The first-person survival title,Serum,is the debut release from studio Game Island. The game recently launched its early access version on Steam back in May, and developers have been providing continuing updates and additions to it since.Serumtakes the framework of a survival crafting experience and molds it around the mechanics of the titular enigmatic substance, literally injecting it into the protagonist as part of its gameplay, world, and story.
Studio CEO and game director Michal Ojrzynski recently spoke with Game Rant about the various factors involved in bringingSerum’s survival designsto life. He also described the process of creating a healthy community around it, so that he and fellow developers could respond with timely updates and fixes, in addition to their work on further polishing and streamlining it overall. Ojrzynski further detailed some of these most recent inclusions, as well as upcoming ones and what lies ahead forSerum.
Serum Game Director Describes its Early Access So Far and Future Plans
Game Island’s early access period has a few boons. First, it’s been very easy for the team to communicate with players and gather fan feedback. It not only allows them to engage their target audience with the game early, but build a thriving community on Discord and Steam. This is a common benefit of Early Access, but one that Game Island is taking full advantage of withSerum.
Because of this fan feedback, Game Island has launched a handful of patches forSerum, added new features and solutions, and has looked into other fan requests. For example, Ojrzynski specifically discussed the balance between providing for hardcore players but also not making the game too hard for others: “We’ve heard from some gamers who thinksurvival games likeSerumcan be a little bit too hard, and others who like more hardcore experiences. We’re trying to constantly improve it and make it into a game for all our players.”
Serum’s “Step-By-Step” Approach to Future Content
Ojrzynski and Game Island’s current (and never-ending) focus is on polishingSerum’s early access version, while the next stage is co-op. That’s a common feature in survival games, so it makes sense for it to be the next main priority. After that, the team will plan out what’s next, mentioning a few ideas for future content, but ultimately made it clear that it’s a step-by-step approach, depending on fan feedback and the needs of the game.
There will be time for later planning, but it’s step-by-step for now. For the next stage, we’re working on co-op. We’ll also have more content drops to add some mechanics related to new combat traps, for example, so that the fighting system will be much more interesting for players. We’re adding achievements as well, and we do have DLC and porting in mind for later. But the biggest next step is the co-op version.
Serumis off to a good start and Game Island’s passion for it and the genre will no doubt carry it far. It looks like it could become one of the mostintriguing survival gamesout there, but of course, only time will tell.
Serum
WHERE TO PLAY
Your life is at stake! The toxic fog obscures the dangers in an apocalyptic world where every second counts. A relentless timer on your arm decides between life and death. Prove your courage, explore the mysterious environment for resources and brew serums for unique abilities. Every dose of serum can make the difference in the fight for survival against mutated enemies. Find shelter in the chaos, search for technology and modify weapons for greater effectiveness. The race against time begins now.Unravel the mystery of Serum and find your way out while exploring different biomes and their unique characteristics. Find clues about past events and use the new-found wisdom to survive while experiencing beautiful graphics delivered with the power of Unreal Engine 5.Figure out how to create new tools, traps, and weapons. Gather Serum from animals and plants and expand your safe zone to create a sustainable source of the substance. Prepare wisely for your next excursion to ensure it won’t be your last one.Take advantage of a unique brewing mechanism that allows you to create various mixtures of Serum. Experiment with dozens of combinations and use them to enhance your abilities. Ensure you’re carrying enough to get you out of a tough spot.
