Since the last DevLog there has been a second beta test. The feedback has been most valuable and the first changes to address it has already been published but there is more to come. Since the release is inching ever closer I will also talk about what the plans are for the game after the release date. Finally I tough upon some details regarding the release.
The topics for this DevLog are:
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Post-Release
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Beta Feedback
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Release Date
Let's begin!
When you buy a game, it is nice to know if you are buying a finished product or if it will receive continued development. I would love nothing more than to continue development indefinitely, but I will also be transparent and admit that it will depend on the game's popularity after launch.
At the very minimum the game will receive minor improvements and bug fixes directly after launch. I will be highly active and read all of the feedback and try to address it.
However, there is so much more I would want to put in the game. Here are some of the other exciting things I am considering for the game in the future:
- Ascendancy System - A new progression system. Probably something that allows you to go underground and collect different types of energy in a new way. The system would interact with the main game very tightly.
- Lore System - The lore would be related to helping the tutorial helper find his parents.
- Minigame - A new mini game, either a classic clicker or something related to tower defense, or both! It would be a minigame similar to how the Expedition System can be considered a minigame.
- Energy Conversion System - Unlock ways to convert between different energy types.
- Seasonal Events - But similar to Cookie Clicker it would be possible to unlock the events off-season.
- Rare Collectibles System - A system for collecting rare items and saving them in a collection book.
- UI Redesigns - Mainly the game guide, crystals window and decor token window.
- Dark Mode - For the late night gamers.
- More Content - Of course!
These are just the things I have thought of so far. I'm sure there will come much more ideas and suggestions worth exploring in the future.
The second beta is will ongoing and those who managed to join may continue to play up to release. When the game comes out all saves and leaderboards will be reset to make sure everyone starts with equal conditions.
Compared to the first beta there have been a lot fewer serious bugs, in fact, I count only two. The improvement suggestions are still plenty and I'm working hard on a lot of them. Here are some of the changes that will be made (or already have been made) based on beta feedback:
- The augmentation tree should allow for speccing and unspeccing multiple nodes at once.
- Quests should be a bit easier to complete.
- Windows should be closeable by clicking outside of them.
- Tutorial should be clear on that you can prestige at your own pace.
- Capacity is too limited sometimes, especially directly after a prestige.
- Expeditions are too short and require to much micromanagement.
- It should be possible to spend energy to speed up research.
These are just the major stuff and there are many more minor changes proposed as well.
This is great! It is going to help make the game a lot better. Yet it is close to the changes made based on the feedback from the first beta test which led to additions such as: The companion system, cursors towers, AI Helpers and a rebalancing of capacity and transfer points. This is a good thing. Fewer things to change means that the game is getting closer to being complete!
From now on I post all the patch notes for game updates to Steam as well as Discord so you can follow the game's development if you would like.
While I'm not ready to announce a release date yet the newly released trailer for the game, (see it at the store page), announced that the game will be released in the summer of 2023! You can expect to get an exact release date within a few weeks!
The game is planned to cost around four dollars and there will be no in-app purchases. Get hyped!
Check out the official Discord server for the game: https://discord.gg/62FCUKa5G3.
Come hangout and discuss the game!
Check out the store page:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2017540/Energy_Collector/