Cepheus Protocol News

Cepheus Protocol HQ - May 10th #49

[h2]🎙️ Coop Play test on DIscord Tonight[/h2]

We will be having a Public Coop Playtest for a few hours tonight at 7 PM EST.
https://discord.gg/FwPqx339?event=1370380656663728149

Here's a playthrough of our last Playtest from Monday. We will be discussing progress since then briefly tonight for the next playtest and more in depth Saturday.

[h2]Recap from last 2 CERC HQ's[/h2]

In this unscripted, bug-squashing marathon, the dev team pulls back the curtain on the gritty process of real-time game development. With the game’s building system under scrutiny and multiplayer scaling pushed to its limits, they dive deep into player feedback, crash logs, and moment-to-moment patchwork during chaotic co-op sessions. From latency challenges for international players to implementing client-side prediction and UI refinements, the team dissects what’s working and what’s breaking in their live builds. Discussions include future plans for dynamic operator customization, a squad-based UI system, RTS-operator synergy, and possible logistics mechanics. Expect raw insights, honest tech hurdles, and lots of improv fixes as development meets reality—live on mic.

https://youtu.be/Dm0fXev0c8M

In this special episode, the team dives deep into the first hands-on multiplayer test of the upcoming co-op mode. After a long wait, the crew finally explores dynamic gameplay systems that fuse RTS and operator-based action. They walk through the Alcatraz test map, reliving a moment that brought an Australian dev to tears and explaining how synchronized command and combat are taking shape. Real-time debugging, crash recoveries, and hilarious friendly-fire incidents are all part of the chaos. Listeners get an inside look at the new formation AI, operator customization via console commands, the dynamic build system, and the long-term vision for pandemic scenarios and tactical squad play. Amid laughter, crashes, and teamwork, the episode showcases how much has evolved—and how much still needs to be fixed—before full co-op hits the public.

https://youtu.be/mAFwqfXiPAE

[h2]🎙️ Topics for the CERC HQ (Podcast) [/h2]

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: May 10, 2025 7 PM EST (New Time) 📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Your participation and feedback are key to shaping the future of Cepheus Protocol, and we’re eager to share our progress with you.

[h2]🔍 Next Steps[/h2]

With these initial refinements underway, we’re continuing to build on your feedback and enhance every aspect of the game. Stay tuned for further updates as we move forward together.

Stay Frosty,
The Cepheus Protocol Team

Cepheus Protocol HQ - May 10th #49

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: May 10, 2025 7 PM EST (New Time) 📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Cepheus Protocol HQ - April 26th #48

[h2]Recap from Previous Podcasts[/h2]
In this episode, the team dives deep into the development of the Alcatraz map, now nearly complete with detailed structures and custom collisions tailored for future RTS gameplay. Efrain walks through the meticulous process of refining textures, adding guard towers, and implementing high-precision UCX collisions to prevent navigation glitches and enable features like shooting through windows. The team also explores recent advancements in the game’s tactical systems—showcasing improvements to patrol and attack-move behaviors that now emphasize group cohesion and responsiveness.

Dimitry finalized turret textures and improvements to target acquisition are highlighted, along with the dynamic zone detection system for power management and AI engagement. Later, the podcast shifts to the evolving minimap—now supporting client-side drawing, filters, and real-time tactical overlays inspired by Arma. The developers stress-test the system with over 4,000 icons running at 120fps and share upcoming plans to introduce customizable tactical layers, pinging, and patrol logic based on player feedback.

The conversation wraps up with future roadmap insights, including the implementation of rally points on moving units, modding support, pandemic mode refinements, and the strategic role of Chelsea and her lieutenants in the infection system. As always, the crew shares honest, in-editor progress and unfiltered discussions, showcasing a transparent and community-driven approach to development.

https://youtu.be/AqxjNUUOGEQ

In this content-rich developer podcast, Chris announces the completion of his latest novel—an intense, survivalist follow-up to Pierce’s narrative that shifts focus to Natalie, an ex-military character navigating the outbreak in a crumbling world. The team dives into how these novels lay the narrative foundation for the campaign mode, providing nuanced perspectives that deepen player immersion.

Robert walks through massive strides in the game’s development, including reworked turrets, dynamic zone-based power systems, real-time lighting feedback, and an evolving mini-map system inspired by Halo Wars. The devs also preview future functionality, such as destructible environments, adaptive clutter generation, and meaningful environmental storytelling that reflects player impact.

They also tease deeper AI behavior for Lieutenants like Chelsea—drawing inspiration from Prototype—and outline upcoming changes like patrol/attack-move systems, co-op enhancements, and a visual weather overhaul. Meanwhile, long-term fans will appreciate discussion on player feedback integration, a detailed Q&A on design philosophy, and the candid, chaotic banter that keeps it all human.

