On April 29, 1945, the first Soviet soldiers crossed Spree through the damaged Moltke bridge and attacked “Himmler’s house”. The next day, Soviet units targetted the Reichstag. After artillery, mortar and “Katyusha” fire, the assault began. In the evening of April 30th the Red banner was waving on the Reichstag’s top and on May 2nd, Berlin’s garrison surrendered.

After the suicide of Hitler and the fall of Berlin, many German soldiers and generals understood that the end of the war was close. On the evening of May 8, in Karlshorst, the unconditional surrender of Wehrmacht forces on all fronts was signed. May 9th, Soviet tanks arrived into Prague and liberated it from the last German soldiers.

War is now over. 72 years since the end of the Largest conflict of all time, which our game narrates.

Today, Let us remember those who fought in the hard battles, burned in a tank, went on the brutal attacks, and fought in hand-to-hand combat through those terrible years. Let us remember those who did not survive and those who fought for their respective Motherlands and Fatherlands in that war.

On April 29, 1945, the first Soviet soldiers crossed Spree through the damaged Moltke bridge and attacked “Himmler’s house”. The next day, Soviet units targetted the Reichstag. After artillery, mortar and “Katyusha” fire, the assault began. In the evening of April 30th the Red banner was waving on the Reichstag’s top and on May 2nd, Berlin’s garrison surrendered.

After the suicide of Hitler and the fall of Berlin, many German soldiers and generals understood that the end of the war was close. On the evening of May 8, in Karlshorst, the unconditional surrender of Wehrmacht forces on all fronts was signed. May 9th, Soviet tanks arrived into Prague and liberated it from the last German soldiers.

War is now over. 72 years since the end of the Largest conflict of all time, which our game narrates.

Today, Let us remember those who fought in the hard battles, burned in a tank, went on the brutal attacks, and fought in hand-to-hand combat through those terrible years. Let us remember those who did not survive and those who fought for their respective Motherlands and Fatherlands in that war.

Today’s devblog covers a rather casual topic. But we thought you might like to hear about it :)


In Gates of Hell we are keen on making many relevant variants of vehicles so that players can see the development of armoured designs and be able to feel it’s evolution. Let’s start off with one of the most iconic tanks of all time: The T-34. From it’s initial early design, the L-11 gun was replaced to better counter enemy tanks one year after its introduction. Soon afterwards the turret was redesigned for better survivability and spacing. In 1943 the T-34/85 appeared as the replacement to deal with enemy heavier tanks, and then we got the flamethrower variant (OT-34), and others.

A more drastic example is the german Panzer III: Started off as a breakthrough tank with an outdated 37mm peashooter, then became gradually upgraded in firepower and armour to the point that tripled its initial armour layout. And as if that was not a significant enough evolution, it finally ended up as an infantry support tank, the sort of opposite of what it was originally planned for. And let’s not even speak about the designs for tank destroyers and self-propelled guns that came out of the Panzer III’s chassis...

And so, when you end up with 6 variants of the Panzer III which are based on the same hull and hence some look similar, we sat down to think about how we could make them look different for those players that do not have the eagle-eye to spot the differences instantly, which is what we want! Obviously, all the modelled variants play different and have their unique characteristics, otherwise they would not have been made. But it’s a question of how unique-looking each one can become.

We started making details for each separate tank model like tarps and nettings, segments of tank tracks, fuel supplies, etc. We looked into old photographs and references to see what sort of accessories we could model into the vehicles, to bring some liveliness and be able to differentiate any similar variant of a tank.


HD Link

Time was invested in fine tuning these details and making them animated with the motion of the tank, to make them look like they’re truly hanging out there.



And after some of our tanks were dressed up and started to look all fancy, there was the cheeky developer who saw a tree trunk hanging from the side of the tank (which were used when the tank got stuck in mud). He instantly suggested: Aaah! Extra side armour! Excellent!

While this was not the original idea, we do think this works out pretty well! It allows us to make proper improvised tank protection as some WWII tank commanders were desperate to have:




We are making custom additional material presets for the “armour”, these being wood and sand, which are not as tough as alternative metal spaced armour protection, but it’s something that might miraculously save your ass!

