Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life News

[h2]Hi Aurochnauts! 👨🏻‍🚀[/h2]

It's the December Mission Briefing: Developer Update for Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life with the latest update on what we've been up to. 🚀

Make sure you are subscribed to our Mars Horizon Newsletter to get these updates direct to your inbox and join our Discord to talk to other Mars Horizon and Space fans.



[h2]✨ Latest Update From The Developers ✨[/h2]
We hope that everyone is looking forward to a festive break and what's coming up in 2025! Producer for Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life, Matthew Holmes (He/Him), has reflected on the past 12 months and looks ahead to the upcoming year in his latest update:

"Seasons Greeting from the Mars Horizon 2 team!

"This year has been a stellar year for the development of Mars Horizon 2. As you’ve read in our previous updates, we’ve brought the game along leaps and bounds.

"The year ahead will be chocked full of more exciting updates as we draw closer to release and further refine our interplanetary exploration experience."



[h2]🎧 Sound Design in Mars Horizon 🎧[/h2]
Have you ever thought about the sounds of space and what goes into making it so atmospheric and engrossing? 🤔 We recently sat down with Auroch Digital's Senior Audio Designer on Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life, Matthew Walker (He/Him), to discuss his work.

This fascinating insight delves into Matt's influences in sound design, what went into the original Mars Horizon, and what players can expect from Mars Horizon 2.

Read more on our previous Steam announcement!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]😊 Mars Horizon 2 | Relaxing Music and Ambience 😊[/h2]
To partner the Sounds of Space blog, we have also created an ambient Mars Horizon video, featuring the soundtrack from the original Mars Horizon and footage of the Solar System! 

If you're looking to relax and unwind while getting lost in space, then this video is made for you! 🤗 A huge thanks to Matt Walker who also provided his work for this video. 


[h2]
📰 Latest Space-related News 📰[/h2]
There's been a variety of exciting space news recently and here's a round-up of them to keep you up to date! 
🌌 James Webb Space Telescope detects galaxy - NASA/ESA/CSA telescope has detected and ‘weighed’ a galaxy, in the early Universe, that has a mass similar to what our Milky Way galaxy’s mass might have had.
🔍 Astronomers tell how they tracked mystery space radio bursts - Space radio sounds from 3 years ago have been tracked by astronomers to a star - not aliens.
📡 Japan to launch first eco-friendly satellite made of wood - World's first wood-panelled satellite has been launched into space to test the suitability of timber as a renewable building material.


Don't miss out on the cool content we'll have to share throughout the development journey and some behind the scenes looks at what we get up to: 👀

Auroch Digital Bluesky Auroch Digital TikTok Auroch Digital Discord

When you think of sounds in space, what crosses your mind? Is it the edge of your seat orchestral scores from Star Wars battles, the peaceful hums from the USS Enterprise, or perhaps it’s the sound of silence as planets rotate around the sun? 🪐 Whatever you think of, it’s something we thought a lot about in the original Mars Horizon and look to build on in Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life.

In this blog, we will be reflecting on the video game audio design of Mars Horizon, what we learned from that title, and what players can expect in terms of sound design from the sequel. This is also a great piece to learn more about video game audio design in general, if you’re wondering how to get a job in game sound design. We spoke to Auroch Digital’s Senior Audio Designer, Matt Walker (He/Him), as he has lead the game sound design on both Mars Horizon titles. 🎧


[h3]Our First Horizon – The Music of Mars Horizon 1[/h3]
With Mars Horizon being our first giant leap into a dedicated space-based title, we were discovering things for the very first time, as Matt explains with his approach to the games sound design:

“In Mars Horizon, there wasn't huge scope to do much dynamically - much of the player’s time is spent within the Solar System as they look to branch their way through the ages and decades, advancing their pursuit of landing on Mars first.

“But to support this sense of progression as the player reaches a new era in space travel, they unlock a new layer to the vertically stacked music cues. This small system starts out very passive, almost independently a drone – but, by the time the player reaches the latter stages of the game, they'll [hopefully] not notice, but feel a greater sense of growth and layering as the supporting music cues are now awash with orchestral layers and textures that previously weren't there.”

“The Mars Horizon soundtrack is a digital orchestra, one that I believe is quite convincing. Many articulations can be worked and manipulated to suit a cue, but there's absolutely nothing wrong with taking advantage of the digital aspects of such a tool.

