Testing Build has been updated to version 1.22.2. This update only effects users using the Testing Build of the game. If you would like to try the Testing Build, you can find directions on how to do so here: http://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=2594
The main focus of v1.22.2 was to expand upon the licensing system. A new feature was added to this system that allows for you, or the AI, to purchase already made components or vehicles. A contract is then generated for the supplier of these models, and they have to produce them much like any other contract. If the purchased item is a component, production of any vehicles using that component will be limited to the number of components in stock. Some balancing to this system may need to be done, like expanding penalties, etc.
Additional parts of this system have been added where needed in the game. Such as, an Outsourced Components Management system in Auto Tools. Licensing in RnD has been renamed to Outsourcing, it includes the licensing and outsourcing system as well a Management system to control the contracts. An additional report has been added to the sales book. As well as memos and pop up messages.
The Licensing/Outsourcing system has one further expansion coming in v1.22.3 to include platform sharing between companies you own a majority share of.
Outside the outsourcing system, v1.22.2 includes non-manufacturing racing companies which generate contract requests and populate racing series. Race winnings have been reduced and Racing series can now generate contracts for spec components.
There were also several bug fixes to the v1.22.1 contracting system.
So where do we go from here? As mentioned above, v1.22.3 will implement a platform sharing system where you can share components with other companies you own a majority share of. We will also be looking into improving the Auto-production system for players and AI. And we will get into making AI factory designer, with the goal of making the AI manage their companies a bit better. Finally, one last major feature on my v1.22.3 todo list is to have the memos popup on critical messages. And change the title colors based on read, unread, and priority.
Hotfix #1
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-Fixed a bug that prevented "End Production"
-Fixed a bug that would cause a crash when flipping any decals.
v1.22.2 Change Log
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- Gameplay: Non-manufacturer racing teams are now directly visible in racing series.
- Gameplay: Non-manufacturer racing teams generate contracts for engines and vehicles that the player can bid on.
- Gameplay: Player funded racing series now automatically generate contracts for selected engine or vehicles. This can be disabled in the Advanced Game Settings.
- Bugfix: Fixed Incorrect starting popularity values for Fuel Types.
- Bugfix: Fixed duplicate selection IDs for components/vehicles, which caused some minor AI selection issues.
- Bugfix: Fixed possible text overflow when displaying how much it would cost to acquire a company.
- Bugfix: Fixed Branch Expense report. Data was offset by one month.
- Gameplay: Removed discount for bulk transportation of vehicles and changed transportation to a flat rate. This should resolve complaints about incorrect "Estimated Transportation Costs".
- GUI: Made newspaper background a little more grey.
- Gameplay: AI or Player can now put produced components and vehicles up for sale.
- Gameplay: AI or Player can now purchase already produced components or vehicles.
- Gameplay: Expanded contracting system to generate new contracts based on sold finished products to other manufacturers.
- Gameplay: Implemented inventory system for purchased components.
- Gameplay: Limited production of vehicles based on the number of purchased components.
- Gameplay: Removed purchased components from the ability to be licensed, contract submitted, or raced.
- Gameplay: Implemented an automatic contract renewal system for purchased components/vehicles. AI and Player can cancel these contracts at anytime.
- Gameplay: Reduced race winnings now that racing contracting is implemented.
- Bug Fix: Fixed duplicate NOA/NAD AI company logos.
- Artwork: Added "gap" decals used to make door jams, hoods, etc.
- Bug Fix: Fixed several bugs not allowing players to submit contracts in the Office and RnD.
- Bug Fix: Fixed wrong coloring bug when showing if a component or vehicle meets a contract requirement.
- Bug Fix: Fixed bug where country limited contracts where not appearing when they should be.
- Gameplay: Implemented a Contract Renewal request system for non-manufacturer contracts. Once a contract is complete, there is a chance your customer will ask for more units, you can decline or approve.
- Gameplay: Implemented a War Munitions system. Factories in war zones can now convert their plants to munitions production. Producing munitions will increase the chances of your factory being destroyed, but will provide you income even in foreign countries. Producing munitions in foreign countries will hurt your image ratings globally.
- Bug Fix: Fixed bug where vehicle licensing royalties and fees would display $0 in the licensing window.
- Bug Fix: Fixed crash on regional maps when selecting regions that do not exist in the game.
- GUI: Removed regions that do not have cities from the premade region lists.
- GUI: Improved decal placement system, by fixing several annoying conditions and bugs.
- Bug Fix: Calculated debts directly from the data for Bid on Bankruptcy action memo.
- Gameplay: Implemented a "Wait" button in Bid on Bankruptcy action memo, so you research the company further before you buy them. The memo will appear after you return to the Office from another "room". If you end the turn before making a decision, the game will decline the buy out.
- GUI: Added missing smoothness ratings to gearbox and engine licensing windows.
- GUI: Added help button to Min/Max Transportation Cost info in the branch distribution side panels.
- GUI: Added Total Units Needed for Contract information to the Factory Production side panels. Additional information added to the Assign Contracts side panels as well.
- Gameplay: Adjusted Factory worker wages for different difficulties. They will also get an incremental bonus to the base wage every year as factory workers become more technical/skilled laborers.