We built on the existing game shielding code so that your armour pieces will be wrecked and dropped with blastwaves, but now wooden objects will also shatter (plus we’re experimenting with allowing them to get burnt, too) and sandbags will also have their own taste. And finally we randomised some of the “armour enhancements” in the game so even with all the different tank variants, you will not even have 2 tanks alike. But one thing is certain - you probably end up a little lighter than you were after an encounter with the enemy!

Today’s devblog covers a rather casual topic. But we thought you might like to hear about it :)


In Gates of Hell we are keen on making many relevant variants of vehicles so that players can see the development of armoured designs and be able to feel it’s evolution. Let’s start off with one of the most iconic tanks of all time: The T-34. From it’s initial early design, the L-11 gun was replaced to better counter enemy tanks one year after its introduction. Soon afterwards the turret was redesigned for better survivability and spacing. In 1943 the T-34/85 appeared as the replacement to deal with enemy heavier tanks, and then we got the flamethrower variant (OT-34), and others.

A more drastic example is the german Panzer III: Started off as a breakthrough tank with an outdated 37mm peashooter, then became gradually upgraded in firepower and armour to the point that tripled its initial armour layout. And as if that was not a significant enough evolution, it finally ended up as an infantry support tank, the sort of opposite of what it was originally planned for. And let’s not even speak about the designs for tank destroyers and self-propelled guns that came out of the Panzer III’s chassis...

And so, when you end up with 6 variants of the Panzer III which are based on the same hull and hence some look similar, we sat down to think about how we could make them look different for those players that do not have the eagle-eye to spot the differences instantly, which is what we want! Obviously, all the modelled variants play different and have their unique characteristics, otherwise they would not have been made. But it’s a question of how unique-looking each one can become.

We started making details for each separate tank model like tarps and nettings, segments of tank tracks, fuel supplies, etc. We looked into old photographs and references to see what sort of accessories we could model into the vehicles, to bring some liveliness and be able to differentiate any similar variant of a tank.


HD Link

Time was invested in fine tuning these details and making them animated with the motion of the tank, to make them look like they’re truly hanging out there.



And after some of our tanks were dressed up and started to look all fancy, there was the cheeky developer who saw a tree trunk hanging from the side of the tank (which were used when the tank got stuck in mud). He instantly suggested: Aaah! Extra side armour! Excellent!

While this was not the original idea, we do think this works out pretty well! It allows us to make proper improvised tank protection as some WWII tank commanders were desperate to have:




We are making custom additional material presets for the “armour”, these being wood and sand, which are not as tough as alternative metal spaced armour protection, but it’s something that might miraculously save your ass!

We built on the existing game shielding code so that your armour pieces will be wrecked and dropped with blastwaves, but now wooden objects will also shatter (plus we’re experimenting with allowing them to get burnt, too) and sandbags will also have their own taste. And finally we randomised some of the “armour enhancements” in the game so even with all the different tank variants, you will not even have 2 tanks alike. But one thing is certain - you probably end up a little lighter than you were after an encounter with the enemy!

Pak40 Firing Animation

The flamethrower has been considered, throughout warfare, as a cruel and merciless weapon. It was widely used during the Second World War, and it’s terrifying damage potential accurately represents the horror and fear the soldiers lived in the battlefields. On our 53rd blog we’d like to talk about this a little further.


Flamethrowers are one of the deadliest weapons at close range. Upon getting in contact with a burst, a soldier is guaranteed to get burnt to death, regardless of his skill or protective bulletproof gear. Not only soldiers, but vehicles, fortifications, and ultimately the whole landscape can be turned into decaying ash and smoke.

But flamethrowers aren’t safe either! Fire does not know of friend or foe, you run the risk of burning your own equipment. You should also consider how the fire can spread to ensure you won’t be burning your own areas.


HD Link


We increased how long objects last until they are finally consumed by fire. This brings extra immersion into the battlefield, and makes a flamethrower presence pretty obvious!


