Build Update #039: V1032 Hotfix #3

Build ID: 8801352 (Client) / 8801378 (Dedicated Server)
Download size: 68 MB (Client) / 35 MB (Dedicated Server)

Another small patch for V1032 is out — and unless a game-breaking issue comes up, we’re officially moving on to work exclusively on future release V1033, which we hope to start showcasing soon!

Here’s the list of fixes and changes:

  • Fixed a couple of potential crashes
  • Fixed untextured door debris (from grenades and breaching charges)
  • Fixed issues relating to item pick-ups between multiple clients
  • Fixed Rangefinder crash due to it getting into a weird back/forth infinite loop when aimed at characters
  • Several under-the-hood changes to better support the fixes above

Build Update #037: Another Hotfix

Build ID: 8704907 (Client) / 8704918 (Dedicated Server)
Download size: 57.3 MB (Client) / 28.3 MB (Dedicated Server)

Another week, another attempt at wrapping up V1032 for good. Here’s the change list:

  • Fixed several causes of crashes — sorry about those!
  • Fixed built-in iron sights on various weapons not working or otherwise not interfacing correctly with placed iron sights
  • Fixed M17 pistol missing rear sight texture
  • Fixed apparent shifting of the firearm when crouching/leaning
  • Fixed (hopefully) zeroing issues that resulted in weird offsets, stretched necks etc.
  • General update to sight line system
  • General fixes to inventory system
  • Updated item LOD handling, fixing issue with G33 Magnifier
  • Updated kit parsing logic to fix issues with Main Menu screen characters kits, AI bot kits and others
  • Updated MK46‘s OnEmptyShot event to call parent version of event — fixes the MK46 not using the gradual dry-fire animation
  • Corrected material index used for reticle in Micro T-1
  • Updated passthrough widget material to be less washed out (hopefully)
  • Updated GBGameState to allow for easily debugging MOTD in-editor via GB.DebugServerMOTD console variable
  • Added confirmation dialogue before displaying web-based server MOTD: now recommends only allowing images from trusted websites
  • Server Info whiteboard:
    • Updated display settings to auto-scale to fit
    • Updated size and placement to prevent white border
    • Updated blueprint to fall back to displaying servername and motd URL if a web-based MOTD was denied earlier and remembered
  • Made firing and pump animation two deliberate motions by adding slight delay before calling the pump animation
  • Updated Tablet item to better handle laptop interactions (putting Tablet away and switching back) in Intel Retrieval mode
  • Fixed bug in spawn-finding algorithm for Deathmatch (was using wrong TeamID, so not finding spawns as far as possible from other players)
  • Disabled debug strings related to trigger pull failing

Build Update #036: Patch V1032.2

Build ID: 8622958 (Client) / 8622968 MB (Dedicated Server)
Download size: 82 MB (Client) / 46 MB (Dedicated Server)
IMPORTANT: CLEAR YOUR OLD FILES

We generally recommend players to delete all contents in the following locations (copy-paste the path into your File Explorer address bar and hit Enter):

   1️⃣ %LOCALAPPDATA%\GroundBranch\Saved\Config\WindowsNoEditor
   2️⃣ Documents\GroundBranch

⚠️ Not doing so may cause various asset and input issues in your game.

Patch V1032.2 is now available!

This is expected to be the last patch for V1032, after which — if nothing game-breaking comes up — we will be fully shifting to work on the V1033 release.

Here’s the full change list with all of the fixes and tweaks:

DevTest changes

If you have played the latest DevTest build (shared about a week ago with our Discord community), these changes will not be new for you:

  • Updated stride length calculation to fix “dip” when moving
  • Big restructuring of inventory item system (in particular replication) with the aim of fixing a wide range of online kit bugs
  • Lots of changes behind the scenes as a consequence of the above
  • Miscellaneous bug fixes identified during the course of the restructuring
  • Dragging-and-dropping attachments will now copy the skin for the attaching item from whatever you are dragging it onto, if possible
  • Updated inventory bar to equip a rifle on single press if hands are empty and there is a rifle on left/right shoulder, but not slung from chest
  • Updated platform system to make sure a single dump pouch is added to the players inventory (attaches to belt or platform, whichever is found first)
  • Made sure newly spawned mag/round for AI is added to their inventory
  • Fixed right elbow while sprinting with tablet/grenade
  • Fixed skin not being applied when selecting item without customizing it
  • Fixed magnifier having no sight picture when swapping from offset sight back to it
  • Fixed zoom in/out input staying active even when not looking down sightline with magnifier
  • Restructured night vision handling (local and spectator)
  • Tablet (map) now fills screen fully when equipped — the camera automatically adjusts and zooms in on it
  • Small update to ladder handling code so ladders should work a bit better
  • Server Browser now obscures passwords in the text input dialog
  • Fixed item not being brought up upon entering play unless it was already equipped in the Ready Room prior to leaving it
  • Tweaked position of display mag info notifier in mag check widget
  • Fixed iron sights validity check
  • Fixed issues related to the input sensitivity value not being set back to zero
  • Fixed cheap wooden doors on Compound having no collision

