Developer diaries #8 - New map, fresh start

Even at the end of July / beginning of August we weren’t idle. After talking about the future of our modification in the last developer diary, this time we’ll show you what we’re currently working on — and of course, what you can look forward to in the future.

But first, a little brake: we had actually planned the next update for next weekend. Unfortunately, we won’t make it. Especially after the 2025.1.2 update, we focused heavily on bug fixing. That’s important: the best modification with the greatest features is useless if it crashes every few minutes. That’s why we dedicated ourselves to fixing these issues up until this week and will only begin working on the last planned features for the next version starting next week. All in all, this means we’ll have to delay the planned update by 2–3 weeks, so you can expect it around mid-September.

New Map

As already teased on Instagram, we began building the new map on August 1st. As some of you correctly guessed, we are modeling it after the Freisenberg district. For the first time, we are moving away from a purely urban setting and combining city, countryside, a fairly large industrial area and — as is fitting for Lüdenscheid — lots of hills and a forest or two.

Alongside the current minimap, we’re showing you the first impressions of the map today. The first streets with characteristic residential houses are completed. You can already see the typical hillside location of Lüdenscheid with different elevation levels, connected by stairs and retaining walls. The surrounding environment is also taking shape. River courses, embankments, and smaller details such as benches have been placed to make the later atmosphere of the map more authentic. The first commercial and shopping areas are in place. In addition to a supermarket with a large parking lot, the first gas station has also been added to the map.

The highway bridge, based on the Rahmede Valley Bridge on the A45, is clearly recognizable. Just like the real-life replacement construction of the Talbrücke, the bridge on our map is making important progress: the bridge closure has succeeded, and the deck slab of the new superstructure has been completed — a major milestone in the construction project.

New Breathing Apparatus Logic

We have fundamentally reworked the breathing apparatus logic. Previously, a chain was formed via command levels: the air supply station provided “air” to the A-chief, then to the B-chief, then to the C-chief, and finally to the firefighting vehicles. The new logic works independently of the command hierarchy. Every vehicle with a breathing apparatus component now has its own radius and supplies the next vehicle within range.

On the right we’ve prepared a small example: the GW-ATS supplies up to and including the ladder truck (DLK). The DLK in turn has a small radius and now passes air to the adjacent HLF. You can also see this in the upper section of the image: the TLF is still supplied by the GW-ATS, which then supplies the adjacent HLF.

Performance has also been massively improved. Previously, all vehicles constantly checked against ALL other vehicles on the map. With the new logic, we only check vehicles within range once and pass on information only if something actually changes.

Overhaul of EMS In-House Events

Until now, building events only involved patients with fractures. In some cases, an emergency doctor was also needed to complete the mission. We have fundamentally reworked this feature as well. In addition to fractures, other injury patterns are now possible. The biggest new feature, however, is the stretcher assistance. In some cases, the fire department with a ladder truck will now also be required alongside the emergency doctor. They can ladder up to the building and help the EMS bring patients out with a stretcher.

We’re Still Looking for Support!

We are still looking for a 3D artist (m/f/d/b(lender)). Since development of the new map is progressing steadily, we also need more and more buildings. We’re looking for someone who has already gained some initial experience with Blender, wants to expand their skills, and would like to support the project. Meaningful applications (“Hello, I’m XXX, I know Blender and want to help. Of course unpaid, I have enough money.”) to DarkSilent.