This week focused on core gameplay improvements, backend stability, animation polish, and ongoing R&D for future systems. Progress was made across game design, client/server development, and tech art.

Game Design

Completed

Build Task 1.4 description finalized

In Progress

Build Task 1.5 description
Client Development

Completed

Test scene created for animator NPC support
Localization added for location names
Initial battle camera research completed

In Progress

Chat widget updates and bug fixes
Damage cheat implementation
Minor Unity version upgrade

🧠 Planning

Technical task documentation preparation
Remote player states refactoring (future features prep)
Battle camera improvement: anticipates movement direction
️ Game Server Development

In Progress

Damage cheat handling ️
Scene NavMesh updates ️
Backend Development

Completed

Inbox messages persist within a session
SessionId unified across all services
Global speed settings implemented
Documentation for global parameters added

In Progress

Shop proposal mapping to weaponId
Tag system for global parameters ️
Animation

Completed

Running animation adjustments

In Progress

Walking animation refinements
Tech Art

Completed

Marauder’s Map feature implemented ️
Map optimizations
Updated minimap textures
Aim reload progress bar added
Improved UI widget transparency 🧊
Camera behavior R&D (occlusion handling)

In Progress

Projectile system development
Shotgun muzzle flash VFX
Shotgun impact VFX
Terrain chunk system R&D
Procedural terrain generation research 🧩

Game Design

Done: Planning for April, June, and July builds (100% ready)
In Progress: Loot system research, battle system research

Client Development

Done: Item views refactoring, battle profiling, storage FTUE soft-lock fix, debug visual stats added, tooltip placement improvements
In Progress: Loading screens update, animator test scene with NPC support, Unity version update, damage cheats, MacOS build improvements, TA location support

Game Server Development

In Progress: Character/NPC sync improvements (animation + logic refactor), attack sync improvements, NPC behavior activation fixes

️ Backend

In Progress: Inbox message saving (session-based), shop proposal identification updated to Weapon ID

Animation

Done: Zombie broken-leg running animation, revolver reload animation (low aim)
In Progress: Walking animation corrections

Tech Art

Done: Map optimization (2 maps), lighting & shadow flicker fixes, LOD fixes, texture compression (Windows & MacOS), Maradauder map implementation & cleanup, terrain updates, object reduction & tree cleanup
In Progress: Cinemachine camera setups, chunk system & procedural generation research

Game Design

Done:

Localization bug fixes

In Progress:

Plans for future builds
Planning 3 builds:
April (50%)
June (30%)
July (20%)
Development: Client

Done:

Different tile colors based on item rarity, hover, and drag behavior adjustments
Text wrapping fixes
Drone activation animation fix
Red cursor indicator when items are selected
FTUE fixes and UI polishing

In Progress:

Refactoring view scripts for better unification and maintenance
Battle profiling
Cheats for the skill tree in battle
Hover tooltip positioning improvements
Reconnection to Backend
Setup macOS builds
Development: Game Server

Done:

Round start NPC behavior fixes
Dead Zone NPC spawn fixes
Quad system entities activation improvements
Bots movement in inactive quads improvements
Bots behavior triggers update (Escape from Dead Zone)
AI systems optimization

In Progress:

Improving sync for remote characters and NPCs (animation states and logic refactoring)
Development: Backend

Done:

High-load testing infrastructure

In Progress:

Inbox messages during one session
Animation

Done:

Created bottom reload animation for zombie NPC
Created running animation (arms up) for zombie NPC

In Progress:

Creating running animation with broken leg for zombie NPC
Tech Art

Done:

Marauder map part implementation
Objects cleanup

In Progress:

Shader rebuild on both maps
LOD updates on both maps
FBX import settings update
Lighting tweaks and updates on both maps

Game Design

Done:

HUD v2

In Progress:

Looting V2 – update description and requirements for art visualization
Feature prioritization
Development: Client

Done:

Chat message transparency bug fixed
Weapon remains in weapon slot bug fixed
General scrolls overhaul
Stats localization fixes
General localization fixes

In Progress:

Improvements to cheat panel
Skill Tree bugs
Reconnect to Backend from any game state
Recalculation of scale formula for items in shop and crafting
New tiles hover and drag states
Text wrapping fixes
Drone activation animation fix
UI layout fixes
Development: Game Server

