First of all sorry for my absence on the forums and Discord but as you know I've been making a different game called Maniac for the last 2 years. This is my job and how I make money. But now, that the game is out I had to consider if and how to return to Soldat 2 development.

I wholeheartedly want to thank for your support, gratitude and participation in S2's community. The game was made and shaped because of you. I'm very proud of it and my deepest wish is that millions of players would enjoy S2 because I believe it is one of the most satisfying experiences you can get when you are in total flow immersed in Soldat's movement and shooting mechanics. Unfortunately, the reality is modern audiences will probably never grasp it. This is because of two things:

Marketing and Demand.

I've learnt a lot during the last two years about how the game market works and thanks to that I've successfully launched Maniac. So now I know a lot about how to release a popular game.

So in terms of marketing... I can say honestly that I can't do much for S2. The thing that I have to rely on is Steam's algorithm and how it promotes the game on the Steam store. No other method of marketing will ever provide and influx of players. And this is how Steam works:

* Steam buries games that don't earn a lot of money - meaning it won't recommend it and it won't show it on the front page (S2 earns very little)

* I've seen reliable stats that show games that didn't sell well in the FIRST month NEVER become popular (I think it happened with Among Us - but it's literally the only example I can think of) (S2 is 4 years old now)

* Steam only promotes games that are hot, trending and make lots of money (this never happened for S2)

We might argue that a 1.0 release would bring some traffic. Unfortunately, what that does in terms of visibility is a few hours on the Newly Released list on the Steam store page and an e-mail to those that wishlisted the game (which happens already on discounts). You could say that a 1.0 release would attract the S1 skeptics and the people that wishlisted the game. This is however maybe a few hundred or thousand people. This is NOT enough for Steam to start promoting the game.

Even if S2 was released for free, this won't change the reality of Steam. It might even hurt the game because a free game is not promoted at all if it doesn't earn money. You could say F2P or some S2 spin-off like Climb mode. Or maybe even make Soldat 3 and try that? But there's a second problem... Demand.

Looking at games in 2024 I just don't believe there is a player base for this kind of game we enjoy. I think at most it can have Soldat 1 numbers - which just isn't enough for the game to be sustainable and for Steam to consider it seriously (to promote it). Simply put, Soldat is a 2000's year game. We need kids to play it for there to be thousands of players. And they won't play Soldat because of numerous game mechanic/design issues (mainly it is too hard and requires skills:D). Also they are focused on other things like Palworld or whatever is at the forefront now. You can see this with dozens of multiplayer games released each month. Nearly all of them fail. Even million dollar budget AAA titles fail and have empty servers. Microsoft releases a game and it falls into the abyss. How can I compete with my small game? It's not 2002 anymore.

So after considering all things, unfortunately, I decided to not focus on Soldat 2 in the future. Maniac didn't earn a lot of money for me so I need to continue working. I have a family I need to provide for and this is my job. I hope this is understandable. I'm currently focusing on a new game.

With Soldat 2 things will remain as they are. I won't be developing it full time but if darDar or anyone else provides me with a list of updates (weapon mods, new maps, new scripts) I will gladly release this as a small update from time to time. I will keep supporting S2 like this for as long as there are people playing it. Other than that:

* Soldat 2 is open for development. If anyone wants to take over the code please send me a DM. I will consider anyone that has the skills.
* I edited the store page to mention that this game probably won't have a 1.0 release and doesn't have full servers (this is to mitigate some bad reviews)
* I dropped the price a bit (I think it is still fair because it has bots and friend invites and ranked mode)

So, the responsible thing for me to do is focus on a new game. All I can say about it is that I will announce it soon and I think you will like it. It has some major elements which made Soldat great.
Thank you again for everyone that believed in the game, in me and in the community. I think we made something really good, despite the reality of a world focused on Fortnite and Palworld :)

Have fun,
MM

Most notables changes:

RPG:
removed guided rocket (due to desync / invisible rocket)
is now similar to the M72 from Soldat 1
now has CursorBink (need to hold the cursor still for a short duration to gain accuracy)
Makarov:
is now an automatic pistol (to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome from smashing the fire button 🙂 and to make it more competitive)

RocketLauncher:
+1 extra rocket
doesn't start loaded (attackers had no chance against a spawning RL)

Steyr AUG:
Ammo: 25 -> 30

M79:
now has a small fire delay

* some small FOV/maxvelocity tweaks to tackle close combat weapon domination:
slightly more FOV, slightly less max. velocity

* remade most bullet forces

* Map changes
ctf_crossfire - hotfix (removed invisible colliding protoshape)
replaced ctf_spark with ctf_spark2 (darDar)
replaced ctf_ash with ctf_ash_r (haste)

Big thanks to darDar for compiling these changes and motivating me to make this update despite my busy schedule!

