1/13 Dead State Update
Starting this month, backers won’t be the only ones reading our updates. By popular request, we will start making new Kickstarter posts accessible to everyone who wants to follow Dead State. And in the next few months, expect a lot information and footage on the game. It’s going to be an exciting (and busy) year ahead for our team.
After a brief break for the holidays, we’re back at work on a new build for the game. We’re in the process of getting our systems up to alpha level – some of the systems on deck or done include looting, equipment, combat (for some melee and ranged weapon sets), noise, and AI. Work continues on story-related writing and design, plus lots of new art and animation to breathe even more life into our areas and their inhabitants.
Here’s a shot of the near-final medium store frame:
This building is a Diamondback Hardware Store, one of many you’ll come across and one of the first places you’ll be heading to in the game (gotta get tools and materials if you want to keep that fence up!)
No zombies or looters in there yet, but something tells me it’s going to be a bit more dangerous the next time we head in there.
As we mentioned in the last update, we construct stores with a set of basic pre-fab components that can be moved around to create new areas. In addition to the medium stores, we’re working on a basic set for all the fast food stores, restaurants, bars, and diners.
Programming continues to implement GUIs for all the major menus and systems in the game – equipment, looting, character, goals and allies, and shelter management - while art and design tweak them slightly for ease of use. This is the basic framework that makes the game feel more functional and final. While we may continue to iterate at the testing stage, we’ve already worked out small kinks in the ease of use and presentation of each menu.
In the next few weeks, we’re going to try to show you all the first post-KS footage of the game so you can take a look at our combat, AI, and one of the near-final areas in the game. Keep watching our Facebook and Twitter for info on the video release, as well as for new developments here on Kickstarter. We’re grateful to all of you for your continued support and enthusiasm for Dead State and we look forward to bringing you closer to the zombie apocalypse in 2013.
10,096
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Funding period
Jun 5, 2012 -
Jul 5, 2012
(30 days)
- First created · 2 backed
- Has not connected Facebook
- Website: deadstate.doublebearpr...
Pledge $15 or more
6272 backers
A DRM-free digital download of the game for PC at nearly half the launch price.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $21 or more
931 backers
The Radio Tier: This tier includes the DRM-Free digital download of Dead State plus access to exclusive developer updates featuring developer videos, first looks at in-game shots, writing from the game, game art, and much more. We will be regularly updating “The Radio” with new info throughout development. Everyone at the $21 tier or higher will get access to this content.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $30 or more
901 backers
A digital copy, the game soundtrack (MP3s), and a bronze-level patron badge. Patron badges will be activated on our forums after the project is funded. (You will need a forum account to show off your badge.)
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $30 or more
701 backers
The Ally Pack – This pack contains 2 DRM-free copies of the game – one for you and a friend. It is a separate reward not included in the other tiers and contains no items except for 2 digital copies of the game.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $50 or more
395 backers
A digital copy of the game, the soundtrack, and a digital version of the “Making of Dead State” book. This book traces the origin of DoubleBear and Dead State and contains original fiction, concept art, and design documentation, plus interviews with the team. The book will sent as a .PDF download to contributors at this tier after the game ships.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $75 or more
82 backers
A digital copy of the game, the soundtrack, the digital version of the book, special thanks in the credits, and a silver-level patron badge.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $85 or more
327 backers
The Save One for Yourself Pack (This Pack is not included in any other tier) -A metal magnum bullet-shaped USB pre-loaded with the game, etched with the Dead State logo, and on a keychain for easy transport and bragging rights. -A digital copy of the game so you don’t have to wait for delivery. -The digital soundtrack, the digital book, special thanks in the credits, and a silver forum badge (Add $10 for shipping outside of the US and Canada)
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $100 or more
178 backers
All of the above, the silver-level patron badge, plus a limited edition Dead State T-shirt that is only available to Kickstarter patrons. The shirt will ship shortly after the funding goals are met. (Please add $10 for shipping to territories outside the US and Canada).
