Greetings, Skylanders! We here at Starfury are thrilled to unveil our first official Development Update and brace yourselves because it's a major one. We're about to dive into some of the most exciting and innovative features that Starfury has in store for you, including new gameplay experiences, breathtaking artwork, previews of characters, consumables, weapons, a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of Apex the Owl, and so much more!

Tech Update (Transition to Vanilla)

We're excited to announce our transition from a Modded Minecraft client to Vanilla Minecraft, aiming to enhance accessibility and accommodate a broader player base. By leveraging Vanilla Minecraft's familiarity and eliminating the need for custom mods, we will be able to streamline the player experience while focusing our development efforts on enhancing gameplay within the vanilla framework. This shift reflects our confidence that all our desired features can be achieved within Vanilla Minecraft, promising a smoother and more engaging experience for seasoned players and newcomers.

Art Style & Process

On the Art side, we're taking our visual assets to new heights. We want to elevate the overall aesthetic quality with our unique art style in every aspect of our game. As part of this exciting initiative, we want to take you behind the scenes and show you how we bring one of our iconic 2D art pieces, Apex the Owl, to life in just four simple steps:

1. Conceptualization: Our journey starts with conceptualization, where our brilliant artists let their creativity soar! This phase involves brainstorming ideas and sketching designs to breathe life into Apex. We explore various color palettes, compositions, and themes to ensure the final artwork perfectly aligns with our vision.

2. Drafting & Detailing: Next up, our artists dive into the drafting and detailing stage! This is where the real magic happens. They carefully enhance the initial sketch, adding intricate details to bring Apex to life. Every feather, curve, and expression is meticulously crafted, ensuring each element contributes to the artwork's overall charm and personality.

3. Coloring & Shading: With the outline locked in, it's time to splash some color onto the canvas! Our focus shifts to coloring and shading, where we carefully select the perfect hues and tones to bring our artwork to life. Every brushstroke is thoughtfully applied, carefully considering lighting and shadowing, adding depth and dimension to the Apex’s form and surroundings.

4. Final Touches & Polish: We've reached the final step in our journey, adding those last magical touches! This is where we refine every detail, adjust colours, and fine-tune every element to perfection. With meticulous attention to detail and craftsmanship, we ensure that our artwork is cohesive, balanced, and ready to shine. Our goal? To create a masterpiece that resonates with players and stands the test of time, capturing hearts and imaginations for years.

We're incredibly excited about elevating our art style, and we can't wait to share more of our creations with you shortly.

Weapons

In Starfury, weapons aren't just tools – they're an extension of your class, each boasting its skill tree, unique attacks, and base stats. This diversity offers players a plethora of playstyles and experiences to explore. These enhancements refine gameplay mechanics and elevate our weaponry's visual quality.

Berserker: A class that embodies raw power and sheer strength! Armed with the mighty great axe, this class delivers devastating blows to foes with unrivalled force. With a focus on brute strength, players can unleash ferocious attacks, cleaving through enemies with unmatched prowess.

Musketeer: Epitomizing precision and finesse from afar! With a trusty musket in hand, players excel in the art of long-range combat, taking down targets with pinpoint accuracy. Whether sniping enemies from a distance or strategically picking off foes, the Musketeer class offers mastery over precision and finesse.

Pyromancer: The vanguard of magical prowess, harnessing the elemental power of fire! With the Pyro staff in hand and tapping into the fiery energies of Pyro Novax, players unleash devastating Pyro attacks, engulfing foes in flames and leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.

Sentinel: Where defense reigns supreme! Masters of shielding allies and withstanding the fiercest assaults, Sentinels are armed with a sword and shield and excels in defensive tactics. Perfect for players seeking a tanky, resilient playstyle, Sentinels are the guardians who stand firm against any threat.

Each weapon type isn't just about gameplay mechanics. From intricate designs to polished textures, every detail has been meticulously crafted to enhance immersion and elevate your gaming experience to a whole new level.

Armor

In Starfury, armor isn't just a necessity it's your ultimate defense against the dangers of the Skylands. We're thrilled to announce our plans to introduce various armor types, each offering unique benefits and catering to different play styles and preferences.

Players will have access to diverse protective gear, from rugged metallic armor built to endure the brutality of melee combat to enchanted wooden armor pulsing with mystical energies.

With our upcoming updates, we're expanding the variety of available armor and raising the bar for visual design and craftsmanship. Each piece of armor will be meticulously crafted to showcase its distinct characteristics, from the intricate detailing of metal plating to the ethereal glow of enchanted runes.

Concept art:

Mockup models:

Finished models:

Consumables

Consumables are vital for Skylanders exploring new realms. We’re introducing a carefully curated range of consumables, each crafted to offer crucial support and enrich your journeys.

1. Foods: Indulge in nourishing meals and exotic delicacies that replenish health and grant temporary buffs, ensuring you're ready for any challenge.

2. Potions: Necessary for Skylanders venturing into uncharted territories. From healing elixirs to potent concoctions that enhance abilities, our potions offer support when facing the unknown. Stock up on these essential brews and embark on your journey with confidence.

3. Novax Grenades: Harness the raw power of Novax crystals with our ingeniously crafted grenades! These explosive devices pack a punch like no other, whether you're clearing obstacles or engaging in intense combat. Their tactical advantage can turn the tide of battle in your favour, providing the edge you need to emerge victorious in the most challenging encounters.