Done:

—

In Progress:

Looting V2
AI bots and NPC behavior fixes (in test)
Skill Tree apply skills on character fix (in test)
Incorrect aiming on network players
Stagger and jump attack on deadzone NPCs
Development: Backend

Done:

Admin Panel upgrade (Market transactions + Battle history)
Archive battle history events saving
Session ID claim added to JWT auth token
Fixed CSV upload bug for weapons

In Progress:

Using SID claim as base session identifier for saving inbox battle history during session
Animation

Done:

Created attack_left animation for NPC zombies

In Progress:

Creating run animation for NPC zombies
Tech Art

Done:

Research and mockup for vehicle system
Stagger effect creation
Updated UI widget background opacity

In Progress:

Updating map to latest level design iteration
Shader review and optimization
Overall asset and texture optimization
R&D for terrain chunk system
Shader rebuild on Marauder map section
Asset rebuild on Marauder map section

Game Design

Done

Subscriptions

In-box system

In Progress

Localization fixes (EN, ES, FR, PL, IT, ID, UK, RU, TR)

Development – Client

Done

Updated NPC attack animations

Fixed visual bugs (barrel HP after death, reload animations)

Added debug overlay for testing

Lobby: added drone transfer sound

Bullet cooling

New design showing remaining players/bots

Updated weapon icons in the shop

Kill panel improvements

Mouse rotation fixes + speed adjustments

Bullet tracer fix + pooling

Craft menu UI decomposition

Craft menu navigation widget

In Progress

Dodge/roll animation & mechanic

Zombie jump attack animation & mechanic

New barrel types

Players alive visual improvements

Steam Achievements (testing)

Aiming laser remaining after player death

Missing localization in menus & HUD

Random feedback window popup before game launch

Drone smoothness fixes

“Something went wrong” popup & logic

Craft Widget + Craft Widget Controller

Development – Game Server

Done

Entity editor debug tools for game entities

In Progress

Dodge/roll mechanic

NPC jump attack mechanic

Load testing (client console app & server version)

New barrel types

️ Development – Backend

Done

Added cheat-character assignment in Admin Panel

Fixed CSV mapping for ShopProposals & ExplodingBarrels

Added GlobalParameters configuration

In Progress

PlayerId search in Admin Panel

Animation

Done

Polished weapon attack animations (after build review)

Polished Axe, Blade, Mace combo attacks

In Progress

Setting up animations in Animator Controller after polishing

Tech Art

Done

Solved UI adaptive issues

Fixed water appearance in swamp areas

Updated lighting & shaders for Lobby characters and Shop items

Implemented collision materials across all maps

In Progress

Skill Tree widget implementation

Lighting system bug fixing

Level design bug fixing

Merging all progress into one branch/build

That’s all for this week’s update!
The team continues pushing forward with combat mechanics, animation polish, UI improvements, and technical stability across the board.

#GameDev #IndieDev #DevelopmentUpdate #GameDesign #ProgressUpdate

Game Design
Done: Progression System, Steam Achievement setup on Steam page
In Progress: GDD preparation, Crafting system, Subscription mechanic

Client Development
Done: Key binding changes, attack mechanic rework, onboarded new developer, Unity version upgrade (security fix), inventory sound volume polish
In Progress: Item iconization, experience system, character level system, freeze character animation fixes, buff effects on stats UI, Steam achievements, sound logic for item transfers, refactoring inventory sound logic

Game Server Development
Done: AI targeting fixes (Drones/Bots/NPCs), bots/NPCs attack fix, attack mechanic rework, consumable buff effects fix
In Progress: Sync detailed player attack data for achievements

️ Backend
Done: Shop proposal duplicate bug fix, match finish event bug fix, disabled Steam logic for sandbox transactions, added detailed error messages in Admin Panel
In Progress: Drone migration bugfix, character experience configs

Animation
Done: Retargeted zombie jump attack animation
In Progress: Retargeting animation clips for hit reactions

Tech Art
Done: Onboarded new team members, map optimization pass, deleted unused art assets, shader review, bugfixes
In Progress: Bugfixes, map level design review, adding blood/guts/body parts to scenes

️ Art
Done: Blueprints for vector item icon creation

Summary:
This week focused on progression systems, Steam achievements, attack mechanics, and client/server stability. Next up: continuing iconization, experience/leveling system, animation polish, and map/tech art improvements.

