Milestones and Island Landscapes

As I look over the vast landscape of Pandora’s Rock, the sense of pleasure I get from knowing that I have finally optimized the FPS for the landscape after all this time (like 2 years) and that I can now present the east side of the Island as I always have wanted to is massive to me.

Three years ago when I started working on this project the idea for this side of the island was that there was a small village there and some industry from the sinister Marsh family and their mining efforts. Over time that section of the story has slowly expanded and the Marshh family holdings that they used to have stand as a stark juxtaposition against the small Hebridean homes of the former villagers.

The obstacle to getting this done has been a constant issue of framerates and GPU/CPU cycles. Getting the landscape so that it is optimised for real time with its bountiful foliage and its incredible long views was Important to me. As an open world the island has to be explorable fully, no invisible walls preventing the player from finding what they are wanting to find.

Now, thanks to the work that has been done and a final breakthrough I will be able to increase the visual elements that make up this side of the island while at the same time increasing the playability and the excitement for the players.

For anyone in a similar situation to myself in developing this kind of title, check your landscapes carefully. Examine your landscape materials and look for anything causing an issue. Be bold and merciless on your own work. Once you have the landscape material optimised and the landscape laid out while not causing severe performance spiking then you are good to go! I choose not to have my landscapes loading by world partition for this main area to stop pop in. The landscape is nanite enabled so it is a balancing act.

So, that’s what is happening folks. See you at the next update.

Cris

Unveiling the Mysteries: A Glimpse into the Enhanced World of The Wickie

Good evening, fellow explorers of the eerie and the unknown,

Today, we’re peeling back the veil on some enthralling enhancements we’ve woven into the fabric of “The Wickie”. As the moon whispers secrets to the restless sea, let us guide you through the latest symphony of updates.

A Rewarding Twilight Each day’s end brings its own satisfaction, but now, we’ve rekindled the hearth of rewards to make it truly special. As the lighthouse dims, you, the keeper, get to sink into your favorite chair, letting the melodies of an old gramophone wash over you. It’s a time for respite and reflection, a moment where the game breathes with you, transitioning seamlessly into the mysteries of the morrow.

No Stone Unturned The strange grotto, once perched atop the island like an enigmatic sentinel, has merged back into the mists of creation. In its stead, we’ve carved the rock formations to reflect the harsh, haunting beauty of the island’s crown. Here, the rocks tell stories, whispering of age-old secrets and tales waiting to be unearthed.

A Symphony of Code Our code – the loom upon which the fabric of “The Wickie” is woven, now houses hidden harmonies for the keen and curious. Delve deep, and you may find treasures of lore, puzzles that tease the intellect, and moments that will send a shiver down your spine.

The Dance of Time and Weather Our world now pulses with the rhythm of time itself. As you navigate the twisted paths and shadowed corridors, time flows, bringing with it the authenticity of the Outer Hebrides. Step out from the underbelly of the island and be greeted by the embrace of a storm, the caress of a snowflake, or the rare warmth of a sunbeam.

The Season’s Whims Spring in our game is a living entity, capricious and ever-changing. Our dynamic weather system – a tapestry of code and artistry – brings the climate to life. It ensures that your journey is as unpredictable as it is thrilling. One moment, you might be trudging through a surprise snow shower; the next, finding solace in an unexpected sunny respite.

As the keeper of the light, your vigil is one of solitude and strength. But remember, in the world of “The Wickie”, you are never truly alone. The island is a character, one that breathes, changes, and sometimes, if you listen closely, speaks.

Until next time, The Wickie Development Team