Demo 1 Wrap-Up
The first public demo wraps up today. This build was primarily a simulation test, bootstrapped with a simple scenario so players could jump in quickly.
From a modest number of playthroughs, most players started with missions, unsurprising in hindsight given the player-centric opening. Unfortunately, missions were the least-tested area , so that path was rougher than intended.
The goal now is to introduce clearer, more recognisable UX patterns for new players while preserving Antimatter’s novel systems.
What’s Next ?
A second version of the demo is scheduled to be released within 2 months, it will include:
- Space station building (commercial and military) (final pass): streamlined UI and full feature set.
- Action menu overhaul: clearer structure, faster access to core actions.
- Major UX/UI pass: richer feedback, revision of the action menu, more actions exposed in the UI, keybinding settings, clearer descriptions, and many small quality-of-life tweaks.
- Tutorials: short videos, in-game text, and custom tutorial missions.
- Audio: sounds and music.
- A richer scenario: the scenario system itself was apparently very stable and doesn't require debugging, so I'll add contents, triggers and additional actors.
- Depending of the state of the UI and work overhead, potential native compatibility for wide-screen. If this cannot be scheduled for demo 2, the player will be prompted to switch screen resolution.
Under the Hood
As always, development will also (primarly) continue on deepening the simulation and improving overall code architecture.
Thanks to everyone who tried the demo and shared feedback.
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Private alpha
For those having access to the private alpha, your version will be updated tomorrow with the latest version of the demo. You will be updated with the progress toward v2 of the demo.