Hello, this is DEV Allanon.
We hope everyone stays healthy during this time when the temperature difference between day and night is still quite significant.
Today, we’re here to share the development status of the updates to come within couple of months.
As previously announced in Dev Talk EP.13, June was originally planned to be a lighter update focused mainly on Mailbox improvements. However, to improve player satisfaction and address areas of inconvenience, we’ve added some additional content to bolster the update.
Mailbox System UI/UX Overhaul
The current in-game mailbox UI was something that did not align with modern gaming design and caused various inconveniences during use. In the upcoming overhaul, we focused on two aspects: Replacing the outdated visuals for visibility and enhancing the convenience of checking / retrieving items.
We’ve originally expected that by fixing the legacy code while renewing the mailbox UI, we would be able to improve the server delays during overall gameplay. But unfortunately, upon reviewing the actual implementation steps, it was found that the Mailbox overhaul alone would not have a significant effect.
Also, while the initial plan was to change the UI into a scroll-based system, we found this would cause greater load during data processing – leading to increased lags. Which is why we have decided to keep the current page-based system and polish the general style as you can find in the WIP images below.
(The current system is still in development, and English localization is not yet complete.)
While our plans to reduce server delays were not as large as we expected, we expect this Mailbox overhaul with updated visuals, improved visibility and enhanced convenience will still be able to bring you a more comfortable experience while playing Vindictus.
We will continue to steadily update other outdated UI elements within the game going forward.
Camera Shake Controls
Camera Shake Disable Options were something that has been requested for a long period of time. In fact, the request also appeared during our last Livestream back in December. Back then, I’ve replied that we were working on an option to allow this, but the baseline work is still ongoing. This was because camera shake feature in the game is composed of complex logic, making it difficult to apply the option uniformly to all types of effects. Which was why we had to work on each character one by one.
Camera Shake is a supplementary feature designed to enhance immersion and impact, but it is also one of the main reasons for motion sickness and fatigue. With the June update, we will be adding an option that allows players to directly lower camera shake sensitivity to suit your preferences. While it will not be possible to increase the shake beyond the current level, you will be able to eliminate it entirely if you wish.
We’ve currently put together camera shake tied with character action as the first target. If there are any additional areas that need to be checked, or if other discomforting areas emerge, please do not hesitate to let us know. We plan to expand this gradually based on your feedback.
Redeemer Battle Player Count Adjustment (8 → 4 Players)
For new and returning players, Redeemers has always been a mandatory content in character growth. However, we have recognized that Redeemers has increasingly become a gatekeeping factor and we have continuously worked to ease it.
The player count adjustment is part of this. We will be reducing the current party member count requirement from 8 to 4 players. We hope this will make it easier to obtain stats and acquire Full Force.
Drop Rate Improvements for Certain Items
We have been continuously monitoring the in-game economy to prevent any discomfort during gameplay, and we have been aware that some key crafting materials required for character growth has continued to rise – resulting in growth costs that exceed our expectations.
We will be increasing the drop rates of Tarian steel, a key material for equipment growth, and the drop rates of Mysterious/Abyssal shards for Destruction I progression. We expect this adjustment to ease the difficulties of gear progression and allow mor access to Space Time Distortion contents.
Changes to Goddess Grace Reward Acquisition Method
One other change we plan for June is changes to the Goddess Grace Reward system. We plan to change this into a randomized box format similar to the Special Dungeon Pouches. Unlike existing battle rewards, they will be distributed in a box form that can be traded in the marketplace. We hope this will be able to add an element of excitement to the process of obtaining rewards.
Please be noted that the Goddess Grace reward boxes will have a 7-day expiration period. The contents upon opening the box will have no separate expiration.
We always review your feedback carefully, and we will continue to do our best to ensure that your valuable voices are reflected positively in our updates.
In our next Developer’s Note, we will share the development status of the more of our updates that's being prepared in near future – The new raid battle, Aggro system overhaul and more utility improvements to Twin Sword Lann.
Also, I’d like to end today with some other news.
We’re all aware that with some recent news, there has been concern regarding the continuity of Vindictus.
Vindictus is a game our development team has built together over a long period of time, and it will continue to be by your side. Development work is currently underway to fulfill our second-half roadmap, and we’re also planning out the broad strokes of next year as well. We will share more details once this has been more structured enough to communicate.
We ask for your continued support, so Vindictus can continue to contribute even a little to the joy in your daily lives.
Thank you.
