With less than a week to go, I’m starting to feel the excitement—and maybe a little bit of nerves—as we approach the launch of IHAS. It’s such a surreal moment, seeing everything come together after two years of work, countless iterations, and more than a few trial-and-error moments along the way.

Before the game hits Steam on Thursday, November 21st, I wanted to take a moment to answer some of the big questions that I’m sure are on your mind. So, without further ado, let’s jump into the IHAS Pre-Launch FAQ!

What makes IHAS unique?

IHAS is a Sci-Fi Action Adventure FPS, with a huge focus on exploration and puzzles. Traverse a huge spaceship on the hunt for the mysterious Phoenix Keys, as you battle hostile, alien robots. From a gameplay standpoint, the game’s multifunctional, main weapon, which combines shooting with a tractor beam, creates unique opportunities for puzzles.

How long is the game?

The game can be completed in about 3-6 hours.

Controller & Steam Deck support?

The game has native support for Xbox Controllers. It has not been tested on the Steam Deck.

Is there a campaign/story mode?

Yes! It’s a narrative-based game with a captivating science-fiction story, filled with philosophical undertones.

Can you tell us a little bit about the story?

In IHAS, you play as a cyborg that wakes up in an alien spaceship with his memory wiped. As you figure out that you’re living through the aftermath of some large-scale catastrophe, you try to uncover who you are. Filled with resolve, your aim is to unlock the secrets behind an alien invasion on Earth and destroy the extraterrestrial threat once and for all.

Can you tell us a bit more about the gun upgrades?

You start the game with a base pistol that can be upgraded with two modules. The first model is a laser that shoots one continuous beam. The other one is a shotgun that fires more spread-out proton blasts.

How do your choices as a player affect the game?

The choices you make throughout the game will affect the way the final boss battle plays out.

Release details:

When will it be released?

The game is releasing on the 21st of November 2024 at 17.00 CET/8.00 PT!

What is the price?

The game is retailing at 14.99 USD / 11.39 GBP / 14.49 EUR.

Conclusion:

As we prepare for the final countdown, I want to take a moment to send a message back through the ether: thank you. Every one of you. Your unwavering support, sharp feedback, and shared excitement have been instrumental in preparing IHAS for this journey into the unknown.

You've been vital in shaping the game into an experience that’s not only challenging but deeply immersive. I can't wait to watch how each of you confronts the mysteries and hazards that await. I look forward to reading all your comments and reviews—this launch belongs to all of us in the IHAS community.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• YouTube

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

I’m excited to finally reveal the official release date for IHAS! If you’re here, it probably means you’re already excited for my Sci-Fi Action-Puzzle FPS to release, and I can’t help but share your enthusiasm. It’s a crazy feeling to have a passion project so close to being finalised, and I can’t wait to watch you all play it!

So, mark your calendars, IHAS will launch on November 21st!

THE JOURNEY SO FAR
From the very start, IHAS has been a passion project, meticulously crafted to offer a truly immersive experience. You have already gotten a taste of what’s in store through a demo, which introduced you to the vast, enigmatic spaceship, engaging puzzles, and modifiable weapons. My excitement surrounding the game’s full launch has been growing ever since.

Make sure to leave a review!
If you’re planning to pick IHAS up on the 21st of November, please consider leaving a Steam review! Not only is it a great way for me to receive instant feedback – it’s also the easiest way to help small developers get their games in front of as many eyes as possible.

KEY FEATURES AT LAUNCH:

• Immerse yourself captivating sci-fi adventure
  
• Enjoy hours of tense FPS action, puzzles, and boss fights
  
• Explore the stunning environments of the spaceship IHAS
  
• Navigate a seamless menu that won’t break your immersion
  
• Upgrade your weapon and mechanical body to adapt to the challenges ahead
  
• (BETA) Connect with the community through the level editor, build, share and play brand new levels every day!

If you want a taste of IHAS before it launches next month, you can download the demo on the Store page right now!

See on the 21st!

- Vladyslav

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• YouTube

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

This week, I’m mixing things up a bit for a slightly different blog post!

First off, I want to say how glad I am that so many of you have been enjoying my insights into the game development process. As a self-taught dev, insights provided by other developers were a crucial way to learn how to make games, and I’m glad that I get to share my experiences with all of you! Your support means a lot.

Now, for some exciting news:

[h5]You’ll finally get another chance to actually play IHAS! [/h5]

During next week’s Steam Next Fest a brand-new, updated IHAS demo will be available for a full week, from October 14th to October 21st.

