by Bod9001 Weekly Update Greetings, fellow spacefarers! We're back with our regular weekly blog, hot on the heels of our exclusive Xenobiology deep dive last week. We've got a plethora of updates to discuss, showcasing the variety of cool enhancements made to Unitystation since our last rendezvous. For the detail-devouring crew members among you, feel free to indulge in our comprehensive Changelog Page or join the #changelog discussion on our Discord. So, buckle up, as we prepare to plunge into the vast cosmos of this week's updates!

First Step To End Docked UIs

In response to popular demand for greater consistency in our game's diegetic UI, MaxIsJoe has dedicated time and energy into transforming the vending machine interface. Previously anchored to the top-right corner of the screen, the vendor UI is now a free-floating window that appears in the center of the screen, providing a more immersive and integrated interaction experience. To sweeten the deal, they've also added some appealing visual details to the interface. We will continue iterating this and moving the docked UIs to floating windows progressively, so we would like to hear your feedback on Discord!

Xenobiology Lab Overhaul on Ministation

Ministation's Xenobiology lab has received a major facelift, courtesy of AtnerNT. Wielding mapping tools with a keen eye for improvement, AtnerNT has successfully redesigned the Xenobio area, making it more visually appealing and functional for players. Now, scientists can study the mysteries of alien lifeforms in a more aesthetically pleasing environment, enhancing the overall gameplay experience on Ministation.

Improved Examine Messages for the Gateway

Responding to feedback from our player community, we've upgraded the examine messages for the Gateway. Now, they provide more accurate information about the Gateway's state through hover tooltips. Whether the Gateway is unpowered, has no connection, or is connected to another world, players will receive relevant, real-time updates. Importantly, when the Gateway is linked to another world, the name of that world will also be displayed. This is particularly helpful for players who join the game after the announcement from Centcom has been dispatched, allowing them to be aware of what lies on the other side of the portal and prepare their gear accordingly. Thanks to Gilles!

Much-Needed Balancing for Blob Ghost Role Introduced

We're pleased to welcome back Silver-8ce, who has returned after a year to contribute a significant balance improvement for the blob ghost role. In an effort to level the playing field, players who select the ghost role will now respawn as a random assistant, regardless of their prior role. This makes it more challenging for the blob and fairer for the crew, particularly as blobs won't automatically have clearance for the entire station as they would if they were a captain, for instance. This update also rectifies an unintended consequence which occurred if a player chose the blob role after dying as an ancient engineer. Previously, this would result in the player respawning in the ancient engineer's derelict, making it exceptionally difficult for the station crew to halt their growth We're excited to report that Bod9001 has been developing a significant feature that propels us closer to a Steam release of Unitystation. The new system being implemented will allow forks to bypass the need for manual build validation by our team. Instead, these can be uploaded directly, mitigating any security concerns we may have for users downloading the builds. Here's a quick breakdown of the process: StationHub scans the build for any malicious code or disallowed references. If detected, the system prevents the build from running or being installed. Several aspects still require fine-tuning to ensure a secure environment, and as such, it will take some time to fully implement. However, we're already poised to merge a new system for secure file access management post-playtest. This advancement is a considerable step towards ensuring the safety and security of our Unitystation community.

So Many Bug Fixes

It's been a particularly industrious time for us at Unitystation, as we've been hunting down bugs and squashing them left and right. The majority of PR's since our last update have been dedicated to identifying and rectifying various bugs, covering everything from vending machines vending items without power, to resolving issues with crafting Steamed Rice. While it may seem mundane, this process of constant refinement and bug fixing is essential in making Unitystation as stable and enjoyable as possible. Curious about the extent of our bug extermination efforts? The full list of resolved issues can be found on our Changelog Page. It's a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team, and we couldn't be prouder. That concludes our cosmic journey for this week! We hope you found the voyage enjoyable and enlightening. A heartfelt shout-out to all the stellar individuals who make Unitystation possible - our Patreons, contributors, players, and friends. To become part of our vibrant community, step aboard our Discord and consider joining our current playtest session! We're in-game right now, eager to do some spess things with you!