Metalworks, Workzones, and Flow Issues

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Status Update
Our current priority is stability for v19a. We’re addressing a large number of bugs before pushing further gameplay changes or new content. We’re also reviewing broader progression and feedback loops tied to gameplay systems, with exploration happening in parallel.

Metalworks / Work Zone Investigation

Current Issue
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• [p]Resource flow (metal) can be easily disrupted by Cortex[/p]
• [p]Players are forced into repeated conflict while working[/p]
• [p]Interactions currently lack counterplay[/p]

[p]Result
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• [p]Progression slows down[/p]
• [p]Gameplay feels frustrating rather than intentional[/p]

[p]Why It Matters
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• [p]Players avoid metalworks entirely[/p]
• [p]New or uncoordinated players struggle to engage with systems[/p]
• [p]Creates imbalance in job usage and weakens overall cooperation[/p]

[p]Current Direction

Marked Work Zones

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• [p]Visually indicated with yellow caution tape (yellow lines in image)[/p]
• [p]Intended to protect resource flow in key areas[/p]

[p]Potential Benefits
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• [p]Reduces disruption in core work areas[/p]
• [p]Allows players to engage with systems more consistently[/p]
• [p]Creates clearer structure around where conflict happens[/p]

[p]Risks We’re Considering

Work Zone Abuse
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• [p]Players retreating into zones during combat[/p]
• [p]Baiting others into restricted areas[/p]

[p]Over-restriction
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• [p]Removing too much interaction reduces tension[/p]
• [p]Systems may feel artificial instead of emergent[/p]

[p]Rule Clarity
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• [p]Potential confusion around where and how rules apply[/p]

[p]Next Steps
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• [p]Test small-scale implementations after v19a[/p]
• [p]Evaluate impact on gameplay flow[/p]
• [p]Continue gathering feedback[/p]

[p]Note Everything here is still in progress and subject to change.

If you want to follow this more closely, we’ll be starting to share raw notes and ongoing discussion in our Discord.

discord.gg/vellocet
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