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $150 or more
48 backers
The Gold Edition. All of the above, a second digital copy of the game, a trade paperback version of the “Making of Dead State” book signed by Brian and Annie, and a gold level forum tag. (Please add $10 for shipping to territories outside the US and Canada).
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $250 or more
158 backers
The Splendid Box: Deluxe Edition It includes: -A Large Collector’s Box for all the stuff. -A DVD copy of the Game and a CD of the Soundtrack -The Special Edition Shirt, the USB Bullet pre-loaded with the game, the Signed Paperback of the Making of Dead State, and a real paper Manual -Collectible Game Merch, including an MMM,Bison! Kid’s Placemat, a Splendid Evacuation Notice, Friggin’ Chikin Frequent Gorger’s Card, and much more. (All sheets printed on high quality paper) -A Signed Letter from the Devs. But wait, there’s more! We’ll also give you two digital copies, a gold forum tag, and special thanks in the credits. (Add $15 for shipping outside of the US and Canada)
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $350 or more
20 backers All gone!
Be memorialized somewhere in the game - your name and some key personal information will be incorporated into the world of Dead State. Also includes all of the Gold Edition items.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $500 or more
1 backer Limited (29 of 30 left)
We will include your zombie apocalypse text message (up to 250 characters) written by you in the game as part of our collectible in-game data. Some editorial standards apply. Includes all Gold Edition items.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $750 or more
4 backers Limited (1 of 5 left)
Our portrait artist will draw a portrait of you (you must supply a photo of yourself) to be used as a non-ally NPC in the game. A copy of the complete portrait will be sent to you before the game ships. Includes all Gold Edition items.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $800 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
Our portrait artist will draw a portrait of you as a zombie, which will be used for a zombie in the game. A copy of the complete portrait will be sent to you before the game ships. Includes all Gold Edition items.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $1,000 or more
5 backers All gone!
A personalized item in the game. This is a non-equipped item that would be found by players – you provide the description, we make the art. Some standards and editorial restrictions apply. Includes all Gold Edition items.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $2,000 or more
1 backer Limited (4 of 5 left)
Work with Brian Mitsoda to tell your “zombie apocalypse story” which will show up as a collectible piece of story data for every player to see. Could be an email or diary entry or note about your fate in the zombie apocalypse – we’ll work with you to make sure it fits into our world. Word count will be limited to format. Includes all Gold Edition items.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013Pledge $5,000 or more
5 backers Limited (5 of 10 left)
Everything we have to offer (must choose either zombie or NPC portrait), ten extra digital copies of the game, an invite to our team launch party (you’re responsible for making it to Seattle), and a special Dead State Platinum Level forum tag for bragging rights.
Estimated delivery: Dec 2013
Comments
Creator Bryy on March 15
Looking real good.
Creator DoubleBear Productions on March 13
For all of those not checking our forums, we announced that we will be showing off a combat demo video this week. It will be part of the next update.
Creator Raymond Croteau on March 13
Hey, how are things going?
Creator Max Haskvitz on March 7
I would also like to note it says 1st look at certain things, that doesn't mean they are taking this away, nor does it mean ALL The development updates will be posted on kickstarter instead of the radio forum.
Creator Max Haskvitz on March 7
Don't really care that they are making the updates available to all, that will bring more people to the game, and give the studio more exposure, and hopefully give a longer support cycle to the game. Can't wait to see whats next!
Creator Bryce on March 4
I probably shouldn't have backed this project. I was not pleased at all with the last minute addition of the radio tier. It's so antithetical to the purpose of kickstarter to exclude some backers from updates for a few bucks.
Creator Daniel Magnan on January 21
They called it the "Radio" forum because it alludes to the radio broadcasts survivors in the game listen to for news. In our case it is news about the game.
Creator Rob Roy on January 15
Caidoz about 24 hours ago
"The Radio is just the name for a sub-forum on the actual site, there's no audio or "show" to listen to."
lol Well I misunderstood that completely. Pretty weird calling it radio.
