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Dev Diary III - ACPD Inspiration

[h3]On the crime-riddled streets, you’ll be representing Averno City's finest! It’s important you look the part.

Here’s the inspiration for the iconic look of the Averno City Police Department.[/h3]

https://store.steampowered.com/app/490110/The_Precinct/

In the initial stages of development of ‘The Precinct’, as shared in our first Development Diary, one of the foundational decisions we grappled with was choosing the geographical and cultural backdrop for our police force. This choice wasn't merely aesthetic; it was about setting a tone, an ambience that would resonate through the entire gameplay experience. After much deliberation, we were drawn to the rich history and iconic imagery of the East Coast, specifically selecting the New York Police Department (NYPD) as our muse for the game's ACPD in terms of organizational structure, visual identity, and uniform design.

Our journey into the heart of the NYPD's legacy was not about imitation but rather inspiration. We sought to capture the essence of what makes the NYPD universally recognizable—its distinctive uniforms, vehicles, and overall ethos—and infuse it into our game, thereby offering players an immediate sense of familiarity. This connection, we believed, would serve as a bridge, enhancing the immersive experience from the moment the game begins.
Diving deeper into the design specifics, we meticulously crafted the uniform of our game's patrol officers, drawing from the iconic elements of the 1980s NYPD uniform. This era, known for its definitive law enforcement style, offered a wealth of inspiration:

  • Navy Blue Uniform: The classic ‘baby blue’ shirt paired with dark blue trousers was not only practical but symbolized authority and professionalism. This color scheme, synonymous with the NYPD, was adopted to evoke a sense of order and discipline. Note: We added a yellow ‘piping’ stripe to the trousers, to help the character stand out more at night.
  • Patches and Badges: Embodying the spirit of the badge, our officers wear a patch on their shoulder showcasing the department's insignia, coupled with a metal badge and nameplate over the heart. These elements are more than mere decorations; they signify belonging, identity, and the solemn duty of the officers.
  • Essential Gear: The duty belt, a vital component of the uniform, is outfitted with a carefully selected array of equipment. From the .38 Special revolver, a hallmark of reliability, to handcuffs, a radio, and a baton, each item was chosen for its authenticity and relevance to the period. These tools are not just props; they're integral to gameplay, opening up a range of interactions and strategies for players.




To further ground our game in the era's ambience, officers are equipped with polished black leather footwear and a signature 8-point police cap, adorned with a metal cap badge. These details are meticulously rendered to transport players back in time, immersing them in a gritty, neon-lit world of a 1980s metropolis, a setting that has captivated the imagination through countless cop dramas and action films.

Incorporating these historical and cultural references into ‘The Precinct’ was a deliberate choice to deepen the game's narrative and aesthetic appeal. By weaving in the authentic details of the NYPD's uniforms and equipment from the 1980s, we aim to not only pay homage to this iconic era of law enforcement but also to enrich the player's experience with a game world that feels both real and engaging. This dedication to historical accuracy and immersive storytelling is what we hope will set "The Precinct" apart, offering players not just a game, but a journey through time, filled with challenges, discoveries, and a deep, respectful connection to the past

We remain grateful to Kevin Cox, a retired NYPD veteran, for his invaluable guidance and consultation on this project.



[h3] Got a burning question that you want answered? Comment down below!

Want to keep up-to-date with the latest police reports?


Then don’t forget to wishlist The Precinct, join our Discord server, and follow us on social media at @theprecinctgame 🚨[/h3]



Robobeat Slides into Dinos vs. Robots

What do you call a dinosaur that spits fire?

A velocirapper.

We are excited to announce that Robobeat is taking part in Steam's Dinos vs. Robots event!

Our demo will be publicly available between Monday, February 26th to Monday, March 4th for you all to groove to. Our demo has been updated to showcase our new look and, more importantly, to include...

CUSTOM MUSIC 🎶

So you can march to the beat of your own drum and play with whichever songs you like!



So why are we featuring in this event?

In rhythm shooter Robobeat, you'll play as Ace - a bounty hunter on a mission to capture robot-gone-rogue Frazzer in his ever-shifting lair. Wall run, slide, and shoot to the beat, blast through robot armies, and track down your target.

Every character in Robobeat - from Ace to Frazzer - is a robot in some form. Could Ace take down a dinosaur?

We’ll never know.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1456760/ROBOBEAT/


Sounds like something you want to get your hands on?

Download the Robobeat demo today and try out the custom music feature!

