SCP Dev Blog 1

Entry posted by Josh in Articles · March 8

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We're excited to share updates on the upcoming release of SCP: [Redacted], a thrilling experience set in the terrifying universe of SCP lore. The game is built on the soon-to-be released Leawerks 5 game engine. Building on our own game engine gives us full control over how every piece works, allowing us to craft the exact experience we want players to have. This blog entry will discuss our general goals and vision for the game.

Gameplay Mechanics

At the core of SCP: [Redacted] lies a commitment to engaging gameplay mechanics. The team believes that the core mechanics are essential to delivering a rewarding experience. Player interactions and physics are being meticulously designed to ensure that players feel immersed in the world. While exploration is a significant aspect of many SCP games, SCP: [Redacted] will provide players with clear objectives at all times. Some exploration will be required, but it will occur within defined areas, preventing players from feeling lost. This approach aims to strike a balance between exploration and direction, so you always have an idea of what your next goal is. Replayability is another cornerstone of the design. Although we do not seek to replicate the total random layout that was used in Containment Breach, SCP: [Redacted] will incorporate random placement of objects, enemy encounters, and alternate pathways within levels. This ensures that each play session feels unique, and no two playthroughs are ever the same.

Advanced Enemy and NPC AI

One of the standout features of SCP: [Redacted] is its sophisticated AI system. The game Alien: Isolation is one of the major inspirations for our AI system:

The game includes a base class for all enemies that monitors various factors such as sound, visibility, and motion. This allows enemies to react dynamically to player actions. For instance, if an enemy loses sight of the player, it will not immediately know their location. Instead, it will return to the last known position and deduce the player’s possible movements based on observed behavior. Additionally, the game will incorporate scent mechanics, where players leave traces that can attract specific SCPs. If a player walks through a puddle of blood, the scent will spread, drawing in enemies that are sensitive to it. Each enemy type will have additional distinct characteristics, allowing for varied behaviors and interactions.

Immersive Level Design

The level design in SCP: [Redacted] aims to blend seamlessly with the established visual identity of the SCP foundation, achieving Triple-A quality that remains familiar and recognizable to fans of older games in the series. Each area will be distinctive, contributing to the overall atmosphere. For instance, one of the recently showcased hallways features a light sci-fi aesthetic, utilizing advanced techniques such as vertex painting to add nuanced details and decals for environmental storytelling.

Modding Support

SCP: [Redacted] proudly embraces modding as a core feature. Leveraging our game engine technology, the provided modding tools will allow players to create custom maps, missions, items, and even introduce new SCPs into the game. Players will use a sandboxed Lua API for programming, ensuring a fun experience while preventing any malicious code from affecting users' systems.

Cutting-Edge Art Techniques

To ensure high-quality visuals, the team emphasizes the use of modern art techniques. The workflow begins with 3D modeling in Blender, followed by UV unwrapping with RizomUV. Materials are crafted using Substance Painter, allowing for precise control over colors and surface details. For procedural textures, Substance Designer is employed, enabling the creation of customizable materials. Additional tools from the Adobe/Substance suite further enhance the visual design, ensuring that realistic visuals are achieved without sacrificing performance.

Here are some of the assets the art team has been working on this week:

We look forward to sharing more updates as development continues, and welcome your input to help co-create the player experience you want to see. You can comment here or join the community on our official Discord server.