Click here to see how to join the testing branch. Please note that the hardware mechanic will not be available in older Alpha 11 saves, since they require changes to the software types, which are embedded in the save file. However, they will still load.

Major changes

This update adds conveyor belts, forcing you to plan out your logistics in more detail than just placing down some printers and some pallets. With conveyor belts comes a lot more options for how boxes travel from printer to courier. They can be routed through walls, floors and even out of a building directly to a parking lot.
Hardware manufacturing seems like a natural offshoot from conveyor belts. Hardware manufacturing currently affects how you have to approach console and phone development. You also unlock new hardware contracts with 2 business stars, and you'll receive hardware manufacturing deals whenever a competitor develops a console or phone operating system.
Employees will sadly no longer partake in majestic flights through empty elevator shafts. Elevators now require queueing and load balancing. 2 new larger elevators have been added and each of them has a display showing current floor, load and direction.

Roadmap changes

The final release of Alpha 11 has been pushed back a couple of times now. It mainly came down to the fact that the convention mechanic hasn't panned out the way I intended, when I brainstormed it. I've decided to make Alpha 11.7 the final update before I release it officially. The convention mechanic has been shelved for now in favor of the new hardware mechanic. The "updates and expansions" update is still planned and I'm still planning on making it a part of Alpha 11.

Patch notes

Alpha 11.7.3 (2020-10-12)

Fixed boxes and printers not being simulated when skipping time

Alpha 11.7.2 (2020-10-12)

Fixes

• Fixed contracts not refreshing on pre-alpha 11.7 saves
• Fixed game breaking when trying to pick component outputs on pre-alpha 11.7 saves
• Fixed game breaking due to AI changes in couriers being incompatble with pre-alpha 11.7 saves
• Fixed instances of boxes getting stuck

Alpha 11.7.1 (2020-10-12)

Changes

• Added hardware toggle for software categories, making them physical distribution only and altering their sales simulation
• Added hardware manufacturing, allowing players to print products from components using a series of printers and assemblers
• Added hardware contracts and made contract generation algorithm pick more varied contracts
• Boxes now have to be transported using conveyor belts
• Elevators are now simulated with limited capacity and load balancing
• Added security desk to micro manage security staff locations
• Employees' work timer no longer starts until they have walked into the office, and they offset their arrival time by how long their commute takes
• Default room style has changed to drywall and concrete floors to encourage player customization
• Overhauled look of UI
• Heavily increased payout from bigger contracts
• Updated default rent buildings and added a new building for hardware manufacturing
• Added TOGGLE_SPEC_CAP console command

Fixes

• Fixed bug causing software with categories overriden in mods to always be priced at 0, making the AI bankrupt constantly
• Fixed not being able to override name generator when modding existing software with no categories
• Fixed bug where bus could get stuck waiting all day for employee that didn't plan on using it
• Fixed bug in path calculation causing employees to lose several meters every day when playing at max speed
• Fixed snapped furniture not always getting corrected to avoid wall clipping, causing PCs to not line up with chairs
• Fixed being able to pick software features unsupported by any OS, as long as OSs had already been selected
• Fixed subsidiary price adding player stock worth twice, making it almost twice as expensive as intended
• Various other fixes

Graphics

• Old Computer
• 90s Computer
• Laptop
• Modern Computer
• Elevators
• Product printers

[ 2020-10-12 10:51:14 CET ] [ Original post ]