Cepheus Protocol News

Cepheus Protocol HQ - April 26th #48

[h2]Recap from Previous Podcasts[/h2]
In this episode, the team dives deep into the development of the Alcatraz map, now nearly complete with detailed structures and custom collisions tailored for future RTS gameplay. Efrain walks through the meticulous process of refining textures, adding guard towers, and implementing high-precision UCX collisions to prevent navigation glitches and enable features like shooting through windows. The team also explores recent advancements in the game’s tactical systems—showcasing improvements to patrol and attack-move behaviors that now emphasize group cohesion and responsiveness.

Dimitry finalized turret textures and improvements to target acquisition are highlighted, along with the dynamic zone detection system for power management and AI engagement. Later, the podcast shifts to the evolving minimap—now supporting client-side drawing, filters, and real-time tactical overlays inspired by Arma. The developers stress-test the system with over 4,000 icons running at 120fps and share upcoming plans to introduce customizable tactical layers, pinging, and patrol logic based on player feedback.

The conversation wraps up with future roadmap insights, including the implementation of rally points on moving units, modding support, pandemic mode refinements, and the strategic role of Chelsea and her lieutenants in the infection system. As always, the crew shares honest, in-editor progress and unfiltered discussions, showcasing a transparent and community-driven approach to development.

https://youtu.be/AqxjNUUOGEQ

In this content-rich developer podcast, Chris announces the completion of his latest novel—an intense, survivalist follow-up to Pierce’s narrative that shifts focus to Natalie, an ex-military character navigating the outbreak in a crumbling world. The team dives into how these novels lay the narrative foundation for the campaign mode, providing nuanced perspectives that deepen player immersion.

Robert walks through massive strides in the game’s development, including reworked turrets, dynamic zone-based power systems, real-time lighting feedback, and an evolving mini-map system inspired by Halo Wars. The devs also preview future functionality, such as destructible environments, adaptive clutter generation, and meaningful environmental storytelling that reflects player impact.

They also tease deeper AI behavior for Lieutenants like Chelsea—drawing inspiration from Prototype—and outline upcoming changes like patrol/attack-move systems, co-op enhancements, and a visual weather overhaul. Meanwhile, long-term fans will appreciate discussion on player feedback integration, a detailed Q&A on design philosophy, and the candid, chaotic banter that keeps it all human.

Whether you're here for the tech deep dives, storytelling reveals, or pure zombie chaos, this episode is packed with progress and personality.

https://youtu.be/Y3qBXqOlu4Y

[h2]🎙️ Livestream Details[/h2]

We'll be covering progress since the last podcast!

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: April 26, 2025 7 PM EST (New Time) 📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Your participation and feedback are key to shaping the future of Cepheus Protocol, and we’re eager to share our progress with you.

[h2]🔍 Next Steps[/h2]

With these initial refinements underway, we’re continuing to build on your feedback and enhance every aspect of the game. Stay tuned for further updates as we move forward together.

Stay Frosty,
The Cepheus Protocol Team

Cepheus Protocol HQ - April 19th #47

[h2]Recap from Previous Podcasts[/h2]

https://youtu.be/Y3qBXqOlu4Y

In this content-rich developer podcast, Chris announces the completion of his latest novel—an intense, survivalist follow-up to Pierce’s narrative that shifts focus to Natalie, an ex-military character navigating the outbreak in a crumbling world. The team dives into how these novels lay the narrative foundation for the campaign mode, providing nuanced perspectives that deepen player immersion.

Robert walks through massive strides in the game’s development, including reworked turrets, dynamic zone-based power systems, real-time lighting feedback, and an evolving mini-map system inspired by Halo Wars. The devs also preview future functionality, such as destructible environments, adaptive clutter generation, and meaningful environmental storytelling that reflects player impact.

They also tease deeper AI behavior for Lieutenants like Chelsea—drawing inspiration from Prototype—and outline upcoming changes like patrol/attack-move systems, co-op enhancements, and a visual weather overhaul. Meanwhile, long-term fans will appreciate discussion on player feedback integration, a detailed Q&A on design philosophy, and the candid, chaotic banter that keeps it all human.

https://youtu.be/_ixe7Qyol4U

This week's update dives deep into the evolving tech and art driving the Alcatraz map and RTS systems. Efron continues refining the 3D environment with intricate details like stairways, storm drains, and the iconic water tower—painstakingly modeled and remade multiple times to match its real-world counterpart. He also tackled modular assets like doors, figurines, and even the island bookstore, working toward a highly immersive and navigable space.

