Devlog #1: Embers of the Outer Dark - Prototyping Begins

Devlog #1: Embers of the Outer Dark - Prototyping Begins

Hey, everyone! Welcome to the very first devlog for Embers of the Outer Dark! I'm thrilled to announce that I’ve moved past the initial stages of brainstorming and documentation and have officially started prototyping the game. It’s been an exciting journey so far, and I can’t wait to share more about what I’ve been working on.

From Concept to Action

After weeks of deep dives into the lore, atmosphere, and gameplay mechanics (special shoutout to some cosmic-level help along the way—you know who you are 😉), I’m finally ready to get my hands dirty and start building the world of Embers of the Outer Dark. We’re stepping out of the conceptual phase and into something tangible, and I’m beyond excited to show you what’s coming together.

Here’s what’s been cooking so far:

What’s Happening in Prototyping:

1. The Ember Wastes – First Steps into the Abyss
   • The first level, The Ember Wastes, is officially in early development. Picture a vast, ash-covered wasteland, with glowing embers flickering against a blood-red sky. Ruined mage towers crumble in the distance as ancient, forbidden magic seeps through cracks in reality. It’s haunting, it’s eerie, and it’s the perfect introduction to the dark, eldritch world players will explore.
   • Right now, I’m focusing on prototyping the player’s movement, setting up a first-person controller that feels smooth and responsive. Walking through the Ember Wastes, you’ll feel the weight of the world collapsing around you—and that’s just the beginning.
2. Fireball Spell Prototype – Unleash Hell
   • What’s a dark fantasy game without some serious magic, right? I’ve got the basic fireball spell up and running! You can charge it up, launch it at enemies, and watch as the ground ignites in fiery explosions. It’s the bread and butter of your spellcasting arsenal, and it’s already starting to feel incredibly satisfying.
   • Of course, this is just the first of many spells, but trust me—the combat is going to feel epic as we build it out.
3. Enemies Stir in the Dark – AI Beginnings
   • What good is power without something to test it against? Basic enemy AI is currently in development, with early versions of The Scorched—enemies corrupted by the embers—starting to come to life. These twisted, ash-covered foes will challenge players in the early stages of the game, and they’re already stalking the Ember Wastes as I type this.

What’s Next:

Prototyping is still in its early stages, but here’s what I’ll be focusing on in the coming weeks:

• Melee Combat: While spellcasting is essential, you’ll also be able to get up close and personal with eldritch enemies using melee weapons. Expect brutal, visceral combat to complement the magic system.
• UI & Feedback: I’ll be working on basic health bars, cooldown indicators, and damage feedback to make sure players get all the info they need during the heat of battle.
• Madness Mechanics: One of the core ideas in Embers of the Outer Dark is the balance between power and corruption. I’ll be experimenting with a madness system, where using too much magic brings you closer to losing your sanity. But more on that later… 😈

A Glimpse into the Future

It’s just the beginning, but Embers of the Outer Dark is already starting to take shape, and it feels like something special. From the haunting environments to the fast-paced, spell-slinging combat, this game is going to challenge and immerse you in ways you’ve never experienced before.

Keep an eye on future devlogs, where I’ll be diving deeper into combat mechanics, the madness system, and some killer new spells (looking at you, chain lightning). We’re just scratching the surface of what’s to come.

Thanks for joining me on this journey. The Outer Dark is waiting, and there’s so much more to reveal.

Until next time, stay tuned—and don’t let the embers burn too bright… 🔥