Dev Blog #17 - Steam Demo Update #2 and Feedback
Hello wonderful Voyagers! Michael / Spacenorth here with exciting updates and insights from last week’s Steam Demo Update!
We've just updated the version of the game available on Steam with a wave of new features focused on oceanic adventure:
Check out the full patch notes here for all the details.
Want to see EVEN MORE of what we're working on? Sign up for our Discord playtests [here] and join our email Newsletter [here] to get early access to experimental features!
Your feedback is the compass that guides our development, and we've been analyzing the themes emerging from your latest comments:
[h2]Ocean & Water: Making Waves![/h2]
Our main focus for the past milestone was enhancing the ocean experience, and your feedback shows it's paying off:
Here are a couple of favorite moments EVER:
We've noticed a few comments about looking for easier solo boat play, but they're quite rare. We'll keep monitoring this area as we continue to refine the experience.
[h2]Combat: Getting Sharper[/h2]
The combat system continues to evolve:
[h2]Hunger & Attrition: Finding Balance[/h2]
The survival mechanics are improving, but still need work:
[h2]The Reef: A New Horizon (Discord Playtest Group)[/h2]
The feedback on our second biome has been invaluable:
Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and experiences. Every comment helps us shape Voyagers into the magical adventure we all want it to be!
We're excited for you to continue to set sail with us!
- Michael and the Treehouse Team
Demo Build Refreshed!
We've just updated the version of the game available on Steam with a wave of new features focused on oceanic adventure:
- Exciting new underwater spaces to explore and resources to find
- Improved boat and swimming mechanics and feel
- Terrifying monsters lurking beneath the waves like a huge shark and even bigger deep sea Stalker
- A sneak peek at our Second Biome (from a distance)
- New crafting stations, inventory system improvements and so much more!
Check out the full patch notes here for all the details.
Want to see EVEN MORE of what we're working on? Sign up for our Discord playtests [here] and join our email Newsletter [here] to get early access to experimental features!
Feedback from the Latest Update
Your feedback is the compass that guides our development, and we've been analyzing the themes emerging from your latest comments:
[h2]Ocean & Water: Making Waves![/h2]
Our main focus for the past milestone was enhancing the ocean experience, and your feedback shows it's paying off:
- Underwater spaces feel more interesting and rewarding to explore
- Ocean enemies have added much-needed variety and some terrifying moments
Here are a couple of favorite moments EVER:
- Seeing the Stalker for the first time: TisSarahBarah - what lurks in the storm . . .
- Volume Warning - Stalker appears underwater! TisSarahBarah - scweam
- Sailing and exploration have become more engaging
- Surfing remains the a stand-out fan favorite feature
We've noticed a few comments about looking for easier solo boat play, but they're quite rare. We'll keep monitoring this area as we continue to refine the experience.
[h2]Combat: Getting Sharper[/h2]
The combat system continues to evolve:
- Increased enemy variety has made encounters more dynamic
- Mechanics are smoother, though still overall (intentionally) straightforward
- While we don't plan to make combat overly complex, we do want to give you more tactical options
- Look for new combat abilities coming soon through spirit companions!
[h2]Hunger & Attrition: Finding Balance[/h2]
The survival mechanics are improving, but still need work:
- The system feels less punishing than before
- Overall clarity has improved significantly
- Still seeing feedback that hunger leans toward being an annoyance
- More tuning is on the way – we'll keep refining this!
[h2]The Reef: A New Horizon (Discord Playtest Group)[/h2]
The feedback on our second biome has been invaluable:
- Players are noting how different it feels from the Embrace – exactly what we were aiming for!
- Each biome should feel like a truly unique place to explore
- We're considering ways to give Steam demo players a sneak peek... perhaps during the upcoming Steam NextFest in June?
Thank you for continuing to share your thoughts and experiences. Every comment helps us shape Voyagers into the magical adventure we all want it to be!
We're excited for you to continue to set sail with us!
- Michael and the Treehouse Team