July Development Report
[h2]Hello mercenaries (and stealth enthusiasts)![/h2]
We are happy to announce that Project Haven will be featured in the upcoming Steam Stealth Fest 2023 (from July 24th to 31th), and we will be releasing a new updated demo so that you all can enjoy the thrill of stealth gameplay like never before!
[h2]Your feedback matters![/h2]
But before we get started with the exciting updates, we want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who took part in the previous event and provided us with invaluable feedback. We've been working hard to incorporate your ideas to make the game even more immersive and polished. Your insights have been crucial in shaping the game's direction. So, let's dive into the key points you've raised during the previous event.
[h2]The things you loved the most!❤️[/h2]
[h3]Multiple paths: [/h3]
We are happy to hear that you guys really enjoyed the freedom and flexibility of our level designs. The wide range of options provided by the environment with its multiple paths and different vantage points were a real hit among you. Make sure to play the follow up to the first mission to see for yourself!
[h3]Numerous Gameplay Elements: [/h3]
The options offered by the gameplay mechanics were also well received. Mechanics such as lean, strafe and change stance offered a range of tactical options during combat, empowering you to devise multiple strategies to overcome different challenges.
[h3]Stylish Aesthetic: [/h3]
The overall style and aesthetic of the game seems to have resonated with you. The soundtrack also found a special place in your hearts, and that means a lot to us, but especially our composer.
[h3]Story and Setting: [/h3]
The storyline and rich setting grabbed the attention of several of you, leaving you curious to see what more lays ahead.
[h2]Areas We Should Improve.🦾[/h2]
[h3]Clunky Cover System: [/h3]
Some of you shared concerns about the cover system functionality and responsiveness. A few of you felt that certain areas that should have provided cover weren’t properly identified as such, causing confusion and frustration during combat.
[h3]Inaccurate Aiming: [/h3]
While many of you enjoyed Project Haven’s third’s view aiming mode, some found the reticle occasionally to be imprecise, affecting the overall shooting experience.
[h3]Difficulty Aiming Grenades: [/h3]
Tossing grenades from a third-person view proved to be challenging for several of you. Accurately judging the grenade's trajectory, landing spot, and blast radius seemed to not be an easy task.
[h3]User Interface Clarity: [/h3]
The user interface requires improvement, as some elements were not intuitive or could be more user-friendly.
[h3]Awkward Dialogue Lines: [/h3]
While many of you seem to really love or be neutral about it, some of the dialogue lines and voice acting did not resonate well with others and were perceived as awkward or out of place.
[h2]We hear you![/h2]
We have been carefully working to address the feedback received, while staying true to the game’s original concept, and we are excited to share the following changes in this next demo that address some of your concerns along with a few new additions:
[h3]Enhanced Cover System: [/h3]
Say goodbye to clunkiness! The cover system was completely redesigned. We've added a new snap-to-cover mechanic, allowing you to easily take cover where you want. We also added a mercenary’s ghost figure when the mouse hovers over a potential cover spot, making it easier to see their current stance and know exactly where they are going to end up facing. Additionally, the shield icons previously projected on walls have now been moved to the floor, improving top-down visibility. We now also display all the nearby potential covers, for more situational awareness.
[h3]Improved Aiming System: [/h3]
Your shooting experience is about to level up! The difficulties with the reticle are now much improved, ensuring a more accurate and satisfying shooting experience.
[h3]Grenade Throwing Overhaul: [/h3]
The long awaited change is finally here! We have completely changed the grenade system to make it possible from a top-down view. We hope you’ll find it easier and more satisfying to use grenades effectively, without the hassle of not knowing where the grenade is going to end up.
[h3]Added Progression: [/h3]
Your actions now have consequences! HP damage is now carried over from mission to mission. Downed characters suffer a temporary loss in maximum HP during combat and will need medbay time at HQ to recover.
