This update focuses on improving gameplay feel, adding polish to presentation, and laying the groundwork for the upcoming content updates. Youll notice smarter AI, better performance, new visual effects, and a reworked tutorial experience.

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Gameplay Changes

• Added a new tutorial track: Nullspace

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• You can now rotate your vehicle by 180 while driving to shoot backwards; driving in reverse has been improved accordingly

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• Taking damage now slightly reduces your top speed

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• Reworked respawn system using AI pathfinding for more reliable and consistent player placement

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• Improved AI behavior: better pathfinding, smarter navigation around obstacles, and dodging of hazards like mines and homing missiles

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• Adjusted vehicle collisions its now harder to flip opponents by ramming them

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• Homing rockets no longer generate hype

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• Teleports now use a smooth transition instead of being instant

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• Portals no longer teleport projectiles to prevent confusing situations

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• Added manga-style onomatopoeia to explosions, collisions, and other intense moments

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Improvements

• Added controller hints during countdowns to highlight the Kickstarter boost feature

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• Added tire squeal sounds for drifting

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• Added new main menu and racing music tracks

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• The tutorial now skips player setup and starts instantly with one human player and three AIs

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• Redesigned main menu diorama

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• Updated track selection screen visuals

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• Adjusted the vehicle damage model less dramatic physics and fewer debris particles

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• Updated vehicle visuals for better clarity and style

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• Added anime-style speed line vignette during races

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• Improved scene transitions for a smoother flow

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• Added a shader compilation disclaimer to the main menu

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• Performance optimizations:

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• Enabled occlusion culling

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• Reduced draw calls

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• Increased physics solver thresholds

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• Replaced the 3D trail rendering system

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• Enabled shader baking for all platforms

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VFX improvements:

• Jump effects

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• Homing rocket visuals

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• Equalizer crosshairs

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Added LuftikusGames and Godot Engine splash screens on startup

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Improved the Add to Wishlist screen after races

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Enhanced ceremony platform visuals with fire bursts and confetti

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Updated billboards and decorations across all tracks

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Balanced several audio levels, including the orbital beam

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Numerous UI and readability updates

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Fixes

• Fixed a crash that occurred on startup

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• Fixed mistimed tutorial dialogues

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• Fixed a bug preventing homing missiles from spawning

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• Fixed exhaust particle stutter

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• Fixed an issue where wreckages and hazards could block spawn points during countdown

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• Fixed several particle and VFX visual glitches

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Removed

• Removed Polar Rush (Blue Track) from track selection

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• Removed power-ups: Barrier, Booster, EMP, and Gravity Gun

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[p align=\"start\"]Removing content is never ideal, but sometimes necessary. For more details on these changes, check out the latest Developer Update.[/p]

More ahead

This update marks another big step toward more polished racing experience with your friends.

Your feedback continues to shape the game keep sharing your thoughts, ideas, and bug reports on the Discord Channel. Join the Discord Community

Thanks for racing with me,

Luftikus Games

[ 2025-10-30 19:29:33 CET ] [Original Post]

Long time no see!

\n\nIm a solo developer, andDragon Gate: Tournamentis my very first game. Between full-time work and life, development eventually became overwhelming and frankly no longer fun. Luftikus Games started as a dream project, so I decided to take a step back and rediscover the joy of creating games. \nThat break turned into almost six months, which means the release window has also shifted. The game is now planned to launchafter Steam Next Fest in March 2026.\n\nDuring that time, I realized that my original vision - story campaign, 20+ tracks, multiple vehicles, etc. was simply too big for a solo developer. To deliver something polished and enjoyable, I had to scale way back and focus on the core experience.\n\nThis also affects the demo: to avoid too much overlap with the full version, some content (like thePolar Basetrack and a few power-ups) will be removed in the upcoming October update and reserved for the full release. I know this might disappoint some of you, but I hope this transparency helps explain why.\n\n

October Demo Update

\n\nEven with these adjustments, the demo will remain fun and packed with action, especially with the new additions coming this month!\n\n

\n
• New tutorial track\n
• Turn-Around feature (read more later)\n
• New music and sound effects\n
• Improved damage system\n
• Polished UI and better performance\n
• Lots of bug fixes and gameplay tweaks\n

\n\nMore details coming in the changelog!\n\n

What am I working on?

\n\nNEW POWER-UPS: Ive been designing a fresh batch of chaotic new power-ups. Without spoiling too much: youll be able to jam enemy controls with a virus, unleash swarms of mini-rockets, turn invisible to avoid attacks, or pull everyone around you into disaster with a magnetic field. \nGot cool ideas for new power-ups? Join theofficial Luftikus Games Discord !\n\nNEW TRACKS: Track design used to be my weakest point but its slowly becoming a strength. A brand-new tutorial map and four additional tracks are on the way, set across scrapyards, harbors, dams, and deserts. Each offers a unique twist and atmosphere.\n\nPROCEDURAL GENERATION: Im experimenting with a special mode that builds tracks from random segments, creating a fresh layout every time. Its early in development, but it could add a great layer of replayability beyond the handcrafted tracks.\n\nMETA-PROGRESSION: Inspired by_Mario Karts_coin system, Im working on a light progression mechanic that lets you unlock new tracks and power-ups as you race. Youll start small and grow your arsenal over time.\n\nEXPERT-FEATURES: Power-ups like the Gatling Gun used to only target opponents ahead. With the newTurn-Around Feature, you can flip 180 and shoot backward but youll have to drive in reverse! Its tricky but opens up tons of new possibilities.\n\nUI IMPROVEMENTS: The UI is constantly evolving. Im aiming for a cleaner, more readable, and more cohesive design by release. Feedback is always welcome!\n\n

Your Feedback Matters

\n\nAs a solo developer, I rely heavily on your feedback to makeDragon Gate: Tournamentthe best it can be. If you find bugs, have ideas, or just want to chat, come say hi on theofficial Luftikus Games Discord .\n\nThanks for sticking around and for your patience and support. \nSee you on the track, \nLuftikus Games

[ 2025-10-22 20:12:32 CET ] [Original Post]