Fire effects, especially in large numbers, are an obvious concern with regards to performance. So we spent a lot of work minimising the particle densities to be able to deliver maximum playability without a decrease in performance.


We turned flamethrowers into semi-automatic burst weapons. So every time you click on a target, a burst is thrown at the enemy. If you want a constant burst, keep clicking at your preferred rate. This brings us two key advantages. For one, it more accurately represents how the flamethrowers were used in war. Often, such a dense cloud of black smoke did not allow you to see if your burst was going in the right direction, or you just wanted to deliver the right amount of burning fluid. So the obvious solution was to shoot in bursts.

https://youtu.be/pzioV10sSAU

Secondly, a burst mechanic allows you to more accurately quantify how much fuel you are using knowing how many shots you’re making. Flamethrowers such as the Flammenwerfer model 1939 only had 12 liters of fuel. In this way you can play more conservatively.

Finally, we are also aware some players like to grab their flamethrowers and start charging the enemy while rotating about and launching a constant fireball stream in all directions. So now we offer you the charming opportunity to be a bit more civilised and reconsider such suicide runs with our burst-mechanic.


You can also choose to deliver hell on earth by tracked vehicles! They are obviously more protected than an infantryman, but equally they are more expensive. We are currently implementing the OT-34 obr-43 and the Hetzer/Flamm. Please let us know, if you want some more, and we will consider them.


HD Link


HD Link

Pak40 Firing Animation

The flamethrower has been considered, throughout warfare, as a cruel and merciless weapon. It was widely used during the Second World War, and it’s terrifying damage potential accurately represents the horror and fear the soldiers lived in the battlefields. On our 53rd blog we’d like to talk about this a little further.


Flamethrowers are one of the deadliest weapons at close range. Upon getting in contact with a burst, a soldier is guaranteed to get burnt to death, regardless of his skill or protective bulletproof gear. Not only soldiers, but vehicles, fortifications, and ultimately the whole landscape can be turned into decaying ash and smoke.

But flamethrowers aren’t safe either! Fire does not know of friend or foe, you run the risk of burning your own equipment. You should also consider how the fire can spread to ensure you won’t be burning your own areas.


HD Link


We increased how long objects last until they are finally consumed by fire. This brings extra immersion into the battlefield, and makes a flamethrower presence pretty obvious!


Fire effects, especially in large numbers, are an obvious concern with regards to performance. So we spent a lot of work minimising the particle densities to be able to deliver maximum playability without a decrease in performance.


We turned flamethrowers into semi-automatic burst weapons. So every time you click on a target, a burst is thrown at the enemy. If you want a constant burst, keep clicking at your preferred rate. This brings us two key advantages. For one, it more accurately represents how the flamethrowers were used in war. Often, such a dense cloud of black smoke did not allow you to see if your burst was going in the right direction, or you just wanted to deliver the right amount of burning fluid. So the obvious solution was to shoot in bursts.

https://youtu.be/pzioV10sSAU

Secondly, a burst mechanic allows you to more accurately quantify how much fuel you are using knowing how many shots you’re making. Flamethrowers such as the Flammenwerfer model 1939 only had 12 liters of fuel. In this way you can play more conservatively.

Finally, we are also aware some players like to grab their flamethrowers and start charging the enemy while rotating about and launching a constant fireball stream in all directions. So now we offer you the charming opportunity to be a bit more civilised and reconsider such suicide runs with our burst-mechanic.


You can also choose to deliver hell on earth by tracked vehicles! They are obviously more protected than an infantryman, but equally they are more expensive. We are currently implementing the OT-34 obr-43 and the Hetzer/Flamm. Please let us know, if you want some more, and we will consider them.


HD Link


HD Link

On our 52st blog we’d like to talk about two topics related to weaponry, we hope you enjoy reading. We will commence with a good old friend.


