What is the role of vehicles in Once Human?
As an open-world survival game, we believe that the design of vehicles should go beyond mere transportation during our iteration of the vehicle system. Instead, they should serve as a core extension of gameplay.
In the game, vehicles are far more than just tools for player movement. As an indispensable part of the core experience, they carry key functions for players in their exploration and combat in the vast world. Therefore, we have established three core principles for the vehicle system: prioritizing feel, ensuring smooth experience, and minimizing bugs to enhance player immersion.
If we compare the vast world to an amusement park, vehicles are among the most important attractions. We believe that vehicles have the potential to carry a certain depth of mechanics and gameplay content. Thus, over the past six months and into the future, our design direction has focused on making the vehicle system itself full of playability, serving as a driving force for players to keep coming back.
What steps have we taken to achieve this goal?
We are committed to deeply integrating vehicles into the overall game ecosystem, iterating in three major directions:
1. Optimizing basic feeling and lowering the entry barrier
Through our previous discussions with the community, we identified issues with the vehicles in terms of the core experience. We spent nearly two months significantly restructuring the underlying infrastructure of the vehicle system.
For example, in terms of steering, we added 10 new curves just for the physical effects of steering in one dimension. We introduced physical curves based on factors like the player's steering angle and the current speed of the vehicle. Additionally, we dynamically adjusted friction to ensure that the steering experience can smoothly transition from being responsive to feeling solid and controlled. We also substantially enhanced the foundational setup for the camera, ensuring that it can provide the desired effects as needed.
However, the iteration process wasn't entirely smooth. The preferences of the community vary widely, and the same changes can lead to completely different feedback. Therefore, we will continue to strengthen our communication with everyone, ensuring that all changes are recognized and accepted by the majority of the community.
2. Enriching the Gameplay Depth of Vehicles
In the game world, vehicles should not just be a means of transportation; they should be a core element filled with depth and gameplay potential. Therefore, we have not only meticulously refined the driving experience but also endowed vehicles with diverse playability.
[Enhanced Thrill of Driving]
Basic steering and acceleration are just the beginning. We have introduced a precisely tuned drifting system that allows players to experience the art of control with tire screeches and flying dust as they navigate corners. Additionally, we've implemented a dynamic jumping mechanism that provides a new dimension for traversing terrain, performing aerial stunts, and executing tactical evasions.
[Awakening the Personality of Vehicles]
For two-wheeled vehicles (such as motorcycles and bicycles), which are objectively more widely used and better suited for the open world, we have given them unique gameplay identities. With head tilts and body lean techniques, players can navigate complex terrains with stability, leap over obstacles, and unlock impressive stunts. Whether exploring the world, showcasing skills, or turning the tide in battle, each vehicle will become your reliable "partner" and powerful "weapon," making the driving experience beyond all expectations!
3. Assigning New Value to Vehicles through Narrative Gameplay
In our specific gameplay design, we focus on precisely defining the role that vehicles should play based on the objectives and rules of the Scenario.
For instance, while developing gameplay modes like "RaidZone," we encountered a crucial issue: the potential impact of vehicle privatization (the ability to summon vehicles at will) on the fairness of PvP. As a result, we restructured the overall gameplay logic surrounding vehicles.
While we reduced players' summoning capabilities, we ensured that this adjustment aligned with the balance requirements of competitive environments. Additionally, we optimized the ways players can acquire vehicles and introduced a new logical chain of "repairing-locking." This aims to ensure that players have the necessary mobility during combat while maintaining fairness and tension in PvP confrontations.
Future Optimization Plans for the Vehicle System
We have been closely monitoring player feedback and expectations. As an essential part of the gaming experience, the evolution of the vehicle system relies heavily on your valuable suggestions. In response to the issues raised by players and the needs we've identified, we have formulated the following key optimization directions:
1.Revamping the Mobile Fortress: In-depth Optimization of the RV System
We have noticed that players have a unique affinity and enthusiasm for RVs (and other "mobile territories" like pickups). However, the current RV system does have some issues, including the need for improved basic driving experiences, insufficient support for core gameplay, a lack of clear objectives, vague positioning across various gameplay modes, and difficulties with resource/base construction due to a lack of integration with RV building.
All these aspects will receive focused optimization in the future, and we will continue to dedicate resources to enhancing the RV experience, allowing players to enjoy the fun of mobile territories in the open world.
2. Responding to Enthusiastic Calls: Multiplayer Function for Motorcycles
As the most frequently used vehicle among players, motorcycles currently lack the ability to carry teammates, which has created a significant gap in the experience.
In an upcoming version update, we will officially introduce the multiplayer feature for motorcycles! This not only addresses the current inconvenience but also strengthens the unique gameplay of motorcycles, allowing "riders" to adventure alongside their friends.
3. Expanding Boundless Territories: New Vehicle Types in Development!
Get ready for a new journey across land, sea, and air! We are actively developing flying vehicles and aquatic vehicles. These will open up unprecedented dimensions for players to explore the vast world, so stay tuned!
4.Innovating Vehicle Acquisition: Resource-Based Deployment for a Smoother Experience (Expected to go live in July)
We have noticed that many players are eager to drive unique vehicles such as sports cars and off-road vehicles. However, the requirement to "redevelop" after server transitions and concerns about investing resources into specific vehicle memes have hindered players from enjoying these vehicles in the early to mid-game.
To address this, we will be making significant adjustments to the vehicle acquisition system. In the future, players will be able to directly obtain vehicles through exploration and gameplay in all scenarios (game modes/events). The garage and specific vehicle memes will no longer be mandatory prerequisites. This means that players will be able to use a variety of vehicles earlier and more flexibly, allowing them to fully enjoy a richer driving experience!
5. Show Your Style Anytime, Anywhere: Garage Skin Change Feature (Expected to go live in July)
We understand the frustration of being unable to change your cool vehicle skins outside of the garage. This must be optimized! The new feature will allow players to freely switch between their owned vehicle skins in various scenes, letting your personality shine without being restricted by location.
6. Speed and Excitement: Exclusive Gameplay on the Horizon (Expected to go live in July)
We are currently working hard to develop thrilling "Racing" gameplay and challenging "Stunt Performance" gameplay! Get ready for adrenaline-pumping races and breathtaking stunt challenges!
7. Immersive Driving, Realistic Experience: Ongoing World Interaction Optimization
To provide a more authentic, smooth, and immersive driving experience, we will continue to add destructible objects throughout the environment. Every collision and obstacle traversal will offer feedback that aligns more closely with physical intuition, making driving itself a true pleasure.
Once Human Development Team
