I am proud to say that the game is finally approaching the end of alpha and beta phase will begin shortly, including a whole new round of testing. With that, a lot of things have been done to our little friend so let's highlight those and go over the recent changes.

Recent developments and changes

• The GUI has been fully implemented for the levels and will be smoothed and polished, like a nice Bob Ross painting. The game GUI is also being changed, starting with that silly level select screen. The style of the GUI is being built and so far, kind of liking it.
• Dust is also changing from just a form of currency to also a rating of level efficiency. Your high score on levels, for example, won't be time completed, but the highest amount of Dust you were awarded upon completion. The Dust on your game won't be tracked so if you have less Dust, that doesn't matter. The Dust you got upon completing is what matters.
• Skins are also being implemented right now. The Player is the only thing that will be reskinned and skins will cost some Dust, so you don't have Dust burning a hole in your pocket. These skins are provided at no cost and any new ones will be added in free updates so the only cost is the Dust they cost, if that. (And Dust cannot be bought; only earned).
• The game now has a new loading scheme to make it more efficient when running and gathering data as well as set up to receive patches and updates efficiently. Any issues with this system will be recorded and a support page will be made on the website shortly. It will also be added to the game manual if offline.
• A Discord server for public play has also been made, but not public yet. It will be shortly after launch. A subreddit is also on the horizon as well.
• I have someone working on a new trailer for the store page since the game has changed dramatically. Expect a new trailer and screenshots within the next couple of weeks.
• I have also opened up part of the Discussions for community level submissions so if you want to submit your own level, feel free to do so and you just might see it added to the game! Community Level Ideas.
• The Linux build of the game should be working properly, but is still being tested. Mac OS is having severe issues with the build so Apple support is on the way, but it won't be for a while as a result. By launch, however, the Apple build should be working properly.
• Steam functionality is implemented and working with leaderboards and everything! Cloud saving also works properly so super exciting! A build for testing will be ready shortly for testers to fully test this functionality.

Overall, the game has changed even more dramatic and everyday, I get even more excited to finish this for you guys and the support from the community is great! All of the interest and support I'm getting from you guys is slowly making this possible and just gets me excited for release. On top of that, I have a game planned right after Don't Die! is released and I'll keep you all in the loop on that, but seeing the community just gets me so excited to do it. Keep posted on my Twitter or the Templarius Games Studios Twitter for updated information in realtime.

[ 2017-08-17 19:45:48 CET ] [ Original post ]