Hey everyone,
After a long break without a full-length update, it’s finally time to get you back up to speed on EQUIRE’s development!
Let’s start with some exciting recent events. The new teaser for EQUIRE was just released, and I’m incredibly grateful for all the positive feedback I’ve received. It’s been my most successful post so far, and I’m thrilled to see so many new people discovering the game. Comparing the original announcement trailer to the recent teaser, I think the progress from the past year really shows. Your enthusiasm and passion for this project are what keep me going—especially after a stretch where I, frustratingly, couldn’t dedicate as much time to development. So, thank you!
Now, on to what’s new in the game.
Horse Coats & Genetics
Horses now have coats! And I’d love to give you a quick look into how the system behind them works. The key to coat colors is genetics. Don’t worry, this won’t turn into a biology lecture but understanding a few basics might help you breed your favorite coat colors once the game is out.
Every horse (just like every banana, by the way) carries two copies of each gene that influence their coat pattern. These can either be identical (e.g., both genes say, "bend to the right") or different (one says "right," the other says "left"). When two horses mate, each parent randomly contributes one copy of each gene to the foal, determining its coat pattern.
First, there are genes that determine the base coat color—these are called Extension and Agouti. Depending on their versions, a horse can have a black, bay, or chestnut base. Then there are dilution genes like Champagne and Cream, which modify the base color in unique ways and can even be combined. Finally, additional genes control the size and amount of white patterning on the coat. Randomized pattern generation ensures that no two horses look exactly alike.
There are already two more unique genes in the game: the grey gene causes horses to lighten and eventually turn white with age, while the Dun gene adds primitive markings to the coat. I’ve tried to keep this system as realistic as possible, while simplifying or adapting aspects that might be confusing or that science hasn’t fully figured out yet. Not all coat colors and features are implemented yet, and there’s still tweaking to be done—but I’m really proud of the foundation I’ve built.
Lighting Improvements
In a very different corner of the game, I’ve reworked how lighting works. Previously, walls and some objects didn’t fully block outdoor sunlight, which meant areas that should have been dark were oddly shiny—and that made indoor lighting feel pointless. I’ve fixed this by reworking the logic behind walls, so now those beautiful lighting effects can finally shine (pun intended).
Building & Furniture
I’ve also added a ton of new furniture—wardrobes, shelves, tables, saddle holders, and more. On top of that, I’ve overhauled the building system for walls and floors to give you even more customization options. For example, you can now use different materials on each side of a wall.
Thank you again for all your support. I can't wait to share even more progress with you soon!