Iron Log #1

Hi everyone! I'm excited to introduce Belts of Iron, an open world, third-person, post-apocalyptic factory building game. This project combines some of the traditional mechanics found in automation games with a dose of base defense and enemy combat. As a solo indie developer my focus is on launching a tight core loop for the initial game and then expanding with more features while building an audience. Let's kick off the first dev log with a rundown of what you can expect to see from this game.

Automation

At the core of the game is factory automation. You'll mine, smelt, craft, and transport materials around to grow your factory. Mining drills will automatically harvest resources from the ground (or sky). Smelting machines will transform raw ore into shiny useful metal ingots. Assembling machines will craft anything and everything you need to survive and thrive. You'll need to craft the machines and buildings before placing them in the world. Which means you'll be able to automate all of it. An electricity system will require you to provide power to machines for them to work. But be careful because the creatures of the wasteland are not fans of electricity.

Combat & Enemies

Enemies will apply pressure, pushing you to build turrets, walls, and new weapons to defend yourself. They will grow stronger and become aggravated towards electrical production. Early game gun turrets offer a cheap and safe way to provide protection but require a supply of ammo to keep them functioning.

Base Building

No need to build your factory on the dirt. Foundations, walls, doors, fences, gates, etc. will provide functional utility and allow snapping buildings to a grid. I'm still working on the details of how all the building pieces will snap together but I'm leaning towards a more flexible, less rigid system. It might make some things harder to build but others easier, it'll be a balance that requires input from early players.

Tech Tree

The tech tree will provide a means to progress through the game. Unlocking more advanced machines and stronger defenses. You'll be guided by S.P.A.R.K., a computer intelligence system that provides goals to rebuild machines in the post-apocalyptic wasteland. Craft technology packs to progress further down the tech tree. (this is not yet implemented at all so could change completely).

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Current Progress

I've been making good progress on the mechanics and systems in the game over the last couple of months. You can gather resources, build smelters, assembly machines, craft items, attack enemies, generate power, connect power lines, and some more. However it looks like proper developer art so I am really hesitant to share a screenshot. But the concept art is AI generated and does provide a better idea of what I hope it will look like in the end.

Join the discord to hang out with other interested players and the developer https://discord.gg/xmmPeZHj4T