Always exploring new hunting grounds
Pioneered by Avalanche Studios Group, “theHunter: Call of the Wild” remains a quintessential title for hunting game enthusiasts. Launched by one of the group's sub-divisions, Expansive Worlds, the game consistently evolves, incorporating player insights and frequent enhancements since its 2017 debut.
theHunter: Call of the Wild lures over a million dedicated players each month into its immersive setting, abundant with breathtaking scenery and authentic hunting scenarios. Players set out on solo or collaborative multiplayer hunts, tracking a variety of game across expansive environments.
From its outset, Expansive Worlds has been injecting new, engaging features into the game, creating an increasingly rich and true-to-life gaming experience. The team has always valued player input, using it to shape ongoing updates and game refinements.
The latest update is the introduction of the Sundarpatan Nepal Hunting Reserve, a realm where natural grandeur collides with the spirit of exploration. This update offers gamers a mosaic of sublime environments, from the icy summits of towering mountains to the shadowy depths of dense forests, culminating in the vibrant verdure of tropical lowlands. The pursuit of an extensive roster of 13 wildlife species becomes even more thrilling with the addition of a historical armament – the Gandhare Rifle, a relic of the 19th century. Here, the hunter is plunged not only into an adrenaline-charged quest but also into a profound appreciation of Nepal’s diverse landscapes and rich cultural heritage.
In another significant update from 2021, the game enthusiasts celebrated the introduction of a new hunting companion, The Bloodhound. Leveraging ongoing community response, Expansive Worlds has since released the latest companion addition - The Labrador Retriever.
Integrating a hunting dog companion was no small feat for Expansive Worlds. Attaining realism and the nuances of a hunter-canine relationship demanded elaborate efforts, including ensuring the dogs possessed credible tracking abilities.
Achieving this goal, the developers studied real-life canines, recording their movements and behaviors to replicate in-game. A notable hurdle was programming the virtual Labradors to swim, requiring an overhaul of the in-game animals' understanding of water, a complex and comprehensive technical challenge. Playtesters from various walks of life were essential, providing crucial input throughout the development process.
theHunter community members were further engaged during a significant live stream event on Twitch and YouTube, where Expansive Worlds showcased the newly-minted Labrador Retriever, spotlighting the latest developments in the virtual hunting frontier.
