Hello Builders! It has been two months since the last update, and we've faced several hurdles here in the Studio that have limited my ability to work on Gate Builders as much as usual. However, despite the challenges, I'm excited to announce that there are still plenty of cool updates coming your way!

Gameplay and UI

Achievements

We have a brand new game's achievement system, with a total of 60 achievements now available! Although they are not yet synchronized with Steam, I will explore how to implement that feature in the near future. You can track your achievements within the game and monitor your progress.
As soon as you complete an achievement, it will pop up in-game. Can you complete them all?

Recruit / Train UI

In the past, explaining the difference between recruiting a citizen and hiring an expert in the home world was a challenge due to poor game design. To simplify this process, I have merged both interfaces into a single, much clearer one. I hope this change will make more sense now.

Laser Cannon

When it comes to defending your station or invading enemy territories, soldiers are no longer the only option. Allow me to introduce the Laser Cannon! You can either build them in an Arsenal or purchase them in your home world. Laser Cannons are expensive but exceptionally powerful. If they lose a battle, they won't be destroyed outright but instead become damaged Laser Cannons, still capable of fighting but a bit weaker.

Hero Citizen

Citizens who join you through sponsorship can now become heroes! These hero citizens produce more resources and have a unique appearance.
More heroes will be introduced in future updates.

Polish

Beautiful Movement Visualization

I have replaced the temporary movement visualization with an animated one. This new movement visualization will clearly show you where your spaceship will end up at the end of each turn.

As an added bonus, trade routes are now visible, making it much easier for you to organize your production transports.

Improved "Missing Resources" Badge on Buildings

Previously, when a building was missing input resources, it displayed all inputs as missing. Now, the building production popup provides more concise and clear information.

Score View and Ranking

I have updated the score view and added a ranking feature. You can now keep an eye on your ranking compared to other AI or human players, even if you haven't encountered them yet.
The score chart is now much more precise and clear.

Game Balance

Spaceships' speed, scanning range and combat range, sponsor costs, and building construction effort have all been increased by 15% across all game speeds.

Voice Over in the Intro

I'm currently experimenting with Replica Studios voice over generation for in-game narration. While it's not perfect yet, it has the potential to enhance the game's immersion and accessibility without incurring a significant cost. Please let me know your thoughts on this addition. I'm also considering adding voice over to the anomalies.

Small Feature Changes:

• Spaceships now properly dock to the station when players skip the movement animation.
• The warehouse wonder now grants access to auto-trade correctly.
• The Arsenal now doubles the production of lasers for the same input resources.
• Clicking on a station badge opens the station map.
• Destroying a warehouse reduces the station's maximum stock.
• Destroying a building that enabled auto-trade now disables auto-trade.
• Citizens waiting in the home world docks can now be conscripted.
• Tow ships are now faster when towing an asteroid.
• New wonder: University -> train citizens in EVERY station simultaneously.
• The "End Turn" button now updates properly after a ship enters subspace.
• The station list statistics reset every time the station list is opened.
• Capturing an outpost now transforms it into a station and enables production of goods.
• Spaceships can now stop scanning an anomaly and move away.
• Neutral stations and outposts can claim asteroids.

Conclusion:

Your feedback is always valuable to me, so please let me know if you have any comments on the game! Your input greatly helps me improve it. To join our community and engage in discussions, feel free to join our Discord server at https://discord.gg/eqxF58uqjC. Lastly, if you've been waiting for a sign to add the game to your Wishlist, this is it! :)
Visit our Steam store page at https://store.steampowered.com/app/1955200/Gate_Builders/