Whether you're here for the tech deep dives, storytelling reveals, or pure zombie chaos, this episode is packed with progress and personality.

https://youtu.be/Y3qBXqOlu4Y

[h2]🎙️ Livestream Details[/h2]

We'll be covering progress since the last podcast!

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: April 26, 2025 7 PM EST (New Time) 📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Cepheus Protocol HQ - April 19th #47

[h2]Recap from Previous Podcasts[/h2]

https://youtu.be/Y3qBXqOlu4Y

In this content-rich developer podcast, Chris announces the completion of his latest novel—an intense, survivalist follow-up to Pierce’s narrative that shifts focus to Natalie, an ex-military character navigating the outbreak in a crumbling world. The team dives into how these novels lay the narrative foundation for the campaign mode, providing nuanced perspectives that deepen player immersion.

Robert walks through massive strides in the game’s development, including reworked turrets, dynamic zone-based power systems, real-time lighting feedback, and an evolving mini-map system inspired by Halo Wars. The devs also preview future functionality, such as destructible environments, adaptive clutter generation, and meaningful environmental storytelling that reflects player impact.

They also tease deeper AI behavior for Lieutenants like Chelsea—drawing inspiration from Prototype—and outline upcoming changes like patrol/attack-move systems, co-op enhancements, and a visual weather overhaul. Meanwhile, long-term fans will appreciate discussion on player feedback integration, a detailed Q&A on design philosophy, and the candid, chaotic banter that keeps it all human.

https://youtu.be/_ixe7Qyol4U

This week's update dives deep into the evolving tech and art driving the Alcatraz map and RTS systems. Efron continues refining the 3D environment with intricate details like stairways, storm drains, and the iconic water tower—painstakingly modeled and remade multiple times to match its real-world counterpart. He also tackled modular assets like doors, figurines, and even the island bookstore, working toward a highly immersive and navigable space.

Meanwhile, on the programming front, massive progress was made on the turret foundation and AI squad management systems. A new turret base platform has been implemented to support modular SAMs, MGs, and anti-armor cannons, with real-time tests on tracking, firing, and multiplayer compatibility. The AI systems now incorporate smarter zone recognition, dynamic base targeting, and sector-based power tracking—laying the groundwork for larger maps and more tactical infected behavior. Debug lines, visual markers, and gameplay loops were showcased in depth, illustrating the complexity and modularity being built into the framework.

The episode also teases major future gameplay elements: rooftops as buildable zones, dynamic procedural infection growth, and more immersive campaign interactions. Rounding out the episode, Chris shares progress on his novel’s latest chapters—expanding Nie’s character with nuanced moral conflict and survival themes—while the team discusses playtest timing, weapon customization via Patreon, and the tech roadmap ahead.

[h2]🎙️ Livestream Details[/h2]

We'll be covering progress since the last podcast!

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: April 19, 2025 5 PM EST
📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Cepheus Protocol HQ - April 12th #46

[h2]Recap from Previous Podcasts[/h2]
https://youtu.be/_ixe7Qyol4U

This week's update dives deep into the evolving tech and art driving the Alcatraz map and RTS systems. Efron continues refining the 3D environment with intricate details like stairways, storm drains, and the iconic water tower—painstakingly modeled and remade multiple times to match its real-world counterpart. He also tackled modular assets like doors, figurines, and even the island bookstore, working toward a highly immersive and navigable space.

Meanwhile, on the programming front, massive progress was made on the turret foundation and AI squad management systems. A new turret base platform has been implemented to support modular SAMs, MGs, and anti-armor cannons, with real-time tests on tracking, firing, and multiplayer compatibility. The AI systems now incorporate smarter zone recognition, dynamic base targeting, and sector-based power tracking—laying the groundwork for larger maps and more tactical infected behavior. Debug lines, visual markers, and gameplay loops were showcased in depth, illustrating the complexity and modularity being built into the framework.

The episode also teases major future gameplay elements: rooftops as buildable zones, dynamic procedural infection growth, and more immersive campaign interactions. Rounding out the episode, Chris shares progress on his novel’s latest chapters—expanding Nie’s character with nuanced moral conflict and survival themes—while the team discusses playtest timing, weapon customization via Patreon, and the tech roadmap ahead.

https://youtu.be/qeIRkf1UwCM

This episode is packed with major progress updates across the board. The team unveils overhauled turret designs with distinct combat roles, a fully reworked active denial system, and upgrades to the RTS-TPS hybrid gameplay—letting players seamlessly jump between top-down command and boots-on-the-ground action. They also showcase improvements to weapon customization, operator switching, day-night syncing, and guard tower functionality, all built with co-op in mind.

Plus, there’s a look at the upcoming doctrine tree, modular abilities, and smarter unit behavior as everything moves toward a more polished playtest build. From tactical gadgets to AI fixes, it’s a rapid-fire deep dive into systems coming online fast.

[h2]🎙️ Livestream Details[/h2]

We'll be covering progress since the last podcast!

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: April 12, 2025 5 PM EST
📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.