#GameDev #IndieDev #DevUpdate #ProgressUpdate #GameDesign

Another productive week across the team — from gameplay feedback and animation polish to backend improvements and tech art refinements. Here’s what’s new

Game Design

Done

Implemented changes and feedback for Core Gameplay

Added Stagger, Jump Attack, and Dodge/Roll mechanics

Created Ammo and Consumable iconography

In Progress

Preparation for GDD

Crafting system design

Progression System

Subscription Mechanic

Development – Client

Done

Added weapon switching via “1–4” keys

Fixed concrete walk/run sound settings

Implemented Drone VFXs

Tested lost and corrupted network packets

Improved shop drag & drop sell flow

Adjusted drone bullet speed

Added Alive Players Counter

Implemented Move/Attack player animations

Added Health Progress Bar UI

General bug fixes

In Progress

Adding 3D objects in the in-game store

Attack player animations polish

Hit reaction logic and animations

Weapon/consumable/ammo iconization

Sliding player movement along obstacles

Dodge/Roll mechanic implementation

Development – Game Server

Done

Fixed AI targeting

In Progress

Drone optimization

Dodge/Roll mechanic sync

Reaction on hits (animation + logic)

General bug fixes

️ Development – Backend

Done

Fixed drone and drone weapon config migration bugs

Fixed drones appearing in backpack after battle

Added preview fields for ShopProposal configs

Fixed battle mechanic config update bugs

Updated ShopProposal interface — single-page view per proposal + list page view mode in Admin Panel

In Progress

ShopProposal configs migration bugfix

Animation

Done

Polished walk, run, and aim animations for axe, knife, and bat

Retargeted character roll animation in Blender

In Progress

Polishing walk, run, and aim animations for firearms

Tech Art

Done

Reassembled LOD system and editor tools

Fixed multiple flickering and levitating objects

In Progress

Upgrading select map assets to higher quality

Fixing trees and foliage clipping through concrete or buildings

Ground texture blending fixes

Reviewing light system for improvements

The week brought solid gameplay and visual progress — with new movement mechanics, polished animations, and a more stable backend.
Next up: refining systems for the upcoming GDD and continuing to optimize performance and visuals.

#GameDev #DevUpdate #IndieDev #GameDesign #ProgressUpdate

Here’s a quick look at what our team has been up to this week across Game Design, Development, Animation, and Tech Art

Game Design

Done

Reprioritized features through December 15

Prepared for GDD

Designed the Progression System

Defined Subscription Mechanic

In Progress

Crafting system design

Development – Client

Done

Prepared builds for playtest

Added drone sounds in 3D space

Fixed lost and corrupted network packets

In Progress

Drone VFXs

Testing network packet loss

Shop drag & drop sell flow improvements

Adjusting drone bullet speed

Development – Game Server

Done

Fixed health restoration bugs

Updated drone search position sectors

Synced operation and active time with client

Synced drone animations

Tested and fixed lost network packets

In Progress

Drone optimization

Fixing AI targeting

️ Development – Backend

Done

Fixed bugs with exploding barrel configs

Fixed config migration issues for Drops, Consumables, and Drones

Resolved bugs with updating configs with buffs and effects (one-to-many)

In Progress

Migrating ShopProposals and Battle mechanic status effect configs

Animation

Done

Adapted new animations to the old rig

Polished fist fight animations (walking, running, aiming)

In Progress

Polishing other attack animations

Tech Art

Done

Fixed LD bugs and levitating objects

Improved shadows system

In Progress

Reviewing and updating map assets

General visual improvements

That’s all for this week’s update!
The team is pushing forward with drone systems, visual polish, and gameplay progression — exciting times ahead.