Have fun,
MM

fixed bug making player invisible when killed
fixed nades sticking to the ceiling

Thanks to vndl

0.8.69a
weapon mod changes: https://www.diffchecker.com/bzuIEyZm

increased respawn time by 0.5s
deathdrops time out earlier (15s -> 10s)
grenades have lower explosion force
MP5 reduced ammo back to 25
M79 increased reload (3.0s -> 3.2s) reduced damage
Minigun less weight; faster startup; more penetration (40% -> 80%); longer reload (4.8s -> 5.0s)
RPG increased reload time (6.0s -> 7.5s)

Game fixes by vndl
Thanks to darDar for compiling the changes and everyone that contributed to the changes!

changes 0.8.67a
fixed common position desync issue
fixed victims last shot being invisible
wm changes:
rocketLauncher has lower kickback ("self-push")
rocketLauncher has lower bullet force (impact when hitting other players)
increased minimum dropkick ("headbutt") velocity in attempt to fix low-velocity player collision/bumping
Steyr & Kalashnikov have a bit more bullet force
map changes:
ctf_atlantis - reworked background theme, slight layout adjustments
ctf_busta - fixed a texture glitch
ctf_campsite - changed protoshape’s type under the flag (from platform to item collide), slight layout adjustments
ctf_crossfire - new low route, adjusted background, slight layout adjustments
ctf_dogbite - removed lower gostek spawn point
ctf_guardian - added items collide protoshape behind the flag in attempt to fix the flag getting stuck in the wall
ctf_steel - fixed a visual glitch, improved medkit/grenadekit placement
ctf_x - removed big boxes from the bridge
ctf_wretch - changed shape on the spawn slightly for better movement flow, medkit/grenadekit placement changes
ctf_rotten - added a deadly pit below the bridge (similar to S1)

[24.02.2023] 0.8.65a hotfix
fixed multiple recent UI issues

0.8.64a hotfix
fixed no map and other issues on second map online
updated map cycles with new maps
lobby shows only dm maps for dm
fixed null error on ctf_jungle

7 maps improved. 15 maps added. Some of the new ones:

ctf_brutalist by challz

ctf_busta by challz

ctf_basalt by proto

ctf_jungle by challz

dm_stratum by Jok

dm_zero by proto

dm_gear by proto

dm_solstice by challz


Some of the most annoying bugs in ranked play have been fixed: like spectator being stuck on dead player and side menu interfering with cursor (you can disable it entirely in settings now).

Also due to the constant great work by Norbo and jrgp the ranked matches and servers are much more stable now.

Changes from last version can be compared here: https://www.diffchecker.com/6mF7J5Ic/
Feedback is welcome!

Fixes based on feedback + added file read/writing support.
Check Scripts/Standard/Example01.cs and Scripts/Standard/Example02.cs

[expand type=details]
[22.02.2023] 0.8.63a
added dm_rift (Jok), dm_zero (proto), dm_solstice (challz), dm_lab (proto), dm_stratum (Jok), dm_gear (proto)
added ctf_busta (challz), ctf_brutalist (challz), ctf_jungle (challz), ctf_basalt (proto)
added ctf_anthill (proto), ctf_newbia (proto), ctf_spark (Vauat & Turko), ctf_huracan (darDar), ctf_hive (Jok)
updated ctf_limbo by proto (better colors https://discord.com/channels/498800300199772162/844258244372856872/1069012038938013797)
updated ctf_tyrus by darDar (layout changes https://discord.com/channels/498800300199772162/844258244372856872/1068543125670342806)
updated ctf_lanubya (layout changes)
updated ctf_x (removed big boxes from the bridge)
updated ctf_ash (removed big boxes near the flag)
updated ctf_dopamine by MM (better movement flow in mid route, improved spawn location, fixed flag spawn, some more details
updated by darDar (small layout changes)
fixed spectator blocked on dead player
fixed Domination not working
fixed Input, TryGetComponent and other minor scripting issues
added script Example02.cs showing how to read/write files
fixed join url region case sensitive

[10.02.2023] 0.8.62t
side menu hides and is not responsive faster after key released
fixed player match history error
added compiling scripts... popup
script docs updated (https://soldat2.com/docs)

[06.02.2023] 0.8.61t
Barrett ready sound improved (like in S1)
added Barrett fire ready sound after reload clip
fixed bink still there after picking up or changing weapon
removed player left chat message when spectator leaves
fixed match start affected by spectators count
fixed radio commands interfering with mouse control
added GameSettings.ShowRadioCommands to disable the display of radio commands
fixed client changes to _default.json affecting multiplayer games
weapon modifier changes (https://www.diffchecker.com/6mF7J5Ic/)
[/expand]

More stuff coming, stay tuned on Discord!
Have fun!
MM

Survival mode known from S1 and from games like Counter-Strike is finally here in S2!
It's a modifier so you can try it with all the gamemodes (especially Domination!).
Just select it from the modifiers in the Lobby menu and off you go!

