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Steel Seed | Dev Diary #2 “KOBY”

Hello everyone!

We shared new info about the game's world in the previous diary, so today, we would like to tell you about Koby, a flying drone, Zoe's “emotional” companion.

Designed by the late scientist Archer, Koby was conceived as a prototype companion drone for the game's protagonist, Zoe. Despite never being physically constructed during Archer's lifetime, Koby's digital blueprint was activated and brought to life as a vital ally in Zoe's journey.







Development and Role

Koby was created to assist and support Zoe, as outlined by its core programming. However, throughout the adventure, Koby transcends its initial purpose, evolving from a mere helper into a loyal and heartfelt companion. This transformation is integral to the narrative of Steel Seed, emphasizing themes of connection, trust, and the nature of artificial intelligence as it interacts with human emotion.

Personality and Communication

Koby's "voice" is expressed through a series of chirps, beeps, and electronic tones that resemble speech. These sounds are its primary mode of communication, allowing it to convey information, warn Zoe of danger, and guide her through challenges. While Koby lacks traditional speech, its digital interface—referred to as its "face"—plays a pivotal role in expressing its "feelings."

The face, an animated display, uses various shapes, symbols, and colors to depict emotions such as joy, concern, determination, or sadness. This visual feedback not only deepens the emotional bond between Koby and Zoe but also provides the player with a unique way of interpreting Koby's thoughts and intentions.



Functionality and Features

Its abilities include analyzing surroundings, detecting hidden paths, and interacting with the environment. Its intuitive AI enables it to adapt to situations, making it a crucial ally during Zoe's journey.

Koby's relationship with Zoe is not merely functional but deeply personal. Over time, the bond between them grows, turning Koby into more than just a tool; it becomes a true friend. This progression highlights the emotional depth of the Steel Seed narrative, as Koby demonstrates care and devotion that go beyond its original programming.

Interaction with Switches, Timers, and Mechanisms

A key aspect of Koby's utility in Steel Seed is its ability to interact with environmental mechanisms, such as on/off switches and timers. These interactions play a crucial role in solving puzzles and navigating complex areas within the game.

Koby can activate switches on Zoe’s command. This ability allows the duo to manipulate doors, platforms, and other elements critical to progressing through the game.

Timers add an additional layer of challenge, requiring Zoe to perform precise, time-sensitive tasks. The interplay between Koby’s actions and Zoe’s movements enhances the game’s strategy and highlights the cooperative bond between the two.

These interactions further showcase Koby's advanced programming, demonstrating not only its technical prowess but also its ability to work seamlessly with Zoe to overcome obstacles.



Legacy

Koby's design and characterization reflect Archer's vision of creating a companion that embodies empathy and ingenuity. Its story serves as a testament to the enduring impact of human creativity, even in the face of loss, and underscores the game's exploration of humanity's relationship with technology and artificial intelligence.

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If you haven't yet, don't forget to wishlist the game so you don't miss any news and updates. You can also join the official ESDigital Games social media accounts if you'd like to chat with us and your fellow fans.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Steel Seed!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/458430/Steel_Seed/

Steel Seed | Dev Diary #1 “The Facility”



Hello everyone!

We’ve been quiet about Steel Seed for a while now, but we are happy to say that the game's development is progressing at a steady pace. You will start seeing much more of Steel Seed in the near future, and it is high time we share a bit more in-depth look at the world of Steel Seed — so we are pleased to present you with a series of dev diaries. Today, we will share more info about the locations in the world of Steel Seed.



The Facility is a gigantic structure created by machines after the AIs decided to take the lead in saving humanity after a traumatic cataclysm made the environment inhabitable. Since it was realized by machines to be used by machines, the facility is not a place where humans can feel confident moving around. However, Zoe, the main protagonist, will have to learn how to deal with it quickly if she wishes to survive and find answers through her journey.

The facility serves as the primary setting for the game and is divided into four distinct areas and a central hub: the Assembly Node, Excavation Node, Power Node, Biological Node, and S4VI Hub. Each location has unique characteristics and environments that reflect its specific purpose within the facility’s operation. The S4VI Hub acts as the central nexus, connecting all other nodes and serving as a key location for progression and exploration.



The Assembly Node is the heart of the facility’s manufacturing and production systems. This area is dominated by towering machinery, conveyor belts, and automated assembly lines that continuously construct and repair the facility’s mechanical components. The atmosphere is industrial and highly active, with a cacophony of clanking metal, grinding gears, and sparks flying from automated welding arms.

Players navigating the Assembly Node must contend with moving platforms, rotating mechanisms, and environmental hazards such as molten metal spills and crushing presses. This area challenges players to master timing and precision while highlighting the facility’s intended capability for self-repair and innovation.



The Excavation Node is a vast, open-air mining area dedicated to extracting crystals from which Glitch Energy can be obtained. Towering drills and mining rigs dominate the landscape, with clusters of luminous crystals embedded in rocky outcrops. A river of petrol snakes through the area, its dark surface shimmering under the dim light of the mining operations.

Players navigating the Excavation Node must contend with guarded outposts, environmental hazards, and malfunctioning equipment. The open nature of this area offers vertical exploration opportunities, requiring players to interact with zip lines, mining lifts, and drilling platforms. The Excavation Node highlights the facility’s reliance on rare resources to sustain its advanced systems and the dangers of exploiting the environment to do so.



