The Midnight Walkers News

[h2]A Dynamic Experience: Floor Rotation System[/h2]
Survivors, Liberty Grand Center is evolving beyond a mere survival ground. It’s becoming a strategic battleground where tension and strategy collide. In this development diary, we’re excited to introduce our ongoing work on the Floor Rotation System, designed to deliver a thrilling and constantly changing survival experience.



[h2]1. Overview of the Floor Rotation System[/h2]
The Floor Rotation System aims to achieve the following goals, while Liberty Grand Center will eventually expand to over 24 floors with more themed battle zones in development:

Offer new exploration opportunities with diverse floors to enhance gameplay experiences.
Create unpredictable scenarios to amplify tension and immersion.
Design ever-changing routes to make each session feel fresh and engaging.
This system will rotate the available floors at fixed intervals, encouraging survivors to embrace new challenges with each rotation.

[h2]2. Core Design Features[/h2]
Survivors can preview the current active floors and the upcoming rotation in advance, with battle grounds remaining fixed for a set duration.

● Rotation Timer
At the end of each interval, the active floor range will automatically shift to new levels. Survivors will see a real-time countdown to the next rotation.
For example, matches may initially occur on lower floors (B1-7F) for 10 minutes, before shifting to upper floors (8F-16F), offering new routes and strategies.

Our ultimate goal is to ensure seamless and uninterrupted gameplay by minimizing split matchmaking pools.

● Global Synchronization
To maintain a fair gaming environment, the active floor ranges will be synchronized globally for all survivors. This design prevents fragmented matchmaking and ensures everyone shares the same experience.

[h2]3. Enhanced UI and User Experience[/h2]
The Floor Rotation System will be accompanied by an intuitive UI, ensuring a smooth experience for survivors. Separate floor ranges will be designated for solo and team modes. Below is a preview of the updated UI.
Please note: The UI shown is still under development and not final.

● Current and Upcoming Floor Information
For example, the team mode may currently be active on floors B1-7F, with the next rotation scheduled for floors 8F-15F. Survivors can plan their strategies using clear, real-time information on when the rotation will occur.

[h2]4. Changes the System Will Bring[/h2]
As mentioned, Liberty Grand Center will see the addition of more themed floors over time. The rotation system’s ultimate goal is to deliver fresh and exciting experiences every time survivors enter the game.

Elevators and staircases will play a critical role. Some floors may restrict access to these features, forcing survivors to rethink their strategies. Furthermore, we’re exploring the possibility of random events occurring in certain areas to inject moments of unpredictable tension.

[h2]5. Future Plans[/h2]
The Floor Rotation System is currently in its early stages of design and testing. As always, your feedback is invaluable to us in refining and enhancing this feature.

Your thoughts and ideas inspire us every day. Please feel free to share your feedback and suggestions on our Discord channel.
Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your continued support.

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

Survivors, get ready to face a new kind of threat in Liberty Grand Center, one that goes beyond mere survival.
The upcoming new zombie, the Crawler, currently under development, will deliver a whole new level of tension unlike anything you’ve faced before.


This zombie drags itself across the ground with just its upper body but relentlessly pursues survivors.
What seems like a weakness—its missing lower body—becomes its strength, allowing it to appear unpredictably from places like floor ducts or ceiling vents.
The Crawler will disrupt survivors’ escape plans, turning Liberty Grand Center into an even more intense battleground.

[h2]The Design of the Crawler[/h2]

Liberty Grand Center isn’t just a backdrop; it’s a living, breathing stage where survivors and zombies clash in relentless tension. Below is the modeling image of the Crawler, showcasing how much attention and caution it demands from survivors.


With its torn flesh, exposed organs, and grotesquely twisted body, the Crawler is the epitome of terror.
Our modeling work focused on visually amplifying their desperation and aggression.
From the way their claws scrape the ground to their exposed spine and entrails, everything about the Crawler is designed to evoke unease and fear.

[h2]A New Layer of Horror Gameplay[/h2]

The Crawler isn’t just another zombie. Its movement and attack style will challenge survivors in entirely new ways:

Ambush Attacks: Appearing suddenly from ducts, ceilings, or other unexpected locations, they create chaos and confusion.
Low-Profile Movement: Their low crawling motion makes them harder to hit, especially in confined spaces.
[h2]What’s Next?[/h2]

Like all our other content, the Crawler is currently under active development and testing as we prepare for its first encounter with survivors.
Our development team is committed to ensuring that the Crawler brings fresh changes to combat and strategy.
With the introduction of the Crawler and other exciting updates, we’re dedicated to making your gameplay experience even more dynamic.

