Haunted Mines - Development Milestone

[p][/p][h2]Haunted Mines - Development Milestone[/h2][p]I'm thrilled to finally say it, after over 2 years of solo development, Haunted Mines is getting closer than ever to release.[/p][p]What began as a simple idea has evolved into a deep, atmospheric horror experience powered by custom AI systems, online multiplayer, and dynamic match progression. And now, I'm ready to share more with you.[/p][h2]2 Years of Building[/h2][p]This project started as a solo endeavor, born from a love for psychological horror and asymmetrical tension. Since then, the game has grown into something far bigger and more polished than I ever expected.[/p][p]Over the past two years, I've worked on:[/p]

• [p]🔄 Procedural map generation (so no run feels the same)[/p]
• [p]🧠 Dual-Brain AI for the monster, designed to simulate both instinct and knowledge-based behavior[/p]
• [p]👥 Online multiplayer, using Mirror and Steamworks[/p]
• [p]🔊 3D voice chat integration via Vivox[/p]
• [p]🎮 Custom interaction systems, task management, and match progression logic[/p]
• [p]🧰 Inventory, upgrades, economy systems, and match rewards[/p]

[p]It’s been a journey full of learning curves, especially integrating third-party tools like Mirror, FizzySteamworks, and Vivox, which all come with their own challenges. But the result is a unique multiplayer horror experience that I’m proud of.[/p][h2]Where We Are Now[/h2][p]The game is now feature-complete for an early access version, meaning:[/p]

• [p]All core gameplay systems are implemented[/p]
• [p]Multiplayer is kinda functional... You can play it, maybe not enjoy it, but at least try it out 😅[/p]
• [p]The game loop is working from start to finish[/p]
• [p]It’s stable and playable[/p]

[p]What remains is polish, optimization, bug hunting, and tuning, especially now that early testers are providing valuable feedback.[/p][h2]What Comes Next?[/h2][p]Right now, I’m working on:[/p]

• [p]✨ Visual polish: FX, lighting, UI feedback, etc.[/p]
• [p]🐞 Bug fixing and QoL improvements[/p]
• [p]📢 Marketing and wishlist growth (Steam & Itch)[/p]
• [p]📹 Reaching out to content creators and testers[/p]
• [p]🧱 Possibly adding more monster behavior depth, depending on feedback[/p]

[p]I’ve also started preparing pages on both Steam and Itch.io. Your wishlist, comment, or share really helps, it’s the best way to support a solo dev like me.[/p][p][/p][p][dynamiclink][/dynamiclink][/p][h2]Thank You![/h2][p]To everyone who’s followed the project, tested early builds, or just shown interest, thank you.[/p][p]Haunted Mines has been a passion project from the start, and I’m incredibly excited (and slightly nervous) to show it to the world. This devlog is just one step toward launch, and I can’t wait to bring you more updates soon.[/p][p]If you'd like to follow the development more closely, stay tuned here if you want to participate in future testing.[/p]