The development of the “Commit” ballista

Survivors!

“The New Frontier” season introduced the “Commit” heavy ballista. One hit from this brutal weapon can leave your opponent with almost no armour, and that’s the best case scenario for them!

We spoke with the development team to learn more details about the process of creating this weapon. We hope you’ll enjoy reading this entry! 

Narrative

Q: Why was the weapon named “Commit”? Is there a story or some cultural context behind it? We noticed that all new Founders modules’ names follow a particular pattern. What is the naming based on?

A: “Why ‘Commit’? And why not? We’re not poets, we’re engineers. The names of our parts are like computer terminal commands: clear, straight to business, no sentiments.

In programming, Commit means fixing changes. Before → after. No ifs, maybes or buts. ‘Commit’s’ projectiles are also like that: they pierce anything in their way and unconditionally change the environment. New reality. Fixed. Ironclad. And if the enemy is also fixed in the process, even better.

There are a lot of engineers among us, we speak the language of technology. It’s our mother tongue. We call parts as we understand them, through their mechanics, functions, associations. You realize what you’re dealing with as soon as you hear the name.

For romance, you can go to Steppenwolfs. They had ‘Dove’, or ‘Love’, or whatever. 

We work with things that work.” — Maja Lindholm, The Founders.

Game design

Q: What was the “Commit” like at the concept stage? Were there any unexpected changes made to the original vision during the development phase, and if so, what prompted them? Or did everything go according to the initial plan?

A: From the concept stage to the release, the weapon has not undergone any significant changes in design. We were inspired by real-world ballistae when creating the “Commit”. We immediately liked the idea of a massive and intimidating weapon that would pierce through the opponents.

Q: Why did Crossout need “Commit” specifically? What gameplay does this weapon bring to the table?

A: As with any other weapon, “Commit” was supposed to bring a new experience to our players. As mentioned earlier, the ballista should give its owner the feeling that every shot is important, and every hit on an enemy causes enormous damage. With accurate shooting and good knowledge of the game’s building system, the weapon allows you to more effectively destroy enemy armoured vehicles.

Appearance 

Q: What was the inspiration for the design of the ballista’s appearance? Why does the final model look the way it does, and what decisions led to this look? What unique effects do the ballista and its spikes have?

A: The weapon had to look like a ballista, but in the style of the Founders faction, which is characterized by references to construction equipment. We wanted to create a slender, low silhouette and emphasize the dynamism and gravity of the structure by means of straight lines in contrast with the functional metal carcass. The restrained visual design emphasizes its performance and brutality.

The spikes also refer to the construction theme: straight, simple, tough.

Sound

Q: What was the reference for the sound of the ballista? What instruments and techniques were used to make the sounds of stretching the string, reloading and other sounds appear natural?

A: We didn’t use any specific references. We just tried to make a dense, rich sound with a powerful metallic peak. The sound was created in such a way that it would fit well with both shooting and reloading animations. As for the reloading sound, it has several layers; the start of each layer is randomized to create a natural sound. The first layer is the electric motor, while the second layer is responsible for the mechanical clicks and string tension. The mechanical layer, in turn, is assembled from previously recorded material.

That’s all for today. Good luck in battles, survivors!