As we kick off the new year, the Depths of Erendorn teams are revving up their development engines after a well-deserved holiday break. The 3D Modelling team refined the Centaur model with a meticulous retopology process and detailed sculpting in ZBrush, enhancing authenticity down to the ears. The Client-Side Programming team updated login code, tackled the dry log system, and assisted in transitioning to UE5.3.2. The Server team introduced product ownership for accounts. The Sound Team explored immersive audio experiences, presenting a captivating soundscape and continuing ambiance recordings. The Animation team hit milestones by importing creatures, establishing controllers, and applying physics for lifelike movements. As we ease into the year, examples of the teams' dedicated work throughout the week can be explored below. As always, join us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit for daily updates on Depths of Erendorn. Alternatively, join our Discord for all the latest! - now let’s get into it!
3D Modelling
In the recent week, the 3D Modelling team at Depths of Erendorn accomplished crucial tasks in refining the Centaur model. The completion of a meticulous retopology process was followed by sending the mesh to ZBrush, where it served as the new sculpt mesh. Through a strategic workflow, the team subdivided and projected sculpt details onto the separate human and horse parts, ensuring a cohesive and detailed final result. A specific focus on refining the finer details, such as the ears, contributed to the overall visual authenticity of the Centaur model. Examples of their accomplished tasks throughout the week can be explored below.
Programming
Client
In the recent week, the Client-Side Programming team at Depths of Erendorn accomplished several critical tasks. The client login code and token parsing were updated to seamlessly integrate with the new login server, replacing the previous account implementation. Despite a calm start post-holidays, efforts were directed towards resuming previous tasks, specifically focusing on the refinement of the dry log system. This involved addressing missing elements in functions, enhancing the interface, and ensuring variable names are displayed for more informed logging. Additionally, two days were dedicated to aiding team members in the transition to UE5.3.2, involving updates to the upgrade guide to address potential hurdles. Concurrently, time was invested in resolving a landscape loading bug that led to engine crashes after login.
Server
During the past week, the Server-Side Programming team dedicated their efforts to a substantial update in the accounts system. This involved the incorporation of product ownership, enabling the association of multiple products with a single account. These modifications provide flexibility for future endeavours, including potential projects, introducing 'access tiers,' and the ability to facilitate account sign-ups before granting access to the game. Notably, the admin portal has been equipped with the capability to seamlessly add, create, and update these 'products,' along with the authority to grant or remove them from users. The necessary templates and user interface elements were meticulously crafted to facilitate these changes. Additionally, adjustments were made to login tokens, game server parsing, and the verification process for these tokens to align with the updated system.
Sound Design
In the recent week, the Sound Team at Depths of Erendorn focused on immersive audio experiences through extensive recording sessions over the holidays. While there are no major showcases this week, the team invested significant time in experimenting with new sound concepts, culminating in a quick soundscape that provides a glimpse into their creative explorations. Additionally, the team conducted numerous standard ambiance recordings, capturing the essence of the garden environment. This dedication to both innovative soundscapes and foundational ambient recordings reflects the team's commitment to elevating the auditory elements in Depths of Erendorn. Examples of their work throughout the week can be explored below.
Animation
In the past week, the Animation team at Depths of Erendorn achieved significant milestones. They successfully imported the lizard/iguana into the engine, showcasing their technical proficiency. With a focus on enhancing authenticity, the team created an animation controller and entity blueprint, laying the foundation for dynamic and lifelike movements. Notably, physics were applied to the lizard's tendrils for a more realistic and immersive motion. This meticulous work demonstrates the team's dedication to bringing creatures to life in the game, ensuring a compelling and immersive experience for players. Examples of their achievements throughout the week can be explored below.
That’s it for this week’s devlog, but have you seen our monthly roundup of December yet?!