Devlog - Preparing for the first playtests

Building a stronger foundation

The last few days of development have been focused mainly on stability, optimization, and preparing the project for its first real playtest phase.

While waiting for Steam approval for the build, we used that time to strengthen the core foundations of the game before putting it into players’ hands.

A large part of the work focused on the music analysis system. We recalibrated and reworked several parts of the core algorithm multiple times to improve accuracy, consistency, and overall responsiveness. Alongside this, we wrote new unit tests and continued refactoring different sections of the architecture to make future development more sustainable and easier to maintain.

Optimization and technical improvements

Optimization has also been a major focus during this period.

We ran multiple profiling sessions, improved memory management, analyzed CPU-heavy systems, updated the graphics preset detection system, and improved hardware performance estimation for users’ PCs.

At the same time, a lot of “invisible” work happened in the background:

• code cleanup

• removal of old debug tools

• improvements to internal development utilities and workflows

These changes may not be immediately visible, but they are important steps toward making the project more stable and scalable over time.

Gameplay and user experience

On the gameplay side, we continued refining the overall feel and usability of the experience.

Some of the improvements made during this period include:

• improved hit sounds and audio feedback

• revisions to the scoring system to better reward consistency and long combos

• a countdown when resuming gameplay after pausing

• per-song volume saving

• multiple UX/UI improvements across menus and tutorials

• additional balancing for lower difficulties

We also continued iterating on the visual side of the project by updating UI colors, improving textures and environments, collaborating on new key art, and beginning production on a brand-new arena that is currently in development.

The first playtests

One of the biggest milestones during these days was finally receiving Steam approval for playtests, allowing us to begin distributing access keys to players.

Shortly after, the first phase of technical playtesting officially began.

The first days generated a large amount of useful feedback and bug reports. Since then, a significant part of development has shifted toward responding quickly to tester reports and improving overall stability through multiple new builds.

Some of the fixes and improvements implemented include:

• crash fixes and leaderboard fixes

• improved audio device handling

• fixes for music preview and pause-related bugs

• tutorial and feedback message improvements

• additional safeguards against edge cases and rare issues

Looking ahead

At the same time, we also started preparing tools and infrastructure for future testing phases, including internal systems for bug report management and better organization for larger testing groups.

Outside of the technical work, we continued discussing and planning future features, localization support, progression systems, and stronger narrative consistency for upcoming content.

Overall, these days were less about adding large “trailer-style” features and more about strengthening the project before wider public exposure. The first playtest phase has already helped us identify several areas that need improvement, and the feedback we’re receiving is actively shaping the next steps of development.

Thanks again to everyone participating in the tests and continuing to share feedback with us every day.

Don’t forget to wishlist Syncblade and join our Discord server to stay updated on future playtests and development news!

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