Together with Norbo we are bringing a massive new change to ranked game modes. We can now have a totally unique custom game mode for ranked with a dedicated leaderboard.

A "playlist" is a ranked setting, e.g. CTF 3v3 is one playlist, DM Knife Only size 5 is another playlist. Players have separate ranks on each playlist, It's not shared between CTF 2v2 and CTF 3v3 for example.

Also, numerous bug fixes and improvments have been done to make ranked games more stable (thanks to Norbo and jrgp).


ctf_dusk by darDar

ctf_atlantis by darDar

ctf_voland by MM/Proto

dm_soldat - new default lobby map by Proto

And last but not least some improvements for better movement in:
ctf_snakebite
ctf_ash
ctf_limbo


RocketLauncher damage should be more consistent.
Most weapons use leg/torso/head modifiers.
Fixed Barret triple penetration
Lowered most weapon flag push forces
Most weapons have penetration
Detailed weapon mod changes (https://www.diffchecker.com/Twp3SjZv)


Scripting allows for modifying every aspect of the game logic. As well as making new game modes and new modifiers. It's still very new, so it's briefly documented and there's little examples. But if you are dedicated enough and know a bit of C# and Unity you'll find it good to go!

Quick start from faq.txt:


0.8.46a - 0.8.60a
(changes are displayed in inverse chronological order as they were released for testing)

[expand type=details]
[05.01.2023] 0.8.60a hotfix
ranked: fixed end game screen
ranked: fixed match history for DM
ranked: fixed stats not updating when changing playlist
fixed scoreboard ranks
fixed scoreboard player profile click

[03.01.2023] 0.8.60a
Deathmatch, TeamDeathmatch timelimit 5min->4min
Deathmatch minimum scorelimit 25->20 (but increases with more players)
fixed scorelimit scale to keep minimum
added ctf_dusk, ctf_atlantic, ctf_voland to CTF map pool
replaced ctf_ash-bettermovement, ctf_snakebite2 as default
added year/month/day timestamp to console logs
fixed survival script issue in deathmatch

[12.10.2022] 0.8.53t
fixed TDM issues when score limit set to 0
ranked: added global playlist selector in Career
ranked: fixed match history
ranked: added playlist name to Home rank
ranked: fixed ranks in scoreboard

[06.10.2022] 0.8.52t
added test maps (ctf_ash-bettermovement, ctf_dusk, ctf_atlantis, ctf_voland, ctf_snakebite2)
added dm_soldat by proto as default lobby map
fixed jets trail teleport issue
fixed /listmaps inconsistent response
fixed adding duplicate modifiers with /addmodifier

[21.09.2022] 0.8.51t
added link to players stats.soldat2.com profile when clicked in scoreboard
added map cycle for domination
ranked: added tdm survival
ranked: added 2,4 player knife-only
ranked: added 2,3,5 player deathmatch
removed scoreboard ranks
main menu rank is last leaderboard playlist rank
server: fixed rcon addmodifier

[20.09.2022] 0.8.50t
ranked: fixed current games
ranked: fixed discord integration
ranked: fixed end game results
fixed flag glow not appearing if flag dropped in base

[14.09.2022] 0.8.49t
ranked: matches are now based on specific playlists
ranked: removed popup before ranked
ranked: darker filter dropdown colors
fixed carried flag desync issue
fixed players team not changing during loading/connecting
weapon mod changes (https://www.diffchecker.com/Twp3SjZv)
most weapons use leg/torso/head modifiers
fixed Barret triple penetration
lowered most weapon flag push forces
most weapons have penetration
fixed json logs spam
fixed RGD5 network object logs spam

[6.09.2022] 0.8.48t
added working Survival for Domination
fixed ending screen in CTF showing 0:0 when tied round
fixed one team cheering when round tied
deadly polygon outline color changed to black

[31.08.2022] 0.8.47t
added Survival modifier
fixed announcer saying won/lost when spectating
fixed bot trying to shoot with overheated minigun
fixed RocketLauncher rocket damage tied to velocity
new ExperimentalWeapons modifier for testing
fixed spectator next/prev to dead
[/expand]

We have a Soldat 2 wiki!

https://wiki.soldat2.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

Check out the Important Links section for some cool pages like Active Players Dashboard
Thanks to jrgp we have a mapping showcase webcase like in S1.

https://tms2.jrgp.org/


Stay tuned for Tournaments organized on Discord[discord.gg]!

Price drop! It's $8,99 now, so much lower than it was but still higher than what you got during the Winter Sale. I hope this brings in more players.

Next update will be a bit later (few weeks, maybe months) unless there's a need for a hotfix or some weapon mod changes. As explained on Discord, I'm in big financial worries cause S2 isn't bringing that much money so I decided to quickly make another small single player game, telease it and return back to S2. My long term plans for S2 are still to make it F2P.
https://steamoss.com/steamstore/app/1482380/Maniac/

Can't wait, see you then.

And have fun!
MM