As we work our way towards a showcase of what we've been up to with VCD and UE4, we wanted to take the time to give you guys another little bit of physical VCD merch you can decorate your headquarters with!
To that end, we come with some exciting news from the custodial underground.
One of our number has begun producing Limited Edition Bob plushies in clear contradiction of Aerospace Sanitation mandates!
If you wish to show your support for Bob and the 'cause', then be sure to do your part and head on over to Makeship to order yours!
If the campaign is fully funded, you'll then be receiving your very own plush Bob in no time!
It's on sale now for $29.99, and runs until November 9th.
Aerospace Sanitation cannot be allowed to intervene. Let Bob be remembered!
He comes with his very own detachable mop, and a little belt and brush!
Not to mention a whole lot of blood; He's seen some things...
He's sure to cause quite the stir no matter what part of your house he ends up in!
Just, keep an eye on him. We don't know if he can be trusted.
Questions? We have answers!
Now, on to some of the questions you guys have regarding VCD's future plans:
- So what happens to the port / newer version?
This is a tricky one. Given the workload required just to get a base version of VCD operating on UE4, making a full sequel instead makes more sense, as then at least we're making something new, which we'd love to do!
However we also don't like the way the existing VCD is held back by the problems it has, and the aging nature of UE3. We'd hoped to future-proof it on UE4. So at this point the two are progressing side by side, sharing the same improvements, but a 1:1 port seems unlikely, given the mechanics will not be the same between the two.
As I see it, there are 4 options, all of which have their pros and cons.
- Keep VCD as we know it, it stays on UE3 and we focus on using the UE4 platform solely for a sequel.
- Integrate the legacy levels into the sequel; easiest and most likely to regularly benefit from updates. But it's hard to avoid the package and pricing issues.
- Separate out the Legacy content into a branch of the UE4 base and make it a different item on Steam. A bit more work, trickier to maintain, but it's its own thing, clear as day. Also it won't necessarily have all the previous mechanics, or in the same way, as it's using the ever-developing code of the UE4 base, which will be leaner, at least to start with.
A "VCD - Remastered" if you will...
- Separate out the Legacy content into a split off version of the UE4 base, and restore all existing content and mechanics. Considerably more work, but you get exactly what you're paying for. VCD as you know it, but on UE4. Its separated nature makes it much harder to maintain, because it's two separate projects being changed in parallel, with different mechanics and code.
We're leaning toward option 3, as it's the most robust compromise, and most reliable way to get the Legacy levels updated, plus it will benefit from some general improvements to mechanics.
Also, it allows us to work out better pricing for existing owners of VCD.
Likewise, it has room for incorporating changes and mechanics the sequel may not use, but gradually and only as needed.
In this way, it's similar to the old split between core VCD and Santa's Rampage / Shadow Warrior standalones.
- Keep VCD as we know it, it stays on UE3 and we focus on using the UE4 platform solely for a sequel.
- Will the updated version need to be purchased again? In addition to a sequel?
Yes, because it's an extra investment in time and resources to produce, much like most remasters / ports, and has inherent worth as its own thing.
However, we do plan to at the very least reduce the price for existing owners.
- Will the change from UE4 to UE5 be a separate game?
No, it'll likely just be an update. It seems relatively easy to upgrade from UE4 to UE5, so I don't anticipate any huge hurdles. Of course, one never can be too sure...
For now, we're just trying to get the foundations further developed.
- Will the new game have improved physics with less freaking out? Especially in multiplayer?
Yes, we're definitely doing what we can to improve this. It's a high priority. That being said, physics system are notoriously hard to stabilize, and we are trying to leave some wierdness and quirks in, so striking a balance will be difficult. We don't want any game-breaking madness though. It's an ongoing focus to improve this.
- Will picking up bullets one by one be fixed? I hated that....
Actually yes, that's always been a bit awful we felt. We have ideas on addressing this and similarly rote mechanics, without compromising the somewhat relaxing nature of VCD.
The general thinking is: More clear and concise variety, less leaning on the same generic mechanics.
- Is there a story progression, similar to games like power wash sim? Are we getting a rpg-like system with upgrades. Etc?
The sequel(as we see it) remains VCD, however there are significant changes that we feel will greatly improve on the weak-points that the original had.
We plan to give you guys a full run down of our vision once we have the showcase version together.
it will hopefully demonstrate(at least some) new ideas and serve as a springboard for discussion. We'd like to involve the community in shaping the future of VCD, as we attempt to craft a more well-rounded experience.
And that's it for now, folks.
We'll have more to show as we put all the pieces together in a showcase, but I hope that answers some of your concerns.