“One of the main takeaways from that development cycle are to never overlook UI (user interface) audio design - it's intrinsically vital to flow and player communication. The UI audio didn't see as much attention due to several factors, but it's an imbalance that won't be overlooked again.”


[h3]The Process Behind Recording[/h3]
A game has so many audio cues, whether it be in the main menu, loading screen, or via the many interactions the player can make while playing the main part of the game. But what goes into creating these various sounds of a game? Matt shares some parts of his process for recording audio content for games:

“The 'process' of producing sound effects (SFX), ambiences and music cues etc for games can differ greatly from one project to the next. My process often riffs on playing a build of the game [or portion of it] as early as possible, and then continually with each subsequent update. All this early experience helps to inform the live decision making I'll be doing when I get to my digital audio workstation to progress work.

“Ultimately, any audio 'bed' in support of a screen or feature mustn't overstep its place in the mix, as the player will be making decisions and being communicated with via UI and other SFX. Ambiences will always have a skeleton of low, low-mid, mid, and high elements that make up the asset. These are mixed to suit any design behaviours that are to sit above it, without over-powering the player with unnecessary frequencies and additions.”


[h3]Feeling Inspired to Go Beyond the Horizon[/h3]
With decades of sci-fi iconic sounds from video games and other forms of entertainment, what are some of the musical and sound influences behind Mars Horizon and for Matt Walker in general? As video game players, we all have our favourite soundtracks, but what are some of the scores that Matt looks to for inspiration? He says:

“For me, Mars Horizon's musical identity has always characterized the triumphs and risks undertaken by not only those in the cockpit, but more specifically those operating behind the curtain. It's about those skilled people and their families.

“With these ideas in mind, Kamen's 'Band of Brother's’ score and Chris Roe's suite of cues for 'Mission Control: Unsung Heroes of Apollo' were such huge influences. I listened to and studied those soundtracks relentlessly and fell head over heels for them both. Giacchino's 'Medal of Honor: Frontline' soundtrack has long been a personal favourite of mine with the tone of that soundtrack being woven into the extended Mars Horizon soundtrack especially.

“As for all other SFX and general audio direction, 'Surviving Mars' and 'Frostpunk' were drawn from to capture their 'working/moving parts' tone - such tremendous game audio design, and very satisfying to interact with.

“The Mars Horizon 2 audio design looks to build upon everything established in the previous game, but more specifically the Civilization titles and even as far as the more recent XCOM games both offer lovely reference points from which to draw inspiration.”

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[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]
[h3]The Sounds of Space - Mars Horizon 2 Ambience and Music Video[/h3]
To tie in with the Sounds of Space blog, we have also released a one-hour ambient music video to unwind to. The video features the entire Mars Horizon soundtrack, from Matt Walker himself, as well as alpha footage from the Solar System in Mars Horizon 2.

Witness the rotation periods of many planets across the galaxy alongside the varied and atmospheric soundtrack from 2020’s Mars Horizon. If you wish to own a copy of the soundtrack, it can be purchased on Steam.

The video has been assembled to help viewers relax, study, or escape their day-to-day lives and spend some time getting lost among the stars. Witness breath-taking views of various planets in our Solar System, as well as asteroid belts and moons.

Mars Horizon saw players landing on the red planet but, in Mars Horizon 2, you will be going even further and exploring various planetary surfaces in the search for life. We hope this video helps to create a peaceful backdrop for your daily activities and gives you peace of mind.
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[h3]What Players Can Expect in 2025[/h3]
With the news that Mars Horizon 2 will now release in 2025, players will have to wait a little longer before they explore the solar system and search for life. In the meantime, Matt has shared what players can anticipate from the game audio design:

“Players can expect a natural extension from the original Mars Horizon. The intention was never to deviate far from what is great about the original - only build upon it and perhaps iron out creases following that original development cycle. I really feel Mars Horizon 2 offers a more robust and varied player experience with regards to audio design, all offering and adding to a gameplay loop that is fun with a sense of feeling.

“Mechanically, the game audio design is more granular than before and I've been a part of its implementation right from the start, whereas during the original Mars Horizon my contributions were evolving.”

A huge thanks to Matt for sharing his experiences of game audio design and giving us a preview of what to expect in Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life. If you wish to pick up a copy of the original Mars Horizon, it’s available on Steam, while the soundtrack for Mars Horizon is also available to purchase on Steam.