Your feedback is always a great inspiration to us.
If you have ideas, share them with us through our Discord.
Thank you!

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

[h2]1. Single Barrel Shotgun[/h2]

Our development team envisioned what it would feel like for survivors to hold this weapon in the post-apocalyptic world of The Midnight Walkers. We aimed to create more than just a gun — we wanted to portray the "will to survive" that emerges in a desolate world.

In the previous test, survivors had access to the Double Barrel Shotgun. While its powerful firepower captured players' attention, it also presented an unexpected overbalance issue. As a result, other weapons were overshadowed, pushing our team to rethink the situation.

Ultimately, the team decided not to abandon the shotgun entirely but to refine it. By transitioning to the Single Barrel Shotgun, we aimed to retain the shotgun's strengths while encouraging survivors to make more deliberate and strategic decisions.

[h2]2. Modeling Changes[/h2]


Here is the updated model of the Single Barrel Shotgun. To preserve the original atmosphere, we incorporated rusty metal pipes, worn leather, and aged tape to reflect the hardships and struggles of survival.

[h2]3. Performance Changes[/h2]

The Single Barrel Shotgun fires only one round at a time, but that single shot represents a survivor's decisive judgment. Every shot carries weight, making each decision meaningful.
With the shift to a single shot, the reload speed has slightly improved compared to the Double Barrel Shotgun. However, the tension of carefully managing each round will make the experience even more intense than before.

[h2]4. Conclusion[/h2]

We are currently conducting extensive internal tests to refine and improve the game. This effort extends not only to the Single Barrel Shotgun but also to newly added floors and zombies, all of which are undergoing rigorous evaluation and adjustment.

Our goal is to bring you closer to the day when you can wield this weapon and enjoy combat in Liberty Grand Center.
We sincerely appreciate the patience and support of all survivors, and we remain committed to delivering an even more polished gaming experience.

We’ll return soon with more exciting news.
Thank you.

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

[h2]The Origin of the Scrap Spear[/h2]

A weapon forged at the edge of survival—the Scrap Spear is truly the epitome of survival instincts.
Metal fragments discovered in the ruins of Liberty Grand Center, old ropes, and rusted pipes were transformed into a single weapon by human hands.
This spear is not just a tool to attack enemies but a symbol of the survivor’s wisdom and adaptability to harsh environments.

In the early stages of development, our team started with the concept of "a weapon crafted from scrap or junk materials."
Below are the various design concepts of the Scrap Spear created during the initial planning phase.
Each design reflects how the Scrap Spear could take form and survive in the game world.


Let’s take a closer look at each design’s characteristics:

- Design 1: A traditional spear blended with the resourcefulness of a survivor.
- Design 2: A design that emphasizes industrial aesthetics and rugged practicality.
- Design 3: A destructive design that incorporates a saw blade to maximize danger.
- Design 4: A simple yet lethal design optimized for practical use.
- Design 5: The final chosen design, achieving perfect balance with its use of diverse materials.

Our development team ultimately chose Design 5.
This design best captures the essence of a "rough but reliable" survival weapon.

[h2]The Final Concept of the Scrap Spear[/h2]

The final design of the Scrap Spear can be described as a raw masterpiece, brought to life through the hands of a survivor.
Its sharp blade, made from rusted metal fragments, its pole crafted from old pipes, and its bindings secured with rope emphasize the spear’s unique personality.
Below is the finalized concept art of the Scrap Spear.


*The name has not been finalized.*

This Scrap Spear is versatile, capable of both thrusting and slashing attacks to adapt to various combat situations.
Its long reach allows survivors to strike from a safe distance, enriching combat strategies.

[h2]Modeling[/h2]

After finalizing the concept art, a high-resolution model was created to bring it to life.
Below is the final model image, which faithfully recreates every detail of the concept art.



