Eastern Era | August Progress Update!

[p]Dear players, autumn has arrived, and our sect is becoming increasingly bustling. The Sect Master sits alone, savoring the fragrance of tea, while disciples gather to practice their skills.[/p][p]The cool autumn breeze sobers us up, and swords hang from tree branches like wind chimes.[/p][p]We're here to report on our recent progress, and we welcome your guidance![/p][p][/p][h3]UI Redesign and Optimization[/h3][hr][/hr][p]During the previous online livestream, we received a lot of feedback about the complex and awkward UI layout. We've gathered your feedback and referenced the UI layouts of excellent games to redesign and optimize the UI's style and layout, making it simpler and more intuitive, and more tailored to your experience.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]Brand-New Face-Changing Gameplay Features[/h3][hr][/hr][p]Our face-changing system strives for ultimate freedom: facial features, bone structure, skin tone, and hairstyle are all adjustable to your heart's content. Whether you're a stern-eyed hero, a sinister and menacing villain, or a simple-minded underworld pawn, you can sculpt your own character.[/p][p]Beyond basic facial adjustments, we've also incorporated unique elements of ancientoriental culture for you to experience.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]New Maps, a Different Experience.[/h3][hr][/hr][p]In these maps, you'll encounter diverse Jianghu scenes and unpredictable enemies, facing unique challenges and choices.[/p][p]In these maps, you'll encounter diverse Jianghu scenes and unpredictable enemies, facing unique challenges and choices.[/p]

• [p]Qingwusen — A vast sea of forests and lush green mountains, perpetually shrouded in a pale blue mist, making walking through it feel like entering a dream.[/p]
• [p]Juechenlan — Peaks stand face to face, the canyon is bottomless, the wind howls, the scenery is isolated and cold.[/p]
• [p]Liying Valley — A shrouded in shadow, a dreamlike interplay of light and shadow, strange rocks stand like ghosts, and the grass and trees whisper incessantly.[/p]
• [p]Luoxiawu — The afterglow is like a brocade, the forests are dyed in a vibrant color, and the lake reflects the colors. This place is tranquil, yet it seems to conceal unfinished stories from the Jianghu past.[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][h3]Brand-New Buildings and Gameplay[/h3][hr][/hr][p]Previously, we mentioned that in the sect, not only can disciples practice martial arts and swordsmanship, but gear guardians also stand watch. Yet when facing powerful enemies, that alone might not be enough. So we’re introducing the brand-new Mechanism Platform—a system that allows you to freely customize and upgrade your gear guardians! Every component can be swapped and assembled at will, letting you craft terrifying steel defenders with overwhelming combat power.[/p][p]The martial world is ever-changing, and word has it that Shaolin and Kunlun are locked in constant conflict. As a peace-loving sect, it’s only right that we step in to mediate. But… what if they refuse to listen?[/p][p]No worries—besides our unstoppable gear warriors, we’ve also developed futuristic black-tech Flying Devices![/p][p]You may have your Dragon-Subduing Palm, but I’ve got my Mechanism Cannons. If they won’t play fair, we’ll make sure they leave with dignity—one way or another.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]AI System Optimization and Enhancement[/h3][hr][/hr][p]This time, we've significantly optimized the AI ​​system.[/p][p]Disciples' movements are now more natural and fluid; their behavior is no longer rigidly programmed, but more like real people.[/p][p]Within the sect, you'll see disciples coming and going, practicing or chatting. The sect operates in an orderly and vibrant manner, reminiscent of a true martial arts world.[/p][p][/p][h3]Development Review[/h3][hr][/hr][p]After the public PV release, we received many questions and suggestions from players both at home and abroad. Here we’ve collected some common questions about Eastern Era for interested players.[/p][p][/p][p]Q: What kind of game is this? What is the core gameplay? [/p][p][/p][p]A: Eastern Era is a simulation and management game themed around the construction of a classical Chinese martial arts sect, developed with Unreal Engine 5. Players take on the role of a sect leader on the run from enemies, starting anew in a barren land—recruiting disciples, cultivating resources, and gradually restoring the sect to glory. The core gameplay revolves around sect management: as the leader, you guide disciples, build facilities, recruit and train members, assign cultivation and production tasks, and carefully balance resource flow to maintain sustainable growth. Through interactions with other factions, players must weigh cooperation against rivalry, steadily developing their sect into a major power in the martial world. The game uses a panoramic interactive simulation where disciple behaviors are lifelike and the sect runs in an orderly system, combining strategic planning with the freedom of sandbox-style growth.[/p][p][/p][p]Q: What makes this game unique? [/p][p][/p][p]A: Distinctive large-scale sect battles bring the grandeur of wuxia warfare to life, while creative skill and martial arts combinations let players optimize team compositions. Key features include: custom sect leader creation with detailed face sculpting, cyber-wuxia themes with prosthetics and mechanical augmentations, and dynamic environmental effects. Weather, terrain, and other natural factors influence disciples’ personalities and growth paths, offering differentiated cultivation experiences. Within the simulation and martial world, sects can either pursue secluded cultivation or vie for dominance—building a one-of-a-kind wuxia world.[/p][p][/p][p]Q: How complete is the game now? When will it be released, and what will it cost? [/p][p][/p][p]A: A free demo will be available during the Steam Next Fest on October 13 this year. After gathering player feedback and further polishing, we plan to launch by the end of the year. Pricing is yet to be determined.[/p][p][/p][p]Q: What has been the biggest challenge during development? [/p][p][/p][p]A: Since going public, the game has received tremendous attention and suggestions from players. We’re both grateful and anxious, as our greatest fear is failing expectations. Building upon our previous work, we’ve integrated many new ideas—such as a large open world, dynamic weather (snow, rain, sunshine), and martial sect warfare—while also blending in some of the best community feedback. The biggest challenge has been balancing the core simulation management experience with players’ hopes for an authentic wuxia atmosphere. Striking that balance while adding innovative new systems has been our greatest test.[/p]