October Update news

Hi Fans!

After much delay, I am pleased to present the July August September October update for ZombieMod! Unfortunately, as some of you may know, I am studying Aerospace Engineering at University, so I have been very busy with school work recently. As a result, I have not had much time to work on the mod; however, I have been working on concepts and models whenever I have time. So, without further ado, let's get on to the update, shall we?

Let's start this update by commenting on how we are changing the way we work with weapons (holy alliteration, Batman!) from now on. We have random gear variations for what units are wearing already: bags, headgear, etc will all vary randomly from unit to unit. The idea is to apply the same concept to the weapons the units are carrying as well. With this system, the visual model of the weapon will randomly be chosen, but the coding will only have to be done for 1 weapon. Furthermore, random accessories will be chosen, such as flashlights, sights, etc., so that the appearance of random load-outs is very convincing. This will save us time and complication in the coding process: instead of having to code a different weapon for each different pistol, I can make one single pistol file (for example "survivors_pistol_9mm"), shortening both time spent coding and balancing, all while increasing the visual randomness!

In the next update, I plan on releasing a very detailed preview of the Bandit faction, but for now, some teaser images and a discussion of the concept behind the Bandits will have to suffice! The Bandits are going to be one of the most unique and difficult factions in Company of Heroes, as they will be purely asymmetric in nature and depend heavily on territory control, to the point where locked down sectors are required to tech up. Bandits will have several unique features not seen in previous factions that will be revealed in the next update, but be assured, they will be worth the wait!

The Zombies are also changing their design, which is one of the main reasons I do not focus on them in any updates. However, I can tell you that they are moving in a much more creative direction.

Next, I'd like to make some comments on the factions and their current status in the mod. At this point in time, I believe that the Survivor faction is more than 75% done, the Zombie faction is more than 50% done, and the Bandit faction is more than 45% done. This is what remains for each faction:

Survivors:
- Models for structures need to be reworked
- New gear models and new unit textures
- Rework some of the doctrine abilities
- Finalize the faction coding
- SCAR coding

Zombies:
- Models for structures
- Models for zombie characters (we're looking for talented low poly character artists!)
- New doctrines
- Address some major design issues (dealing with vehicles, territory defense, etc.)
- Finalize the faction coding
- SCAR coding

Bandits:
- Models for structures
- New gear models and new unit textures
- Majority of faction coding
- New unit models
- Create appropriate doctrines
- Finalize the faction coding
- SCAR coding

At this time, I am hoping for a release at the end of next summer, but I will not promise anything. Do not mark your calendar or get excited yet, we're still a ways away!

Until next time, stay classy, and feel free to send us your ideas if you have any!

- The ZM Dev Team