- Developer Journal: Building the BOB Pacifier Electrical Effect - 28 July 2026
Developer Journal: Building the BOB Pacifier Electrical Effect Journal Reference: DEV-0003 The BOB Pacifier now carries three readable layers of electrical presentation: short arcs crawling across its casing, occasional strikes grounding against the real floor, and a stronger discharge from the prod during an attack. Rather than place every responsibility inside one enormous particle asset, Blueprint owns positions, traces, timing and gameplay events while reusable Niagara systems own the ribbon beam, impact flash, sparks, vapour and local lighting. The same arc function drives all three behaviours with different parameters. Most importantly, the prod effect fires for every genuine discharge—hit or miss—while native gameplay remains authoritative over sight, collision, stun and knockout. The result looks dangerous without allowing presentation to invent a successful hit. Short Notice Th…
- Archive Notice: BOB Orderly Unit Test Documents - 8 July 2026
Archive Notice: BOB Orderly Unit Test Documents Archive Reference: AR-ENG-0004 Newly stabilised engineering fragments appear to document the BOB Orderly, an early Malin ward-service machine introduced as nursing numbers declined. Initial accounts describe tray and drink distribution between kitchens and wards, but later testimony records speech playback, autonomous navigation, and roving patrol behaviour near restricted thresholds. The documents suggest that groups of six units may have operated with limited shared prioritisation, allowing movement, warning, and restraint tasks to be coordinated without constant staff direction. Later BOB variants, including Spotters, Restrainers, and Gatherers, remain poorly understood, though recovered fragments imply that the term non-lethal did not always mean harmless. Short Notice The recovered material suggests the BOB Orderly began as a practica…
- The 'Correct Executable Name" Patch + Unlocking More Content for Demo Release - 20 June 2026
As the pretty descriptive title says, I accidentally misnamed the executable on the current demo for The outer Islands - im sorry about that and grateful to the community members that picked up on it. I have given myself a sound telling off and fixed the issue and as an apology I have also removed the timer lock for players on the demo when they get to the cargo area of Asylum Rock on the Monorail - this means you have access to try and complete the puzzles in the Cargo Area, Pharmacy Loader and Greenhouse to get you into the Asylum (hopefully).I will point out for the sake of honesty that not all puzzles are signposted fully, which is why this area was not opened up. The "Jonesey" puzzle thread for example is properly documented, tied to the deduction board and good to go whereas the "Pharmacy Delivery" puzzle works but has no proper paper trail and is mostly going to rely on you worki…
- I fell over... - 19 June 2026
As the image probably explains pretty well, unfortuntately, as an older developer with cerebral palsy, I took a nasty fall the other day. My own fault however it was one day in to the Steam Next Festival and so although I have tried to keep up with updates and continue working on the game this week so I could stream, it has been virtually impossible. At the moment both of my shoulders and upper arms are pretty much out of action, as ist my left leg - as a consequence of which I have not had unbroken normal sleep in several days.I am going to try and get back into the development again today if I can. I have a lot of new code that controls something called the Bob Maniple; the code basically allows the units to work as a swarm, cooperating with each other. One acts as a spotter, one pacifies the player, a group then carry the player to a safe area etc. The point is that they are supposed…
- The new Bob Restrainer unit enters Asylum Rock! - 17 June 2026
I am delighted to announce that the Maniple system is now out of alpha and is working fully inside of The Outer Islands. This system is an NPC game AI system (not generative AI) that allows the imposing Bob units to work collectively as a team. Today I am showing the Bob Restrainer - one of Troy Malin's inventions for the Asylum, designed to reduce manpower and increase safety. Are you wandering into places that you should not perhaps be in? Are you having a little bit of an explore, when you should be taking your medicine and having a rest?The Maniple system is there to keep you safe! Once you are identified as being in a place you should not be, the system issues this unit as part of a team of four, six or even nine! Their job is to box you in safely and escort you back to a place you should be. Safe. Simple. Effective.Thats the Troy Malin way. This unit will be demonstrated during Ne…
