Devlog #1: Ferrum-1, Your Mission Awaits (Demo on June 12!)

Greetings, Ferrum-1.

Your deployment to the Oregon Archipelago is approaching.

Before you begin your mission to restore the environment, we'd like to show you some of the latest improvements we've made to the world you'll soon explore. From dynamic ecosystems and wildlife to a completely redesigned boat system, here's a look at what's changed since our last trailer...but first of all!

Demo Announcement

We're excited to announce that the Island Keeper demo will be available on Steam on June 12.

Island Keeper Demo Island Keeper has been in development for nearly two years, and we've worked hard on every aspect of the game to deliver the best possible first experience. We can't wait to hear your feedback and continue improving the game together.

Dynamic Vegetation System

We've invested a lot of time into improving Island Keeper's dynamic vegetation system. Since the game is built around directly influencing and restoring the environment, this feature plays a central role in the overall experience.

Grass Growth Overhaul

The old grass growth system relied on three pollution states: red, yellow, and green. It has now been replaced with a fully dynamic 0–100% pollution scale that adapts to the size and biome of each area. We've also replaced the simple spherical growth pattern with a more advanced system that produces smoother, more natural restoration visuals.Steam post image

Improved Tree Growth

Tree spawning has been completely reworked to be more realistic, varied, and optimized. Trees now grow gradually, with leaves appearing over time. Previously, dead and healthy trees were treated as separate entities. Now, trees can naturally transition from polluted to restored states without despawning.

Biome System

We've introduced a new biome system that allows us to create more diverse environments. Tropical beaches, dense forests, swamps, and Asian-inspired vegetation are just some of the ecosystems you'll bring back to life in Island Keeper.

Wildlife System

A living world needs living creatures. Animals now spawn dynamically based on environmental conditions and pollution levels. Returning to an area you restored days earlier, you might encounter deer, turtles, crabs, and more. They're harmless - just be kind to them!

Boat Rework

The boat is one of the most important tools in Island Keeper. It allows players to travel between islands, explore the ocean, discover hidden secrets, and transport larger amounts of collected waste.Steam post image

Better Controls and Responsiveness

The previous boat felt heavy and difficult to control. Internal testing showed that many players found it so frustrating that they avoided using it whenever possible.

I have completely reworked the boat's physics and handling. It is now faster, more responsive, and significantly more enjoyable to use. We've also added new immersion features, including improved sound effects and feedback.

Best regards,

Artyom Scalise Artworks