Zugnaex

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• Announcements·16 May 2026Official

  Programming Pentagrams in Python

  Zugnaex is an open-source multiplayer DOOM-compatible mod that uses a Python-based battle service to manage zones. Here are some technical details for anyone interested.The pentagram part is intentional. This tech defines boundaries (zones), coordinates processes, and controls complex behavior across a distributed system. Without boundaries, you can’t control the system. The daemons from the technical side are the processes. The demons from the story are not discussed here.With this approach you move the game rules out of the game engine. So instead of one server equals one match at a time, there is a service layer that manages gameplay across multiple servers.Example: Kneed Time Battle ModeThe code clip below is the zone setup and game rules. There are also server configuration files that define variables like time limits. For display on the client, there are battle info and status variables defined with a simple markup language that supports formatted text, timers, and borders so players know what to do. Super basic but effective and efficient.# Kneed Time battle mode example # License: MIT (please see full source for licensing & copyright) # ... class KneedTime(Battle): name = 'Kneed Time' desc = 'Finish a random Episode 1 map in par.' def start_battle(self): super().start_battle() pick = random.randint(1, 9) if not self.debug else 1 par = \\ map = f'E1M{pick}' # LOBBY L1 M1 self.start_zone('zone1', 'z1', 10666, 'L1M1', 'doom.wad dbz-lobby-v2.wad') # DOOM E1 M1-M9 self.start_zone('zone2', 'z2', 11666, map, 'doom.wad', f'+set sv_level_seconds {par}') def on_exit_level(self, zone, playerinfo): super().on_exit_level(zone, playerinfo) if zone == 'zone1': self.transfer_player('zone2') elif zone == 'zone2': # you win the battle! self.battle_over(zone, True)This mode spawns a lobby and a random E1 map with an exit timer equal to par then waits for the player to zone. If a player makes it out of the last zone in time, that player wins the battle. If time runs out or the ...
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• Announcements·22 Mar 2026Official

  The Chamber of Zugnaex

  What is happening?The Chamber of Zugnaex has been appearing more frequently. Also, there is a horrible odor, and worse (somewhat), demons are spawning everywhere. What caused this? Is the end approaching? Are players with or against Zugnaex? Why would you side with the demon?When the chamber appears, complete the battle objective to unlock a syllable. Unlock them all to face the demon itself and decide the fate of humanity. We’ve added a lot of new content to this mode including both hand-drawn and procedurally generated graphics and licensed music tracks that are rock and horror themed, all of which were created by artists and musicians.Ready or Knot?On March 20th, 2026, the film “Ready or Not 2: Here I Come” was released in theaters. The original film which premiered on August 21st, 2019, was an inspiration for a battle mode in Zugnaex called “Ready or Knot.” It’s hide and seek but old school FPS style with explosive consequences. We’re working on a new battle mode inspired by the sequel. We’re calling it “Ready or Knot 2: Heir I Come” and it adds a twist to the twisted PvP hide and seek battle mode of the original. Who is it? Who is not it? And who are you? Play to find out! And, if you haven’t seen the film yet, go see it. It’s an engaging new story that picks up where the first left off. While not better than the original, which is a rare accomplishment for sequels, it’s equally a laugh, scream, and stay glued to the screen experience. We checked the leaderboards, and it looks like humanity still has some time so enjoy the movie this weekend!Throw your thoughts about the film and any ideas you're up for sharing on the new battle mode into the discussions.See you at the movies and in the battles!Did you know?Ash vs Evil Dead is a horror-comedy TV series on STARZ that continues the story of the classic Evil Dead film franchise. Samara Weaving, the leading actress in the Ready or Not film series, appeared in three episodes. You could say she was headed for trouble...
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• Announcements·22 Aug 2025Official

