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Experimental Build 4183, New Particle System

Hi everyone! Today we released a new build on the experimental branch. It includes new editor features, several new decoration objects, and best of all our new dynamic particle system.

Before we launch the particle system officially we wanted to give the level creation community a chance to give feedback. It's opened up some amazing possibilities for Adventure mode content, but I'm even more excited to see what some of you can do with it.

Warning: For those new to Distance, experimental builds are unstable builds with the latest features for early testing. Read about accessing it here.

Experimental Build 4183 - Jan. 30th

  • Level Editor

    • Added ParticlesGPU, a particle system which moves all calculations to the GPU
      • These particles are highly adjustable in the level editor
      • 27 example presets are in the Decorations->Particles folder (e.g. Snow, Rain, Sparks, DiscoDanceFloor, NeonTower, etc.)
      • Added the ability to use TurnLightOnNearCar and PulseAll

    • Made it so when creating a road piece while selecting a road piece, it will copy the colors of the selected road piece and add it to the end of the selected road piece
    • Updated PulseAll component to be a bit more user friendly and made it an addable component
    • Added new "Irregular" simples category
    • Added more objects in the LevelEditor/Decorations/Simples category
    • Added other miscellaneous Level Editor objects

      • Roads/EmpireRoadCap
      • Buildings/Infected/VirusBuilding007
      • Buildings/Infected/VirusSpire002
      • Decorations/EmpireGear001
      • Decorations/EmpireGas_Pipe03
      • Decorations/EmpireGas_Pipe04
      • Decorations/EmpireHexScaffold
      • Decorations/RotatingEmpireHexScaffold
      • Decorations/Infected/VirusTriPillar001
      • Decorations/Infected/VirusArch002


  • Bug Fixes

    • Fixed bug where the car jumps further away when pausing
    • Fixed bug where the Properties tab would become invalid and unusable if it was closed and reopened
    • Fixed bug where boost sounds would play even if the boost gadget was disabled but the boost input was pressed
    • Fixed bug with the cancel button in the level editor (this caused issues when you tried to test a level without a carspawner)

    We hope those willing to brave the bleeding edge of the experimental branch have fun messing with the new features. If you make something cool be sure to share it with us!

    - Jordan (@torcht for more frequent dev updates)