You’ll be able to play through the first few stages, and I’m really looking forward to hearing what you think – regardless of whether you’ve played the game before or not. Feedback is super important for improving the game, so if you check it out, feel free to drop your thoughts in the Steam Discussions or on the Iceberg Interactive Discord. Your input helps shape the future of IHAS!

We’ve also teamed up with our friend of the studio, EddieBizzle[www.twitch.tv], who will be streaming the game live on our store page! We’ll be hanging out in the live chat, ready to answer any questions you have.

I can’t wait to see you play.

Vladyslav

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• YouTube

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

This week, I wanted to share my journey of incorporating puzzles into IHAS, an aspect of the game that enhances gameplay by breaking up the action. While IHAS is primarily a first-person shooter, I recognized early on that a stream of constant shooter sequences could lead to player fatigue. By introducing puzzles, I aimed to create a more balanced and engaging experience.
The Puzzle Development Process

Creating the first puzzle was quite the challenge. Inspired by Remedy Entertainment’s Control I initially focused on mechanics like telekinesis for object manipulation. In my early attempts I quickly ran into issues such as objects clipping through walls and erratic movement. However, after several iterations and helpful tutorials, I finally achieved a functional grab mechanic.

One of the earlier puzzles designed for IHAS.

With that foundation laid, I moved on to designing puzzles. The first was a simple keypad puzzle, requiring players to input a 4-digit code to open a door. Following that, I created a "Key-Part" puzzle where players must find an item — be it a key, switch, or button — to unlock a door.

I also introduced jump pads into the game. I was playing Portal 2 at the time and thought they added to the environment, encouraging exploration and creativity in navigation, and are quite fun to use.

Crafting Engaging Experiences

The challenge with puzzles lies in ensuring they enhance gameplay without disrupting flow. I focused on making them intuitive, integrating them into the game world seamlessly. This required careful consideration of level design and how players would naturally interact with their surroundings - which proved to be a challenge in and of itself.

Creating puzzles for IHAS has proven to be a rewarding endeavor. They add depth and variety, enriching the player experience and complementing the game's action elements. I look forward to sharing more insights in future devlogs as I continue to refine and expand upon these mechanics.

Stay tuned for more updates!

Vladyslav

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• YouTube

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

This week, I wanted to dive into a game design element that is often overlooked, but that is a crucial part of any gamers’ experience when starting a new game: tutorials. While some of you might just skip them, tutorials are an essential first step that introduces players to your game’s mechanics, controls, and overall feel.

In this devlog, I want to share my experience making a tutorial for IHAS and delve into why they’re such an important part of any game.

Why Tutorials Matter

A tutorial is more than just the instructional section of the game — it sets the tone and teaches players how to interact with your world. Whether it’s a complex FPS with multiple mechanics or a simple puzzle game, a good tutorial lets the player figure out what they need to do without overwhelming them. It can be the difference between someone sticking around or rage-quitting after being confused by the controls.

In IHAS, I wanted to make sure the introduction was smooth, clear, and engaging. Instead of overwhelming players with a wall of text or dumping all mechanics at once, the tutorial guides them in a natural way as they play the first level. A solid tutorial should feel like part of the gameplay, not a separate experience, which is why I spent a lot of time crafting it carefully.

The Process of Creating the Tutorial in IHAS

I quickly realized making a tutorial wasn’t going to be as simple as adding a couple of pop-ups or voice lines. I wanted the tutorial to not only be an introduction to the gameplay, but also to the story. So, I started writing the script, which laid the foundation for the tutorial. From there, I worked on integrating markers and cues that would help players understand the game’s objectives and controls step by step.

I also added voice-over and with subtitles — pretty standard for most tutorials, but not as easy to implement as I initially thought! I had to spend several hours learning how to properly manage the voice and subtitle systems. It turned out to be a much more complicated process than expected, but I finally managed to create a voice and subtitle manager for the game.

Voice and Subtitles VS Pop-Ups

The combination of voice-over and subtitles adds a layer of accessibility to the game. Some players prefer reading, while others are more engaged through audio. In IHAS I opted to not use pop-up screens to avoid breaking immersion. This was essential since I presented part of the lore in the tutorial as well. To assure that everyone can easily follow along and learn the game’s mechanics without any frustration, I felt this was essential.

New Level and Mechanics Integration

I then specifically created a level that would serve as a setting for the tutorial. Combining the tutorial with a set environment required careful consideration of how the player would move through the space, what they would interact with first, and in what order they would be introduced to the game’s mechanics.

During this time, I was also working on enemy types and their abilities. Introducing enemies with unique behaviours meant that the tutorial would need to introduce these mechanics before players face off against this challenging enemy.

