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Devlog #2

Tank Zombie


Hello, survivors!
Today, we would like to introduce you to the Tank Zombie in The Midnight Walkers.
In this development log, we will delve into the design process and characteristics of the Tank Zombie.

[h2][Design Overview][/h2]
The Tank Zombie boasts formidable HP, unlike typical zombies.
These zombies possess immense strength due to their past involvement in athletic activities before infection.

[h2][Appearance Design][/h2]
The design of the Tank Zombie is very unique.
Please refer to the descriptions and images below.



[h3]Facial Scar Reference[/h3] The Tank Zombie’s face shows significant damage due to infection and abrasions, representing the severity of the infection and simultaneously displaying their pain and anger.

[h3]Exposed Infection Symptoms[/h3] Parts of the body show skin peeled away due to the virus, revealing blisters underneath.
These blisters visually demonstrate the advanced stages of the infection.
This will immediately instill fear in the survivors.



[h3]Skin Texture[/h3] The skin is lumpy and covered with scars, realistically depicting the decaying process caused by the infection. These details enhance the terror of the zombie.

[h3]Clothing[/h3] The Tank Zombie wears gym uniforms or workout clothes. This reflects their pre-infection life and tells the story of the zombie to the players.

[h3]Modeling[/h3] This zombie's modeling was created using high-resolution textures and meticulous modeling techniques. The muscle details, skin texture, and scars were enhanced by referencing the bodies of real athletes.



[h2][In-game][/h2]
The Tank Zombie poses a significant threat to survivors due to its powerful HP and strength.
Their main roles and characteristics are as follows:

[h3]High HP[/h3] The Tank Zombie has much more HP than other zombies, making it difficult to take down. This means survivors need to approach them more strategically.

[h3]Powerful Attack[/h3] They deliver slow but very powerful attacks that can cause significant damage in a single blow. They are especially threatening in close combat.

[h2][Dev Process][/h2]
Our development team conducted numerous tests to develop the Tank Zombie.
We meticulously adjusted not only the zombie's appearance but also its movements and behavior patterns.

[h3]Animation[/h3] The movements and attack animations were enhanced by referencing the movements of real athletes. Specifically, the zombie's slow and heavy gait and powerful attack motions were created using motion capture technology.

[h3]AI Patterns[/h3] The AI of the Tank Zombie reacts to the player's movements.
When the player is nearby, it relentlessly pursues them slowly and delivers powerful melee attacks when close.
Do not be complacent when the Tank Zombie is looking down.
When attacking a Tank Zombie that is looking down, it does not rise slowly and can deliver a fatal blow to the survivor with its well-trained body.

[h3]Testing[/h3] We have conducted various tests to balance the game and maximize the horror experience for survivors. We plan to continuously adjust and improve the zombie's attack power, HP, and behavior patterns based on your feedback, so please provide us with your valuable opinions.

Below is an animation video of the Tank Zombie under development.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2][Future Plans][/h2]
Our development team is polishing not only the Tank Zombie but also various other zombies.
We plan to provide even more diverse experiences by reflecting the feedback from survivors.
Along with new mutant zombies, we will continuously improve the abilities and behavior patterns of existing zombies.

Thank you!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2795540/The_Midnight_Walkers/

Dev Log #1: Escape Pod Tracker

[h2]Dev Log #1[/h2]

Welcome to the first dev log of "The Midnight Walkers." This time, we're introducing the Escape Pod Tracker.

Escape Pod Tracker Concept Art

This device is the only means to survive in Liberty Grand Center, allowing you to track escape pods. If you don't want to use an activated escape pod immediately, you can extract and store the escape code from the activated escape pod. Stored escape codes can be used to activate inactive escape pods.

[h2]Device Design and Functionality[/h2]
The Escape Pod Tracker features a retro design reminiscent of classic handheld gaming devices.

Escape Pod Tracker Modeling Image

Key features and design elements are as follows:

[h3][Visual Design][/h3]
This device has a compact, handheld design with a digital screen that displays crucial information. The unique antenna and tape-fixed battery case give it a rugged, makeshift feel, enhancing the game's apocalyptic atmosphere.

[h3][Display and Interface][/h3]
The use of tape and anchoring clips for securing components reflects the urgency and resourcefulness in an apocalyptic setting. The UI is simple yet functional, featuring a radar-style interface that easily visualizes nearby escape pods.

[h3][In-Game Functionality][/h3]
The main display shows the number of nearby escape pods and the distance based on your location. The circular meter darkens as you approach an escape pod. As mentioned earlier, you can extract and store the escape code from activated escape pods. These stored codes can then be used to activate other inactive escape points. This feature allows you to strategically use escape routes, enhancing your chances of survival during crises or when obtaining high-tier items.

