Hi everyone,
Some words before the blog.
We hope you are all safe and sound. It has been some strange couple of years, and last week's events made it even stranger. Like everyone else, we are also hoping for the best and that things will return to normal as soon as possible. We are against any act of violence and we wish that everyone involved remains safe and in good health. We hope to share positivity, love, and care in any way that we can.
It is a strange feeling to live our lives and continue with work as normal while events are evolving in the world. We started making games to make people feel better and happier in their lives, so it hurts to see the sadness and danger unfold in the world. We can only hope that besides doing what we can do for each other on a personal level, we can also bring some joy and happiness with our work on this game.
We wish everyone the best in the world, be kind to each other and stay safe
For peace <3
The update so far
So let's share with you all what we have been working on and what is in store for the next update. The first two updates were focused on reworking the core mechanics of the game. Now that has been greatly improved (besides some bugs that will be fixed), it is now time to look at new content and to create more depth to the game, elevating it more to a full experience. You may also have noticed that we tend to release larger updates to the game, with a lot of new content, changes, and reworks. Updates like these take up a lot of time to build, and being a team of 2 does not make it any faster. However, we are doing the best we can to make update 0.1.3 an amazing addition to the potential of this game.
Since the first day after the release of update 0.1.2, we have been hard at work on the next update. As the name suggests, we are now focussing on the progression systems of the game. We are adding a large system behind the curtains to support a level system, unlocking/customizing weapons, upgrading your gear/skills, and we are also exploring possibilities for new heist missions and game modes for future updates. So a lot of work has been put into this new big progression system which is the main feat of the upcoming update. This system still needs a bit more work and testing before we can showcase some new progressions features.
However, we have also been working on the side on some “minor” new features and content, and we would love to show off some of those new additions in the dev blog: this time we want to share the new Hacking system with you!
For more insight on the new update and upcoming content, read our other devposts:
Dev Blog 14# New Weapons and Thief Scan
PLEASE NOTE: The content in this blog is a preview of what is to come, and can not be found in the live version of the game just yet. It will be added when the next Progression update (0.1.3) is released.
Hacking - Mechanic
Since the release of the game, we are getting a lot of suggestions and requests from the community. Among those requests were suggestions for a Hacking mechanic. Being a thief surrounded by security systems begging to be hacked, it was a logical next step to introduce this system to Panther VR. We take great value in suggestions and ideas from the community so that is why we started working on this new Hacking mechanic.
The new system introduces a new hacking device, that just like the syringe, is part of your base gear. It can be found on the wrist slot on the other hand. The hacking devices can be used quickly with one hand and give the player an opportunity to hack security systems and other electronics. The screen on the device shows information about the current target, and what options are available to choose from. Just grab the device from your wrist, aim at the target and hold the trigger to initiate the hack. After a short upload time, your hack will be executed and the targeted device will obey.
You will always start a mission with a full charge. The device will hold a certain amount of charges (which can be upgraded in the new progression system) and each hack has its own cost depending on how powerful it is. It will also be possible to find batteries during a mission that will provide you with additional charges. It is the perfect tool for any thief and a great new addition to your arsenal.
Hacking - Camera
There is already a list of devices that you will be able to hack, and the list will grow in future updates. Let's start with the most common one that you might encounter during your mission. Security cameras are widespread across each location and can spot you at any time.
The best way to get rid of them before hacking was just to straight-up shoot/destroy them. This option is still possible, but destroyed devices would always leave a trace. Now, with this new hacking device, you can silently hack and disable a camera without any trace. Just point at the camera and upload the hack until the camera is disabled.
Hacking - LaserFences
Next up are those pesky laser fences. They can now also be disabled by hacking them. You can choose to hack a router to shut them all down in a room, or you can now also target them individually with a smaller hack.
This brings us also to something new. It is possible to choose between a couple of options on a single device. Just press the Primary action button (reload button) to switch between the available options. In the case of the laser fence you can choose between these:
- Option 1: Shutdown laser fence [2 Charges]
- Option 2: Convert Laser fence to do damage to guards [3 Charges]
With the second option, you are able to turn security devices against the guards. Convert the laser fence to your side and you will be able to walk right through the lasers, but now the guards will take a nasty blow when they walk through the gate. These options will create new methods and combinations to lure guards into their own demise.
Hacking - Doors and Keycards
Another obstacle that you will encounter during your heist are locked doors with keycard readers. You could only unlock those doors by finding the right keycard, or “bypass” the readers by destroying them. With the new hacking device, it is now also possible to hack them from a distance. Not only is this a lot safer, but it unlocks the door without leaving a trace.
Keycards
With the hacking device you can also store keycards you find during your heist. Just insert them into your device and you are now able to unlock the doors with the same encryption by simply holding your device against the reader. With the keycard encryption downloaded to the device, all hacking actions on the door with the same clearance level are now completely free of charge.
Hacking - Distractions
With this new mechanic, you can hack even more devices than security systems. We already added some new mechanical devices that you can find around the level that can aid you during your heist. Here are two devices as an example, and more will follow in the future.
Distractions
Use your surroundings to create a distraction for guards. Hack a radio or a TV to create noise and a temporary distraction for the guards, giving you a better opportunity to sneak by.
Eliminations
It is also possible to use the environment as a weapon against the guards. You can now hack fuse boxes for a nasty surprise. The initial hack will lure a curious guard closer, and when they get close enough they will be zapped by a jolt of electricity.
More to follow with your suggestions.
We would love to add more of these hacking opportunities inside each level. So we would love to hear your ideas and suggestions on what might be fun or a cool device to hack!
World - Interactions
With the addition of the new interaction you can have with your hacking device, we are also looking for other different ways you might interact with the world. We would love to see a game and a world that feels like a sandbox for a stealth player. This means more interaction with the environment and the world around you. Adding interaction that makes it feel more alive and adding to the opportunities to create your own route and story. That is why we are also adding some new world interactions, and more to follow in the future.
Birds
You can now find groups of birds on the outside and roofs. These birds flock together and can form a new obstacle to overcome. Getting too close might trigger the birds to fly away, which creates a lot of extra noise that the guards might hear. However, you can also use them to your advantage, shooting them from afar might create the distraction that you have been looking for.
Fire extinguisher
There were already some fire extinguishers scattered across the levels, but now you can also interact with them. Shoot the extinguisher to create a nasty explosion and a blanket of fog. The burst will knock closeby guards unconscious, so it's a creative way to maintain your no-kill streak, while also getting rid of a group of guards.
Your input!
Just as with the hacking mechanics, we would love to hear your input on what should be more intractable in the world. We want to hear your suggestions or ideas! :D
Sneak Peek Progession system
Here is a short peek at the new progression system. Added new loot and resources for crafting and potential new weapons and skins. More on that in a later Dev post!
CONCLUSION
We are really looking forward to your reactions to this new Hacking System. We want to give players the tools to create their own path and adventure and we think this is another step in the right direction. We can't wait for you to test it out!
- Jesse
Roadmap
For more information about upcoming content, updates, and the latest fixes and features, you can check out our roadmap.
Discord
If you haven't already, don't forget to join the Panther VR Discord! Share your comments and suggestion with us and the community!
Socials
For more information about current and future updates, from Panther VR and other Wolfdog Interactive games, follow our Socials!
Developer page
Check out and follow our Steam Developer page for more news on our VR Titles. Wolfdog Interactive Developer Page.
Thanks
Thanks for all the support and feedback from our amazing community. This update is made possible by you guys!