- The Evening Broadcast! Starting at 11pm BST - about 6pm in the USA! - 16 June 2026
I will be chatting about The Outer Islands, answering questions and playing the game this evening at about 11pm - which I think is 6pm EST (or maybe 5pm?) anyway - hope to see you there! Cris RDeveloper
- Steam Next Fest 8.30pm BST Gameplay Broadcast of The Outer Islands - 15 June 2026
🚨 I had such a blast playing the game and meeting players that I decided... why not do it again! So with that, lets play some The Outer Islands! Im here for questions, a chat or jsut if you want to watch me play a game. Thats the whole point so please settle in and relax with bob here... Meanwhile, jump on that stream! I will be taking questions, exploring things and having a blast and I hope that you do too! Sneak peeks of Bob and the many Orderlies on request! Much love to you all!Cris R
- Steam Next Fest 6pm BST Gameplay Broadcast of The Outer Islands - 15 June 2026
🚨 Join us for a live stream at 6pm BST during Steam Next Fest! Explore The Outer Islands with us as we reveal more about the Hospital and the mysterious landscapes. The demo is now available for you to experience! Don’t miss out! www.tinyurl.com/theouterislands Meanwhile, jump on that stream! I will be taking questions, exploring things and having a blast and I hope that you do too! Sneak peeks of Bob and the many Orderlies on request! Much love to you all!Cris R
- Streaming The Outer Islands - Hospital - Sunday 7pm BST - 14 June 2026
Hello! Today at 7pm (BST) I will be streaming live a developer commentary and playthrough of some of the parts of the Asylum Rock hospital area. If you want to see what is happening in the first area of the Hospital or perhaps want to ask questions, then this will be a great chance for you to do so!I will be discussing how the game works, what to expect and talking a little about the Orderly Maniple system, something that is currently in progress and which will add a lot of exciting gameplay into The Outer Islands. What is the Ordely Maniple system? How does it work? What does it do?Find out this, as well as other burning questions during the stream! I can not wait to see you there.Cris R
- Orderly Bob - 13 June 2026
Announcing The Orderly! This mechanical unit in the asylum is designed for patient control and management. With staff gone, it’s waking up to classify new 'patients'—even if you're just a detective investigating what caused the quarantine 20 years ago What do you think about The Orderly, the mechanical unit in the asylum? How do you feel it will impact your investigation as a detective? Share your thoughts and theories! - article: We are thrilled to reveal The Orderly, the mechanical unit at the heart of the asylum’s patient management system. Designed to automate control and suppression, The Orderly has been dormant since the staff vanished.
- Demo 2.0 is here - Ready for Steam Next Fext - 11 June 2026
I am excited to share that the demo for The Outer Islands is now available for download! Explore the stunning landscapes of Gondola Island and parts of Asylum Rock as you investigate the mysterious signal coming from the old radio tower. With adventure, puzzles, and peril around every corner, there’s plenty to discover. Come try the demo NOW and gear up for more at the upcoming Steam Next Fest, where I will be participating this year!Changelist (recent)Camera removed for performance reasonsDeduction board system added to gameDeduction board submenu added to make finding clues easierNew monorail transportation system added to link islands more quicklyAGx lighting implemented with "golden age" lighting systemGreenhouse foliage heaviliy optimised for fps gainsGondola Island structural and visual upgrades (major) inc new cliffs and detailsGondola Island monorail station and related animatio…
- Steam Next Fest Demo - MONDAY - 6 June 2026
🚨🎮 Get ready for The Outer Islands at Steam Next Fest! In just two weeks, experience a detective adventure like never before. With devious puzzles, deadly traps, and mysterious denizens becoming more visible, our massive free demo will let you ride the electric monorail to Asylum Rock and explore the strange sights. Don't miss out on this thrilling experience!The demo is so fresh the screenshot even shows that it is still building!
