Key Highlights:
- The Texas Chain Saw Massacre game is introducing changes to prevent players from intentionally leaving online lobbies.
- Players who quit lobbies will now face a three-minute timeout before they can join a new one.
- Other updates aim to balance gameplay, such as nerfing certain perks and investigating character movement issues.
- The developers are working on bug fixes and plan to add new content like a museum mode and a new playable killer.
In the world of online multiplayer games, few things are more frustrating than players abandoning lobbies, leaving their teammates in the lurch.
The developers of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre have heard these complaints loud and clear and are taking steps to discourage such disruptive behaviour. The official X/Twitter account shared a post announcing these changes which you can view below:
The most significant change coming to the game is the introduction of a three-minute cooldown period for players who intentionally leave public lobbies.
This timeout will be triggered in the following situations:
- Choosing to exit a lobby after being prompted with a pop-up
- Disconnecting from the server while in a lobby
- Forcibly closing the game (e.g., using Alt+F4)
The developers Black Tower Studios who’ve taken over from Sumo Nottingham, emphasise that this measure is not their preferred solution but a necessary step to curb “lobby dodging” and investigate other issues affecting the online multiplayer experience.
Exceptions to the Rule However, not all instances of leaving a lobby will result in a penalty. Players will not face a timeout if:
- Their party gets kicked from the lobby
- The party host leaves
- Their internet connection is lost
- The match lacks enough suitable players
These exceptions ensure that players are not punished for circumstances beyond their control.
Balancing the Gameplay
In addition to addressing lobby issues, the developers have also been tweaking the gameplay balance.
Recent updates have nerfed certain perks by reducing the amount of health players can earn from using them.
This change aims to increase the skill required to succeed, promoting a more competitive and collaborative experience.
The developers are also investigating various issues related to specific characters and perks. These include:
- Skill tree reset problems
- Nancy’s endurance
- The functionality of perks like “Tracker Tagged,” “Wait A Second,” and “Back For Blood”
- Potential unintended issues with Johnny’s movement
While some details remain ambiguous, the team has assured players that they are actively collecting feedback and working to address these concerns.
New Content on the Horizon
Amidst the bug fixes and balance adjustments, players can look forward to exciting new content in the near future.
Recently, the title introduced a new playable victim Virginia, voiced by horror icon Barbara Crampton.
Her abilities, such as blinding the Sawyer family members and contaminating their blood buckets, add an extra layer of challenge for the offensive team.
The devs have also teased the addition of a new playable killer, though details remain scarce at this point.
Additionally, a museum mode is in the works, promising a virtual space for players to explore and appreciate the game’s haunting atmosphere.
It’s a big moment for the iconic horror franchise, and these changes will either make or break the title.
Only time will tell if it goes on to be a success or failure but at least the devs are actively listening to their community and making the appropriate changes needed.
