Hello Gamecrafters!
We’re starting to finish up the work we’ve been doing on some amazing features for the next major Gamecraft update and we’ve still got a couple of features left to talk about in this Dev Blog. This week we’ll be diving into Maths Blocks, Landscape Blocks and Tweakable Stats for Springs, which we plan to add in this coming update!
Math Blocks
Last week we showed off some of the new Logic Blocks, in addition (see what we did there?), we’ve also been working on some Maths Blocks. These blocks will open up a myriad of possibilities for you to explore.
The planned Math Blocks, as seen in the image above are:
- Adder - Output = A + B ( i.e A = 6, B = 2, O = 8)
- Subtractor - Output = A - B ( i.e A = 6, B = 2, O = 4)
- Multiplier - Output = A * B ( i.e A = 6, B = 2, O = 12)
- Divider - Output = A / B ( i.e A = 6, B = 2, O = 3)
- Mean - Output is the Average of A and B ( i.e A = 6, B = 2, O = 4)
- Absolute - Converts any negative input into a positive output ( i.e A = -2, O = 2)
- Sign - Flips the sign of the input ( i.e A = 6, O = -6)
- Min - Output = The lowest value between A and B ( i.e A = 6, B = 2, O = 2)
- Max - Output = The highest value between A and B ( i.e A = 6, B = 2, O = 6)
All of these blocks support uncapped signals and even float values too! That means you’ll be able to multiply a Dial on +0.1 by an input of +6 (gained by adding “On” Switches” together) to get an output of +0.6, which can then be used to get finer positioning on your mechanical Hinges or Pistons. Logic Blocks and functional parts will still be capped to +/-1.
Since there are so many new blocks to link wires between, it might become a little messy for some creations. To combat this we’ve also added a Simple Connector Block that can be used to keep your wires tidy.
Here’s an example of one way to use the connector to clean up your project. Instead of linking each Servo in the grabber to the seat, they are linked to the simple connector instead. This can allow you to put logic in before the simple connector and easily hook it up, instead of having to re-wire all the servos.
Landscape Blocks
Gameplay is also about level design, so we’re adding a selection of Landscape Blocks for Gamecrafters to use too. These blocks can be combined to create stunning landscapes to bring out some beauty in your level. Below you can see an example of the types of landscapes you can create.
Spring Tweakable-Stats
Springs will be getting Tweakable Stats as well. Springs can have their stiffness and damping values changed, to give you much finer control over your suspension and other contraptions.
Stiffness affects the way the Springs handle weight. A lower stiffness will make the Spring less “bouncy” while a higher value will let them react better to large weights. Damping affects how quickly the Spring will try to settle back into position, with a lower damping value making the spring settle quicker.
We hope you enjoy this sneak peek into what we’re planning on releasing in our next update. We’re aiming to release this update next week, and we really cannot wait for all the amazing content you are going to create! If you missed last weeks blog, be sure to give it a read here: Gamecraft Blog 28/02/2020
We're also giving you another reminder that we'll be dropping support for “signal averaging” as part of this update. You can read more about that here:
https://steamcommunity.com/gid/103582791464559041/announcements/detail/1693854158811546458
Please follow us on our social spaces and share your creations with us:
Twitter- https://twitter.com/Gamecraft_FJ
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkcRFCr9aQxszaYeXcWZjwA
Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/GamecraftGame/
Reddit - https://www.reddit.com/r/GamecraftGame/
Discord - https://discord.gg/gamecraft
Thanks for reading!
The Gamecraft Team