4. Grappling Hooks: Considered a staple tool for any seasoned Skylander, grappling hooks are a way to navigate the Skylands' treacherous terrain. From scaling towering cliffs to descending into dark depths, these versatile tools offer unparalleled freedom of movement, empowering you to explore every corner of the realm. With their reliability and adaptability, grappling hooks become your trusty companion, ensuring no challenge is too daunting in your quest for adventure.

Characters

Embark on your journey through the Skylands with our diverse selection of playable species in Starfury. Among the first to grace the universe are the formidable Lykos, the agile Panthara, and the enigmatic Blood Elves.

Amidst the icy peaks of the Lykómi Mountains dwell the formidable Lykos, a wolf-like race forged in the crucible of their unforgiving environment. Hardened by the relentless cold and rugged terrain, they embody strength, endurance, and unwavering loyalty to their pack above all else.

From the sun-kissed expanse of Arcisol, where the Skylands bathe in golden light, emerges the noble Panthera, guardians of tradition and champions of virtue. Within their society, they uphold six sacred virtues that serve as pillars guiding their enlightened existence: nourishment, tranquillity, harmony, courtship, honour, and elegance. With grace and strength, the Panthera stand as beacons of wisdom and righteousness, ready to defend their beliefs and protect the balance of the Skylands.

In the depths of ancient forests shrouded in mystery, a sinister breed of elves known as the Blood Elves exists. Unlike their kin, who draw power from the nurturing embrace of the Tree of Life, these elves are born under the ominous canopy of the Tree of Shadows. From birth, they are chosen and initiated into a dark ritual that binds their essence to the eerie energies emanating from this malevolent tree. Infused with shadows and secrecy, the Blood Elves walk a path veiled in darkness, wielding formidable powers that strike fear into the hearts of those who dare to oppose them.

As we embark on our journey of Arya, we're dedicated to continually enriching the world with new and captivating playable species. We're eager to hear from our community about their most anticipated additions to the diverse world of Arya. Whether it's classic favorites from fantasy lore or entirely original creations, your input will shape the future of our universe.

Map Update

Ankor, the central trading hub in Starfury, nestled amidst clouds with a breathtaking mountain cityscape. Encompassing an impressive 500x500 blocks, Ankor is a bustling metropolis with vibrant markets, towering structures, and winding alleys, drawing merchants and adventurers from all corners of the realm.

As we gear up to unveil Ankor, immerse yourself in its dynamic streets, uncover its rich history, and unearth its hidden secrets. Look for sneak peeks of Ankor's diverse allure and stunning views, where every corner promises a new adventure. Prepare to embark on an unforgettable journey through the bustling streets of Ankor!

PVE

In Arya, we've started crafting formidable foes for adventurers, preparing a range of challenging adversaries for you to face, including:

The Geo Golem is a formidable guardian crafted from Geo Novax crystals and stone! This powerful entity poses a daunting challenge to adventurers, with its formidable attacks testing skill and resilience.

Facing off against the Geo Golem is not for the faint of heart, but those who dare to confront this mighty foe will be richly rewarded with valuable treasures from its remains.

The Treant a towering entity forged from intertwining roots and infused with the raw essence of Spirit Novax! This majestic being harnesses nature's primal power, defending its domain with unparalleled ferocity.

Woe to those who dare disrupt the natural order, for the Root Guardian can dish out swift justice with its enhanced strength and unwavering determination. It stands as a sentinel of the earth, protecting the balance of the realm and punishing any who would seek to upset it. Only the most courageous and skilled adventurers dare to face the Colossal Root Guardian. Still, those who do may find themselves tested in ways they never imagined and rewarded with rare treasures should they emerge victorious.

We've crafted a meticulous process to create high-quality enemies in Arya, ensuring each adversary meets our exceptional standards.

Concept Art

The process begins with detailed concept art, defining each enemy's appearance, form, and essence, setting the stage for their vivid personalities and visual distinctiveness.

Modeling and Rigging

The transition from concept to reality involves our team expertly modelling and rigging each enemy, focusing on seamless game integration and enabling intricate movements for lively animations and engaging gameplay.

Texturing

In the texturing phase, we add depth, detail, and realism to our models, carefully crafting each texture to enhance the enemy's presence in Starfury and draw players into their compelling menace.

Animations

After texturing, animations bring our enemies to life, with each motion designed for realism and impact, enhancing the gameplay experience. This thorough approach ensures each Arya adversary is a compelling challenge, promising excellence and continual evolution in player encounters.

Every enemy in Arya is not just a mere adversary but a formidable force to be reckoned with. As we refine our craft, players can expect nothing short of excellence in every encounter, challenging them to rise to new heights in their quest for victory.

What’s next?

The launching of Starfury marks a new era, building on Starfall's Minecraft legacy. We're expanding our team to accelerate development and bring our vision to life faster! If you're passionate about gaming and want to be part of an exciting journey, we encourage you to apply at jobs@starfurystudios.com.

Our in-game content will debut in Q2 2024, with increased previews on the horizon. Get ready for a first look at Ankor and more updates. And keep an eye on the horizon for our official trailer, setting the stage for our highly anticipated launch in 2024. So come aboard and join us as we embark on this epic adventure!