#GameDev #IndieDev #DevelopmentUpdate #GameDesign #ProgressUpdate

Game Design

In Progress:

Testing build

Reprioritization of features until December 15

Planning and preparation for Game Design Document (GDD)

Detailed planning for:

Crafting

Progression System

Subscription Mechanic

Development: Client

Done:

Fixed sound delay when transferring items

Added drone sounds

Added drone context menu in inventory

Updated drone icons

Drone tooltip improvements

Implemented drone activation/deactivation animation

Drone operation battle timer

Drone cooldown battle timer

Drones localization completed

In Progress:

Shop Drag & Drop sell flow improvements and fixes

Polishing drone animations

Development: Game Server

Done:

Added drone context menu in inventory

Navmesh updates

Build preparation

In Progress:

Fix loot spawning

Sync drone animations

Update drone search position sectors

Sync operation and active time with client

Development: Backend

Done:

Fixed bugs with migration configurations between environments

Reduced matchmaking time; deployed new version and strategy

Fixed ammo storage purchase bug

Setup AWS Gateway for profile API on QA and Stage

Merged all services on Stage

Added safety for adding configurations with primary key = 0

Animation

Done:

Retargeting in Maya: Successfully retargeted new animations onto project rig

Integration Testing in Unity:

Animations played incorrectly in Additive mode due to rig specifics

Experiments with animation layers isolated the problem

Blend System Investigation:

Additive mode in BaseLayer caused character to “sink”

Switched to Blending Override for stability

Root Motion Analysis:

Character wobbling caused by extra “Translate Y” keys on Root bone in WeaponLayer

Corrective action defined: remove unnecessary keys for stable motion

In Progress:

Explore fixing animation playback in Unity without workarounds

Compare Additive (after key cleanup) vs Override to determine optimal pipeline

Tech Art

Done:

Fixed bugs with objects in air

Fixed fence holes and map barriers

Corrected shadows at different distances

Fixed light flickering

Fixed overlapping objects on streets

In Progress:

Optimization pass

Light system overall review

VFX review

Game Design

Done:

Compiled bugfixes list

Edited item names

Checked and configured localization for each module

Added tasks to the backlog for game release

Decomposed systems:

Crafting

Variable zombies

Progression system

Subscription mechanic

Evaluated and decomposed backlog

In Progress:

Testing build

Preparation for Game Design Document (GDD)

Detailed planning for:

Crafting

Progression System

Subscription Mechanic

Development: Client

Done:

Fixed missing Equip Weapon sound when moving weapons between slots

Added sounds for item usage

Production Unity build flow established

Drone weapon sync implemented

Drone fly animations added

Fixed drone buy/sell bugs

Added drones in best deals

Fixed bug when buying character with full inventory

Synced drone animation states

In Progress:

Drone tooltip improvements (scaling, off-screen positioning, stats display)

Drones localization

Drone cooldown battle timer

Drone operation battle timer

Drone activation/deactivation animation

Development: Game Server

Done:

Implemented drones behavior states (scanning, battle, attack)

Drones shooting

Synced drone animation states (not yet tested)

Drone operational timer

Drone weapon sync

In Progress:

Navmesh updates

Build preparation

Development: Backend

Done:

Implemented sell drones logic on Storage

Set up AWS Gateway for new drone requests to profile API

Fixed bug with drone-added notifications after purchase

Created script to verify internal → public URL mapping from AWS Gateway

Implemented migration logic for configurations between environments on Admin Panel

Animation

Done:

Rig created in MotionBuilder

Performed detailed retargeting tests with new Unity (UMotion Pro) animations

Exported animations in .anim and .fbx formats for multiple characters

Retargeting in MotionBuilder still not working correctly

Decision: temporarily stop using MotionBuilder and explore other tools

In Progress:

Alternative solution being tested in Maya

Rig setup stage underway for retargeting

Animations will be tested after setup to verify viability

Tech Art

Done:

Updated construction site zone

Fixed invisible collisions on map

Polished fallen airplanes zone

Bugfixing and optimization pass

In Progress:

Mockup map extensions

Asset review

Screenshots preparation

Game Design

Done:

Reviewed user feedback.