Dev Diary II - Averno City Inspiration

[h3]Welcome back to another special briefing. This time, we will be discussing:


“What is the inspiration behind Averno City?”[/h3]


https://store.steampowered.com/app/490110/The_Precinct/


When choosing the backdrop for our police pursuit gameplay, we deliberated between the choice of West Coast versus East Coast USA, each presenting a unique set of advantages and drawbacks.

Given our prior exploration of the arid deep south in American Fugitive, we opted this time for the wet and gritty eastern seaboard: Averno City takes inspiration from 1980s New York, a sprawling metropolis teeming with crime, gang violence, social unrest, and a tapestry of unsavoury characters and lifestyles.



This locale allowed us to immerse ourselves in the aesthetic synonymous with the '80s Big Apple, a vibe immortalised in films like "Serpico" (1973), TV series such as "Cagney and Lacey" (1981-1988), and "The Equalizer" (1985-1989).

Encouraged by the evocative visuals of this urban environment, featuring rats in the trash and billowing steam vents, we introduced a vibrant array of neon lights, drawing inspiration from cinematic gems like "Taxi Driver" (1976) and the series "The Deuce" (2017-2019), bringing a wash of colour to a dark underbelly!



This cinematic sensibility underpins all the creative decisions we make, and you’ll find that The Precinct gameplay is a little larger than life, just like the movies and TV shows that inspired it!


That’s all we have for you this time, officers. Remember to put your questions down below.

Briefing over, good luck.



[h3] Got a burning question that you want answered? Comment down below!

Want to keep up-to-date with the latest police reports?


Then don’t forget to wishlist The Precinct, join our Discord server, and follow us on social media at @theprecinctgame 🚨[/h3]





Dev Diary I - Inspiration

[h3]Listen up officers. We’ve heard murmurs of some… frequently asked questions. It’s time to lay these to bed!

Today's question:

“What inspired you to make The Precinct?”[/h3]


https://store.steampowered.com/app/490110/The_Precinct/


The Precinct traces its origins to our previous game, American Fugitive, in which players assumed the role of an escaped felon evading the law. The game was inspired by “The Fugitive” (1993) and “Dukes of Hazzard'' (1979-1985).

During development, we found ourselves pondering “What would it be like to be on the other side?” and questioning the scarcity of cop action games.

As a natural progression, the idea of a police sandbox took shape, influenced by our deep-seated passion for 80s movies and TV shows.

Drawing inspiration from classics such as "The French Connection" (1971) and "The Blues Brothers" (1980), renowned for their iconic car chases, we compiled a list of indispensable elements - from grungy alleyways to the thrill of smashing through cardboard boxes and fruit stands.



Some of our favourite examples come from “Driver” (1978). Transitioning from the flat environment of American Fugitive, we introduced hills and inclines to induce chassis-shaking jumps and spills, like "Bullitt" (1968).

When turning our focus to on-foot pursuits, memories of William Shatner's acrobatics in "TJ Hooker" (1982-1986) and the stylish action of "Miami Vice" (1984-1990) fueled our creative process.

Of course, it’s no secret that synth music (John Carpenter, Harold Faltermeyer, Vangelis) fits the neon-noir aesthetic perfectly, and we would be remiss if we didn’t mention movies like “Escape from New York” (1981), “Lethal Weapon” (1987), “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984), and “Drive” (2011) for their visual/audio influences on the game (more on this in a future dev Diary!)



That’s all we have for you this time officers.

Briefing over, good luck.

[h3]
Got a burning question that you want answered? Comment down below!

Want to keep up-to-date with the latest police reports?

Then don’t forget to wishlist The Precinct, join our Discord server, and follow us on social media at @theprecinctgame 🚨[/h3]



The Precinct will be at EGX 🎮

“This is Bree Bookman from ACTV News. Our top story - The Precinct will make its debut in London! Stay tuned for more from this exclusive world premiere.”


We are excited to showcase The Precinct at EGX this year!


https://store.steampowered.com/app/490110/The_Precinct/


EGX will be hosted at the ExCel, in London, between Thursday 12th October and Sunday 15th October.





If you’re at the event, come find us on the Kwalee Gaming stand in the Rezzed Zone to chat with our team and get stuck into our brand new, never before seen demo!

[h3]Want to keep up-to-date with the latest police reports?

Then don’t forget to wishlist The Precinct, join our Discord server, and follow us on social media at @theprecinctgame 🚨[/h3]