[h3]User-friendly Font and UI: [/h3]
We care about your experience, so we're continuously refining the user interface. In this demo the focus has been particularly in the HQ. We’ve added a new Armory screen where you can view all your mercenaries' status and equipment at a glance, allowing you to quickly customize them to suit your needs! Plus, we also replaced the old font for a better and more readable one.
[h3]Added Ghost Walls: [/h3]
Navigate narrow spaces with ease! We added ghost walls to make the environment more readable and reduce camera obstructions.
[h3]Updated Characters: [/h3]
Indigo has received a new character model that better fits her personality! Scarlett, Altan and Patches will be getting new models soon too. We’ve also updated all character stats and initial equipment.
[h3]Expanded Settings: [/h3]
Total control on your fingertips! In the new demo, you'll find additional settings options, including more graphic control, the ability to toggle specific combat area UI parts on/off, and more audio options (Yes, you can now turn dialogues’ volume off from those mercenaries who might rub you the wrong way). We've also added a daltonism mode for the color vision rebels among us. You will also have the option to invert aiming controls, customizing your mouse setup according to your preferences.
[h2]Embrace the Stealth![/h2]
For those who are joining us through the Steam Stealth event, welcome, and get ready to immerse yourselves in a world of cunning and shadows. In Project Haven, stealth is an option you should always keep in your mind as it could be your greatest weapon.
Prepare to master the art of stealth as you outsmart cameras through hacking, quietly unlock doors using lockpicks, execute silent takedowns from the shadows and strategically dispose of enemy bodies to ensure no alarms are raised.
We can't wait for you to experience these changes and improvements firsthand during the Steam Stealth Fest 2023. Your feedback has been pivotal in shaping our game, and we're eager to hear your thoughts once again. Together, we will shape the ultimate tactical experience!
And meanwhile, if you are curious about learning more about the motivation behind Project Haven and read about future plans, check out our in-depth interview with RPG Codex.
We'll see you in the shadows!
Code Three Fifty One
https://store.steampowered.com/app/443190/Project_Haven/
We are happy to announce that Project Haven will be featured in the upcoming Steam Stealth Fest 2023 (from July 24th to 31th), and we will be releasing a new updated demo so that you all can enjoy the thrill of stealth gameplay like never before!
[h2]Your feedback matters![/h2]
But before we get started with the exciting updates, we want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who took part in the previous event and provided us with invaluable feedback. We've been working hard to incorporate your ideas to make the game even more immersive and polished. Your insights have been crucial in shaping the game's direction. So, let's dive into the key points you've raised during the previous event.
[h2]The things you loved the most!❤️[/h2]
[h3]Multiple paths: [/h3]
We are happy to hear that you guys really enjoyed the freedom and flexibility of our level designs. The wide range of options provided by the environment with its multiple paths and different vantage points were a real hit among you. Make sure to play the follow up to the first mission to see for yourself!
[h3]Numerous Gameplay Elements: [/h3]
The options offered by the gameplay mechanics were also well received. Mechanics such as lean, strafe and change stance offered a range of tactical options during combat, empowering you to devise multiple strategies to overcome different challenges.
[h3]Stylish Aesthetic: [/h3]
The overall style and aesthetic of the game seems to have resonated with you. The soundtrack also found a special place in your hearts, and that means a lot to us, but especially our composer.
[h3]Story and Setting: [/h3]
The storyline and rich setting grabbed the attention of several of you, leaving you curious to see what more lays ahead.
[h2]Areas We Should Improve.🦾[/h2]
[h3]Clunky Cover System: [/h3]
Some of you shared concerns about the cover system functionality and responsiveness. A few of you felt that certain areas that should have provided cover weren’t properly identified as such, causing confusion and frustration during combat.
[h3]Inaccurate Aiming: [/h3]
While many of you enjoyed Project Haven’s third’s view aiming mode, some found the reticle occasionally to be imprecise, affecting the overall shooting experience.