Created roadmap for:

Character Level Up

Crafting

Monetization & LiveOps

Different types of enemies

In Progress:

Bug fixes

Testing build

Editing item names

Checking and configuring localization for each module

Development: Client

Done:

Added new VFX (papers, leaves)

Implemented drones in lobby (buy, sell, move)

In Progress:

Drones animations

License agreement integration

Bug fixing

Development: Game Server

Done:

Drones in lobby (buy, sell, move)

In Progress:

Drones behavior states (scanning, battle, attack)

Drones shooting

Development: Backend

Done:

Prepared production environment

Added client notifications for expired matchmaking tickets

Cached Edgegap matchmaking images

Disabled Swagger for Stage and Prod

Set up archive for Stage and Prod environments

In Progress:

Migration configuration logic between environments on Admin Panel

Animation

Done:

MotionBuilder 2025 Diagnostics:

Main Character rig successfully created in Character Controls panel

Legacy .anim file found incompatible; recommended conversion via MotionBuilder 2017 or earlier

FBX import successful, new skeleton (Armature.001) added

Unity Diagnostics (uMotion Pro & Anim Converter):

Configured optimal FBX export settings (Binary 2016, One File Per Clip, Export as New File)

uMotion Pro export failed (UMotion - Ups! error; support requested)

Anim Converter failed (Couldn't start Conversion error)

Determined plugin cannot fix corrupted/incompatible .anim files

In Progress:

Find alternative conversion methods for .anim → FBX

Test new animation pack import into MotionBuilder

Execute full retargeting cycle:

Transfer rig from anipack to project character

Retarget animations

Tech Art

Done:

Fixed blood VFX

Map fixes (invisible collisions, holes in fences)

Bug fixes with objects in scene

In Progress:

Map polishing

Level Design (LD) review

Assets review

Game Design

Done:

Item names fixes

Presentation text

Presentation video

In Progress:

Reviewing feedback

Creating a roadmap for development

Character level-up

Crafting

Monetization LiveOps

Different types of enemies

Development: Client

Done:

Improved quality of moving items in the lobby without pauses

Fixed stacking of consumables in a full backpack

Fixed long reloading bug and reload animations

Fixed bug where user could not equip a weapon with a full backpack

Fixed tooltip clipping and permanent tooltip in loot

Improved Game Exit flow and fixed Game Exit from Battle

Implemented “Not Enough Currency” notification when buying items in the Shop

Fixed localisation issues for character descriptions

In Progress:

Drones in lobby: buy, move, equip

Prevent drones from getting lost upon player death if purchased

Drone tooltips (Characteristics, Best deals)

“You already have this character” notification when buying Character Skin in Shop

Development: Game Server

Done:

Fixed stacking of consumables in a full backpack

Fixed bug where user could not equip a weapon with a full backpack

Drones navmesh

Research Drones movement and attack

In Progress:

Drones in lobby, equipment, backpack, shop, and inventory

Drones behavior states

Development: Backend

Done:

Merged and migrated all services from QA to Stage

Fixed bug when sending matches to the archive on Dev

Fixed infinite waiting for matchmaking bug

Optimized matchmaking for faster server-assigned response

Fixed CSV configuration uploading for Shop Proposals on Admin Panel

In Progress:

Preparing production services

Admin Panel migration feature between environments

Animation

Done:

Diagnosed and analyzed Blade_Attack animation issues in Unity

Identified root cause: rig differences between Blender and Unity (single vs. double shoulder bone)

Tested import settings and blending modes; temporary solution via Override blending mode

In Progress:

Correct animation for Additive Blending in Blender

Research “bridging” bone to unify shoulder bones

Plan detailed integration workflow for future animations in Additive mode

Tech Art

Done:

Level design fixes

Shader polishing

Bug fixes

In Progress:

Fix holes in map borders

Fix colliders for multiple objects on map

Fix skins’ visual representation

General bug fixing and level design improvements

UI/UX

Done:

Implemented Icon State

In Progress:

License agreement pop-up

Game Design

Done:

Prepare icon character

In Progress:

Fix item names

Presentation text (60% complete)

Presentation video (30% complete)

Development: Client

Done:

Character rotation in the lobby

Stretchable weapon tooltip

Affixes on weapon tooltips

Refactor Characteristic widget (added influence of affixes on character parameters)

Update player icons

Minor visual bug fixes

Remove ping

Temporary drone prefab and sync drone position

Updated Undeads logo

Fixed FTUE breaking bug when releasing items into the wrong inventory sections

In Progress:

Tooltip clipping in 4K

Improve move operations speed in the lobby (moving items and weapons)

