Vortech Games

🎉 31st Sprint Completed! 🎉 Friends, we don’t want to bore you with dry results from paperwork — even we find that dull (though it’s very important)! 😅 Instead, we’re excited to show you things you can see, touch (almost), and feel. And we’re just starting to head in this direction. 🔥 The big news: we’ve started working on the first level! We’ve revisited tons of horror games to come up with something fresh. And you know what we realized? Many games begin with endless wandering and reading notes (oh no! Our previous build did the same!). Sure, it’s atmospheric, but it’s not exactly what we’re aiming for. Our goal is to make you feel a different kind of tension! And we’ve prepared something exciting for you. ✨ Another cool update! Lili (the game’s protagonist) is about to get new hands and nearly complete her watch. This isn’t just a visual upgrade — it’s about the feeling you’ll get while interacting with the game. Rigging, animations, tactile watch UI — it all creates a unique experience. You’ll see what we mean when you try it! Yes, some might find it odd that we’re so thrilled about these details. But remember: we’re creating a game where a complex stress system is at its core. Stress builds when we face scary things, and fear can come from anything — shadows, heights, silhouettes, monsters, and so much more. At the same time, we’re learning rigging and animation from scratch. We don’t have a dedicated animator, so everything you’ll see is born out of sheer enthusiasm. By the way, if you know someone who’d like to join us or want to help yourself, we’d be thrilled! It would free us up to focus on other areas where we excel. 🚂 Our train is picking up speed: soon, we’ll start assembling the first level and sharing drafts. Excited? Stay tuned — things are about to heat up! 😎 👉 Want to learn more about this? Drop us a comment! 👉 We’d love to chat with you and hear your ideas! 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Instagram - https://lnkd.in/dV-txT5c Facebook - https://lnkd.in/dkeeG2QD Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev

Development Diary: Progress from Sprint 30 🚀 Dear friends, our team is steadily moving forward, and here’s what we’d like to share with you: 📕 Narrative Work on the game script is in full swing, focusing on the section required for the demo version. The tutorial is complete, and the first act has been divided into specific gameplay tasks to ensure every detail fits seamlessly into the overall flow. We’ve written the lore to create a rich atmosphere and refined the core plot ideas, adding intrigue and drama. Locations for the vertical slice are outlined, and you’ll soon have the chance to explore them yourself! 🎮 Game Design (Documentation) The design document for the breathing mini-game has been refined: now Lily has more effective mechanics to cope with panic attacks, and post-effects further deepen the atmosphere. We’ve updated the save system to ensure your progress remains safe and added notifications for new tasks, notes, and messages so you won’t miss anything important. 💻 Code Development User interface convenience has become our priority. We’ve implemented seamless transitions between menus on the watch, added interaction sounds, and fine-tuned scroll sensitivity for a smoother experience. UI layout for the watch is in progress, and we’re eagerly waiting for the model’s completion to polish it to perfection. 🧑🎨 3D Art The token model is ready and looks fantastic! Plus, we’ve thought through its narrative connection, but we’ll reveal more later. The watch, an essential part of the interface, is complete, and the vending machine now boasts incredible textures. 🔊 SFX The watch and vending machine now feature sound effects for notifications, scrolling, and clicks, making the interface more dynamic. We’ve also added alert sounds for high-risk panic attacks and the attacks themselves. ⚙️ Level Design Begins! We’ve started bringing our ideas to life and can’t wait to show you how everything comes together in the game. Stay tuned — there’s so much more to come! 😊 👉 Want to learn more about this? Drop us a comment! 👉 We’d love to chat with you and hear your ideas! 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Instagram - https://lnkd.in/dV-txT5c Facebook - https://lnkd.in/dkeeG2QD Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev

⚡Sprint 29 ended!⚡ Hello everyone! We've made great progress in development and completed several important tasks that will add unique touches to Erebus! 🏆 Some tasks had to be postponed, but we're hoping to pick up the pace and accomplish even more in this sprint! ✅ Here's what we've completed: Documentation 📃 - Anti-stress spray — improved the mechanics so that Lily has another way to manage stress 💨✨ - Breathing mini-game — now helps with panic attacks, with post-effects that enhance the game’s atmosphere 🌬🔻 - Save system — now ready, so you can rest easy about your progress 💾 - UI and HUD descriptions — the interface is now even clearer for players! Code 💻 - Audio messages — function added, with final testing coming soon 🔊 - Scrolling and buttons in the watch menu — now with a convenient scroll bar 📜 - Moved the bear to inventory! 🐻 — the bear is added to inventory, ready to accompany Lily on her adventures! - Watch indicator — if there’s new information, an orange dot will light up 🟠 ⏩ Up next for us: - Completing the script for the vertical slice ✍️ - Improving mechanics like closing eyes and ears, based on test feedback 👀👂 - Enhancing the watch: interface, sound, and core mechanics ⌚ - Full update of hand models — maybe even with animations! ✋🎨 - Creating models for candies and tokens 🍬🪙 👉 Want to learn more about this? Drop us a comment! 👉 We’d love to chat with you and hear your ideas! 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Instagram - https://lnkd.in/dV-txT5c Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev

Today is no ordinary day for us. Two years ago, we came together to create something special, embarking on a journey driven by intuition and passion. We couldn't see all the twists and turns ahead, but we knew it would be a long road. We started "in the dark," experimenting, learning, and taking risks. Our projects evolved, and so did we. Our ambitious RPG The Blood Ties, the project that started it all, is now temporarily on hold — it was a challenge and a stepping stone to new heights. Today, we're moving forward with a clear course on Erebus, a narrative-driven horror game, confident in every step. This isn’t just work; it's our challenge, our vision, and our contribution to the industry. Every step we take adds brightness to our shared canvas. Here at Vortech, we were like a figure with a spear, but we've already launched our rocket to the stars 🚀. We're growing and moving forward with even more energy. We have big plans, ambitious goals, and immense support, and we're proud of everything we've achieved, thanks to our team and everyone supporting us. ✨ Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this journey, who believed in us, and who kept us going 🙌 We're just getting started, and there's so much ahead! To the stars! Today, we celebrate our 2nd anniversary. 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Instagram - https://lnkd.in/dV-txT5c Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev

Meet Maya Manukura—our complex and multifaceted protagonist in our game Erebus! Maya Manukura is a senior climate scientist 🌎, resolute and strict, with ambitious goals and a challenging personality. She’s a 38-year-old woman with dark skin and deep brown eyes, slender. Her sharp gaze and ironic manner hide traces of loss and a life devoted to work. After her husband’s death, Maya immersed herself in science, finding solace in research, just like in her youth when she drew inspiration from great scientists 🔬📚. Colleagues respect her, though she keeps them at a distance, avoiding unnecessary closeness. Only her daughter, Lily, can break through her barriers ❤️. Bringing Lily to Antarctica 🧊, Maya strives to balance her work with her care for her daughter, though her reserved nature and overprotectiveness sometimes push Lily away. This cold world becomes a stage where Maya tries to strengthen their bond, even if she doesn’t always know how. She dreams of recognition and a major discovery 🌟 that will contribute to climate science and affirm her self-worth. In moments of solitude, Maya finds peace in reading scientific articles or photography 📸. Isolated from family and friends, she carries the pain of her losses but remains strong and unwavering, driven by a dream to change the world for the better. 🔍 Want to learn more about Erebus’ story and characters? Follow the development of our game and get exclusive content that helps you dive deeper into the characters and their complex relationships in the harsh environment of Antarctica. Subscribe so you won’t miss anything important! 🎮❄️ Guys, don’t hesitate to like and drop your comments ❤️🔥 We’d love to chat with you and hear your ideas! 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Facebook - https://lnkd.in/dkeeG2QD Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev

⚡Today we'll tell you about Lili's watch!⚡ In a world where icy landscapes conceal countless secrets and dangers, people need tools to help them survive the harsh conditions. ❄️ On the Arctic base, each team member is equipped with a special wristwatch ⌚ (working name Pear Watch) — a unique safety system. This watch does more than just tell time; it warns of potential threats, monitors the wearer’s health, and keeps them connected with the team. The watch is one of the core gameplay elements in the game. The entire UI, notifications, inventory, and many of Lily’s hints will be accessed through her watch. We’d like to introduce you to the functionality and design of this device. ✨ Health and Condition Monitoring The watch tracks the wearer’s pulse, sending alerts if something seems wrong. In moments of high anxiety, it signals the player so they can act to prevent a panic attack. It’s a personal “well-being assistant” in the most literal sense! 📋 Reminders and Task Management The protagonist always has tasks and hints at hand. The watch shows what needs to be done, helping players stay oriented. It provides notifications about tasks, key notes, and even messages from loved ones — all within a mini control center on the wrist. 📬 🔒 Safety in Hazard Zones All notifications are accompanied by a vibration, so even the keen ears of the monster don’t pick up on the signals. This tactile feature adds realism and enhances the survival atmosphere for players. 🎒 Inventory Always on Hand Lily’s watch also serves as a compact inventory, where players can store and use essential items. Access to the inventory is just a few clicks away, allowing players to quickly select and use what they need — a crucial feature in the harsh conditions of an Arctic expedition. And all this is in a simple, intuitive interface. With just two mouse buttons and a scroll, players feel like they’re part of the story. 🎮✨ We’ve released a test version in the prototype, but future game versions will include hand animations and enhanced visuals for watch interactions. Stay tuned! Every detail is crafted with user care because, in our harsh world, technology must not fail. 💪❄️ P.S. The watch casing design is temporary. 👉 Want to learn more about the creation process? Drop us a comment! Guys, don’t hesitate to like and drop your comments ❤️🔥 We’d love to chat with you and hear your ideas! 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Facebook - https://lnkd.in/dkeeG2QD Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev

Working on the game’s environment is not just about creating visual elements but also about a detailed process that requires thoughtful consideration of every aspect. One of the objects undergoing this process in our project is the vending machine. It’s not just part of the environment, but a crucial gameplay element. Let’s break down how we’re developing this object and how it will function. 🔸1. Design Document (DD) It all starts with the idea and how the object will be integrated into the gameplay. We write out every detail of the vending machine in the DD: what players can buy, how it will affect the protagonist, and what unique features the machine will have. In our case, the vending machine allows Lily to purchase sweets that help reduce her stress level. This mechanic is directly linked to the overall stress system, where the environment and objects influence the character’s mental state. The machine may jam or make noise, potentially attracting the monster’s attention, which is also part of its mechanics. 🔸2. Concept The next step is concept art. Here, artists bring the ideas from the DD to life. The vending machine is designed to look slightly old-fashioned, a bit worn by time, to highlight the setting of an Antarctic research base. We wanted to create something that fits seamlessly into the world while also standing out as an interactive element. After discussions and approval with the team, a final concept art was created, showcasing details like buttons, screens, and the coin slot. 🔸3. Mesh Once the concept is approved, we move to 3D modeling. Creating the mesh is where the concept art becomes a full 3D model. All dimensions and object features are taken into account to make sure it blends naturally into the game world. The challenge is maintaining a balance between detail and optimization, so the machine looks good without overloading the system. 🔸4. Texturing The next step is texturing. This is where the vending machine gets its color and texture. We add signs of wear and tear to make it look as authentic as possible. Special attention is given to details: buttons are slightly worn, the screen is cracked, and there are small scratches and rust stains on the body. These elements make the machine realistic and add depth to the game world. 🔸5. Approval Each stage of development requires team approval. We discuss all the details and adjust the model if anything doesn’t match the vision of the game designers or artists. It’s crucial that the final object aligns with the game’s visual style and the mechanics established in the DD. Guys, your likes and comments are very supportive and warm our hearts ❤️🔥 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Facebook - https://lnkd.in/dkeeG2QD Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev

Hi everyone! 👋 We’ve finished the 28th sprint and are excited to share our updates! 🎉 We’ve worked hard, though we couldn’t complete all the tasks. 😅 But here’s what we’ve accomplished: Design Document ✔️ Defined the token mechanics (throwing, picking up, using, etc.) ✔️ Added stress relief mechanics – a small system that makes managing stress more interactive, allowing players to act quickly to recover. ✔️ Improved the stress system (stress levels, external influences, sound effects, post-effects). ✔️ Set up notifications and scrolling text on the watch. Mechanics ✔️ Added a loading screen to the watch ⌚ ✔️ Prototyped the candy-eating mechanics to reduce stress. ✔️ Prototyped the mechanics related to the vending machine – purchasing sweets. Art and 3D ✔️ Prepared references for the panic attack effect 😵💫 ✔️ Created a concept art of the vending machine. ✔️ Gathered references for the token model. ✔️ Built the 3D mesh for the vending machine and even the hands (not final yet!). Each team member has contributed, and we’ve made significant progress! 💪 More exciting things to come. Stay tuned! Guys, your likes and comments are very supportive and warm our hearts ❤️🔥 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Facebook - https://lnkd.in/dkeeG2QD Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz

There are 999 of us! 🥳

Less than two weeks remain until our team hits the two-year mark, and we just can’t contain our excitement! 🥳 In the beginning, we were inexperienced. We didn’t have skilled specialists, but that didn’t stop us. And here we are now. Throughout this time, we faced many challenges: tough moments, thousands of hours of learning and finding solutions, realizing we had taken on too much, and even changing the project. We’ve learned a lot, made mistakes, and gone through hard times. But all of this made us stronger and more united! Now, we’re a well-oiled machine where everyone knows their role, and together, we achieve goals that once seemed out of reach. 💪 We wish other teams, indie studios, and creators a smoother ride! And of course, patience and determination — those are key. 😀 Our current goal is to create an indie game with innovative mechanics that provide deep immersion into the atmosphere. Every day, we’re getting closer to our dream! 🔥 Our big dream is to bring players joy and help them dive into worlds they would never experience in real life. Let’s see where this takes us 😉 Our job is simple — just keep doing what we love. Thank you to everyone who has been with us on this journey! Your support and trust have made this journey special ❤️🔥 We’re getting ready to celebrate and keep moving forward because there are many more achievements ahead! 🎯 Guys, your likes and comments are very supportive and warm our hearts ❤️🔥 🔗 Our links LinkedIn - https://lnkd.in/dUXtXu2t Facebook - https://lnkd.in/dkeeG2QD Artstation - https://lnkd.in/deueZWbJ Twitter - https://lnkd.in/ds_Hmwuz #indiegames #indiedev #indiegamedev #videogames #gameindustry #gamedev