In this densely packed developer podcast, the team walks through a sweeping set of updates aimed at transforming co-op and horde gameplay into a dynamic, scalable experience. Efrain reveals his shift from polishing Alcatraz to leading development on a new horde map set in a reimagined Half Moon Bay—designed for verticality, multiple infiltration paths, and high replay value. He outlines design decisions behind the map’s objective points, terrain flow, and defensive challenges that avoid static play. Meanwhile, Robert deep-dives into system-level changes: persistent leveling for operators and units, revamped class abilities, combat balance tuning, and significant AI and UX upgrades. Expect improved spawn logic, smarter pathfinding, and fixes for legacy pain points like targeting quirks and gate behavior. The episode also includes a real-time co-op demo showcasing snipers, heavies, flamethrowers, new UI improvements, and gate mechanics—revealing how it all plays out under stress. The Q&A tackles questions on drone design, campaign plans, vehicle and helicopter timelines, multiplayer matchmaking, emblem customization, and long-term content like future DLCs or a potential dinosaur game. This episode marks a significant milestone in pushing towards the Phase One rebuild and sets the stage for the robust gameplay foundation of Phase Two and beyond.

[dynamiclink href="https://youtu.be/RaE5q9FzBU8"][/dynamiclink]

2 Operator players guard an entry point while an RTS player moves a medic to heal them

[dynamiclink href="https://youtu.be/9SsIX6t2iNA"][/dynamiclink]We ran a 2-hour network stress test playtest last week! Curious about what we’re working on and where we're headed? 📘 Read about our Development Phases & Current Goals

🕔 When: June 14, 2025 – 7 PM EST (New Time!) 📺 Where to Watch:

• YouTube Livestream

• Discord Server[discord.gg]

• Steam Page

• Co-op Progress

• Total Revamp based on Community Feedback

• Level Design Updates

🎤 Don’t miss our Live Q&A! We’ll be answering questions from the community during the stream.

• YouTube VOD Playlist

• Spotify Podcast Archive[open.spotify.com] (VODs may take 24 hours to appear)

This is just a shortlist of goals currently in motion—be sure to watch the last CERC HQ for a more detailed breakdown.

• Finalize Operator Ability System

• Expand Playable Classes

• Visual UI Polish

• Prepare for Phase 2: Airstrikes, Doctrines, Vehicles

Stay Frosty,— The Cepheus Protocol Dev Team

[dynamiclink href="https://youtu.be/_8ghx32Vmn8"][/dynamiclink]
This developer podcast dives into the latest playtest of the revamped horde mode map and systems. Efron kicks things off with an update on Alcatraz, highlighting UV mapping progress, set dressing, and a versatile new procedural stairway tool in Blender. As the map nears completion, attention shifts to a major breakthrough: a reimagined gate system designed to finally fix long-standing pathfinding and unit navigation issues. Michael shares animation polish work and new operator features, including terrain-aware leg IK and an overhauled Glock model. Gameplay balance gets a brutal makeover: enemies are deadlier, damage types are in full effect, and the days of cheesing spitters with sandbags and barbed wire are over. Blowup enemies now deal serious structural damage, forcing players to rethink defensive strategies. The core of the episode is a live co-op playtest stress-testing these changes. The infected’s new verticality—climbing walls and ambushing from rooftops—introduces chaos, as players scramble to defend choke points and adapt to smarter AI. Developers analyze player behavior and discuss AI roles: spitters as snipers, blowup guys as siege units, and the concept of fallback defenses. The session is packed with emergent moments, exploit discoveries, and bug fixes in real-time. New features like color-coded operator lights and upcoming systems like grenade throwing and an ability system are teased. The Q&A wraps with community questions on single-player balancing, dynamic difficulty, night vision, and player-requested features like automated flare towers and synchronized music via in-game speakers. This episode shows a project in flux—refining, breaking, and rebuilding its systems in front of a live audience. It's messy, insightful, and a testament to iterative design under fire.

https://youtu.be/ahmHYRXNI1E

We ran a 3-hour public playtest last week, packed with chaos and feedback! Curious about what we’re working on and where we're headed?

📘 Read about our Development Phases & Current Goals

🕔 When: June 7, 2025 – 7 PM EST (New Time!) 📺 Where to Watch:

• YouTube Livestream

• Discord Server[discord.gg]

• Steam Page

• Co-op Progress

• Total Revamp based on Community Feedback

• Level Design Updates

🎤 Don’t miss our Live Q&A! We’ll be answering questions from the community during the stream.

• YouTube VOD Playlist

• Spotify Podcast Archive[open.spotify.com] (VODs may take 24 hours to appear)

This is just a shortlist of goals currently in motion—be sure to watch the last CERC HQ for a more detailed breakdown.

• Finalize Operator Ability System

• Expand Playable Classes

• Visual UI Polish

• Prepare for Phase 2: Airstrikes, Doctrines, Vehicles

Stay Frosty,
— The Cepheus Protocol Dev Team