The modeling process focused on the following key aspects:
- The rough texture of rusted metal: Enhances realism and immersion while emphasizing its role as a survival tool.
- Harmonization of scrap materials: Includes bolts, pipes, and ropes that could be found in survival environments.
- Tactile combat design: Ensures players feel the tension and ruggedness of survival when wielding the spear.

[h2]Attack Patterns[/h2]

The Scrap Spear isn’t just about its long reach.
It provides diverse attack patterns, allowing survivors to tailor their combat style to suit various situations.
Here are the basic attack patterns of the Scrap Spear:

- Thrust (1st Hit): A sharp forward thrust aimed at the crosshair.
- Slash (2nd Hit): A powerful slash directed in a specific direction.
- Thrust (3rd Hit): A forward strike delivered with a powerful upward thrust.

[h2]Future Plans[/h2]

The Scrap Spear is currently in the testing phase and will soon be available for survivors to experience in a future update.
Based on your feedback and ideas, we plan to further refine and improve this weapon.
If you have any thoughts or suggestions after reading this dev diary, please visit our Discord to share your ideas. We’d love to hear from you.
Thank you for your support!

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

Hello, Survivors.

This is Ray, the director of The Midnight Walkers.

It has already been a month since the public alpha test began. Time really flies.
During this time, the development team has reviewed your valuable feedback and survey responses and has been working hard to establish a more solid direction for development.

Today, I’d like to share some confirmed features for the next test, which were finalized after discussions within the development team.

Although the exact schedule for the next test has not yet been determined, we aim to share it with you soon. Additionally, we confirm our participation in the Steam Next Fest in February next year.

[h2]Parrying and Combat Improvements[/h2]
Yes, a parry system is being implemented. The development team agreed that additional actions were necessary to provide a deeper and more detailed combat experience, and therefore decided to implement the parry system.

Currently, the parry system is under development, and we expect it to pair well with TMW’s charging attack system.
We are also revising attack animations to create more tension-filled animations and are diversifying weapon trajectories. Additional combos are also under consideration.

In summary, the implementation of the parry system will offer a more rhythmic and immersive experience in attack and defense gameplay.
The charging attack system will complement this by creating richer combat patterns.

As soon as the prototype is ready, we will share it on Discord.

[h2]Floor Rotation System[/h2]
In the previous test, you could experience floors from B1F to 7F. Now, you will be able to explore from B1F to 15F.

Of course, experiencing all 16 floors in a single game would be time-consuming and make it harder to encounter other players.
To address this, we have devised a floor rotation system where the accessible range changes every 10 minutes.

The floors will be divided into three ranges:
- B1F to 7F
- 4F to 11F
- 8F to 15F

This system is being implemented for diversity and is subject to change based on your feedback during playtests.
Enjoy the expanded Liberty Grand Center environment!

[h2]Enhanced Crafting System and Grinder[/h2]
To diversify materials and craftable items, we are preparing a new menu called the Workshop.

Instead of crafting items through merchants, you can now directly access the Workshop menu from the lobby to view all craftable items at a glance.
This will provide a more convenient crafting experience.

Additionally, grinders will be scattered throughout Liberty Grand Center.
Survivors can use these machines to grind items and obtain lower-tier materials.
Of course, this is only if you successfully extract!

If you’ve played Rust, this system may feel familiar.

[h2]Zombie AI Improvements and New Zombie Types[/h2]
We’re improving zombie AI and refining their attack animations.
Our goal is to make attack motions clearer and give each zombie distinct characteristics.

The existing zombie group (Walkers, Runners, and Tankers) will be joined by Spitters and Crawlers,
adding variety and richness to long-range and close-range combat.
Additionally, a new elite zombie, the Charger, will be introduced.

Chargers are massive zombies that charge into and disrupt the players’ formations. Stay tuned!

[h2]New Weapon and Weapon Rebalancing[/h2]
A new two-handed weapon, the Trash Spear, will be added. This melee weapon offers relatively long range, allowing for combat from a safer distance.

Meanwhile, the Double Barrel Shotgun is being modified to a Single Barrel Shotgun.
This change is due to the structural advantages the Double Barrel Shotgun had over other firearms, which required adjustments for balance.

These are some of the confirmed updates the development team has been discussing recently.
We’ll continue to transparently share updates as we outline our roadmap and vision.

Thank you for your patience and support as we continue to develop this game.

Sincerely,
Director Ray

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