We’ll have more news to share on what players can expect in 2025 in the new year. We can’t wait to share more information with you all. Keep watching the skies! ✨

[h2]Hi Aurochnauts! 👨🏻‍🚀[/h2]

It's the November Mission Briefing: Developer Update for Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life with the latest update on what we've been up to. 🚀

Make sure you are subscribed to our Mars Horizon Newsletter to get these updates direct to your inbox and join our Discord to talk to other Mars Horizon and Space fans.



[h2]📅 Update on the Release Window 📅[/h2]

As we revealed earlier in the month, we have moved the release window for Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life until 2025. We understand that this will be disappointing, but rest-assured that we will make Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life the space exploration title you deserve.

Your continued patience, understanding, and support is greatly appreciated.



[h2]✨ New Mars Horizon 2 Logo & Game Art ✨[/h2]

To coincide with the delay announcement, we revealed the new-look Mars Horizon 2 logo and game art! We feel this better reflects what the game is and what you'll be doing.

UI/UX Director at Auroch Digital, Alix Briskham (She/Her) designed the logo for the original Mars Horizon, and has leant her skills again to create the new artwork and logo. She provides context for the decision behind these below:

"When the logo was created a year ago, we didn't know exactly how the game was going to look or feel or what the major themes would be. We ended up on a cool tone palette and a rocket swooping upwards through the solar system, as a nod to the previous logo, but a bit more dynamic.

"As the project went on however, we thought the logo could be revisited to line it up better with how the game had evolved. Given that there was a hex grid playing a large part in the game now, the circle was replaced with a hexagon, and a gold outline replaced silver, as gold had become a highlight colour throughout the UI.

"For the various steam banners that make the game look inviting to players, I had the wonderful 3D artists on the team mock up some nice shots of the planet surface gameplay, launch pad, and the Mars Rover model that we use in the game, and then I composited various images over them such as creating a sunrise over Mars's horizon 😏. As well as blending the launch scene with the surface view for the larger key art, I liked how the smoke from the launch rose up around the logo and then blended nicely with the dust of the surface.

"It was lovely to be able to have designed the original Mars Horizon logo and then get to design Mars Horizon 2's logo many years later."



[h2]📸 Updated Mars Horizon 2 Screenshots 📸[/h2]

In addition to the new game art and logo, we also publicly shared the latest screenshots on the game's Steam Store page! 🤩

Producer on Mars Horizon 2, Matthew Holmes (He/Him) shares further insight into these screenshots and what players can expect:

🔍 Mars Rover Exploring – "The rovers are the players' principal instrument for interacting with the surface. The player will outfit their rovers with modules to suit them to hostile environments. Rovers are multi-faceted exploration tools that can perform numerous actions on planetary surfaces."

🏃🏻‍♂️ Mars Rover Movement – "Mars Horizon 2 leverages a hex based tile system to bring the exploration of the solar system as close to the player as possible. Players will have to navigate a variety of hazards ensuring they keep their rover safe from harm by avoiding obstacles."

🌍 Solar System Transit Lines – "The Solar System is the players' strategic management screen. From this screen, players will be able to see all of the payloads they currently have in transit, alongside those of the rival space agencies."



[h2]💡 A Spotlight on Mars Horizon 2's Mechanics for Turn-Based Carnival!  💡[/h2]

We were delighted to be part of Acram Digital's Turn-Based Carnival 2024, which took place on Steam 13th - 20th November. Both Mars Horizon and Mars Horizon 2 were part of it! 🎉

To celebrate, we provided insight into Mars Horizon 2's Turn-Based mechanics, which you can read on the game's Steam Store page right now! 

A huge thanks to Acram Games for featuring us in the Carnival's line-up. 🙌🏻


[h2]🤗 November Was Also a Time to Get Cozy 🤗[/h2]
In addition to Turn-Based Carnival, we were also part of Secret Mode's Cozy Quest 2024!  Both Mars Horizon and Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life also participated in this Steam Festival, which celebrates games that make us feel warm and cozy. 🔥

A massive thanks to Secret Mode for including both Mars Horizon games in this feel-good festival! 😊



[h2]💬 Talks from the Mars Horizon 2 Team 💬[/h2]
Lead Designer, John O'Donnell, and Programmer, Siddharth Mishra, on Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life recently gave two separate talks about game development! 🎤

John led a lecture at the ITU Copenhagen to MSc Games students on Creativity and Craft in Game Development. Siddharth held a talk at VIT, Pune, introducing students to the vast world of game development.

