Weekly Digest #42


After discussing with the community in the exclusive subscriber Discord channel of the game and analyzing the options and direction for it, I have decided to focus on utilizing the Unreal 5 engine with Daz3D. I have already started exploring the GDE and started production of a technical test for the new version of the game. To help me reach my goals, I plan to purchase a few courses on Udemy to assist me with the more abstract aspects of development with Unreal 5 and follow tutorials to improve my skills with Daz3D in order to produce, arguably, a much better visual representation of the current game. The story has evolved significantly since its initial concept. Although it may differ slightly from the RPGMV version of the game, there is no need to radically change it, and thus I will focus on the technical aspect In addition to the core features of the game (primal regression, pregnancy, etc.) and since we are going to significantly upgrade the engine, I have come up with a few idea/features I want to incorporate into the game. Here are a few things we aim to accomplice: 

  • Add a more complete and meaningful crafting system inspired by games such as Ark, Conan Exiles or Valheim . This includes a building system for players to create their own camps wherever they desire, crafting tools to gather resources from rocks, trees, bushes, etc., and crafting weapons for self-defense.
  • Camps that are destructible and interactive, enabling feral raider events where the raiders may destroy obstacles such as walls or defenses between them and the survivors.
  • A map that will be open but limited to areas unlocked by puzzles or quests, similar to the current system in the RPGMV game. This means that to access a new area of the map, players will need to progress in the story or achieve certain milestones in the game, such as acquiring the ability to craft a machete to cut vines.
  • A stat and leveling system, including skill points or other similar mechanics

The engine enables the creation of a wide variety of procedural AI to introduce both passive and aggressive NPCs, monsters, and animals for resource gathering or interaction and that opens up many possibilities. Walking in the jungle will no longer be a "walk in the park," as you will have to watch your step to avoid encountering a random tiger or being startled by an ambushed feral roamer. The Unreal 5 engine, combined with Daz3D animations and high-quality art, is very promising and hopefully, will take the Island to the next level. The capabilities of this engine surpass those of the previous one, enabling me and the crew to be more creative than ever before!