BREAKIN NEWS! GATHER 'ROUND NEWSBEARERS!
Today we have come bearing gifts!
The 'Endless Mode Preview Build' branch is now OPEN!
We loved your enthusiasm and support as we've worked hard and fast to make this happen.
In this initial phase, we are testing this new 'Endless Mode' and are gathering your feedback and opinion on it to improve it to the maximum of our abilities.
This means you'll have access to all the content and improvements introduced in the latest main update, along with all the improvemends and fixes implemented with this one, described in more detail below!
Here's everything you need to know:
Why a Preview Build?
This 'Preview Build' is the first of many initiatives we are taking to include you, our community and players, in the development process of News Tower.
As part of our ongoing efforts to refine and improve the game, we're inviting you to test out key features that will have a significant impact on the core gameplay loop.
Your feedback during this testing phase will play a crucial role in shaping the final version, ensuring a smoother and more enjoyable experience for everyone.
What's included in the Endless Mode Preview Build?
This branch giving you access to the Endless Mode Preview Build is updated to the latest patch available on the main branch plus an additional update from which you can find the content in this blogpost. Keep in mind this is a preview build, and as such, much will still have to be improved. This is also why we ask for your help!
Join the "Endless Mode Preview Build" channels on the Discord to share your feedback on this preview build: https://discord.gg/V9ZRjXaq
How do I join the Preview Build branch on Steam?
To access the "Endless Mode Preview Build" branch, simply follow these steps:
- Open the Steam client.
- Click on the "Library" tab.
- Right-click on "News Tower" and select "Properties".
- Click on the "Betas" tab.
- In the "Beta participation" field, select "EndlessMode_PreviewBuild".
- Click on the "Close" button.
- The game will now be updated to the "EndlessMode_PreviewBuild" branch.
You're in! :)
Important information regarding your saves
You can:
- Continue playing with your old saves in this Endless Mode Preview Build. It will allow you to access the Endless Mode. Note that some of the information displayed on the summary screen will not be correct if the save comes from a previous version.
You cannot:
- Load a save of the preview version into the Live build available on the default branch.
We advise and invite you to create a backup save to be sure you can reload them in the Live build, just in case, to avoid losing any progress or content.
- You can find your save here for Windows:
C:\Users\USERNAME\AppData\LocalLow\Sparrow Night\News Tower
- And here for Mac:
/Users/YourUserName/Library/Application Support/com.Sparrow-Night.News-Tower/
ADDITIONS
End of run recap screen
- After you print your December 1932 issue, a new screen will recap your newspaper’s achievements. It shows data such as your record sales numbers, your staff levels or even how many districts you unlocked.
- While this screen appears even though you complete a run started on a previous version, some data will be missing (perfect district unlocks, tags colours).
- For the time being, this screen is only shown once, and the game doesn’t allow you to review it after the end of your run. We are working on a solution for this. In the meantime, make sure you grab a screenshot if you want to show it around!
(Kindly ignore the "total net earnings" sum as the calculation leading to it was wrong - it will be corrected ASAP.)
Endless Mode Preview Build
- After that recap screen, you will have the option to return to the main menu or to continue playing the game in 'Endless Mode'.
- The 'Endless Mode' allows you to continue conquering NYC and developing your tower without any time constraint or limit.
- Please note that 'Breaking News' are not implemented in the that game mode. News items that you will report on in this mode may also be historically inaccurate and more generic.
Tutorial Hints
- Added a tutorial hint that explains items prioritisation in the Article Drawer.
- Added a tutorial hint that explains comfort items diminishing returns (e.g. multiple clocks are not the best way to improve comfort).
IMPROVEMENTS
Miscellaneous
- Severe AI improvement for chain items! Walking time is taken into account. Should cause much more logical decisions.
- Taxis now honk when dropping off reporters coming back to the building.
- Manually dropping items in storage slots no longer adjusts the camera view to encompass the whole inventory, making it easier to quickly manually drag items without the camera changing.
- Bigger name pools, reducing the chances of duplicate names.
- At least one discomfort icon is shown even on max zoom out level.
- Security can now arrest up to 4 protesters at a time. This is dependent on its level (divided by four).
- Intro postcards are now always skippable, even on first time playing.
FIXES
- Security Booth Z-sorting issue fixed where a door right next to it could pass through it.
- Fixed printer next/previous page button (borders) sometimes not visible.
- Fixed disappearing quest/district picked indicators. Which could happen in rare cases (but this was only visual, not game breaking).
- Fixed "increased by" expense entry showing 100% increase with 0 value.
- Fixed an exploit where stashing and unstashing would reset the objects durability value (broken/cleanness).
- Spelling corrections that were pointed out on Discord.
NEWSBEARERS, ASSEMBLE
Join the community and talk with team, other players, and share your feedback anytime you want!
💌 Come to our Discord
✅ Follow us on Twitter
Take care of yourself and of each other, newsbearers!