With its first mass produced model, the M91, being a huge success, this legend of firearms debuted on 1891, saw both World Wars, and is still used in the present day. It is estimated that around 38 million of these rifles have been built, making it one of the most produced bolt-action rifles of warfare. Reliability, simplicity, ease of use and low production costs are the quintessential trademarks of this rifle, alike with many russian successful weaponry. In Gates of Hell you will find 5 versions of this rifle in it’s most renowned versions.

https://sketchfab.com/models/f706d26b0a0e43acb8eb6cf5e01578fd


After the Russian Civil War, several improvements made to one of the early dragoon variants and overall shortening of the barrel resulted in the M91/30, the rifle that would be widely used throughout WWII. They were the standard infantrymen weapon, plentiful and cheap. It was accurate and deadly, and thus was also suitable for sniper sight mountings.


The weapon the germans would learn to despise, the M91/30 with a scope became a lethal sniper weapon, engraving it’s rightful fame in environments where snipers could easily hide, such as the Northern Front or Stalingrad’s ruins. German officers started to wear regular soldier uniforms and headgear to prevent their fate in the hands of skilled Soviet snipers. Some modifications were needed, however, to allow for correct usage. For instance, the bolt handle had to be extended and bent downwards, or the straight handle would otherwise run into the scope as the bolt chamber was being opened


Who said rifles perform badly at close ranges? Some units may equip a bayonet in their rifles. It is time to unleash your cheeky self and start poking some Germans into Gruyere cheese!


This short carbine version was designed for troops that needed to travel light and compact. It is an excellent weapon that slightly trades accuracy for weight, and the reduction of weight is noticeable as your troops cross the open steppes of the Eastern Front.


This conversion of a Mosin Nagant to a grenade launcher became an effective weapon in the times where the USSR did not commit themselves to developments in infantry AT-weapon technologies. While the Western Allies were designing the Bazooka (of which many were lent to the USSR in 1945) and the Germans worked on their Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks, the USSR still trusted their old reliable AT-rifles. In Gates of Hell, the Dyakonov fills the well-needed gap between the outdated AT-rifles and the lend-lease Bazookas.

The Dyakonov could launch a variety of grenades. In GoH it comes in exciting flavours. The main use of this weapon is to propel explosive grenades to deal with infantry and light vehicles. In addition we also have incendiary grenades and position-marking smoke canisters for the Air Force.



In our 2nd topic we need to hand out our conclusions from Devblog 50, where we let the community loose with helping us find suitable vehicles for some situations.

#Discussions_QuoteBlock_Author

• (A) - A Soviet medium caliber AT-gun prior to the Zis-3, to be used in the early war (1939-41).
  
• (B) - A Soviet heavy field gun prior to the D1, to be used in the early war (1939-41).
  
• (C) - A German heavy tank superior in armour protection to the standard Pz.III’s and IV’s before 1941.
  
• (D) - Soviet self-propelled AT guns (tank destroyer) prior to the SU-76

For A GraffSpiel first suggested the F-22 Obr-36. Tankslayer and Obirion suggested the Zis-2, but that is one which we already have.
For B GrafSpiel first suggested the M-10 Obr-1938. It looks like the best choice.
For C Several people suggested using the B1/2 French Heavy tanks and the Neubaufahrzeug. It’s a tough one, we don’t have a final decision here.
For D Zis 30 was first suggested by Gemmes. But we already planned that one. Obirion suggested the SU-4. SirDerp suggested the AT-1, but unfortunately that one was extremely rare.

Thanks for the feedback, now give us some time to craft your desired vehicles!

We’ll see you next week with a flamethrower appointment.

On our 52st blog we’d like to talk about two topics related to weaponry, we hope you enjoy reading. We will commence with a good old friend.


With its first mass produced model, the M91, being a huge success, this legend of firearms debuted on 1891, saw both World Wars, and is still used in the present day. It is estimated that around 38 million of these rifles have been built, making it one of the most produced bolt-action rifles of warfare. Reliability, simplicity, ease of use and low production costs are the quintessential trademarks of this rifle, alike with many russian successful weaponry. In Gates of Hell you will find 5 versions of this rifle in it’s most renowned versions.

https://sketchfab.com/models/f706d26b0a0e43acb8eb6cf5e01578fd


After the Russian Civil War, several improvements made to one of the early dragoon variants and overall shortening of the barrel resulted in the M91/30, the rifle that would be widely used throughout WWII. They were the standard infantrymen weapon, plentiful and cheap. It was accurate and deadly, and thus was also suitable for sniper sight mountings.