The Power Node is the facility’s energy center, responsible for generating and distributing power to all other areas. This node is characterized by towering reactors, glowing energy conduits, and huge pulsating power cores. The environment is electrified, with arcs of energy crackling through the air and a deep hum resonating throughout the space.

Players must traverse hazardous areas filled with high-voltage discharges, overheating machinery, and mechanisms controlling the facility’s power flow. The Power Node emphasizes the facility's immense energy demands and the delicate balance required to maintain its operations.



The Biological Node is a lush, biodome-like environment designed to sustain organic life. This area features dense vegetation, flowing water, and artificial sunlight that mimics natural ecosystems. It serves as a stark contrast to the mechanical and industrial aesthetics of the other nodes, offering a tranquil yet mysterious atmosphere.

This node is not without its dangers, as it is the most important node for all the AIs and robots that are active in the facility. Navigating the Biological Node involves solving environmental puzzles, interacting with the ecosystem, and uncovering secrets about the facility’s efforts to preserve life. The area reflects the facility’s role in balancing technological advancement with the conservation of biological diversity.



The S4VI Hub is the central nexus of the facility, connecting all other nodes. This area serves as a safe zone for players. Here, players can interact with the S4VI AI, a central intelligence responsible for managing the facility’s operations. The S4VI points scattered around the facility are linked to the hub, which is why they allow players to upgrade abilities, acquire ammos, and access previously explored areas of the facility. The S4VI HUB also serves as a narrative focal point, revealing crucial information about the facility’s origins and purpose.

The Facility in Steel Seed represents a blend of technological ingenuity and environmental diversity, offering players a dynamic and immersive setting to explore. Each node presents unique challenges and storytelling opportunities, while the S4VI Hub provides a vital link that ties the entire experience together.

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If you haven't yet, don't forget to wishlist the game so you don't miss any news and updates. You can also join the official ESDigital Games social media accounts if you'd like to chat with us and your fellow fans.

We are looking forward to seeing you in Steel Seed!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/458430/Steel_Seed/

Steel Seed | The Last Log Trailer



Greetings!

We are thrilled to reveal the stunning ‘The Last Log’ trailer for the upcoming stealth action-adventure game Steel Seed, which debuted in today’s PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted 2024!

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This thrilling new trailer teases more story threads and showcases new combat, enemies, and immersive sci-fi locations that protagonist Zoe and her flying drone companion, KOBY, will encounter on their perilous journey to uncover the dark secrets hidden deep within the hostile facility.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/458430/Steel_Seed/

Steel Seed will launch in 2025. Feel free to download the PC demo here on Steam, and if you haven't yet, don't forget to wishlist the game so you don't miss any news and updates, and join the official ESDigital social media accounts if you'd like to chat with us and your fellow fans. Thanks for your patience and continuous support, and be ready to see a lot of info about the game soon.

Thrilling New Steel Seed Trailer Teased at The Golden Joystick Awards!

Great news everyone! We’ve teased a new teaser trailer for the highly anticipated Steel Seed during today’s Golden Joystick Awards 2024. The teaser revealed that a new full gameplay trailer will be showcased during the upcoming PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted on December 5th!

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Tune in and watch the PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted on December 5th at 8 pm GMT and 9 pm CEST, 3 pm EST, and 12 pm PST, and be the first to watch the brand new Steel Seed gameplay reveal trailer! You can download the free PC demo now and add the game to your wishlist!



We’re also thrilled to announce that Steel Seed will participate in the Steam Games in Italy 2024 event, running from November 21st to 25th! This special showcase celebrates the vibrant game development scene in Italy, highlighting the talent and creativity of Italian studios.

As proud representatives of this industry, the developers at Storm in a Teacup are excited to bring Steel Seed to the event. Explore the game’s rich narrative and immersive world while celebrating the passion of Italian game creators. Don't miss the chance to discover Steel Seed and many other incredible Italian games during the event!



Moreover, from November 22 to 29, don’t miss your chance to explore Steel Seed during the Indie Arena Booth 2024 Recap Steam event and Vienna Comic Con 2024, taking place on November 23-24! This thrilling sci-fi adventure was one of the highlights of Gamescom 2024, where players enjoyed an exclusive demo. Join us in the VIECC® Indie Area, where gaming meets the vibrant world of Comic Con. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience Steel Seed firsthand at the ESDigital Games stand. Don’t miss the chance to play and immerse yourself in this unforgettable game!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/458430/Steel_Seed/

We’re continuing to refine the game based on your feedback to make it even better! Add Steel Seed to your wishlist and stay tuned—the release is getting closer!


Steel Seed’s First Appearance in China: Experience It at WePlay Expo 2024!

At WePlay Expo 2024, taking place on November 16-17 in Shanghai, players, press, and influencers in China will get their first hands-on experience with Steel Seed!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/458430/Steel_Seed/

Steel Seed immerses players in an epic journey through a dark sci-fi world, where protagonist Zoe faces constant danger. Use her parkour skills, stealth, and the support of her drone companion KOBY to navigate treacherous environments and uncover secrets.

Visit the Steel Seed booth and be part of this unforgettable adventure. Stay tuned for more updates — exciting announcements are on the way!