Post-DevTest changes

This is the list of changes made after DevTest was released, based on reports and feedback:

    • G33 Magnifier collision fixed to allow flipping up/down when in use or when not ADS
    • The magnifier is now also flipped up in the weapon customization screen to make it more intuitive to interface with other attachments
    • Updated weapon attachment placement to allow shape components to be used as well as static or skeletal meshes
    • Updated tan G33 to use the correct skin
    • Hopefully fixed issue with server details going out of scope
    • Fixed (new) issue with trigger not firing correctly and not being able to shoot when crouched
    • Updated platform to add/remove/reattach dump pouch as required
  • Changed iron sights handling to deactivate all front sight posts by default and do some general fixes
  • Corrected box collision used on some dropped mags
  • Fixed PIP scopes not having screen space ambient occlusion (SSAO) and screen space reflections (SSR)
  • Set all exterior lights in City to only be on at night (was causing slowdown at dawn/dusk due to to many lights being active)
  • Tweaked Tablet to not fully fill screen when zoomed, for a bit of peripheral vision
  • Fixed ammo check and fire selector HUD elements showing up for listen server host as well as client
📢 This has been BUILD UPDATE #036!
Thanks to all of the public DevTesters for helping us get this patch squared away!

Provided this patch holds up, development will soon fully shift to V1033, and we'll soon start gathering some very exciting previews to showcase. Stay tuned!

NOW HIRING: Senior Gameplay Engineer for GROUND BRANCH (UE4/UE5, C++)

WANTED: Senior Gameplay Engineer/Developer

CORE REQUIREMENTS
• UE4/UE5 Blueprint and C/C++ knowledge
• Great communication and teamwork
• Ability to work remotely (capable PC and internet connection)

PLUSES
+ Demonstrable (2+ years) experience in a shipped title or advanced mod
+ Experience/knowledge in AI development
+ A genuine interest in GROUND BRANCH or hardcore/old-school tactical shooters in general

THINK YOU'RE A GOOD MATCH?
Email us at jobs@blackfootstudios.com with your application and CV/portfolio!

BlackFoot Studios is seeking a Senior Gameplay Engineer to join our small, dedicated, remote team for the development of GROUND BRANCH, currently on Steam Early Access.

You will be working in areas like gameplay, AI and tools while supporting audio, animation, design and other areas as required. Core responsibilities also include engine technology and build systems.

The ideal candidate will possess good problem-solving skills, the ability to work well with others, and a passion for making unique, high-quality games.

Perks

  • Flexible hours: Availability and consistency matter, but getting things done is what’s most important to us.
  • Work from home: As a remote team from all over the globe, we all work from the comfort and safety of our homes.
  • Industry experience and visibility: The latest version of GROUND BRANCH has been singled out for acclaim in the tactical shooter world — help us make it even better.

Responsibilities

  • Create and implement new features within Unreal Engine 4/5
  • Create, iterate on, and debug gameplay systems
  • Ensure newly developed engine systems are maintained for code cleanliness, performance, and extensibility

Requirements

  • At least 2 years professional experience working on modern game engines
  • A strong passion for FPS (first-person shooter) game development
  • Proficiency in C/C++ and UE4/UE5 Blueprints
  • Good communication skills, both verbal and written
  • Ability to efficiently work remotely (capable PC and internet connection)
  • A willingness to work on a wide variety of systems and learn new things

Preferences/pluses

  • Unreal Engine 4/5 development experience
  • Worked on at least 1 shipped title
  • Previous work on multiplayer FPS games
  • Lua knowledge

Application

Please send your application to ✉️ jobs@blackfootstudios.com with your CV/portfolio and anything else we might want to know about you.

Build Update #035: Leaning vs. Running Hotfix

Build ID: 8467172 (Client) / 8467193 (Dedicated Server)
Download size: 56 MB (Client) / 27 MB (Dedicated Server)

We have just pushed out another hotfix, this time for the leaning vs. running issue introduced in the V1032.1 patch.

  • Leaning will now (once again) take priority when activated during a run, and slow your character down to a walk while maintaining the lean.
  • When leaning while stationary or walking, starting a run will still cancel the lean.
  • This issue was most noticeable for players that use the “Always Run” option, as the default movement speed in that case — running — would prevent leaning unless the Run key was pressed in order to walk first.

While we wanted to include more fixes for the big remaining issues, those will still take a while for various reasons. As a result, we thought it was better to release this specific fix now rather than sit on it.