November 2024 - Zone Nine Nihilation - Closed Alpha

In November, we conducted a closed alpha test for Zone 9 Nihilation to gather valuable feedback from early players. Based on the feedback received, we focused on three primary areas for improvement: game optimization and FPS increase, fixing AI pathfinding issues, and refining movement mechanics.

Game Optimization and FPS Increase

Why it was needed:

Players reported experiencing lag and low FPS (frames per second) when running the game on high graphics settings. High-quality visuals are crucial for immersion, but they should not compromise performance. Enhancing game optimization is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable gaming experience for all players.

Decision-making process:

To maintain a balance between visual fidelity and performance, we prioritized optimizing the game's graphics engine. Despite having already optimized the map extensively, additional methods were necessary to further increase FPS and reduce lag.

Implementation process:

We initiated a multi-faceted optimization strategy to enhance game performance:

• Code Optimization: Refined and streamlined the game code to eliminate inefficiencies, reducing CPU and GPU usage.

• Removing Unnecessary Actors: Identified and removed redundant or inactive objects that were unnecessarily consuming system resources.

Challenges:

Balancing optimization efforts without degrading visual quality was challenging. Ensuring that code optimizations did not introduce new bugs required extensive testing and iterative adjustments. During our work, we ran into some issues where parts of the map didn't load fast enough. This caused some strange problems like terrain not appearing correctly, trees growing in impossible places, and items and AI falling through the ground as if it wasn't there. We have addressed these so that the maps load correctly. We also had to ensure that the fixes for map loading and object visibility were compatible with other optimizations and did not cause conflicts.

Outcome:

These optimization efforts are currently in progress, with significant improvements already observed in FPS stability and reduced lag. Players should experience smoother gameplay, especially on high graphics settings, enhancing overall satisfaction and immersion. Continued optimization will further refine performance, ensuring that Zone 9 Nihilation runs efficiently across a wide range of hardware configurations.

Fixing Zombie Pathfinding Issues

Why it was needed:

During closed alpha testing, players reported that zombies were getting stuck at certain points in the game, particularly around trees and specific pathways. This issue hindered the realism and challenge of combat encounters, affecting overall player experience.

Decision-making process:

To address these pathfinding problems, we decided to enhance the zombies' navigation capabilities. The primary goal was to ensure that zombies can traverse the environment fluidly without getting impeded by obstacles.

Implementation process:

We employed multiple strategies to resolve the zombie pathfinding issues:

• Redesigning Pathways and Trees: Modified the layout of paths and the placement of trees to create more navigable routes for zombies, reducing the likelihood of them getting stuck.

• Nav Mesh Adjustments: Enabled Nav Mesh on trees and other obstructive objects, allowing zombies to recognize and navigate around these obstacles effectively.

Outcome:

The implemented fixes have significantly reduced instances of zombies getting stuck. Zombies now navigate around trees and other obstacles more effectively, maintaining their threat level and enhancing the realism of combat encounters. Players have reported a more fluid and challenging zombie behavior, contributing to a more immersive and engaging gameplay experience.

Movement Mechanics Refinements

Why it was needed:

While players generally found the movement mechanics satisfactory, some feedback indicated that movements could be smoother and more responsive. Enhancing movement mechanics is crucial for ensuring that player actions feel intuitive and seamless, thereby improving overall gameplay fluidity.

Decision-making process:

To refine the movement mechanics, we decided to implement adjustments that enhance responsiveness and fluidity. The goal was to make player movements feel more natural and reduce any perceived input lag or stiffness.

Implementation process:

We focused on several key areas to improve movement mechanics:

• Input Response Optimization: Fine-tuned the input response times to minimize latency between player actions and in-game movements, ensuring immediate and accurate responses to player inputs.

• Animation Refinements: Enhanced movement animations to create smoother transitions between different states, such as running, jumping, and crouching. This involved adjusting animation blending and timings to eliminate any abrupt or jarring movements.

• Physics Adjustments: Modified movement physics to ensure more realistic and responsive interactions with the environment. This included tweaking acceleration, deceleration, and inertia to make movements feel more natural and less mechanical.

Challenges:

Achieving the right balance between realistic movement and responsive controls required extensive testing and iterative adjustments. Ensuring that animation and physics changes did not introduce new issues or inconsistencies in player movement was also a key challenge.

Outcome:

The movement mechanics refinements have resulted in noticeably smoother and more responsive player movements. Players now experience a more intuitive and fluid movement system, enhancing their overall gameplay enjoyment and immersion. These improvements contribute to a more satisfying and engaging experience, allowing players to navigate the game world with greater ease and precision.