Hello Builders! 👋
First of all – we owe you an apology for the radio silence over the past few weeks. We know you've been waiting for news, and we truly appreciate your patience and support. But we promise, we haven't been idle!
We made the decision to upgrade our project to the latest version of Unreal Engine – and while this was a massive undertaking, it was absolutely the right move for the future of Dreamhouse. The new engine version gives us better performance, more tools, and opens up possibilities we simply couldn't access before.
The good news? We're through the worst of it. The migration is complete, and we've been working at full speed ever since. We're excited to share that we've already implemented a huge wave of new features, optimizations, and improvements. This is just a portion of what we've accomplished recently – and we couldn't be happier with how things are shaping up.
Here's everything we've delivered so far:
Completed Work:
Interactive Doors & Windows – Fully implemented interactivity for doors and windows. They're no longer static props – they respond to your actions, making your dream home feel truly alive and immersive.
Smart Element Replacement System – We've built a seamless system that lets you replace one building element with another. Whether you're upgrading a wall or swapping out a window for an animation sequence, the process is now smooth and intuitive.
Enhanced Preview Actor – The preview ghost you see before placing items has been completely redesigned. You'll now see accurate representations of what you're about to place, making construction more precise and satisfying.
Off-Grid Placement – We've implemented flexible, grid-free placement. You now have total control over positioning, allowing for creative and unconventional builds without being locked to a rigid grid.
Per-Instance Custom Data System – We've deployed an advanced material parameterization system that allows for incredible customization on a per-instance basis, giving each element unique visual properties.
Wall Layering System – Walls now support separate interior and exterior materials. We've also implemented automatic cleanup – when you remove a wall, its associated layers are properly cleared.
HUD Foundation – We've researched, designed, and built the core HUD framework. It's clean, intuitive, and ready for expansion with all the new tools and features coming your way.
Gameplay Tags System – We've moved away from basic identifiers and implemented a robust Gameplay Tags structure for cleaner, more organized data management across the entire project.
Advanced Class-Based Logging – Comprehensive logging with console variables is now integrated. This helps us monitor performance, track issues, and maintain stability – all without impacting your gameplay experience.
Save/Load System Overhaul – A brand-new Save/Load manager is fully operational, complete with robust file management and save versioning. Your creations are now safer than ever.
Data-Driven Architecture – We've migrated as much as possible to Data Tables and created the necessary structures for future "Data Driven" development. This makes it easier for us to add new content, balance gameplay, and release updates faster.
Registry Consolidation – We've unified multiple scattered registries into a single, efficient system where it makes sense. This improves performance and simplifies our codebase.
Isometric Building Camera – A dedicated isometric camera with smooth zoom and rotation controls has been implemented, giving you the perfect perspective for planning and construction.
Terrain & Foundation System – The landscape is in place, and we've built a foundation system that enforces proper building logic – foundations first, then walls, then everything else.
Floor & Ceiling Systems – Floors and ceilings can now be placed with built-in verification to ensure everything fits together properly and follows logical construction rules.
Stairs Implementation – Stairs are fully functional, giving you easy ways to move between levels of your dream home.
Main Menu Core – The Main Menu experience has been built and polished, setting the stage for your building journey.
Asset Library Integration – We've reviewed and integrated all relevant assets from previous projects, selecting the best ones to enhance Dreamhouse's visual quality.
Multi-Story System – Building multiple floors is now supported. You can switch between floors and control visibility of elements on different levels with ease.
Painting & Plastering Tools – Core tools like the paintbrush and plastering gun are fully implemented and ready for use.
Per-Element Customization – Every element can now be painted or plastered individually, with real-time progress feedback displayed on the HUD.
Material Blending System – We've implemented smooth material transitions between layers, with a focus on visual quality and performance.
Scaffolding & Ladder System – Scaffolding with ladders has been added, making high-level construction more intuitive and realistic.
Expanded HUD – The interface has been enhanced with tool selection, floor switching, and all the UI elements needed for a seamless building experience.
Save/Load Versioning – Our save system now includes full versioning support, ensuring your progress remains compatible and safe with every future update.
And this is just the beginning! Everything listed above is complete and fully integrated into the game. The engine upgrade has given us a rock-solid foundation, and we're more confident than ever about the direction Dreamhouse is heading.
Thank you again for your patience – we know the wait has been tough, but we promise it's been worth it. The game is more stable, more flexible, and more feature-rich than ever before. We can't wait to show you what comes next.
Stay tuned – we have so much more to share!
– The Dreamhouse Team 🏠