Recap
It has been almost six month since the early access release and I should summarize past development and what was accomplished since.
- The first few months after the release was devoted to bug fixing and immediate response to user feedback.
- Then I paid great attention to improvements of the help and game tips system. I understand Facteroids is a complex game and it may become overwhelming to players at times. That is why there are several systems of context sensitive tips and hints as well as a comprehensive Facteroids encyklopedia. I still have to add tutorial missions of the new features.
- Research and building upgrades features were added.
- Many quality of life improvements in bot user interface, building construction, selection and editing, game controls and UI.
- Asteroid hopping game mode that enables “endless gameplay”.
- New missions
The big cleanup, Hard labor, Complete annihilation, Remote base and Superbot
- New buildings
Electronics factory, machine shop, cistern and pipe bridge.
Roadmap
I plan to continuously develop the game and release the full version one year after the early access. Which means April 2023. Don’t take it for granted though. This date is a goal. If it is going to be achieved still remains to be seen…
So what is planned for the full release?
The game is structured in tiers. Both in technology, building construction sequence and campaign progress. What does it mean? You always have a group of buildings and related types of resources. Every tear of technology is dependent on a basic resource. If such a resource is not present on the asteroid, you can not upgrade to the next tier. This enables continuous and controlled campaign progress. Currently the game has three tiers. First: from rock and ice, second: from iron and silicon ores and third: from sulfur. Each tier should add a new game mechanic. I want to avoid simply reskinning buildings and duplicating the gameplay. There will be two or three new tiers, each one with two or three new buildings.
The campaign will be crowned with a final “Big boss” mission.
Steam workshop and achievements will be integrated in the game. I want to improve the user friendliness of the editor and hope to see some awesome game levels from you.
There is a feature request section on Facteroids Discord channel. I am open to new ideas and always like to hear feedback from you.
Sincerely, Jan