Meanwhile, on the programming front, massive progress was made on the turret foundation and AI squad management systems. A new turret base platform has been implemented to support modular SAMs, MGs, and anti-armor cannons, with real-time tests on tracking, firing, and multiplayer compatibility. The AI systems now incorporate smarter zone recognition, dynamic base targeting, and sector-based power tracking—laying the groundwork for larger maps and more tactical infected behavior. Debug lines, visual markers, and gameplay loops were showcased in depth, illustrating the complexity and modularity being built into the framework.

The episode also teases major future gameplay elements: rooftops as buildable zones, dynamic procedural infection growth, and more immersive campaign interactions. Rounding out the episode, Chris shares progress on his novel’s latest chapters—expanding Nie’s character with nuanced moral conflict and survival themes—while the team discusses playtest timing, weapon customization via Patreon, and the tech roadmap ahead.

[h2]🎙️ Livestream Details[/h2]

We'll be covering progress since the last podcast!

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: April 19, 2025 5 PM EST
📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Cepheus Protocol HQ - April 12th #46

[h2]Recap from Previous Podcasts[/h2]
https://youtu.be/_ixe7Qyol4U

This week's update dives deep into the evolving tech and art driving the Alcatraz map and RTS systems. Efron continues refining the 3D environment with intricate details like stairways, storm drains, and the iconic water tower—painstakingly modeled and remade multiple times to match its real-world counterpart. He also tackled modular assets like doors, figurines, and even the island bookstore, working toward a highly immersive and navigable space.

Meanwhile, on the programming front, massive progress was made on the turret foundation and AI squad management systems. A new turret base platform has been implemented to support modular SAMs, MGs, and anti-armor cannons, with real-time tests on tracking, firing, and multiplayer compatibility. The AI systems now incorporate smarter zone recognition, dynamic base targeting, and sector-based power tracking—laying the groundwork for larger maps and more tactical infected behavior. Debug lines, visual markers, and gameplay loops were showcased in depth, illustrating the complexity and modularity being built into the framework.

The episode also teases major future gameplay elements: rooftops as buildable zones, dynamic procedural infection growth, and more immersive campaign interactions. Rounding out the episode, Chris shares progress on his novel’s latest chapters—expanding Nie’s character with nuanced moral conflict and survival themes—while the team discusses playtest timing, weapon customization via Patreon, and the tech roadmap ahead.

https://youtu.be/qeIRkf1UwCM

This episode is packed with major progress updates across the board. The team unveils overhauled turret designs with distinct combat roles, a fully reworked active denial system, and upgrades to the RTS-TPS hybrid gameplay—letting players seamlessly jump between top-down command and boots-on-the-ground action. They also showcase improvements to weapon customization, operator switching, day-night syncing, and guard tower functionality, all built with co-op in mind.

Plus, there’s a look at the upcoming doctrine tree, modular abilities, and smarter unit behavior as everything moves toward a more polished playtest build. From tactical gadgets to AI fixes, it’s a rapid-fire deep dive into systems coming online fast.

[h2]🎙️ Livestream Details[/h2]

We'll be covering progress since the last podcast!

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: April 12, 2025 5 PM EST
📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Cepheus Protocol HQ - March 29, 2025

[h2]Recap from Previous Podcasts[/h2]
https://youtu.be/qYwsP0cvMaU
This week, the team digs into the nitty-gritty of getting co-op and horde mode running smoothly. They tackle multiplayer bugs, AI quirks, and synchronization issues while stress-testing early playtest maps. The Alcatraz environment gets a major facelift with new structures, textures, and foliage, bringing it closer to completion. Turret redesigns move forward, focusing on making them deployable engineer tools rather than overpowered base defenses. Plus, a deep dive into upcoming civilian weapons, RTS improvements, and how lighting systems might evolve. With internal playtests ramping up, the goal is clear—fine-tune the foundation before handing it off for player testing.

https://youtu.be/ZF2FsYLU7TY
This episode dives into major development updates, covering UI improvements, base building mechanics, and co-op multiplayer progress. The team showcases a revamped build system with snapping structures, buildable gates, and AI-assisted construction, allowing for creative and strategic base setups. UI refinements bring streamlined controls and customizable options for players. Multiplayer replication, automated unit pathfinding, and future plans for faction abilities and balance tweaks are also discussed. Plus, insights into Alcatraz map development and the roadmap toward co-op playtesting

[h2]🎙️ Livestream Details[/h2]

We'll be covering progress since the last podcast!

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: March 15, 2025 5 PM EST
📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.

Cepheus Protocol HQ - March 15, 2025

Coop Progress
Total Revamp Progress based on community feedback
Level Design Progress

🕔 When: March 15, 2025 5 PM EST
📺 Where to Watch:

📺 If you Miss it :

[h2]📣 What to Expect[/h2]
During the livestream, we’ll:

Recap this week of progress
Answer your questions during a live Q&A session with the development team.