Hi-voltage & transformers

In the April DevLog, we shared a preview of the transformer/substation tile. This has finally made it into the game, along with the concept of hi-voltage and lo-voltage.
Some buildings, such as factories or other industry, require a hi-voltage input. This means laying power lines, probably with a substation somewhere to step-up or step-down the voltage. Diving deeper, voltage has some interesting properties. Hi-voltage lines are much more expensive than lo-voltage lines, in both upfront & maintenance. But on the flip side, hi-voltage lines are more efficient, with only a 5% energy loss. Lo-voltage lines can have as much as 45% energy loss. Depending on the problem you have to solve, the trade-off might be acceptable.

Energy policies

Policies such as impact the choices you have to make in each level. Players can craft effective strategies, as well as challenge them to try others, keeping the game fresh.

Government subsidies

These policies allow you to make trade-offs in return for tax cuts or cheaper prices, if you choose to specialize in a particular technology.

Smart grid, edge & IoT policies

These policies help shape market trends with IoT and smart grid technology, unlocking new power grid design strategies.

A sneak peak... (our new teaser trailer)

You can check it out below on YouTube channel, or over on our store page. [previewyoutube=rJ0V3dEVH_0;full][/previewyoutube]

So, what's coming next?

We're moving from Pre-Alpha to Alpha. Meaning, core systems and mechanics of the game are implemented. The Alpha phase is about producing content and refining what is already a part of the game. There's a bunch of stuff we're working on before shipping in Early Access:

• Keep refining the game mechanics through playtesting with our Discord server
• More levels across a variety of locations: a forest village, shipping port, town center, etc..
• New energy sources like hydropower
• New energy policies like EV vehicles & charging stations

If you're interested, see our public roadmap on Trello for more details, though please be aware we might change plans as the game evolves.

Moving towards launch... - Wishlist & Follow

We hope you enjoyed this month's DevLog. Feel free to leave feedback, opinions and ideas in the comments below or our Discord server.
Don't forget to wishlist & follow the game below, to find out when we launch: https://store.steampowered.com/app/890890/ - The Green With Energy Team

[ 2021-05-01 15:10:51 CET ] [ Original post ]