Creating an effective tutorial is a delicate balance between guiding players and allowing them the freedom to explore. A well-crafted tutorial not only introduces mechanics and controls but also sets the tone for the entire game experience.

By integrating gameplay, voice-overs, and subtle cues, developers can ensure players feel both informed and engaged, helping them transition smoothly into the world and conquer its challenges without feeling overwhelmed.

Hope you enjoyed this deep dive into my tutorial design process. Stay tuned for more insights in the next devlog!

Vladyslav

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• YouTube

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

Along with levels and weapons, enemies are one of the toughest but also most crucial design elements when it comes to making a first-person shooter game.

Prior to working on IHAS, I didn’t have a lot of game design experience, so I taught myself the ins and outs of creating enemy AI using books, video tutorials, and lots of experimentation. In this dev log, I’ll give you a rundown of how I taught myself to create the smart enemies in IHAS!

Smart Enemies

In an FPS game, enemies create an engaging experience, and their behaviour can make or break immersion. A "Smart Enemy" doesn't necessarily mean having to be highly advanced & intelligent. Instead, they need to feel natural and integrated into the game world you're building.

This involves more than just AI; it's about making sure enemies react and move in ways that are believable. Technical issues like T-posing or unnatural movement patterns can pull players out of the experience. Ultimately, smart enemies don’t need to be complex — they just need to seem smart, reacting in ways that feel intuitive and aligned with the player's actions.

Creating the AI in Unreal

I booted up the Unreal Engine and began by giving enemies basic movement, allowing them to navigate the levels I had created. After that, I added perception so they could sense their surroundings and react accordingly. To tie it all together, I used behaviour trees. Behaviour trees are sort of like decision-making flowcharts, which helped me organise the AI's actions and behaviours.

For example, if an enemy spotted the player, it would immediately attack. I added sequences and made them capable of handling multiple tasks at once, like moving and attacking simultaneously. It was a simple but effective way to bring my enemies to life.

Creating 9 Enemy Types

With the AI set up, I moved on to creating models for each enemy, and I quickly bumped into a major problem. I had 3D modelled five enemy types and four unique bosses and began to create their respective AI. With 9 different behaviour trees in place, adapting even minor tweaks across all enemies became tedious, often leading to buggy behaviour.

To solve this, I rebuilt the entire AI system, giving each enemy its own unique attack patterns. Some enemies ended up behaving quite differently from others. For the bosses, I combined various elements from the smaller enemies' behaviours, which made them feel more complex without starting from scratch.

I definitely encountered a steep learning curve when it came to creating the enemy AI for IHAS. But I felt motivated by the constant trial and error and figuring it all out in the end felt incredibly satisfying, partly because it finally tied the visuals together with the gameplay!

Stay tuned for more insights in the next devlog!
Vladyslav

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• YouTube

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

Making a game is a journey, and level design can be one of the most exciting — and challenging — parts of that adventure. When you dive into the process of building a world, you’re not just piecing together random environments. Every level is a stage where the story unfolds, where gameplay comes to life, and where players immerse themselves.

Level design is a mix of creative energy and technical finesse. Let me take you behind the scenes to show how I build the levels for IHAS!

Translating Story Into Gameplay

Level design is where narrative meets interactivity. You’re telling a story, but instead of just relying on words, you’re using space, props, lighting, and atmosphere to guide the player. In IHAS, each acts as a chapter in the story, and each stage needs to have its own distinct look and feel.

Before I even start designing, I draft out what I want to convey. What’s the mood? What room layout do I need? How does this environment fit into the larger world of the game? These are crucial questions because every level has to complement both the narrative and the mechanics of gameplay.

Since IHAS is a sci-fi game, I also need to match the level’s aesthetics to the futuristic setting. Neon-lit corridors, glowing control panels, and sterile, high-tech storage rooms are just a few of the features that pull players into that immersive world.

From Concept to Creation

Once I’ve got the vision for a level, I sketch out the bones of a building before diving into the finer details. I usually start with a rough layout – where walls, rooms, and hallways go. Prototyping helps here too, giving me a hands-on sense of how the space feels in the game engine.

As soon as you start building the level in-engine, you’ll quickly notice little things that need adjusting – maybe a hallway is too cramped, or a room doesn’t flow well with the rest of the space. It’s a fluid process, and that’s okay! In fact, watching a concept evolve into something even better is one of the most satisfying parts.