The weapon the germans would learn to despise, the M91/30 with a scope became a lethal sniper weapon, engraving it’s rightful fame in environments where snipers could easily hide, such as the Northern Front or Stalingrad’s ruins. German officers started to wear regular soldier uniforms and headgear to prevent their fate in the hands of skilled Soviet snipers. Some modifications were needed, however, to allow for correct usage. For instance, the bolt handle had to be extended and bent downwards, or the straight handle would otherwise run into the scope as the bolt chamber was being opened


Who said rifles perform badly at close ranges? Some units may equip a bayonet in their rifles. It is time to unleash your cheeky self and start poking some Germans into Gruyere cheese!


This short carbine version was designed for troops that needed to travel light and compact. It is an excellent weapon that slightly trades accuracy for weight, and the reduction of weight is noticeable as your troops cross the open steppes of the Eastern Front.


This conversion of a Mosin Nagant to a grenade launcher became an effective weapon in the times where the USSR did not commit themselves to developments in infantry AT-weapon technologies. While the Western Allies were designing the Bazooka (of which many were lent to the USSR in 1945) and the Germans worked on their Panzerfausts and Panzerschrecks, the USSR still trusted their old reliable AT-rifles. In Gates of Hell, the Dyakonov fills the well-needed gap between the outdated AT-rifles and the lend-lease Bazookas.

The Dyakonov could launch a variety of grenades. In GoH it comes in exciting flavours. The main use of this weapon is to propel explosive grenades to deal with infantry and light vehicles. In addition we also have incendiary grenades and position-marking smoke canisters for the Air Force.



In our 2nd topic we need to hand out our conclusions from Devblog 50, where we let the community loose with helping us find suitable vehicles for some situations.

#Discussions_QuoteBlock_Author

• (A) - A Soviet medium caliber AT-gun prior to the Zis-3, to be used in the early war (1939-41).
  
• (B) - A Soviet heavy field gun prior to the D1, to be used in the early war (1939-41).
  
• (C) - A German heavy tank superior in armour protection to the standard Pz.III’s and IV’s before 1941.
  
• (D) - Soviet self-propelled AT guns (tank destroyer) prior to the SU-76

For A GraffSpiel first suggested the F-22 Obr-36. Tankslayer and Obirion suggested the Zis-2, but that is one which we already have.
For B GrafSpiel first suggested the M-10 Obr-1938. It looks like the best choice.
For C Several people suggested using the B1/2 French Heavy tanks and the Neubaufahrzeug. It’s a tough one, we don’t have a final decision here.
For D Zis 30 was first suggested by Gemmes. But we already planned that one. Obirion suggested the SU-4. SirDerp suggested the AT-1, but unfortunately that one was extremely rare.

Thanks for the feedback, now give us some time to craft your desired vehicles!

We’ll see you next week with a flamethrower appointment.

On our 51st entry we bring you the suggestions document we compiled.


Amongst many other things, we spent part of the last month preparing a document where we analyse every one of your suggestions made through steam. In the future we would like to do a similar process on VK with our russian-speaking fans. Unfortunately, 100 pages of Steam suggestions and our answers were not translated into Russian during the process.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19gd7LQwV7ECvhSgUu7MTINkE--nkJX-3YHIJdrm1uA4/edit?usp=sharing

For those who are not interested for whatever reason we can show you some other goodies to keep you reading.

HD link


HD link


HD link


HD link

On our 51st entry we bring you the suggestions document we compiled.


Amongst many other things, we spent part of the last month preparing a document where we analyse every one of your suggestions made through steam. In the future we would like to do a similar process on VK with our russian-speaking fans. Unfortunately, 100 pages of Steam suggestions and our answers were not translated into Russian during the process.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/19gd7LQwV7ECvhSgUu7MTINkE--nkJX-3YHIJdrm1uA4/edit?usp=sharing

For those who are not interested for whatever reason we can show you some other goodies to keep you reading.

HD link


HD link


HD link


HD link