Low stamina tooltip

Shotgun long reloading

Minor visual bug fixes

Character Animator rework and polishing

Hip Fire feature

Development: Game Server

Done:

Drone creation

Initialization of drone behavior

In Progress:

Drone patrol behavior

Development: Backend

Done:

Fixed bug where drones don’t appear in game server

Toggle “FromShop” for drone generation in Admin Panel for testing

Fixed ammo count default value bug after weapon purchase

Fixed Broker mass transit exception between microservices

Edgegap web client optimization with timeout configuration

In Progress:

Production environment preparation

Animation

Done:

Created new animations for drones: Rotation_Right, Drone_Activation, Character_Drone_Activation

In Progress:

Animation polishing after build review

Tech Art

Done:

Reviewed LOD system

Fixed disappearing objects in scenes

Fixed objects with missing colliders

Fixed incorrect rendering of hidden characters

Fixed wrong rendering on some weapons

Level design fixes

Collision fixes

In Progress:

Polishing map assets

Game Design

Done:

Rotating character in Lobby GDD

Rotating the character in the lobby

Animations for melee heavy attack

Melee heavy attack | Animations

In Progress:

Melee heavy attack formulas

Character balance

Development: Client

In Progress:

Drones client infrastructure (Factory, Prefab, Pool, Entity components)

Hip fire animation and logic

Development: Game Server

In Progress:

Drones infrastructure (Service, Handler, Pool, Entity Components)

Hip fire logic sync

Sync hip fire animation

Bug fix: stamina and thirst can kill player

Development: Backend

Done:

Added icons for Consumable, Weapon, and Ammo list and single pages on Admin Panel

Fixed affix configuration upload/download bug on Admin Panel

WISHLIST NOW!! ON STEAM!!!

LAUNCHING OCTOBER 2025!!!

Game Design

Done:

Scope planning for 11/09 release

Polish planning for 30/09

Melee heavy attack formulas

Character balance

In Progress:

Drone behavior logic

Drone animations description

Development: Client

Done:

New visual for scattering mechanic

MiniMap & map icons fixes

Added loot icon rotation with MiniMap rotation

Fixed map & MiniMap

In Progress:

Hip fire, combo attack, aimed attack

Drones: Infrastructure

Drones: Configs

Development: Game Server

Done:
(No new completed tasks listed)

In Progress:

Hip fire, combo attack, aimed attack

Drones: Infrastructure

Drones: Configs

Development: Backend

Done:

Drones and Drone Weapons config API & CSV configs import

Drones and Drone Weapons Admin pages

Drones in profile inventory

Fixed crit bug when uploading CSV config for every config in Admin page

In Progress:

Drones in Store

Animation

Done:

Created new animations: Pistol_Idle_stand_2, Shotgun_Attack_Down

Here’s a fresh peek into our latest development cycle — a mix of freshly wrapped features and in-progress magic brewing behind the scenes.
Done & Delivered

Scattering Mechanic – More chaos, more fun!

Laser Pointer – Because aiming matters.

Updated Melee Hit – Smoother, sharper, meaner.

VFX Status-Effects Upgrade – Visuals now pop even harder.

AFX Status-Effects Added – More depth to combat feedback.

Real-Money Currency Purchases (Steam) – Game currency now just a click away.

Localization Selection in Settings – Choose your language with ease.

Localization Sync Restored (Google Sheets) – Keeping translations neat and updated.

In Progress

Network Overhaul – Sorting packets, fixing losses, and prepping full entity updates. (Ready but waiting on new transport tests!)

New Network Library Integration – More efficient data transport coming soon.

Localization Per Module – Fine-tuning and testing for a fully polished multilingual experience.

What’s Next?
We’re pushing towards more stable multiplayer, better translations, and faster gameplay syncs. Stay tuned — the next patch is shaping up to be a big one.

In Progress: Frozen Strike ️️
Currently deep in VFX tweaking to get the frost blast just right — fine-tuning particle density, lighting, and spread for maximum impact.

This effect is designed to feel cold, heavy, and dangerous, locking enemies in place with a chilling burst of energy. Still experimenting with shader intensity and mesh interactions to make it pop in-game.

Built in Unity, powered by hours of coffee and way too many “just one more tweak” moments.

What do you think — go full icy storm or keep it subtle for gameplay clarity?