Welcome to the April Dev Diary!
This month’s entry is going to be a bit shorter than usual. As many of you know, following our last major patch, we shifted a huge portion of our focus toward stabilization and putting together our recent hotfix.
While part of the team is actively preparing even more bug fixes and immediate Quality of Life features for our very next update, our design team has been busy working behind the scenes. They are laying the groundwork for some major new systems that will add much more profound, rewarding gameplay to your survival experience in the future!
Here is a look at the immediate QoL improvements we've been working on, followed by a sneak peek at what is currently on the drawing board for the future!
We know that small tweaks can make a huge difference in your day-to-day survival. Here are some of the QoL features we’ve worked on this month that will be included in the next update:
Automatic Introductions: Your character will automatically present themselves when talking to an NPC for the very first time.
Phase Energy Analyzer Upgrade: Wearing the analyzer will increase Atker spawn rates. It will also clearly display whether or not you are in an active Hotzone where they can spawn.
Improved UI & Text Readability: Items in your inventory will be color-coded for easier sorting, and we will be implementing distinct text styles and colors for important keywords in the UI.
Clearer World Feedback: We are adding clear feedback notifications to tell you when you are trespassing and when an area is reaching its closing time.
Crafting Popups: You will receive immediate popup feedback confirming when you've successfully crafted an item.
Faster Gathering: We will speed up the collection animation to keep your scavenging runs feeling smooth and efficient.
These systems are currently in the design phase, so you won't see them in the immediate next update, but they represent the next massive leap forward for City 20!
Character Skills: We want your survival journey to feel uniquely yours. We are fleshing out a brand-new Character Skills system. Instead of just surviving, you will be able to progress, specialize, and tailor your character's abilities to fit your specific playstyle.
Expandable Housing: Your safe house shouldn't just be a static room, it should grow as you do! We are working on mechanics that will finally allow you to expand your housing, giving you more space for crafting, storage, and surviving the harsh conditions of the city.
Architect Mode: To go hand-in-hand with housing expansion, we are developing an "Architect Mode". This is a massive structural upgrade that will make base building, interior customization, and layout planning significantly smoother and more intuitive.
Tool Tier System: We are adding a true sense of progression to your gear. With the upcoming Tool Tier System, you will be able to craft and upgrade your equipment through different levels. Better tiers mean better durability, faster action speeds, and access to entirely new resources.
We can't wait to share more details and screenshots with you as these features come to life. Let us know which of these new systems you are most excited about!
Thank you for your continued support, and see you in the City!