[h2]Hi Everyone![/h2] For the past three years, we’ve been working hard, and we are pumped to walk you through some of the cool things we have developed! But, before we dive in, we would like to extend an invitation to join our [url=https://discord.gg/aMwxYTspEY]Discord[/url]. We're constantly sharing teasers and chatting with our community there. Come say hi! 👋 [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/f74a8f0a25d22201595678ddc844f027deb6c87c.png[/img] Welcome to the very first devlog for VIA! After three years of dedicated development and design, we're excited to share a detailed look at the open world we've been crafting. This world is not only visually stunning and full of adventure but also designed to perfectly support our unique Caravan System. We’re thrilled with the progress so far, and we can’t wait to take you on a tour. [previewyoutube=gtlk6GqM7g8;full][/previewyoutube] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/b9523ecf55adc070ec8ab7d1e853e5b8bf36bf17.png[/img] The open world is at the very core of VIA, playing a pivotal role in the game's mechanics, especially our Caravan System. VIA’s three main trade posts are interconnected through multiple routes. We’ve carefully designed these routes to ensure there’s plenty of variation, so Thieves can’t easily block one path indefinitely, while still being condensed enough that Merchants remain at risk and visible. Striking this balance between accessibility and challenge was no small feat, but we believe we’ve found an exciting middle ground. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/fa5a013419a043d06fa8991f1f86f8fdd235cee9.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/dc23a498f0677c466c878e98f5e29feffe7e532f.png[/img] VIA’s world is set in a classic medieval fantasy landscape, full of charm, history, and mystery. We’ve gone beyond the usual towns and fields to bring you a world brimming with magical and adventurous points of interest: [list] [*] Windmills and Watermills [*] Expansive Forests [*] Enchanted Places [*] Cursed Graveyard [*] Demonic Circles [*] Goblin Camps [*] Stone-Deserts [*] Lakes and Rivers [/list] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/6ffea0835245d24ecc319036efd83a7430394b15.png[/img] Beyond designing a beautiful world, we’ve spent considerable time optimizing the landscape to deliver a smooth and immersive gameplay experience. The world of VIA is crafted not just to be visually impressive but also to handle fast-paced action and PvP combat seamlessly. We’ve worked hard to ensure that everything, from the environment to combat mechanics, operates fluidly. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/78da28554b08c29b47dd3063408ab4143d29864c.png[/img] Currently, we’re working tirelessly to populate VIA’s world with engaging NPCs and fearsome monsters that make each biome and location unique. Our first effort has been in the Magical Mushroom Forest, where we’ve already implemented enchanted mushroom creatures. These beings not only look fantastic but also have unique behaviors and mechanics that we’re excited to reveal in a future devlog. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/95e6ede5dc74949810f4a8198e1e165c9b7b483c.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/ab1f7ae477ff48ca9656b115bb8dd73c08064785.png[/img] To leave you with a sneak peek: the enchanted mushrooms in the Magical Mushroom Forest react to the presence of magic in intriguing ways. But that's just a hint of what’s to come! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45284344/d3f2f48687a097430935518f8a76bc128542361b.gif[/img] Stay tuned, adventurers! The world of VIA is continuously evolving, and we’re eager to share more as we breathe even more life into this dynamic universe. See you in the next update!