I shall tell thee a bit of what's going on and why.
The main focus of this update has been polish. I thought it was just a couple of things, but once you open one Pandora's box, it leads to others.
A lot of work has gone into a brand new climate simulation, that allows for snow, and a living world that looks much better. Wind stroking the grass for instance. Animals have gotten an overhaul, with fixed spawn spots, and hunters work more predictably. Animals are also quite dangerous, so heads up.
I've dug through all UI panels, rearranged them, fixed them up, added new ones, removed others. Adhering to countless suggestions and bad reviews.
A big thing has also been to refactor code, so all rooms use a new sprite system that allows for upgrades. All refiners now have upgrades and some of the workshops.
Other from that it's just been about refining systems, and make sure everything works well. When this update is done, I consider the city-builder game to be very close to 1.0. That doesn't mean it's done, but in an acceptable state.
Heck, I'm sorry, I'm not good at this, I refer just toiling away at the code. I realize polish might sound bleak to players who have already made the effort to understand the game, but I'm sure there's something here for you as well. And, I'm getting close now to checking the last item on the list, in which case I'll start adding some new content.
The new content will be the ability that, through choices, get a public image that is either tyrannical or beloved. Choices can be public handouts, buying subjects drinks, or have your guards shake down a neighbourhood. Being a tyrant will be good for law and loyalty, while beloved increases happiness.
There will also be tourists, which will rate your city and throw you a coin based on their experience.
There will also be a lot more monuments, decorations and benches for your subjects.
Now, unfortunately, this is going to be the longest wait you'll ever had to endure. I plan on releasing V63 in early January. The reason for this is I'm on a working holiday for a few months, and I don't have the equipment to make my technically marvellous release videos. I'd also like more time doing this update, In the long term, it's a good thing, since a release is a lot of overhead.
Alpha testing will start mid December though, so if you're up to that, keep eyes peeled for the call, and join the discord if you haven't already!
Next version is going to be all about the world map. Factions, diplomacy, trade, and region development. I'm looking forward to that.