Some exciting stuff is happening with Deadstick: Bush Pilot Simulator with a very subtle name change, a look at a new Region of Deadstick’s fictional map and an open playtest that is currently on right now. Let’s have a look!

The playtest is on now!

From Friday 22nd May to Tuesday 26th May, Deadstick is going to be having an open playtest on Steam. The playtest gives you limited access to the sim’s first region and the ability to check out some of the gameplay features. The developers are actively looking for player feedback via a survey and bug reports.

You can request access via the Steam store page for Deadstick or if you have friends in the playtest they each get 3 invites.

Name change

The developers behind Deadstick have changed the name to Deadstick: Bush Pilot Simulator with a subtle adjustment from Bush Flight Simulator. The developers report that the name change doesn’t reflect a change in scope or gameplay but better describes the sim as a pilot experience rather than purely a flight experience.

That is in keeping with what we’ve heard about for years with Deadstick having you start on the ground, get jobs from the local FBO, and battle the elements as well as pilot fatigue.

Looking at Region 2

Earlier in the year, we had a look at Region 1 of Deadstick. Earlier this month, we got a look at Region 2 which they are calling Redshore. More rugged terrain with winding rivers and deep channels are typical of this zone. Industrial mining and small coastal settlements are part of the human experience in this area. Each zone will have its own weather elements as well with Redshore reportedly having strong coastal winds and shifting weather patterns.

The zone will has 1 major airport, 3 minor airfields, 3 smaller strips and then a selection of just over a half dozen smaller bush strips.

Read more about Deadstick on their Steam store page here.

Look for some first impressions from me as well. I hope to get a bit of playtest time in before the test wraps up on Tuesday.