Steel Seed News

Grand yet furtive robot action-adventure Steel Seed will launch on April 10th, developers Storm in a Teacup and publishers ESDigital Games have announced. Not heard of Steel Seed before? You would've if I'd ever written up that demo build I played at last year's Game Developer Conference. I don't know why it's taken me this long to mention the game, given that it contains one of my favourite things in fiction: a machine the size of a world.

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Hi everyone!

It's a glorious day today, as we are ready to announce that Steel Seed will launch on April 10 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Check out the game’s new trailer for a glimpse of the sci-fi stealth-action gameplay, parkour, and storytelling that await!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Can’t hold on till then? Play Steel Seed’s new Steam demo, available now until the game’s official launch. Explore the game’s introduction, experiencing key mechanics like stealth action, epic battles, and more. This demo gives you a sweet taste of what awaits you in the whole game and lets you glimpse the world we have built.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/3002050/Steel_Seed_Demo/

“Steel Seed has been an incredible journey and a massive effort for our team,” said Carlo Ivo Alimo Bianchi, CEO & Creative Director of Storm in a Teacup. “We've poured our passion, creativity, and dedication into every detail to bring this world to life. This game is our homage to all the stealth-action players who thrive in the shadows, strategize every move, and embrace the thrill of the challenge. It’s been years in the making, and we can’t wait for you to finally experience it."

It is also worth mentioning that not so long ago Ástor Alexander, the illustrator and concept artist behind a number of viral artistic video game interpretations (Fallout 76, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, and much more), created a stunning piece of artwork that will serve as the new Steel Seed key art.



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! Much love from Storm in a Teacup!

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

Hey everyone!

With Steel Seed development in full swing, now it's the best time for us to talk about… Michael Bay. Yes, you heard right! We pay tribute to this awesome filmmaker and we'd like to share with you how he inspired us.

Also you can read more about locations in the game and Zoe's companion here and here, and we're starting!

The action sequences in Steel Seed are a hallmark of the game’s high-energy, cinematic gameplay, internally referred to by the development team as "Michael Bay Sequences".

Named after the iconic film director known for his explosive and adrenaline-filled blockbusters, these sequences are designed to deliver spectacular, heart-pounding moments where players must react quickly and think tactically.



Design and Intent

The primary goal of the Michael Bay Sequences is to immerse players in dynamic, high-stakes scenarios that demand quick reflexes and creative problem-solving. Each sequence is a carefully crafted set piece, pushing the boundaries of interactivity and spectacle. By combining intense action with narrative depth, these moments are not only thrilling but also pivotal to the progression of the story.

Variety and Creativity

One of the standout features of the Michael Bay Sequences is their variety. Each sequence is distinct from the others, offering players fresh and unpredictable challenges. Whether escaping collapsing environments, engaging in high-speed chases, or navigating massive battles, these moments are designed to keep players on the edge of their seats.



The development team at Storm in a Teacup embraced the creative freedom of these sequences, describing them as some of the most enjoyable parts of the game’s creation. This enthusiasm shines through in the inventive mechanics and surprising twists that define each set piece.

Perspective Shifts

A unique aspect of the Michael Bay Sequences is their use of perspective changes. While the core gameplay of Steel Seed is presented in a 3D environment, some sequences transform the experience into a 2D perspective, adding a fresh layer of gameplay variety. These shifts are seamlessly integrated into the action, providing players with a new way to engage with the game’s mechanics while amplifying the cinematic feel.

Impact on Gameplay



The Michael Bay Sequences are more than just visual spectacles—they serve as critical tests of the player’s mastery of the game’s mechanics. Players must quickly adapt to changing environments, utilize their abilities, and rely on Koby, Zoe’s drone companion, for guidance and support. These moments highlight the synergy between action and tactics, reinforcing Steel Seed’s emphasis on thoughtful yet exhilarating gameplay.

Legacy and Player Experience

The Michael Bay Sequences aim to leave a lasting impression on players, combining awe-inspiring visuals with intense gameplay challenges. They reflect the game’s commitment to blending cinematic storytelling with interactive depth, offering moments that are as memorable as they are thrilling.



These sequences ensure that Steel Seed stands out not only as a narrative-driven experience but also as a showcase of bold and action design.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

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/

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.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

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/

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.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

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/