Development Update: Sep-Nov 2024

We’re approaching the end of 2024, and we can sum it up as a year of deep, focused work – some of which we’ll be showcasing in our next big milestone: our vertical slice. The vertical slice will feature a small portion of our game that reflects the final version.

With many of the core components now in place, we’re excited for what 2025 holds as we head into full-fledged production!

Another milestone this quarter is that Friends of BCC Media Inc., doing business as NextGen Bible Media—the nonprofit established to support fundraising for the Gate Zero project—has officially been granted 501(c)(3) status in the US. We’re well on our way with fundraising, having raised ~11% of our budget this year alone.

Our team has grown to 30 members, including the NextGen Bible Media admin team. Merry Christmas from all of us! We’re incredible grateful for your continued support and patience as we work to create one of the world’s first high-quality Bible video games.

Keep reading for an update from the past three months!

New Team Members

Our team has been growing this past year. New additions include a producer, level designer, texture artist, game designers, game writers, and an art team.

“I’ve always loved history and truth be told, I am looking forward to the struggle of trying to present this historical/biblical past in a way that is fun to experience and explore.” – Race, Lead Game Designer

Art

Capernaum 3D Models

With a lot of the concept art for Capernaum completed, our artists have moved on to creating 3D models of the different locations.

We’ve also been working on 3D models of dock area props.

And here’s a look at the progress of the synagogue in Capernaum. Any guesses what stories will take place here?

Capernaum Walkthrough

Check out an early look of the different components of Capernaum coming together in the game world!

Crowd Characters

This quarter, we’ve also completed 15 high-resolution models of crowd types that can be made into countless different variations. We’re now working on technical implementation to give you an optimized experience of a lively, populated 1st century Capernaum.

Technical Art

In addition to constant performance testing and improvement, our technical artist has also been working on testing lighting.

Materials and Textures

Lots of realistic textures are being added to the collection! Here is a small selection from the Capernaum area.

Game Mechanics

Alongside refining the stealth and action elements of our game, we’ve been working on defining the moment-to-moment gameplay – systems like damage, health, stamina, upgrades, rewards and progression.

We’ve also been detailing the discovery elements, as well as the currency, skills, equipment and resources players can use to fully immerse themselves in the ancient world.

Story

Our game writers have wrapped up in-depth research of the Context, Message and Development for all Main Missions, filling our research database with rich, detailed profiles of characters, events and stories.

This lays the foundation for crafting immersive and impactful scripts that will bring the gospel stories to life in Gate Zero!

Reading Plan for the Dev Team

Last month, our team began an exciting journey together to read all the core biblical texts describing the events in Release 1 of Gate Zero.

Prepared with care by our game writers, the Gate Zero Daily Reading Plan contains stories packed with interesting narratives, monumental events, and growing tension as forces intent on resisting Jesus gain momentum.

To enrich the experience, each day’s reading includes a fascinating fact or insight that provides deeper context to the Bible passages, reflecting the script team’s depth of research.

Fundraising

A project of this scale and quality demands a budget that reflects its excellence. With Christian projects traditionally suffering from low budgets and and thus quality, we are determined to turn the tide and create something the Christian community will be proud of, and in addition captures the attention of the wider gaming community.

Do you want to join us in making an impact in the lives of millions of youth worldwide with the gospel in the gaming space?

Click here to make a tax-deductible gift to NextGen Bible Media before the end of the year

Social Media

The Gate Zero project and mission continues to go viral on social media.

@biblexgame New times call for new ways 🎮📖 Support our mission by giving to our October Matching Gift Campaign and get your donation DOUBLED! 💰💰 (Link in bio to give) 📸 Showcasing Gate Zero @forwardcon 🔥 #christiantiktok #christianitytiktok #godisgood #genzforjesus #christiangamer #spreadthegospel #jesuslovesyou #videogaming #biblegame #christianreels #fyp #bibletime #biblexgame #gatezero #forwardconference ♬ Past Lives – Martin Arteta & creamy

Events

Backer Day at our office in Norway

Back in September, we hosted some special guests at our office in Moss, Norway – a reward promised to our high-tier backers.

The visitors got to meet the team, playtest our latest gameplay features (top secret!) and participate in an exclusive motion capture session where they saw themselves as NPCs within the game.

Click here for the writeup and video devlog from the day

Reach Conf

We were proud to be part of the first-ever Reach Conf in Orlando, FL in September showcasing Gate Zero.

The conference was a reward for the content creators who had organized Alpha groups to share the gospel prior to the event. Creators could invite their community to the conference, and it was a uniting time with lots of games, food and encouragement.

We loved meeting the familiar faces of Christian streamers who love and support our game, as well as new people enthusiastic for what we’re creating. Already looking forward to next year!

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