If they are reading our comments, I suggest they make these updates Youtube videos, and do them in a relaxed podcast style. Videos can rack up a ton of views, over months and years.
Creator Billy Wellen on January 14
Want want!
Creator Jomar Mario on January 14
Cant wait to play it =]
Creator William Schneider on January 14
@Rob
Well, its like if you bought something and then they decided to give it away for free instead, after you'd paid money for it.
And as was said, its not a show, its basically dev updates.
I support the updates here being public - after all, people didn't pay specifically for 'exclusive kickstarter updates', nor were they promised that. But people did pay for 'exclusive development updates'.
No it wouldn't detract from my experience of them, nor can I see it detracting from others, but I imagine that the reaction of some 900 people who paid for something labeled as exclusive, as well as some of those from higher tiers, might put the studio in a bit of a bad light.
Creator gabriel621621 on January 14
Good screenshots. The amount of clutter feels just fine. Not too much, and enough to give the place a desolate, ransacked look. That single overturn trolley in the street nails it perfecly. Bravo Oscar.
Creator Caidoz on January 14
The Radio is just the name for a sub-forum on the actual site, there's no audio or "show" to listen to.
And Brian already confirmed on the forums that the Radio will remain for backers only.
Creator Rob Roy on January 14
@William Schneider
"There are 931 people who paid extra just for access to the radio tier, so making it public would undermine the point of paying that $6 just for the radio (which only has 4 updates in 6 months anyway)"
It takes nothing away from me, if others can hear the show at a later date. And I would rather they publicize the game as much as possible and make it a big success, as obscurity kills games far more than piracy ever did.
I think it was a mistake to make the radio tier private, but I guess as you are objecting, they will have to live with that.
Creator Daniel Magnan on January 14
Nice update and it is great to hear you are close to the first alpha build. It sounds like the game is starting to come together. I can't wait for the gameplay video.
Creator William Schneider on January 14
"Making the radio show public as well" (Rob Roy)
I disagree. There are 931 people who paid extra just for access to the radio tier, so making it public would undermine the point of paying that $6 just for the radio (which only has 4 updates in 6 months anyway)
But I totally agree about making the updates here public!
Creator Marcio Araujo on January 14
Great Update guys!!!
Creator Rob Roy on January 14
Peter Jacob about 5 hours ago
"Public updates should have been done from the start."
Agree with this. And if no one objects, I also support making the radio show public as well, or at least make it public, a couple of weeks after the initial release.
You don't want the public to forget about you!
Creator Raufgar on January 14
Great Update guys, and drool-worthy location (aesthetics and survival-wise). I vote we empty that dumpster and those 2 vending machines, grab together as much tools and supplies as we can get packed into that sedan there, plus the dumpster and vending machines, then drag the whole lot back. Screw the noise XD
Creator Caidoz on January 14
Looks fantastic, glad to see an update! Hope everyone at DoubleBear had a nice holiday
Creator Peter Jacob on January 13
Public updates should have been done from the start. Like TotalBiscuit pointed out in his Kickstarter review videos, restricting update info is just self strangling marketing for no reason at all. I can't imagine any KS investor feeling put-off because a KS dared to let the public know how the project was going.
Creator William on January 13
Public updates is just fine with me. If there's anything backer specific like special links or specifics about physical backer rewards, keep those backer only. But the game development, yeah more public the better.
Creator Toju Xinshu on January 13
Loving the detail on the textures. Really nice art.
Creator doshu on January 13
Allowing non-backers to read the updates is a very clever move. Most of the KS projets don't do it, probably to stay "true" to the people who backed them. But it just doesn't make any sense. Anyone who invested in the project should want the game to get as much advertising as possible !
Kudos for Double Bear :)
Creator Rand Chua TL on January 13
Yes one of the first few who manage to see the new update. Hope to see a new update next month too.
Creator Louis on January 13
Cannot wait:)
Creator Paul Marzagalli on January 13
I simply cannot wait to being playing in this world that you are creating! Continued good fortune and here's to a productive 2013 dev cycle for us both! Cheers from Boston!