Great work to  two members of the Mars Horizon 2 team for sharing their knowledge with the future of the industry! 👏🏻



[h2]📰 Latest Space-related News 📰[/h2]
There's been a variety of exciting space news recently and here's a round-up of them to keep you up to date! 

• 😄 ESA's Smile Mission - New Series looking at their brand-new space mission. Smile is the Solar wind Magnetosphere Ionosphere Link Explorer
  
• 🔍 The Mystery of Uranus! - Scientists might finally have worked out the big mystery of Uranus – and space weather might be to blame
  
• 🚀 China's reusable rocket - China’s main space contractor has unveiled a fully reusable rocket concept to support its grandest ambitions.
  

[h2]🛰️Follow Mars Horizon 2 On Socials🛰️[/h2]

Don't miss out on the cool content we'll have to share throughout the development journey and some behind the scenes looks at what we get up to: 👀

Auroch Digital Bluesky Auroch Digital TikTok Auroch Digital Discord

Hi Aurochnauts! 👨🏻‍🚀

Between the 13th and 20th of November, Turn-Based Carnival is taking place on Steam and Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life is taking part. Be sure to check out the festival if you are a fan of Turn-Based games as the whole genre is currently being celebrated on Steam.

To celebrate the game's inclusion in the carnival and the influence the genre has had on the game, we put together a short insight into how it's being implemented into Mars Horizon 2. We hope you enjoy! 🚀

As the developers of Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life, we love giving insights into the latest developments from the game and seeing your excitement for what we share. Here, we will be delving into the game’s design and focusing on the Hex Grid and Turn-Based elements.

[h3]We Are No Foreign Objects to Turn-Based Space Games[/h3]
We developed the original Mars Horizon, which released in November 2020. (You can currently grab Mars Horizon 1 with a great discount in the sale, head over to the Steam page here!) In Mars Horizon, you take control of a major space agency, leading it from the dawn of the space age through to landing astronauts on Mars. You guide your agency through the space race and write your alternate history of space travel.
This was our first foray into Turn-Based space exploration strategy games, and we learnt a lot through development. It was ultimately one which we enjoyed and are extremely proud of. It is this experience from the first Mars Horizon title that has set us up for the sequel and we can’t wait for the community to experience the game once it’s released!

[h3]Evolution Not Revolution[/h3]
Mars Horizon’s main goal was for players to land on the red planet. Mars Horizon 2 sees players taking that next giant leap in space exploration as you lead your chosen agency to discover life in the Solar System. After internal discussions, speaking to real life space exploration experts, and feedback from the community, the decision was made to feature hex grids on each of the surfaces and have players making decisions on where they should focus their efforts. This was added to the pre-existing Turn-Based gameplay, which was present in the original Mars Horizon. We feel this gameplay is a great way to represent the complexities and strategic planning of real-life space exploration whilst still being great fun for players.


[h3]Designing the Perfect Planet[/h3]
Hex Grid gameplay is great for strategy games and comes with a whole host of fun challenges for the team to solve. It has been a journey of testing various artistic stylings to see which works best and our art team has produced terrific work.


Keep Watching the Skies!

That’s all we have on the Turn-Based gameplay at the moment, but don’t fret, we’ll have more on this in the new year. We’re very excited and hope you are, too!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/765810/Mars_Horizon/

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2281620/Mars_Horizon_2_The_Search_for_Life/

[h3]Hi Aurochnauts 👨🏻‍🚀, [/h3]

Today, we’re announcing that the release window for Mars Horizon 2: The Search for Life is moving to 2025.

We understand that this news will be disappointing, but we feel that we owe it to you, our incredible community, to make Mars Horizon 2 the space exploration title you deserve. Ever since the initial announce, we have loved seeing your passion for the game and are beyond delighted to have you on this journey with us.



We cannot wait to share more information with you all, and so today we’re also excited to share the game’s brand-new logo and artwork, as well as some amazing new screenshots that give you the latest glimpse of rovers on Mars, the updated UI, rocket launches, and more on the Steam page! For those looking for further insight into the game’s development, please check out our monthly update from the Production team later in November via our mailing list or Steam Announcement.

Your continued patience, understanding, and support is greatly appreciated. Keep watching the skies!

Auroch Digital & Secret Mode