Your deployment to the Oregon Archipelago is approaching.
Before you begin your mission to restore the environment, we'd like to show you some of the latest improvements we've made to the world you'll soon explore. From dynamic ecosystems and wildlife to a completely redesigned boat system, here's a look at what's changed since our last trailer...but first of all!
We're excited to announce that the Island Keeper demo will be available on Steam on June 12.
Island Keeper has been in development for nearly two years, and we've worked hard on every aspect of the game to deliver the best possible first experience. We can't wait to hear your feedback and continue improving the game together.
We've invested a lot of time into improving Island Keeper's dynamic vegetation system. Since the game is built around directly influencing and restoring the environment, this feature plays a central role in the overall experience.
The old grass growth system relied on three pollution states: red, yellow, and green. It has now been replaced with a fully dynamic 0–100% pollution scale that adapts to the size and biome of each area. We've also replaced the simple spherical growth pattern with a more advanced system that produces smoother, more natural restoration visuals.
Tree spawning has been completely reworked to be more realistic, varied, and optimized. Trees now grow gradually, with leaves appearing over time. Previously, dead and healthy trees were treated as separate entities. Now, trees can naturally transition from polluted to restored states without despawning.
We've introduced a new biome system that allows us to create more diverse environments. Tropical beaches, dense forests, swamps, and Asian-inspired vegetation are just some of the ecosystems you'll bring back to life in Island Keeper.
A living world needs living creatures. Animals now spawn dynamically based on environmental conditions and pollution levels. Returning to an area you restored days earlier, you might encounter deer, turtles, crabs, and more. They're harmless - just be kind to them!
The boat is one of the most important tools in Island Keeper. It allows players to travel between islands, explore the ocean, discover hidden secrets, and transport larger amounts of collected waste.
The previous boat felt heavy and difficult to control. Internal testing showed that many players found it so frustrating that they avoided using it whenever possible.
I have completely reworked the boat's physics and handling. It is now faster, more responsive, and significantly more enjoyable to use. We've also added new immersion features, including improved sound effects and feedback.
Best regards,
Artyom
Scalise Artworks