[h3]Difficulty Aiming Grenades: [/h3]
Tossing grenades from a third-person view proved to be challenging for several of you. Accurately judging the grenade's trajectory, landing spot, and blast radius seemed to not be an easy task.
[h3]User Interface Clarity: [/h3]
The user interface requires improvement, as some elements were not intuitive or could be more user-friendly.
[h3]Awkward Dialogue Lines: [/h3]
While many of you seem to really love or be neutral about it, some of the dialogue lines and voice acting did not resonate well with others and were perceived as awkward or out of place.
[h2]We hear you![/h2]
We have been carefully working to address the feedback received, while staying true to the game’s original concept, and we are excited to share the following changes in this next demo that address some of your concerns along with a few new additions:
[h3]Enhanced Cover System: [/h3]
Say goodbye to clunkiness! The cover system was completely redesigned. We've added a new snap-to-cover mechanic, allowing you to easily take cover where you want. We also added a mercenary’s ghost figure when the mouse hovers over a potential cover spot, making it easier to see their current stance and know exactly where they are going to end up facing. Additionally, the shield icons previously projected on walls have now been moved to the floor, improving top-down visibility. We now also display all the nearby potential covers, for more situational awareness.
[h3]Improved Aiming System: [/h3]
Your shooting experience is about to level up! The difficulties with the reticle are now much improved, ensuring a more accurate and satisfying shooting experience.
[h3]Grenade Throwing Overhaul: [/h3]
The long awaited change is finally here! We have completely changed the grenade system to make it possible from a top-down view. We hope you’ll find it easier and more satisfying to use grenades effectively, without the hassle of not knowing where the grenade is going to end up.
[h3]Added Progression: [/h3]
Your actions now have consequences! HP damage is now carried over from mission to mission. Downed characters suffer a temporary loss in maximum HP during combat and will need medbay time at HQ to recover.
[h3]User-friendly Font and UI: [/h3]
We care about your experience, so we're continuously refining the user interface. In this demo the focus has been particularly in the HQ. We’ve added a new Armory screen where you can view all your mercenaries' status and equipment at a glance, allowing you to quickly customize them to suit your needs! Plus, we also replaced the old font for a better and more readable one.
[h3]Added Ghost Walls: [/h3]
Navigate narrow spaces with ease! We added ghost walls to make the environment more readable and reduce camera obstructions.
[h3]Updated Characters: [/h3]
Indigo has received a new character model that better fits her personality! Scarlett, Altan and Patches will be getting new models soon too. We’ve also updated all character stats and initial equipment.
[h3]Expanded Settings: [/h3]
Total control on your fingertips! In the new demo, you'll find additional settings options, including more graphic control, the ability to toggle specific combat area UI parts on/off, and more audio options (Yes, you can now turn dialogues’ volume off from those mercenaries who might rub you the wrong way). We've also added a daltonism mode for the color vision rebels among us. You will also have the option to invert aiming controls, customizing your mouse setup according to your preferences.
[h2]Embrace the Stealth![/h2]
For those who are joining us through the Steam Stealth event, welcome, and get ready to immerse yourselves in a world of cunning and shadows. In Project Haven, stealth is an option you should always keep in your mind as it could be your greatest weapon.
Prepare to master the art of stealth as you outsmart cameras through hacking, quietly unlock doors using lockpicks, execute silent takedowns from the shadows and strategically dispose of enemy bodies to ensure no alarms are raised.
We can't wait for you to experience these changes and improvements firsthand during the Steam Stealth Fest 2023. Your feedback has been pivotal in shaping our game, and we're eager to hear your thoughts once again. Together, we will shape the ultimate tactical experience!
And meanwhile, if you are curious about learning more about the motivation behind Project Haven and read about future plans, check out our in-depth interview with RPG Codex.
We'll see you in the shadows!
Code Three Fifty One
https://store.steampowered.com/app/443190/Project_Haven/