JERRIN CHIU
  • My Life
  • Ameliya
  • Eyeballs
  • Music
  • Travels
  • Noodles
  • Projects
    • Honda Prelude
    • Aquarium
    • From Here to There
    • Nursery
  • Contact Me
A Half-Life Alyx Campaign

You are Dr. Smithers from Black Mesa,
ex-scientist gone rogue after the resonance cascade incident.
Now, under-cover as a custodian, you managed to salvage crucial
hardware to rebuild a secret lab within a decommissioned subway station.

Once colleagues with the infamous Gordon Freeman,
you condemn him for the destruction of Black Mesa and alien invasion.
Now, your only desire is to find refuge in the Fiji islands after receiving a
postcard from your niece proclaiming that the Combine has yet to find its location.
And since local travel has been halted, you must find another way there.
​Fortunately, teleportation is your specialty.

​​What could go wrong?
​
*This campaign requires physical crouching and climbing of in-game ladders/objects and strong VR legs. 
​

OPEN BETA: November 24, 2022
I will be releasing an open beta as I continue to update and add more to the campaign. There is still in need of continued optimization and another full chapter I want to design. This open beta is to gauge how well it is met by the public and to fix any bugs, glitches, and inconsistencies in the game so far. You will find a forum on the Steam Workshop page to list any stated above, and to comment anything you'd like.

From Here to There (Physical Book)
This add-on is free! However, I extremely appreciate any donation as it really motivates me to finish this campaign.  This project has taken over a few thousand hours over the course of more than two years now. Back pain, lack of sleep, neglecting the wife/kid has all been a part of this adventure.  Although I do this because I love designing and being creative, a donation would highly encourage me to continue working and updating this campaign, and ultimately making more maps.  And as an appreciation, I will also include your name at the end of the campaign.  The bigger the donation, the bigger your name! 

​Thank you so much!
FEATURES
 8 Maps expanding 4-5 hours of game play
Rich and highly detailed environments compiled at 4k resolution
Custom sounds and textures
Unique puzzles and ideas
Most NPCs/enemies have scripted sequences
An abundance of hidden easter eggs with a Resin payout. (Obtain 80 resin for an extra scene)
Story driven campaign consistent with Half-Life Lore


On my way to work
Now where did I leave that secret coin...
This teleporter took years to design and build
So far yet so close. Make sure you pack everything!
From Here to The_futu_re
Watch your back!
Poor antlion
Don't wake them up

UPDATES

11-13-23
Some sad news for those that are following this mod.  I have decided to shut down any future updates.  My little one is growing up too fast and frankly, I just don't have the time anymore.  I am very happy that most people enjoyed the campaign as it was a behemoth of a project by myself.  More than a few times I thought about quitting, but am ultimately proud of the final product.

Now, it's not to say I won't make anything in the future.  I still LOVE designing and mapping AND I still have so many ideas for a future project.  In fact, I've already begun thinking of a new campaign and I absolutely love my ideas.  Honestly, if a new Half life VR comes out, I'd be willing to put these ideas to VR life.  (C'mon Valve!)  In any case, much love to all that have donated and to those have played!
​

4-18-23
Hey everyone, thanks again for trying out the beta. Been a while since I posted anything. First off, I got very burnt out after releasing it last year as I put so much time into this campaign, (like over a few thousand hours), so been on a break for a couple months now catching up on other things (life).

Second, I still read the comments from time to time and appreciate every single one, as they still give me a lot of motivation to make it better and add more! I think the general consensus is that people enjoy it, however for many, there are areas where it isn't obvious how to proceed and also being a bit too difficult. It is definitely meant to be a tough campaign but I also don't want to make it so players get frustrated and quit. I am very aware of this, and will hopefully make it more streamlined in the final release. I'm happy the game-breaking bugs and the crashes are gone for the most part, although there are still moments where it can softlock.