  Zugnaex is Free

  We have some good news and some bad news.First the bad news, Zugnaex is free. The demon has escaped from its eternal prison. The apocalypse is upon us. But that's where you come in. Battle online with your friends to defeat the demon. Humanity is counting on it.And now the good news, Zugnaex is free. We host the non-Steam version of the game on our Itch.io site. But now the Steam version is also free.And there's more good news. We have added Steam achievements for online play. They are a work-in-progress, but they work and reveal more about the gameplay and story. Check them out!For our early adopters, if you are able, please be sure to play online to collect the "Join the battle" achievement. We're looking into some cool rewards for you in the future.Did you know? On this day in 2019, the horror-comedy Ready or Not premiered in theaters. This movie inspired us to create our own twisted version inside Zugnaex called Ready or Knot. It's a PvP battle mode with explosive consequences. The sequel, Ready or Not 2: Here I Come, is coming to theaters on April 10, 2026. What new mode will the sequel inspire?See you all in battle!
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• Announcements·26 May 2025Official

  The Summoning of Zugnaex

  Zugnaex awaitsThese notes cover changes made over the last 6+ months. The game was revamped to address many concerns, the service was improved to better support players from around the world, and the story has progressed. Players are battling as we speak in preparation for the ultimate confrontation with Zugnaex. The time is now to prove yourself in battle and save humankind. Client Changes Fixed & improved IWAD verification and search. The client will find compatible games installed with Steam. Improved stability. Fixed several issues that could cause a client crash. Please continue to report any issues you find. Added an example battle to the distribution. It's called "Kneed Time." You must finish a random UV E1 map in par. The instructions for how to build the client and server and setup the battle (a python program) are included in the README files. The client now checks for the best game server to connect to based on network speed. We hope you enjoy this performance improvement. There is no more login or account needed to battle online. You can set a username or leave it blank to get a random name. Battle ChangesMany balance and gameplay changes have been made to the different battle modes. This is based on player feedback. These are the most significant changes noted below. A Demon a DayYou battle demons with your friends to try to become a demon slaying legend. The lobby time has now been reduced. Grab what you can and get out to start the battle. Friendly fire is also back on now so be careful to not hit your allies (or maybe you're going for your own high score...) Pennies from hellDemons drop pennies and you collect them to get the highest score. It's PvP so everyone is out for themselves. There is now a weapon choice depending on which portal you use to enter the battle. The bonuses for secrets and level exit were increased. Exit bonus is scaled based on par time. That GuyYou work together with your friends to complete different mission objectives. But th...
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• Patch Notes·12 May 2025Official

  Important Community Update

  Initial releaseThe initial release of Zugnaex on Steam raised many concerns within the DOOM(1) community. When the game went live last year, it included Freedoom(2) assets, didn't disclose how AI was used, and caused anger by charging for something that made use of freely available code and assets. Years of work developing this tech, the battle modes, and the online service were all devalued. So I retired it. Developer responseI spent the next several months revamping the game. All Freedoom(2) assets were removed. The store page was rewritten to try to exactly describe the game. Details were added about the included source code. AI usage was fully disclosed. A standalone battle example was included that players could use to run their own battles. The backend service was upgraded to improve the gameplay experience for players around the world. And many more changes including bug fixes, performance improvements and new battle modes. Community concerns continue...However, there are still concerns from the community. I want to hear those concerns, but action must be taken regarding the misinformation and negative comments. I understand why they are here. But I have acted on that feedback. I’m asking the community to respect that and continue to provide actionable, constructive and informational feedback based on the game as it is today. Why are you charging for something that uses free code?This is a deep question. It’s about understanding the difference between free and freedom. In my opinion, the Free Software Foundation (FSF)(3) promotes freedom but understands that there is a cost associated with software development. In the case of this game, in addition to thousands of hours spent developing the software, there is also a cost to operate the online service. I felt it was fair and reasonable to charge a fee for the Steam distribution. Whether it can cover operational costs or not, as long as players are playing, I’ll try my best to keep it running. Why should we buy...
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