DESIGN & ART

HLOd + World partition workflow for map optimization:

• Our map optimization workflow combines Unreal Engine 5's World Partition with Hierarchical Level of Detail (HLODs).
• World Partition dynamically streams map cells based on player proximity, while HLODs render distant cells as a single, low-polygon mesh instead of numerous individual assets. This combined approach significantly reduces draw calls and memory usage, allowing us to build a large-scale world that maintains the high, stable framerate required for a competitive esports environment.

Dynamic Lighting:

• The game’s fully dynamic lighting system creates a realistic and tense atmosphere by reacting in real-time to the day/night cycle and shifting weather conditions.
• This directly impacts gameplay, as shifting shadows can alter sightlines and a flash of lightning during a storm can momentarily reveal an enemy's position. Light and shadow thus become core tactical elements that players must adapt to for survival.

Gameplay Development & Systems:

• Real-World Dynamics Simulation: Instead of a static environment, Zone Nine features a complex simulation system that is a core element of survival. This system governs a full day/night cycle and a range of weather conditions, each with direct gameplay consequences. For instance, zombies become significantly more numerous and dangerous after dark. Thick fog severely limits visibility for all players, while rainstorms might slow the rate of dehydration but increase the rate of hunger, forcing teams to constantly re-evaluate their survival priorities.
• Gameplay Ability System (GAS): We leveraged Unreal Engine's powerful Gameplay Ability System (GAS), a framework utilized by blockbuster titles like Fortnite and Marvel Rivals. This allows us to build a highly modular and scalable framework for every action in the game, which is critical for balancing and expanding a live-service eSport.

Programming and Technical Development:

• Revolutionary Zombie AI: The game features groundbreaking AI applied exclusively to the zombie hordes. The goal is to create ultra-responsive, near-sentient zombie entities that blur the lines between predictable NPCs and intelligent adversaries.
• Strategic & Coordinated Threats: Our core Director-Agent AI Framework is used to power the zombie hordes, enabling complex, emergent behaviors. Instead of attacking mindlessly, zombies can exhibit coordinated tactics—such as specific types working together to break player formations, flanking, and reacting strategically to player actions. This makes the "Environment" in PvPvE a truly thinking and unpredictable threat.