In the July 24 Update we got some new information regarding the Alpha Release. It looks like the issues that were holding back the release will be sorted out very soon. They were trademark related legal issues, but for understandable reasons not all details on the matter are publicly shared.
The infrastructure for the launch is in place and ready to go. The game will be rolled out in two steps; first the partners will be given access, then two weeks later the backers will get their keys. The backers get theirs later because of issues the team has had with the Indiegogo API not properly reporting refunds and some hand sorting is required.
If you're a backer, you'll receive an E-Mail with your game key when the time has come.
Alongside this information, a FAQ regarding the Closed Alpha release has been published:
Q. What is the legal issue holding back the release?
A. While we have been advised to not divulge too many specifics, it is essentially a trademark dispute that required a bit of back and forth on what was okay and what was not. We have gone out of our way to minimize this issue popping up again.
Q. Isn’t the Closed Alpha supposed to be out by the end of July?
A. We made sure to deliver weekly updates to keep you guys informed but without dropping any specific release dates that we knew we may not be able to hit. To be blunt, we hate it when we promise a date and cannot follow through on it, it is incredibly soul crushing for us. While the issue is nearly dealt with, we have a responsibility to make sure that the CA works when we say that it’s available and part of that for us is a slower rollout because we simply don’t have the experience on-hand to just flip a switch and have everything work overnight.
Q. Why is there an NDA in place?
A. NDA’s on early builds of software are commonplace. However, content creators that are partnered with us will be given plenty of opportunities to release gameplay clips or even stream the game on Twitch/YouTube.
Q. What if X feature is missing from Vlog Y?? I looked forward to it!
A. The definition of an Alpha is feature incomplete but playable, if something is missing it likely had some issues or content that the system drives was not adequately developed in time for the Closed Alpha. In many cases we’ll either introduce it via a patch during the Closed Alpha or let you guys know why the feature got cut.
July 24 Update / playdeadmatter.com
ATV Driving
In this video we get to see the ATV in action, which Kyle has been working on.
Code Improvements
Besides the coding of the ATV, Kyle has also been working on player-made containers, such as crates, which players will be able to attach locks to.
He also added the possibility to switch seats inside vehicles while driving for passengers.
Gunschlinger has been polishing up the AI for the birds in the game.
Campfire Improvements
Kyle and Gunschlinger made some improvements to the campfire, that we've shown in our previous News Roundup.
The Fire is now being affected by the weather, and lack of oxygen. I.e. it will die faster when it's raining.
Safe Areas
Yitz (Marquis) continued his work on adding safe areas to the map, which will serve as hubs for trading and questing. Besides that, he also continued fleshing out the rural areas of the map.
Not-So-Safe Areas
...and the not-so-safe areas.
Gunshot Tails (Sound Effects)
Haxorus added gunshot tails to the weapons, which basically changes how weapons sound, based on the environment.
Car Crash Sound Effects
Staying on the topic of sounds, car crash sounds have been added.
Throwing Weapons
Gunschlinger has been polishing the throwing weapons for the game. Players can choose their desired throwing weapon from a radial menu and then throw them by using the designated hotkey.
Molotov Cocktails & Fire Spread
A special kind of throwing weapon, the Molotov Cocktail, has been improved with fire spreading, also thanks to Gunschlinger. The fire is also properly occluded, not spreading through walls.
New Weapon: Katana
Rizz added a new melee weapon: The Katana. Players will be able to find them in the world, or craft their own with the right materials. The self-made variant will have a rougher look to it.
Eder 17 Pistol Finished
The Eder 17 pistol, which we've shown in our previous News Roundup, has received textures and animations and is ready for use.
Face Models & Face Morphing
Dogtooth improved the player and zombie face models, as well as the facial expressions for NPCs.
Barricades, Reinforcements & Utility Items
Nomad continued working on objects that can be build by the player, such as barrels for collecting water, storage, ramps, and door barricades.
Barricading Doors
...and this how the door barricading looks like in the game.
Character Creation V2
Nik Z has completely overhauled the character creation menu. You can see it in action on his YouTube channel here.
High Poly Jersey
Dogtooth worked on high poly models for the jersey and fitting other clothing items to the models.
Gun Range
A shooting range has been added, which can be launched directly from the main menu to go and test out weapons.
Swimming & New Water
Kyle has implemented better water to the game, which we can see in action here.
Traps for Player Settlements
Nomad added traps for player settlements. Barbed wire that can be laid out, which will hurt players that step on it, and an electrified fence.
Looting Zombies
Gunschlinger added the possibility to loot Zombies...
Farming Equipment
For the rural areas of the map, Nihito created various farming objects.
Weapon Animations
Haxorus has been working on several of the game's weapons animations. Reloading and ammo checking for the R700, single-round reloading for the revolver, and a complete set of animations for the Makarov.
Introduction
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