A Year in Review: 2023 and the Development of Wildsite

The year 2023 marked a significant turning point in my life as I took the leap of faith to pursue my lifelong passion for video game development.

After 12 years of dedicated service as a web developer, I decided to step away from the familiar path and embark on a journey into the uncharted territory of game creation. This decision was driven by an unwavering love for games that has been a constant presence in my life since childhood.

My passion for gaming ignited early on with the iconic Prince of Persia from the DOS era. From there, I delved into a diverse range of genres, immersing myself in the vast landscapes of MMORPGs like World of Warcraft and Guild Wars 2. Strategy games such as Starcraft captivated my strategic mind, while survival open-world titles like Raft, Ark, Valheim and Icarus held a special place in my heart. These games sparked my imagination and fueled my desire to create my own immersive and engaging survival experience.

In 2023, the concept of Wildsite took shape, and an unlikely duo – myself and an equally passionate friend – formed a team to bring this vision to life.

Despite being just a two-person operation, we were determined to put our unique stamp on the survival genre, infusing it with fresh ideas and gameplay mechanics.

For example, we envisioned a system where players could shrink their home and carry it around for a limited time, allowing for easy transportation and relocation. Additionally, we wanted to streamline resource gathering by introducing a laser-based mining system, eliminating the need for traditional pickaxes and shovels.

Despite these ambitious aspirations, 2023 was a year of remarkable progress for our team. We transformed an empty Unity scene into a dynamic and functional game environment, laying the foundation for an immersive survival experience.

Among our key achievements were:

• Inventory system: We developed a robust inventory system that allows players to manage their resources efficiently, ensuring seamless access to essential items.

• Resource system: We created a comprehensive resource system that provides players with a variety of materials to gather and utilize for crafting and construction.

• Online co-op and Steam integration: We wanted to make a co-op game and we implemented this functionality from the start, allowing players to explore the vast world of Wildsite together, sharing their experiences and creating unforgettable memories.

• Base building system: We designed a versatile building system that empowers players to construct their own unique homes, crafting structures that reflect their personal style and preferences.

• (WIP) Crafting system: One of the most innovative crafting stations in Wildsite is the 3D printer. Using a 3D Printer in combination with other crafting stations opens up a world of possibilities, allowing players to craft everything from weapons to intricate machinery.

With the foundation laid, we are now eagerly embarking on 2024

Our immediate goal is to release a free demo by the end of the year, providing players with a taste of the world we have been meticulously crafting.

We also plan to maintain open communication with the community, keeping them informed about our progress and incorporating their feedback into the development process.

As we move forward, we remain committed to creating a captivating survival experience that transcends the boundaries of the genre. With our passion, determination, and unwavering belief in Wildsite, we are confident that this journey will lead us to a remarkable destination.

Stay tuned for more updates and join us as we explore