Lastly, here is an update on my plans. I am still wanting to refine and add more to this project. I have already revamped parts of the first couple of chapters. The bulk of work will be adding 2 NEW chapters which I already have the idea and design for. However, working has definitely slowed down as before I was putting in a few hours a day, now it's more like a few hours a week  I'll try to update as I make progress like I did before on my website and ko-fi page again. I do not have any release date now as there's still a lot of work to be done. I'll know more once I get rolling again. Anyway, please keep commenting on anything you'd like as it really does give me motivation to finish it!
​
1-27-23
This addon now REQUIRES the REMADE ASSET PACK PARTS 1-4. This was tested to show crashes have been decreased dramatically. I have found that by having too many custom textures in the uploaded addon folder was causing the crashes for many of you. Thank you for all your patience! Please let me know here or in the discussion if it indeed still crashes and/or any bugs you may find again. Sorry for those that are currently playing, as saved games may become corrupted from this update

I am currently still working on improving this addon and have already added more puzzles and details for the final build, and hopefully a NEW chapter or two! However, there will be no more major updates (pending no large game-breaking bugs again), until the final release later this year. Stay tuned!
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12-19-22
Small update.  First off, thanks so much for all the donations, it really means a lot to me and definitely makes me want to map more.  I think I have found the source of the crashes and will be involved in solving this and the other small bugs first.  Unfortunately will probably still be a while until I do a major update and cannot give a timeline yet.  I still plan on adding more puzzles and a new chapter as well.  Just wanted to say thanks to everyone that's played it and gave me feedback and tips! 
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12-2-22
Just wanted to say thanks everyone for the feedback on the campaign.  I'm still working on minor bugs and fixes.  There will be an update tonight to fix the last of the large game breaking bugs.  I'm still trying to figure out why it crashes on map 1.  I'm thinking it's too big and may have to split that map into 2 parts.  I will be working on another chapter for this campaign and ironing out all the smaller issues in a future update but will need to take a short break from mapping.  Thanks again for all those that have played it, left comments and feedback.  If I get enough support, I'll think about making a team to make part 2!
 

11-24-22
The campaign is LIVE on the workshop.  Please enjoy!  Still a LOT of work to do, performance is poor, and there are many bugs. But I'm very happy to share what I've made so far.  Thanks for waiting everyone.  Happy T-DAY!
​
11-17-22
Even more terrible news.  Index is still broken, new tether I ordered seems to help a bit but still crashes often.  But worst of all, my whole family and I have contracted covid. Daughter has been in need of constant care with a high fever.  I have extreme fatigue and scratchy throat/congestion, even hard to walk around.  I really hoped to flesh out all bugs before release.  The hopeful news is I think I'll still release it as it will be an open beta for you guys to all try.  I will need all of you guys to give me feedback/criticisms/changes/bugs so that I can try to improve it. It should be playable from start to finish without any game crashing bugs (or so I hope).  There are still a lot of areas where it is not optimized and fps drops very low, but I will continue to work on it even after release.  8k compile is not a possibility at this time, but probably a future update/release.  This weekend I will be playing it through multuple times to fix up anything last minute.  Get ready to teleport!

11-10-22
Unfortunately some terrible news, my Valve Index is now officially broke.  Steam support and research online have not been able to fix the display connection issue.  Even when it does connect like 5% of the time, it just glitches and crashes after 5 min.  So I've been spending a lot of time trying to fix it but finally I have given up.  I'm thinking its a cable issue so I did order a new tether but it won't get here until another week. The good news is, I have my origial HTC Vive hooked up so I can use that to playtest.  However, it's just not quite the same as the Index as I can't see fine detail.  The Vive does have incredible blacks and shadows though, totally forgot about that.  In any case, Nov 24 is still the goal.  I've gotten maps 1-5 pretty much done, and actually thinking about doing an 8k compile.  This would take approximately 10 days to finish compiling everything.  I'm going to have to work overtime the next few days if I want to pull that off, but no worries, 4k still looks amazing.  IT'S CRUNCH TIME. Oh and thank you Project 17 as they have let me use some of their future assets for my project, that's not been released yet!  Here is a link to their website. 


project17vr

11-2-22
OPEN BETA: November 24, 2022
THANK YOU EVERYONE for your patience.  I will be releasing an open beta as I continue to update and add more to the campaign. There is still in need of continued optimization and another full chapter I want to design. This open beta is to gauge how well it is met by the public and to fix any bugs, glitches, and inconsistencies in the game so far. You will find a forum on the Steam Workshop page to list any stated above and to comment anything you'd like.  My efficiency in playtesting has slowed to a crawl due to my valve index barely working anymore, hence the open beta.  The screen is now all pixelated but the worst is I keep getting an error saying the display connection not found.  I have to unplug/replug and then restart maybe 10x before it registers now.  Freakin' ridiculous, so sorry for the delays.  I am definitely in need of a new Valve Index.  In better news, a new short teaser trailer is posted.  Also check out the link above to buy a "From Here to There" physical book on Amazon!  It's just a journal but is an exact replica of the one in the Half-Life: Alyx game, but without the wear and tear.  You can use it for whatever!