[h3][References][/h3]
The design draws inspiration from classic handheld devices, merging nostalgic charm with modern gameplay mechanics. The layout and button configuration, inspired by the Game Boy, brings vintage appeal to the gameplay experience.

[h3][In-Game Video][/h3]
[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

As the development of "The Midnight Walkers" continues, the Escape Pod Tracker will undergo further testing and refinement. Our goal is to ensure that this device not only seamlessly integrates into our world but also provides intuitive and essential gameplay information, enhancing the overall player experience.

We will continue to share more updates and insights in future dev logs. Stay tuned for more exciting updates!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2795540

Technical Test Announcement

Hello, survivors!
This is Ray, the director of The Midnight Walkers.

It's been a while since I last greeted you. Our development team has been hard at work on the next milestone development right after the closed pre-alpha test ended on May 11.

While we have occasionally shared development updates, please understand that we couldn't disclose everything due to the sheer volume of content in development.

We are accelerating our development with the goal of the October Steam Next Fest, but we also want to quickly share an intermediate version with you and show you what we are focusing on.

Therefore, starting from August 22, we plan to release a mid-development version for about 2-3 days for you to play together. (The testing may proceed faster than scheduled depending on the development speed.)

The version we plan to test in August will be about 60% developed compared to the October Steam Next Fest version.

[h2]August Test Version (Technical Test):[/h2]

[h3][Newly improved zombies][/h3]
🔹Combat experience with zombies featuring updated animations

[h3][Trade System Prototype][/h3]
🔹Experience basic trading functions
🔹Check out the unique concept of the exchange prepared by The Midnight Walkers

[h3][Improved escape system][/h3]
🔹Extraction pod functionality applied
🔹Experience tracking extraction pods with the extraction pod receiver

[h3][Container system][/h3]
🔹Use containers to bring important items to your warehouse

[h3][Character appearance changes based on armor][/h3]
🔹Express different personalities based on the worn armor

[h3][Improved solo and duo/trio matching][/h3]

[h3][New maps (e.g., parking lot, lounge pub)][/h3]
🔹Experience a different atmosphere in the dark, damp parking lot and the luxurious lounge pub

[h3][Completely revamped farming experience and environment][/h3]
🔹Enjoy various themed loot boxes and fun farming experiences

[h3][New class: Bartender prototype][/h3]
🔹Play as the Bartender, which is about 60% developed

[h3][Other classes being revamped][/h3]
🔹Perks and skills of Assaulter and Trapper are being renewed, and Technician is renamed to Crow

[h3][New weapons][/h3]
🔹Molotov cocktails, daggers, monkey wrenches, etc., are added

[h3][Purpose of the Test][/h3]
🔹Field test to verify the changed server structure and many development items for a stable October Steam Next Fest test

We should be able to share detailed schedules with you again in July.
Our development team is working really hard to showcase our work as soon as possible.
We are focusing on delivering the best results and look forward to the day we can enjoy playing together with you.

Thank you.

Visit The Midnight Walkers Discord!

🎉Let's join The Midnight Walkers Discord!🎉

Hello survivors!

If you haven’t joined The Midnight Walkers Discord yet, join us now.
On our Discord, you can communicate with other gamers, get the latest dev information, learn about future plans, and provide direct feedback to the dev team.

🔹 Exclusive Sneak Peeks: Be the first to see new content and updates!
🔹 Live Q&A Sessions: Chat with the developers and get your questions answered.
🔹 Feedback & Suggestions: Your input helps shape the future of the game!
🔹 Exclusive Guides/Tips & Lore: Discover the Midnight Walkers strategy guides and lore!
🔹 Multilingual Support: Communicate with players around the world with our multilingual support.

Whether you are a beginner or a hardcore player, the Midnight Walkers Discord is the perfect place for everyone.
Join us to enjoy game development updates, real-time communication with developers, and much more!

👉 [Join Discord]

We can’t wait to see you there!

Dev Update #3: Motion Capture Behind the Scenes

Hello, Survivors!
It's been a while since we last greeted you.

Since the end of the closed beta test on May 9th, we have been working hard on development and improvements for the next test and the upcoming Steam Next Fest in October.

Many important tasks are underway, but today we want to introduce the process of improving one of the most crucial aspects: zombie movements and animations.

To create more realistic and dynamic zombie movements and animations, we visited a motion capture studio. And our zombie animation actor is an expert who worked on the zombie motions in the movies "Kingdom" and "Train to Busan"!

Today, we've put together a video of the key scenes from the first day of filming, but this is not the end! More shoots are planned, and we will share the next video as well.
We appreciate your continued interest, survivors :)

You can check out the lively atmosphere of the filming site in the YouTube video below!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]