SOTA September 2011

[Erik]

Let's recap the happenings of September...

Demo Location #2: Ork Underground
The demo will span three archetypal areas in Seattle 2070.  Last month, we introduced Dante's Inferno, a demonic-themed hangout for the well-to-do.  This month, we look at what lies beneath:

The Seattle Underground is a real-life side-effect of unlikely history.  After rebuilding from a catastrophic fire in 1889, the city raised ground level for all of downtown, burying parts of the old city.  By 1907, the catacombs were condemned and overtaken by only the most desperate individuals.

In the alternate future of Shadowrun, the old underworld has been reclaimed and expanded by a newly developed underclass of metahumans, primarily Orks and Trolls.  They exist in a parallel society, away from the bright lights of those who ignore them.  In December's simple story, the player will cross paths with the downtrodden and decide a small piece of their fate.

Code
New developers Mike and Dan, led through UnrealScript by Noah, came on-board in September.  They're working diligently in new areas, like Weapon attachment and AI, and can't wait to see more.  Some of their contributions are evident in the latest release of UDK content and code, available from our downloads directory: http://awakenedmmo.org/binaries/

Maps
Construction of the key December demo locations was spirited in September and continues in October.  As UDK levels are first developed in simple geometry, referred to as BSP, then embellished with detailed models, called Static Meshes, we're hoping to conclude BSP construction in October.  This will enable progressive enhancement through additional models, gameplay-related meta-data, and sound effects.  Using interaction techniques in the UDK, referred to as Kismet, level designers will be able to bring the levels to life.

Cyberpunk Reigns
With the release of the recent hit Deus Ex: Human Revolution, the forthcoming remake of Syndicate, and continuing expansion of the Cyberpunk genre in games, it feels like the mainstream is starting to like the future.  With the popular wave starting to crest, this is our opportunity to present a vision beyond the limits of all current incarnations of Cyberpunk.  This is our time.  Take it.