Dev Recap Abilities, AI, and the Push to Phase Two

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 Baydesigned for verticality, multiple infiltration paths, and high replay value. He outlines design decisions behind the maps 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 mechanicsrevealing 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.

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Community Playtest Recap

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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 were working on and where we're headed? Read about our Development Phases & Current Goals

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Next CERC HQ Livestream Details

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

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Topics We'll Cover:

Co-op Progress
Total Revamp based on Community Feedback
Level Design Updates

Dont miss our Live Q&A! Well be answering questions from the community during the stream.

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Missed a Stream? No Worries!

YouTube VOD Playlist
Spotify Podcast Archive (VODs may take 24 hours to appear)

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Whats Coming Next?

This is just a shortlist of goals currently in motionbe 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

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Stay Frosty, The Cepheus Protocol Dev Team

[ 2025-06-13 18:09:32 CET ] [ Original post ]

The Pangu Virus has been unleashed in San Francisco, turning thousands of innocent lives into mindless beasts that feel no pain and have no fear of death. With each passing hour, the Pangu Virus evolves, creating new and ever more horrific mutations with one goal in mind… Spread.

You are Captain Winter, a military officer fighting alongside the Center for Epidemic Research and Control(CERC). With a massive arsenal and the resources of the US Government behind it, you and CERC will stop at nothing to ensure the terror of the Pangu Virus does not escalate beyond containment, even if a whole city and millions of lives must be sacrificed.

Cepheus Protocol is inspired by classic RTS games such as Company of Heroes and World in Conflict, alongside the book World War Z.
Survive if you can against a relentless enemy that evolves and grows more powerful with each day.
Build specialized units from a variety of bases that can be placed anywhere in the open-world map.
Battle those infected by the Pangu Virus across four open-world islands, featuring unique and challenging environments.
Choose from three combat tiers that play to your style. Each tier has specialized units, equipment, and weaponry.
Engage a relentless horde of infected which numbers grow larger and stronger with each territory captured as you battle for control of San Francisco.
Hunt Patient Zero, who races across the city seizing territory. Each capture zone increases her population as the virus spreads and possesses all organic matter.
Form an alliance or side against the Anarchist and Police factions, which struggle to survive among the madness that has enveloped San Francisco.

Note: Steam Remote Play is for allowing your friends to try out the game if you already have purchased it. It's not for online co-op: that is is planned in the current roadmap, but is not complete yet

💰 Games on Sale 💰

GAMEBILLET

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