Vol. 1 "Chaotic Void v2.0 in Development"

The Future of Chaotic Void

It’s been 4 years since Chaotic Void launched on Steam in 2019, and I’m excited to share some big news about its future! We’re hard at work on version 2.0, and I want to give you an inside look at what to expect from this major update and how you can support us along the way.

When we first released, Chaotic Void focused mainly on local multiplayer, offering a fun and chaotic couch co-op experience. With version 2.0, we’re building on that foundation to deliver a much fuller experience, including a complete single-player mode. In addition, we’re expanding with existing and new modes like capture the flag, survival, deathmatch, and free-for-all to bring even more chaos and variety to the game. We’re also experimenting with co-op in single-player, giving you the option to play through it with a friend.

Here’s the good news: version 2.0 will be part of the base game! When it’s released, everyone who has already purchased the game will automatically get the update to version 2.0. Additionally, anyone who owns a copy will have access to the alpha version of version 2.0, so you can follow along with the development and try out new features early. There will be a price increase on the base game once version 2.0 launches, but until then, you can purchase it at the current lower price, which not only gets you the first version but also supports the development of version 2.0!

How can you help and support us?

There are several ways you can support the development of Chaotic Void 2.0 and help shape its future:

• Purchase the game: If you haven’t already, buying the game now at the current price not only gives you access to the base game and all future updates, including Version 2.0, but also directly supports our ongoing development.

• Join our community: Become part of our Discord community and share your feedback on the alpha version. Your input is invaluable in helping us refine gameplay and make Chaotic Void 2.0 the best it can be.

• Follow us for live development: Stay connected by following our social media channels. You can catch live development sessions on Twitch and YouTube, where we’ll share updates and answer questions in real-time. We’re also active on Bluesky, Instagram, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Alpha Access

To access the current Alpha, right-click on Chaotic Void in your Steam library and select Properties. Then, navigate to the Betas tab and select “alpha_v2” from the dropdown menu. At this stage, the Alpha includes a demo single-player level, available from the Start Menu, along with updates to some of the older survival maps. As we move forward, all future updates will be posted in upcoming dev blogs, and these changes will be reflected in the “alpha_v2” branch.

Alpha Updates

Gameplay

• FixedDynamic CameraPreviously, the camera was more fixed for local multiplayer. Now, it’s much more dynamic, adapting to both players and AI for a smoother experience.
• AddedMouse SupportWe’ve added full mouse and keyboard support for better controls. (Still WIP around adding these to the input settings.)

AI and Units

• Pathfinding Rework: Significant improvements have been made to AI pathfinding, particularly in handling physics interactions.

• Visibility: AI now visually detects you rather than just sensing your presence. Once spotted, they become aggressive, but you can hide, and they will lose focus over time.

• AddedBehavior ProfilesThe AI system has been overhauled with a new behavior framework, allowing for on-the-fly customization of AI, whether ranged attackers or melee combatants.

• Weapon Usage: AI can now effectively use weapons, making them more dangerous opponents.

• Gore System: We’ve completely revamped the blood and gore system with dynamic dismemberment and more realistic blood effects for a heightened experience.

• Voice System: AI now speaks, with faces dynamically highlighted during dialogue.

• Zombie Mode: Certain units now behave like zombies, only dying if their head is destroyed.

• AddedDynamic Parallax FaceYou can now see unit faces more dynamically with a new parallax effect.

• Face Direction: When using a weapon, characters now look in the direction they are aiming.

• No More Big Heads: Characters now have properly proportioned heads.

UI

• Ammo Count: A live ammo count is now displayed when holding usable items.

Weapon Systems

• Teleport Spawning Effect: Weapons now have a teleport effect when they spawn or despawn.

• Laser System: The old laser system has been replaced with a cleaner, more efficient version.

New Weapons

• Sci-Fi Pistol, Sci-Fi Sub, Sci-Fi Rifle, Sci-Fi Shotgun, Sci-Fi Railgun, Vector, M249, KSG, AA-12, CP33, SLR106, SA80, SW500.

Environment

• AddedDoorsWe’ve added automatic sensor doors and button-triggered doors for better interactivity.

• Death Laser: A deadly laser that shreds anything it touches.

• Trip Mines: Explode when triggered.

• Trip Laser: Can be used to trigger events on the map.

Miscellaneous

• Updated Object and Sound Spawning System: Significant rework of the spawning logic under the hood for smoother performance.

• AddedCommand Line ToolAdded a command line tool accessible via the ~ key.