Weekly Dev Update - Jan 19, 2026

Chapter 3 Level Design

While designing the scenes for Chapter 3, I've been constantly thinking about how to avoid overly convoluted paths and players getting lost. Obviously, a single straight line from start to finish wouldn't be much fun either.

The process often works backwards: first, I pin down the key locations where story events happen, then connect these locations with pathways. After that, I branch out those paths, adding forks, combat encounters, and puzzles.

The trick lies in designing the spaces and routes cleverly—they shouldn't be monotonous, but also not too complex. My current plan is to divide the larger chapter into several distinct zones, each with a clear name and visual identity, such as: Laboratory, Office Wing, Living Quarters, Quarantine Zone, Waste Processing, etc. Each zone will have defined floor levels, and each objective will clearly state which zone it's in. This way, the area we need to explore at any given time is more focused. It preserves the fun of exploration without mindlessly following a path, while also preventing the frustration of running all over the map.

Of course, this is the ideal plan. The reality of implementation is always more complex.

Regarding DLC

The Cowgirl Outfit Pack​ is finished. SHJIEJIE has moved on to creating a Chinese New Year-themed outfit pack.

However, I've run into two issues:

1. I learned that Steam DLC store pages, just like the game itself, require review, and the queue is surprisingly long—about a week. The Cowgirl DLC page is still waiting for approval.

2. The API for DLC is quite different from the Steam Workshop's. I initially implemented it incorrectly, so a small game update is needed​ to ensure DLC loads properly. I get incredibly nervous with every update, testing over and over, always worried about introducing new bugs.

Regarding QTEs

Naux is working on new QTE animations. We expect at least one to be completed this week.