Hello, Chasers!
August was a big month for OUTBRK. Update 0.4 is now live, we welcomed a new full time member to the team, and development continues on character customization, the cloud resolution update, and our new tornado system.
This month, we released OUTBRK Update 0.4, one of our biggest world updates since the launch of Early Access.
The update includes the major vegetation overhaul, the new Warden truck, improved driving controls, visual improvements, and many bug fixes.
You can read the full patch notes here:
This month, we’re excited to welcome another full time member to the OUTBRK team: Vincent!
Vincent is a veteran 3D artist who has already contributed to OUTBRK through previous part time work on vehicle bobbleheads and vegetation destruction.
His first major task will be to continue the work already completed on the TIV2 by artists we previously worked with and bring the vehicle to completion.
Vincent also shares his work on his personal YouTube channel, where you can find some of his previous portfolio projects as well as recent updates on the TIV2:
Work is continuing on our improved character customization framework.
This month, we integrated an entirely new category of character accessories: hats!
These won’t be released until the broader character work is complete, but the new customization system is progressing well and the hats are already fully integrated into the game.
Now that the vegetation update is behind us, Marc’s main focus has shifted to the next big milestone: the cloud resolution update. A major part of the recent work has been combining the cloud resolution improvements with Catalyst's work on the new tornado system, allowing both parties to work simultaneously on their respective features.
On the cloud resolution side, we upgraded how we pack weather model data so that it can now include more information about cloud displacement, dissipation, and formation between frames. This allows for much more fluid and realistic cloud evolution as the weather data progresses.
The results are really promising so far. Mesocyclones look exponentially scarier and more realistic than before. Below is a work-in-progress timelapse, running at about 15x speed, showing the hook region of a supercell approaching the player's location.
Spotting signs of imminent tornadogenesis will be much more interactive and intuitive than before, reinforcing the ultimate goal of OUTBRK becoming a true learning tool for storm chasing.
On the tornado side, feedback was given to the team to improve the rotation visuals, and several bugs were fixed. The main focus for the next stretch will be identifying any remaining weaknesses in the system, improving them, and making sure performance doesn't take a significant hit even during complex multivortex tornadic events. Once that work is complete, the final system will be integrated into the scenario system.
That being said, the new system that's taking shape will allow for a much wider variety of tornadoes than before!
That’s all for this month!
You can follow our detailed development progress on Trello here:
https://trello.com/b/nsBmMfIa/outbrk-game
If you’re enjoying OUTBRK, consider leaving a review on Steam. Reviews help more future chasers discover the game:
Till next time,
The OUTBRK Team