10-9-22
As you may have seen, I have updated the page with some pictures from in-game.  I will continue to add pictures every few days until the campaign is finished.  The captions for the pictures may or may not have some clues to possible secrets so keep your eyes peeled!  I know I promised an October release but it all depends on one thing.  MY FREAKIN' VALVE INDEX.  It has always been a bit unstable, but recently, my computer has not been detecting the USB.  I have to unplug all connections, restart the computer MULTIPLE times before it will read it.  There seems to be a 20% chance it will work.  And even when it does detect it, the sound sometimes doesn't work so then I have to start the process all over.  This is extremely frustrating and taking up a lot of time when play-testing my maps.  On top of all that, there's a chance it crashes now after playing for a while and again would have to restart the process all over again.  I'm pretty sure it's just the wear and tear on the headset as I have logged hours upon hours and have tried multiple different solutions I've researched online.  I updated the donation page so it is a bit easier in case you guys would like to help me get a new index!   Here is a link 
https://ko-fi.com/jerrinchiu​  Donations are always optional but I really do thank you guys in advance.  It would really help with a new Index not only for this campaign but for future maps as well.  Well, I didn't mean to rant in this update but it is something I have to deal with right now so please don't hate me if it gets delayed a bit further.  I'm still pushing for an October release, but I promise it will be released before the end of the year.  If not, then I will eat a live octopus on youtube.  ANYWAY, enjoy the new pictures!  
9-22-22
Hopefully not many more updates until I release!  I have gone over maps 1-4, fixing up little things here and there.  I have 5-7 left and then should be releasing soon.  Good news is maps 5-7 is already pretty optimized/polished so it shouldn't take too long.  I am leaving on vacation for a week however, to heal up from some upper back pain.  But afterwards will work extra hard to finish everything up.  I know there are still going to be a ton of bugs/performance issues even after I release so please let me know of any problems  and I will fix them.  However, I will be taking a good long break after I release to do a lot of things I've been putting off for the past 2 years.  My hope is that the campaign will be in a state where you can play through without any major game breaking bugs.  Not much else to say here except STAY TUNED.  RELEASE WILL BE IN OCTOBER. 
8-21-22
ALRIGHT!  Map 7 is DONE...aside from some playtesting/optimizations, but the mechanics work from start to finish.  I am very happy with the outcome so far, however it does lag quite a bit so I'll have to probably remove some things.  I now begin the process of putting it all together from map 1 to 7.  Adding details, making sure it flows, checking lighting, playtesting, tbh there's still a lot to be done but at least I can work on the more little things.  Hopefully still on track for a Sept release but please don't freak out if I delay it a bit more.   Once I play through everything I'll update it with a new trailer and pictures and give you an exact day for release.  Thanks for waiting everyone!

7-31-2-22
I have been working very hard on the final ending sequence and progressing very well.  In fact, it's almost done!!  I also added a bonus map for those that are very diligent in finding resin throughout the 7 maps.  So make sure you look for that resin! Once I finish up the ending, I'll have to put everything together.  What's that mean?  I gotta play test everything, add details, fix up lighting, but the biggest one I need to do is optimize performance.  As of right now, there's a bit TOO much stuff going on, so I'll need to go back and optimize things...that may take the longest.  I am definitely still aiming for a Fall release, end of Sept is the target.  I am getting really antsy/excited this campaign is actually starting to look finished. I see the light at the end of the long 2 year tunnel!
7-17-2022
Big updated here.  I took a short break (Puerto Vallarta!) to recover from my upper back pain and also celebrated my birthday.  But now I am back in the grind and ready to finish it all up.  I have finished up all the mechanics to the last fighting scene, just need to flush it out.  However, I have decided to not skimp out on the credits/ending scene now and will be making a final final sequence.  I know, this will delay the campaign a bit longer but I didn't want to short change you guys with a weak end.  Hopefully it won't take too long to make but this will probably push it out to the early Fall now.  I am thinking end of Sept.  I will release some gameplay/trailer #2 however, and possibly a short demo before then so I'll keep you guys updated!  The good news is I am definitely rejuvenated/re-motivated to finish everything off with a bang!!

