Now that any significant launch fixes are out of the way I wanted to share the development roadmap for the coming season. This will focus on the major stuff I've got pre-planned. If you have suggestions for other stuff by all means share them as I'm sure there will room for other quality-of-life updates beyond whats discussed here :)
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1914980/Golfing_In_Aether/
Autumn Expansion – Mid/Late October
This will be a free DLC that will be more than just a map pack. The notable addition will be the game will be able to played in an autumn theme with likely some seasonal specific decorations added as well. This will be another session setting you get to pick when starting the game. Along with this seasonal theme will be the addition of lots of new levels playable in all seasonal themes. I have no screenshots to show off yet as I only started work on it this week. I will maybe do a development post in a week or so to show how its progressing :)
I just want to reiterate that this will be free, and not a paid addon. I fully intend to make it a DLC in the steam store as this helps with promotion, but it will be free. I know some of you like to look at packages added to steam in advance of release, so want to be extra clear on that. I actually have no plans for any paid addons for the remainder of this season. If you wish to support the game then please consider writing a review, and/or just let your friends know about the game.
Native Linux Support
This is something I’m actively working on but will be second to the expansion development. The game was built around native Linux support in mind with its choice of engine and any plugins used. There is a handful of things I need to tidy up and fix at this stage, but overall it is working and progressing along nicely.
Why not proton?
While proton works for lots of games, I found it not to work flawlessly with Golfing in Aether, identifying a few issues. I also like to be in control of my own support rather than rely on others. If proton does end up working then great, that'll be two ways you play the game on Linux.
Steamdeck?
Once Linux support is added then the game should play just fine on Steamdeck. There is full controller support and is quite suited for it. I did do a compatibility post on the forums here, but until I put out this Linux build (or proton improvements happen) the game isn't playable yet.
Shared Controller Mode
This hasn’t yet been actively requested but it is something I want to look into as other games have it. Initially as you know, I focused on Split Screen play where everyone uses their own controller. There is a 'hotseat' mode, which also works during online play, but this is more of game mode than a means of sharing controllers.
This shared controller mode will just mean when playing hotseat if you only have one controller you can optionally pass the pad instead. I will be looking at extending the number of local player numbers in this mode, perhaps to 8 or even more.
I have nothing to show off at this time and no set release date. However I wish this to be in the game for upcoming holidays.
Winter Expansion – Coming December
This will be similar in feature to the autumn expansion except will feature a winter theme. I have nothing really to say about this as I likely won’t begin work on this till sometime in November. But in short, expect a new winter theme and more levels.