Welcome to the first developer log for DearZ. I’m Peter, the solo developer behind this sandbox, third-person zombie survival game. In this series, I’ll take you behind the scenes of the development process, sharing key updates, insights, and exclusive previews as I create an immersive post-apocalyptic experience. Whether you’re a seasoned survival game veteran or just curious about game development, join me on this journey as I build DearZ.
In today’s devlog, I’ll cover two key aspects of the game: Inspirations and Game Design. We’ll explore the vision behind DearZ’s design, delve into the core mechanics that drive the gameplay, discuss the visual style that shapes the game’s atmosphere, and outline the roadmap for future development. Let’s get started!
Inspirations
There are many zombie survival games out there today, each with its own unique take on the genre. Personally, I’ve always been drawn to the third-person perspective and expansive open world of DayZ. On the other hand, I deeply appreciate the intricate mechanics and progression system of Project Zomboid, along with its commitment to down-to-earth realism. These two games inspired me to create DearZ. I envisioned a game that combines the immersive, third-person open world of DayZ with the detailed mechanics and realistic survival elements of Project Zomboid. The result is a third-person, zombie survival sandbox that offers a rich and engaging experience.
Game Design
In DearZ, the game begins with players setting up their own scenarios, customizing various aspects such as player perks and characteristics, environments, and threats. This detailed customization allows for a tailored gameplay experience right from the start.
The basic game cycle involves several key phases:
- Initial Phase: The player explores the immediate surroundings to scavenge essential survival items like food, clothing, medicine, and weapons. During this phase, the focus is on setting up a base of operations and establishing defenses. This foundational period is crucial for ensuring long-term survival and stability.
- Expansion Phase: Once the base is secure, the player ventures further afield in search of better gear and higher rewards. This might involve visiting high-risk, high-reward locations such as airports or military bases. These areas present greater dangers but also offer valuable resources and equipment.
- Endgame Phase: The endgame phase in DearZ is designed to introduce narrative complexity that impacts the game’s outcome. Whether it’s prioritizing vaccine research to combat a new viral outbreak or negotiating with hostile factions for survival, players will face significant challenges. However, players also have the option to choose a more solitary path, focusing solely on personal survival amidst the chaos and challenges of DearZ’s unforgiving environment.
Throughout all phases, players can continually tweak and adapt their strategies based on the evolving threats and opportunities they encounter. The ability to customize game settings and scenarios enhances replayability, ensuring that each playthrough offers a unique challenge and experience.
Stay tuned for more updates in future devlogs, where I’ll dive deeper into each of these aspects and share more about the journey of bringing DearZ to life. Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and I can’t wait to share more about this exciting project with you.