Steam News4 March 20264mo ago

Deltazone Weekly Dev Report

Week of: March 4, 2026 Version / Milestone: 0.4.0 (Full Rewrite) Summary Deltazone 0.4.0 is now a full rewrite.

In this update8

Full notes

Full Deltazone update

Read the full published notes in a cleaner layout. The original post stays linked below.

What changed

0 fixes3 additions3 changes0 removals

Balance
Gameplay
Server

changedArt Style Update (New Direction)We’re shifting away from the old low-poly look and moving to a stylized realism / semi-realistic PBR style. Characters and gear will use mid-poly models with clean, readable shapes, and most surface detail will come from PBR materials (normal/roughness/metalness) rather than heavy geometry. Expect a more grounded tactical shooter vibe with stronger material definition (fabric vs armor vs metal), consistent lighting/readability, and team identity driven primarily through color blocking (Alpha/Bravo) and controlled accent details.

addedCompleted This WeekAnimation / Combat Presentation Implemented animation support for: Look up/down while holding the gun Ready and Lowered weapon states Shooting Added a full range of additional animations (shown in the screenshot), with more planned later.

addedIn ProgressExpanding/adding more animations over time (beyond what’s currently implemented/shown).

changedNext Week GoalsContinue building the rewrite foundation (systems + gameplay loop).

addedMediaScreenshot: Preview of the character and new art direction

changedStay in the loop:Join the Discord Server

Deltazone changes

changedWe’re shifting away from the old low-poly look and moving to a stylized realism / semi-realistic PBR style. Characters and gear will use mid-poly models with clean, readable shapes, and most surface detail will come from PBR materials (normal/roughness/metalness) rather than heavy geometry. Expect a more grounded tactical shooter vibe with stronger material definition (fabric vs armor vs metal), consistent lighting/readability, and team identity driven primarily through color blocking (Alpha/Bravo) and controlled accent details.

addedAnimation / Combat Presentation Implemented animation support for: Look up/down while holding the gun Ready and Lowered weapon states Shooting Added a full range of additional animations (shown in the screenshot), with more planned later.

addedExpanding/adding more animations over time (beyond what’s currently implemented/shown).

changedContinue building the rewrite foundation (systems + gameplay loop).

addedScreenshot: Preview of the character and new art direction

Week of: March 4, 2026

Version / Milestone: 0.4.0 (Full Rewrite)

Summary

Deltazone 0.4.0 is now a full rewrite. After testing and prototyping multiple approaches, the older codebase proved too limiting and messy to build on, so it’s being replaced.

Art Style Update (New Direction)

We’re shifting away from the old low-poly look and moving to a stylized realism / semi-realistic PBR style. Characters and gear will use mid-poly models with clean, readable shapes, and most surface detail will come from PBR materials (normal/roughness/metalness) rather than heavy geometry. Expect a more grounded tactical shooter vibe with stronger material definition (fabric vs armor vs metal), consistent lighting/readability, and team identity driven primarily through color blocking (Alpha/Bravo) and controlled accent details.

Completed This Week

Rewrite Decision
- Committed to restarting 0.4.0 as a clean rewrite after realizing the old code was holding progress back.
Networking / Core
- Players are synced properly and can run around in-game.
Animation / Combat Presentation
- Implemented animation support for:
  - Look up/down while holding the gun
  - Ready and Lowered weapon states
  - Shooting
- Added a full range of additional animations (shown in the screenshot), with more planned later.
Game Rules
- Gamemode and teams are working.

In Progress

Expanding/adding more animations over time (beyond what’s currently implemented/shown).

Not Started / On Hold

Bots: Not implemented yet. More will be shown once bot work begins.

Known Issues / Risks

Rewrite scope can expand quickly; focus will be needed to keep 0.4.0 milestones tight.

Next Week Goals

Continue building the rewrite foundation (systems + gameplay loop).
Begin early bot implementation work (or prep the framework for it), then share progress once presentable.