Photo credit: venturebeat.com
Brendan Greene is embarking on a new chapter following the monumental success of his previous project, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG), which achieved remarkable sales exceeding 90 million copies. This time, he unveils a trailer for his upcoming game, Prologue: Go Wayback, set to enter Steam early access this summer.
Prologue: Go Wayback is designed as a single-player open-world survival game priced at $20, where players must navigate and endure the challenges posed by a harsh wilderness.
Developed by the Amsterdam-based PlayerUnknown Productions, the game has been in development for several years. The latest trailer showcases in-game footage, highlighting the core gameplay mechanics that will allow players to explore a vast and dynamic wilderness. They’ll face the dual challenges of adventure and survival, managing systems related to caloric intake, body temperature, and finding and maintaining shelter.
As an emergent gameplay experience, Prologue: Go Wayback! leverages PlayerUnknown Productions’ machine learning-powered terrain generation technology, reflecting Greene’s focus on creating unique gaming experiences. Each player’s journey through the game is distinct, encouraging exploration and adaptation.
At the start of each game, players begin with nothing, tasked with forging their unique path by learning to navigate the wilderness, scavenge resources, and survive. The goal is to reach the Weather Tower, the sole extraction point, emphasizing exploration and resource management.
The environment plays a crucial role in determining survival outcomes. The unpredictable terrain, influenced by a machine learning-driven geological system, means players face a world where paths are not predetermined. Success hinges on the ability to read the landscape, determine safe routes, and recognize early signs of hazardous weather conditions. Storms and temperature changes can significantly impact gameplay, making awareness essential for survival.
In addition to environmental challenges, players must contend with hunger and cold, requiring them to develop strategies for rationing food and securing shelter. Mastery of orienteering skills, resource management, and timely decision-making are pivotal to success.
Prologue also marks a collaborative venture for PlayerUnknown Productions, with active community involvement from the Early Access launch onward. The studio plans to work closely with players to refine the game, rolling out new features and mechanics based on user feedback.
Fans can expect the game to launch into Steam Early Access this summer, opening the doors to a new survival experience.
Melba Engine and Project Artemis
Prologue: Go Wayback! serves as the inaugural project in a larger vision for PlayerUnknown Productions, leading towards Project ‘Artemis.’ By utilizing the Unreal Engine alongside custom machine-learning capabilities, the game can create an impressive variety of maps with realistic terrains for exploration. This innovative approach will culminate in the development of a specialized in-house engine named ‘Melba,’ which will power both Prologue’s eventual sequel and the ambitious Project Artemis—a massive sandbox environment designed to foster player creativity and emergent gameplay.
Join the journey
Community engagement is integral to both the development of Prologue and the future direction of PlayerUnknown Productions. The development team is eager to collaborate with its player base, inviting those interested in shaping the game and participating in future playtests to join the PlayerUnknown Productions Discord.
Key Features
● Prepare
Utilize your surroundings and found tools to your advantage.
● Travel
Explore a vast open world in search of food and shelter.
● Take Shelter
Protect yourself from extreme weather that affects your stats, but don’t linger too long—utilize your time to prepare for your next venture.
● Fix
Repair items and structures encountered along your journey.
● Escape
The primary objective is to reach the weather station and call for assistance.
Established in 2021 by Brendan Greene, PlayerUnknown Productions aims to expand the boundaries of interactive entertainment. With a dedicated team of sixty engineers and artists, the studio is committed to developing innovative and emergent digital worlds that transform the gaming landscape.
Source
venturebeat.com