- Steam Fest is Approaching - 4 June 2026
Hello all from the desk of Cris - I am working hard at the moment on the game The Outer Islands and with only a couple of weeks to go before the Steam Next Fest - which is an important chance for the game to get seen, I want to get the demo experience right for players wanting to try out this adventire game to see what it is about.This part here is my current focus. In the game at the moment you travel between the islands via a conveyor system that was used to move cargo, which, while it looks cool (which is the point) is also a very very long journey on a conveyor moving at about 12mph. For reference that old building is very very very large in the background.Because of this I have been working hard on a victorian steampunk monorail system that can go significantly faster and offers a bit of a visual treat for the players - it also ties the Asylum Rock hospital and Gondola island theme…
- The Clockwork Hospital - First Look - 19 May 2026
🚑🔍 Announcing the Clockwork Hospital on Asylum Rock! Prepare to navigate an automated hospital that thinks you're its only patient. This new section is filled with intricate puzzles and deep mysteries waiting to be uncovered. As a game developer, I'm excited to share this project with you all!The Clockwork Hospital on Asylum Rock is set to be an extraordinary addition to the game. As a game developer, I take great pride in this section, where players will navigate an automated hospital that believes they are its only patient. This unique premise opens up a world of intricate puzzles and deep mysteries for players to explore. The design emphasizes emotional engagement and immersive storytelling, allowing players to connect with the environment and its challenges. I am excited for everyone to experience this innovative aspect of Asylum Rock, which showcases my dedication to crafting com…
- The Hospital Opens its Doors - 11 May 2026
We’re excited to announce that the Asylum Rock Hospital game levels are in development! Explore an abandoned facility where machines are still active, waiting for a patient to arrive. Get ready for new mechanics that will challenge our detective like never before. Stay tuned for more updates!
- New Gameplay Trailer Released - April 2026 - 18 April 2026
🎥 New Gameplay Trailer Released! Immerse yourself in The Outer Islands with our latest trailer featuring stunning visuals, challenging puzzles, and the enchanting sounds of Gaelic folk music. Discover new areas and get ready for an unforgettable journey! Watch here:
- The Outer Islands updated demo is NOW LIVE! - 11 April 2026
🎮 The Outer Islands updated demo is NOW LIVE! Prepare to be captivated by stunning new graphics powered by AgX tonemapping, alongside optimized performance for a smoother experience. Discover exciting new puzzles that will challenge your wits and choose your own adventure with our dual investigation paths. Whether you prefer a methodical approach or a more exploratory style, the choice is yours! Dive into the eerie beauty of Outer Islands today
- Update: Cargo Area & Playable Demo - 24 March 2026
The cargo loading area is finally complete—and it sets the tone for what lies ahead.This is where Detective Shepherd’s investigation begins. A quiet, forgotten threshold leading toward the vast glass orangeries of the asylum, where something still lingers beneath the overgrowth.The main asylum remains sealed. No way in.Instead, you’ll move through the surrounding orchards and growing facilities—places that once sustained the institution, now left to decay. There’s a strange calm to it. Beautiful, even. But nothing here feels untouched.This part of the game leans into slower, more thoughtful exploration. You’ll follow threads, uncover fragments, and begin to piece together what really happened here. The gardens hold memories. The question is whether you’re ready to see them clearly.Who lived here? What went wrong?And why does it feel like the island is still watching you?The demo is now…
- Update to the Deduction Board System - 17 March 2026
I noticed when playing a few games I really enjoy that it is really cool we can use a pen and paper in order to manage notes however, if you are on a laptop for example, or perhaps if you are - like me - terrible at finding a pen, then keeping clues in order can be a pain in the bum.I don't want to make things too easy however Detective Shepherd has a photo area already for the photos taken and associated clues during investigation. Therefore it makes sense to add to this a clues board - a place that automatically stores and displays all the clues and information you, as Detective Shepherd, have found on your explorations. This way each section that you need to find your way through or solve the mystery for has an organised collection of clues and how they relate to people and places and things - this way you can deduce their purpose without having to hunt down various small pieces of p…
- A Week of Deduction and Discovery. - 17 March 2026
In the dim light of the Islands, a new system is taking shape. This week is dedicated to the detective Deduction system, a pivotal feature that will soon find its way into the demo. For those currently exploring the game, this is your chance to engage with a tool that promises to deepen your understanding of the unfolding mystery.Imagine a detective deduction board, a canvas where your thoughts and clues converge. This system will not only store your deductions but also illuminate the path forward, guiding you through the intricate web of investigation. It is designed to evoke a sense of clarity amid the chaos, allowing you to grasp what is happening and what actions to take next.As you navigate the demo, your feedback will be essential. I invite you to share your thoughts on this system once it is live. Your experiences will help shape a feature that is intended to enhance the overall…
