2]Development Update[/h2][p]Hi everyone,[/p][p]I wanted to share a short update on where Better Than Dead is right now, and how its core experience is taking shape.[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Playtesting Status[/h2][p]The first rounds of playtesting have concluded.
Over the past weeks, I’ve been reviewing feedback and applying adjustments to the core gameplay.
A new round of playtests is currently being prepared.[/p][p]One clear pattern emerged across nearly every level.[/p][p]Encounters tend to begin under heavy pressure, then gradually settle into a more controlled rhythm as movement, space, and timing start to align. The experience is built around this shift… from instability to a deliberate, physical flow of violence.[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Core Experience[/h2][p]Better Than Dead follows an untrained woman driven by raw revenge.[/p][p]The experience starts in chaos.
You’re not prepared.
You react badly.
You survive by instinct.[/p][p]But if you push through, something shifts.[/p][p]Panic gradually gives way to momentum. As encounters unfold, movement and positioning become more deliberate, and control starts to emerge.[/p][hr][/hr][h2]
Current Focus[/h2][p]Development is currently focused on:[/p]

• [p]Expanding and refining existing levels[/p]
• [p]Building new locations[/p]
• [p]Improving environmental detail and realism[/p]
• [p]Adding new gameplay mechanics[/p]

[p]A significant amount of work is going into the construction of each level.[/p][p]Each environment is unique and purpose-built, with a strong focus on recreating 90s Hong Kong spaces as faithfully as possible.[/p][hr][/hr][h2]About the Playtest[/h2][p]A new update is planned soon., and the playtest will reopen to a new group of players.[/p][p]The playtest is intentionally kept small and closed. This allows feedback and bug reports to be reviewed carefully, and changes to be implemented quickly without unnecessary noise.[/p][p]Starting with upcoming updates, access will rotate more consistently. Each new build will open to a fresh group of players, keeping the test focused while allowing more people to take part over time.[/p][hr][/hr][h2]Thank You[/h2][p]Thank you to everyone following the project…
the Discord community, the playtesters, and everyone who has taken the time to share feedback.
All of it directly helps improve the game.[/p][p]If you haven’t already, adding Better Than Dead to your Steam wishlist really helps and keeps the project moving forward.[/p][p]
-Montegallo[/p]