Hearts of Oak News Update 2

Ahoy everyone!

We have plenty of news to share with you regarding our latest project, Hearts of Oak: Conquest of the Seas, including some major announcements.

Engine Changes and Collaboration

It seems fair that we start with perhaps the most important announcement:

We are no longer using the Unreal Development Kit for the project.

This is because of a number of problems encountered by our programmers while trying to prototype some fundamental game systems, combined with the fact that the engine is not sufficiently 'future-proof', considering the project's expected development time of several years.

In addition to this, we have joined forces with the development team behind the CryEngine-based project "Drake's Legacy". As both of our teams share the same ideals for an open-world seafaring game, we decided to combine our efforts and eventually merge both projects together.

In light of this, we are now evaluating two alternative engines:
Ogre3D - Combining this open-source engine with separate plug-ins gives us the potential to make a bespoke engine tailored to our needs.
CryEngine (version 3.5) - The potential of this engine was demonstrated to us by the Drake's Legacy team, though it is currently plagued with bugs.

Before we're able to commit to one of these engines, we will temporarily be using Crysis 1 (CryEngine 2) to test our assets in a game environment. Some of these tests are demonstrated by screenshots in the teaser trailer below, which also features original music, concept art and renders. Enjoy!

Progress Update

In other news, here is a run-down of the most notable assets we're currently producing. Follow the links for more info and images.

WIP Ship Models (incl. nationality, type and launch date)
Unknown Single-masted Sloop, early 1800s
English Sixth Rate Sphynx, 1775
English Bellona-class Third Rate, 1760
French Hébé-class Frigate, late 1700s
French Frigate Panthère, 1725
Russian Kreyser-class Frigate Rossiya, 1728

Completed Ship Models
English Fourth Rate St Albans, 1737
(shown in the trailer's CryEngine 2 screenshots)

Misc 3D Models
A variety of buildings, weapons and other smaller items to populate the game world
See our Game World Content sub-forum for more details.

Terrain
Accurate representation of several Caribbean islands in progress

Music
Main theme in progress (preview in trailer above; full version here)

More can be found over on our forum at www.piratesahoy.net/forums

Recruitment Message

We are currently in need of some more people who would like to help coordinate the project, especially those with a lot of time and dedication. This involves welcoming new members, allocating tasks and overseeing the development process. Good spelling and grammar are highly desirable, given the importance of communication this role entails.

Considering our recent engine changes, we will now be looking for programmers with knowledge of either Ogre3D OR CryEngine. However, only ONE engine will be used for the final game, so please be aware of this when signing up.

We are also seeking LOTS of 3D artists to help us produce the many assets needed to fill the game world. Whether you're interested in making small items, characters, buildings or ships, we need your help! Modelling experience is preferable, but those willing to learn in their own time are also welcome.

Musicians willing to produce original tracks for the game are welcome, too, preferably with a fair amount of experience.

For all of these roles, please remember that the project is NON-COMMERCIAL, so we are seeking VOLUNTEERS only. We need people who can dedicate themselves to the project, so please consider this carefully. If you wish to apply for any of these roles, please visit our recruitment forum and introduce yourself. All help will be greatly appreciated!

Be sure to watch this space for future updates. Until then, fair winds to ye!

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