BallisticNG (tuxdb.com)

Moving forward after the Unity debacle

First off, let's get straight into why you're reading this:

What this means for BallisticNG

There's been concerns about the Unity changes killing off new and existing games, so first off: BallisticNG is not going anywhere. However, Nintendo has a rolling Unity version requirement for game releases and we're already behind the threshold by two years. 2 weeks ago this wouldn't have been an issue, no doubt there'd have be some pains in updating BallisticNG to a new version of Unity again, but it would have benefited us in the long run. By the time we'll have a Switch version of BallisticNG ready, the threshold for Unity versions will exceed the new versions that Unity are pushing their TOS changes with, and we currently have no confidence that they won't try pulling another move or pushing back to their original plans under / beyond this new TOS.

The Switch port is cancelled

Despite Unity's efforts to recover after their PR disaster, there just isn't any trust and security for us to continue moving forward with newer versions of their tools in the foreseeable future. It comes with much frustration and disappointment that we're announcing the cancellation of the Switch version. Several years of development has gone into preparing BallisticNG technically for the port while maintaining the usual output of updates for the PC version, so this comes as a big kick in the balls to both us and everybody else who was excited for this version of the game. We're sorry that it has turned out this way, and we'll be looking at working with the console (or the rumoured Switch 2) in a future project not bound by Unity. We'll still be moving forward with 1.3.3, 1.4 and continued content support, and we look forward to bringing in community members for content development again in the future for that.

What's this about Unity?

A quick rundown for the uninitiated:

On September 12th Unity had announced a new business model where they were removing the Plus license, introducing always online DRM to the Unity editor, will start charging developers a per install fee (the runtime fee) based on their own black box estimates after certain thresholds were met, in some rare cases potentially bankrupting companies, and took down their public Github repository for their TOS, which allowed people to track every minute change, while forcing everybody into a new agreement that applied retroactively.
They damage control a few times as developers respond extremely negatively.
On September 22nd they rolled back a bit. The runtime fee no longer applied to Personal licenses, now has a 2.5% revenue cap and is self reported, the TOS has been restored to Github and the new terms are no longer applied retroactively. The plus license is still gone (it's merging with Personal, but you'll need to use the new versions not released yet), and they're still introducing always online DRM to the editor.

What this means for us

Many developers have made statements about the changes and more likely will. As one of the much smaller devs we've waited for the storm to settle before making an announcement. What's important to us is that we can continue to provide support for BallisticNG, even if in a year we'll need to be stomaching an over 4x cost in engine licensing fees with the Pro license. We're currently running a Plus license and have no trust in Unity to want to update to a new version of the engine where we'll be operating under their new TOS. We like to keep the Unity splash screen out of the game because of it's (now even more) negative reputation. Since the Plus plan is going away and the changes to the Personal license don't apply to previous versions, our only option for this is that 4x cost in fees mentioned above. For now we're sticking with Unity 2020 to continue providing support for BallisticNG, but we're evaluating other engines for future projects.

[ 2023-09-23 20:22:22 CET ] [ Original post ]

BallisticNG

Neognosis Developer

Neognosis Publisher

2018-12-14 Release

Indie Racing Singleplayer Tags

Game News Posts: 102

🎹🖱️Keyboard + Mouse
🎮 Full Controller Support

Overwhelmingly Positive (1903 reviews)

https://neognosis.games/

Steam Store

The Game includes VR Support

Keyboard & mouse: 1

Gamepad support: 1

Seated: 1

Public Linux Depots:

BallisticNG Linux 64-bit [1.52 G]

Available DLCs:

BallisticNG - Bling Pack
BallisticNG - Neon Nights
BallisticNG - Outer Reaches
BallisticNG - Maceno Island

BallisticNG is an action packed anti-gravity racer developed as a lover letter to the original Wipeout trilogy. Set in the year 2159 you glide through futuristic race courses armed to the teeth with deadly weapons to aid you in taking first place.

Features

17 tracks set in unique locations, 11 of them reversible for a grand total of 28 playable tracks
13 teams and a lineup of super fast drag ships
14 pickups for all your combat needs
6 gamemodes (Race, Time Trial, Speed Lap, Survival, Knockout and Eliminator)
A singleplayer campaign to challenge your skill
Two player splitscreen with dual-monitor support
A thumping 90s inspired soundtrack featuring 34 tracks spanning across Techno, Jungle, Neurofunk and Drum and Bass
A modding tool suite to import your own ships, build your own tracks and program your own gamemodes, weapons and more

Physics

BallisticNG recreates the physics of a time long gone. Playing the game is all about getting into the zone and becoming one with the ship, practicing every nook and cranny of every track until you can do it with your eyes closed. Feeling the speed isn't about what the HUD tells you, but how the environment swooshes past you and timing the right maneuvers at the right time to keep the flow going. If you're looking for a quick game, lower speed classes provide you with a more laid back experience. You can even disable weapons if you want a good clean race.

Visuals

The game is built as if it were running on real 90s hardware. Low poly ships and environments create simple yet visually rich scenes that can run on most hardware. Retro 3D options are available to emulate hardware limitations from the 90s, modern effects are also available so you can make the game look old, new or anywhere in-between.

VR Support

BallisticNG has beta VR support with no compromises on game functionality. All modes, tracks, ships, online and mod content are supported! Tweak the game with the VR options to get the most comfort out of your experience.

Cockpit Mode

Each ship has a unique cockpit which reflects the design you see on the exterior. When in cockpit mode the game processes the audio to make it sound authentic, complete with the sound of rain splashing on the canopy and displays flickering as you take damage from weapons, everything you need to get cosy in your high speed future racer.

MINIMAL SETUPOS: 64-bit distroMemory: 2 GB RAMStorage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Requires OpenGL 3.2+. Mods will increase required storage space and memory.
Memory: 2 GB RAMStorage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Requires OpenGL 3.2+. Mods will increase required storage space and memory.
Storage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Requires OpenGL 3.2+. Mods will increase required storage space and memory.
RECOMMENDED SETUPOS: 64-bit distroMemory: 4 GB RAMStorage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Requires OpenGL 3.2+. Mods will increase required storage space and memory.
Memory: 4 GB RAMStorage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Requires OpenGL 3.2+. Mods will increase required storage space and memory.
Storage: 3 GB available spaceAdditional Notes: Requires OpenGL 3.2+. Mods will increase required storage space and memory.

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