6-15-22
Progress is going well on the last scene.  I do want to out-do my previous chapter so it can end with a bang.  However, there are limited things I can do with certain models so I have to find alternative ways to do certain things.  I know, very vague, but I don't want to give away much.  All in all, I'm getting things done and I really can say I'm proud of what I've created.  I know there are a lot of good mods coming out soon so I won't say it is going to be as professional as those, but I do think you guys will have a blast playing it.  Here's a big problem though.  My back has been really acting up lately, especially while I work on the campaign, probably due to some bad ergonomics.  I'll either have to address this issue soon which may delay the campaign, or just finish is up asap.  I think the latter since I am so close.  The good news is, I want to continue to make maps in the future but will definitely need a break after this one, or fix up my back somehow.  Timeline on completion is still end of Summer/early Fall. 
5-26-22
Alright! Finished up map 6 and already started on the last sequence in map 7 to the campaign.  Got some cool ideas to end everything, but I'll still have to do some trial and error to get things to work.  I am VERY excited to be releasing it, hopefully you all will enjoy it.  Still a bit from being done though however, needs to be ironed out, optimized, and play-tested.   So far, things look a bit heavy on the performance side so hopefully you all have a nice graphics card.  Still hoping for a Summer release, but may possibly be into Fall.    Once I get the whole campaign playable, I'll make a second trailer that should have a more specific release date.  Hold on just a bit longer!  Oh, and I know it's optional, but any donation is highly highly appreciated!  It really really helps motivate me to continue building not only this campaign, but more maps in the future.  Thanks so much!
5-4-22
Just finishing up my second to last scene which is AMAZING haha.  It's hopefully something new that you guys will enjoy and have never really seen but I gotta still work out some kinks and bugs, and add some more detail.  Otherwise, I'm not sure how I'll be able to top this for my last sequence, but I already have some ideas.  I've been watching a lot of custom map videos (shout out to skummeh on youtube), and looking for ideas and stuff to make my campaign even better.  Nice to see the Half life Alyx community still thriving with custom maps almost every day.  In any case, still working hard and to be very honest, I want to finish asap because this is taking up a LOT of my time.  Although I really enjoy mapping, I may have to take a big break after finishing this, (starting to get back aches).  There is a dilemma however.  My campaign will most definitely be over the 2 gig limit for uploading onto the workshop so I'm not sure how to upload the full campaign other than splitting it into parts which I would like to avoid.  If anyone has suggestions, let me know in the comments.  Till next time. 
4-18-22
Currently working on the second to last scene.  Without giving too much away (spoiler alert), at first, it was going to be more of a simple sequence of events where you would be chased.  But it has grown to be much more than that because I have too many ideas I want to create still.  I can say happily that it has turned out to be amazing and hope you guys will have a lot of fun with it.  It'll take maybe another 2 weeks to finish it.  Then I'm off to finish the final sequence of the campaign so keep hanging in there! I promise it will be worth it.  Release date is still hopefully in the Summer, but may possibly be beginning of Fall =[.  I really just don't want to compromise any of my ideas which I still have so many.  I'll try to update more and add some pictures but every time I get to the computer I just start working on my campaign.  So if you don't hear from me, I'm hard at mapping!  If you guys have any questions, just comment below and I will try to reply as fast as I can.  
3-3-22
Finished going over maps 1-5 and am pleased to announce it is all playable.  Will still need to optimize further and add minor details/sounds but am very happy with the outcome.  Extremely excited for people to try it soon and thinking about releasing a demo possibly.  Currently working on the last part of the campaign which may take a couple of months.  Will be adding some work in progress pics soon so stay tuned! 
2-24-22
​Per request, I thought I'd do an updates section so people can track how the campaign is going.  It's been over a year now since I've been working on this campaign.  Things are coming along nicely so far, currently re-going over some of the maps and adding details and optimizing.  I still have the final scene to create but I'm organizing ideas everyday on how to finish it all.  I am very happy with the first 6 maps so far and I hope you will be too.  There are a lot of little details I added so please take your time when you play.  It is still on track to be finished before summertime this year.  I'll give little updates here and there as I get closer to completing the campaign!  If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment and I'll try to answer them in the next update.  Thanks!
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  • My Life
  • Ameliya
  • Eyeballs
  • Music
  • Travels
  • Noodles
  • Projects
    • Honda Prelude
    • Aquarium
    • From Here to There
    • Nursery
  • Contact Me