Making the World Feel Alive

After the basic structure of the level is in place, it’s time to fill it with life. For a sci-fi world, this means cool tech gadgets, sleek architecture, and neon accents pretty much everywhere. Lighting plays a huge role here. I’m talking about that cold, metallic glow in a spaceship’s engine room or the atmospheric purple hue in a high-tech lab. Reflective floors are a great way to make everything look just a little more futuristic.

I procedurally generate textures in Blender to quickly give rooms that lived-in feel. But for more intricate models and standout objects, I turn to custom textures, using tools like Quixel Mixer to create surfaces that pop. Whether it’s the polished metal of a spaceship hull or the gritty, worn-out texture of storage crates, these details help immerse the player.

Final Touches

Once the level is assembled, the fine-tuning begins. Using the post-processing and lighting settings in the engine, I adjust everything to ensure the ambiance matches the tone I’m going for. Do I want a sharp, sterile light or something softer and more mysterious? How do shadows interact with the environment? Even small tweaks can drastically change the feel of a space.

At the end of it all, the level finally comes together, blending the technical aspects of game development with the artistry of world-building. It’s an iterative process, and while it can take time, there’s nothing quite like seeing it all click into place.

Want to See More?

Curious about how it all looks in action? Check out my devlog video where I walk through this process in more detail: Watch the level design flow here!

Thanks for following along on this behind-the-scenes look at my level design process.

Stay tuned for more updates in the next devlog!
Vladyslav

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• YouTube

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

As the development of IHAS is steadily progressing, I’ve decided to start frequently updating you on my process through a series of dev logs.

In each edition, I will share some information about the game’s lore, characters & certain design decisions, or give you other insights into the game that I’ve been crafting over the past 2 years.

If there is a specific topic you would like to hear more about, just let me know in the comments below!

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

For the first dev log, I figured it would make sense to introduce you to the story of IHAS:

IHAS takes place in 2099. You play as Alex, a cyborg who wakes up inside a mysterious, unknown environment . Disoriented and suffering from amnesia, your only lead is a voice emanating from your built-in communication device. “Alex! Wake up!”, the voice booms over a speaker. You recognize the voice instantly - it belongs to your best friend, Robert.

You quickly learn that you are no longer on Earth, but trapped within the confines of a massive alien spacecraft. A firearm lies on a table in front of you. Robert encourages you to pick it up, explaining that while it won’t bring back your lost memories, it might offer a sense of control over your situation. As you grab the weapon, Robert warns you that it is just a tool, a temporary solution for the immediate dangers ahead, but that ultimately you will need to trust yourself to survive.

As you ascend through the training area, Robert reveals more about your dire circumstances. The spacecraft is overrun with hostile robots, mistaken for aliens. Their goal is to harvest Earth's resources, and their invasion has already devastated much of the planet. Robert hints at a larger, hidden agenda but insists that you must focus on survival for now...

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

I hope you enjoyed this first glimpse into IHAS’ story! Development is going steady and I can’t wait to show you more.

Stay tuned for more updates and devlogs, and thank you for your support,
Vladsylav

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Difference Studio

• Twitter[x.com]
  
• Discord[discord.com]
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]

Iceberg Interactive

• Twitter
  
• TikTok[www.tiktok.com]
  
• Facebook[www.facebook.com]
  
• YouTube
  
• Steam Publisher Page

Hey everyone!

I’m happy to announce that IHAS will be published by Iceberg Interactive! They have previously worked on games like Strange Horticulture, Killing Floor 2, and Circle Empires, and I’m happy to be part of that line-up.

IHAS is a narrative-driven Science Fiction FPS that focuses on exploration & puzzles. You awaken in a shadowy, unfamiliar world with no recollection of your past. You are guided by a familiar yet enigmatic voice claiming to be an ally. As you delve deeper into this unknown realm, a nagging sense of hidden truths and deception linger. Your mission becomes clear: venture through diverse portals, overcome daunting challenges, and uncover the path to freedom. However, one question remains: can you trust your senses, or is reality far more sinister?

Key Features of IHAS:

• Weapon Technology: Travel through new sections of an extraterrestrial vessel, solve puzzles, and destroy enemies using your enhanced weapon.
  
• Weapons Modifications: Find special modifications to upgrade your weapon and enhance combat efficiency.
  
• Interactive Simulation Control: Navigate menus and control the simulation through your wrist interface.
  
• Embrace your destiny: Your actions will determine your fate and how the story unfolds.
  
• Skill Upgrades: Unlock new abilities and enhancements by discovering chips to upgrade your mechanical body.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for your support!

https://gtm.you1.cn/storesteam/app/2187730/IHAS/