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What an exciting month!
If you've been keeping track of these Progress Reports, you'll remember that after our last update (1.3.0), we had a small developer get-together planned in Montreal for the MIGS. It happened, and it was a blast! Two of our fellow developers drove across the border to meet up with me here. We also got to hang out with Casey and Dan from Noesis Interactive!
The summit (which was a lot of fun) ate up most of our time. We spent the rest of it... eating! That's right, instead of going around the city like a bunch of old tourists, we went around filling our stomachs with awesome food. I wish we had taken more pictures!
Time flew by and before we knew it, we were all back home working on Overwatch's next update. The holidays are right around the corner, which makes this the perfect time to release our two brand new levels! We've been working hard on these for the last few months and we're sure you're going to love them. But first..
If you recall, Overwatch's development began only 16 months ago and was first released to the public on August 20, 2010. Three short months later, it has received three major updates (with the fourth released just a few moments ago!) and a few smaller patches. What better way to end the decade than by winning..
▫ The ModDB.com 2010 Mod of the Year Awards!
VOTE FOR OVERWATCH!ModDB's annual MOTY awards are happening now. If you love Overwatch and want to see more in 2011, why not give us a pat on the back by nominating us for this year's award? Simply visit our profile on ModDB, log in to your ModDB account (guest/anonymous votes only count in the event of a tie), then click on the big green VOTE FOR THIS MOD button. For this first phase of nominations, you can vote for as many mods as you like! Go nuts!
Hopefully, with your help, we'll make it to the top 100. In anticipation, we've put together an awesome new trailer that we'll be releasing in the coming weeks (combined with a new music track that will blow your mind), showcasing Overwatch as a whole, including a sneak peek of features planned for release in the very near future. This is one you're not going to want to miss!
▫ Release 1.3.5
Overwatch's latest update, released today, features the two new levels: Canals and Crossroads.
Canals? Canals introduces time attack-type gameplay, where the Resistance's goal is to get to the objective as quickly as possible (and before the countdown reaches zero). The Overwatch, on the other hand, has to do everything possible to prevent them from reaching that objective, either by holding them off long enough for the countdown to end, or by killing them all. As a slight twist, Rebels cannot be revived on Canals. When the Resistance team reaches a new section, dead players will respawn as a wave of reinforcements. This map features the Helicopter, Scanners (Type II) with an NPC Ability (which allows the GM to drop Hopper Mines at current location), and a HUD timer (countdown clock).
Crossroads? Crossroads introduces survival-type gameplay, where the Resistance's primary goals are to protect the Bunker and survive through waves of incoming enemies (until the countdown reaches zero). The Overwatch, on the other hand, is tasked to storm and destroy the Rebel bunker before the countdown ends. This map features various types of Zombies and Headcrabs, considered a common enemy to both sides (they will attack Rebels and the Combine forces). It also features a HUD timer (countdown clock) and Headcrab Canisters (can be dropped at current location).
Check out the full release notes for more information about this update!
▫ What's Next?
As mentioned above, keep an eye on Overwatch's website for the upcoming trailer showcasing some big new features.
Finally, if you have questions you'd like to ask the developers, be sure to post them in this month's Ask the Devs!, starting on the 28th.
We hope you've enjoyed reading this edition of our Progress Reports. Do you think Overwatch's development is headed in the right direction? Let us know!
