"The Weather Gage" is still under construction but getting ready for "sea trials" on Steam (i.e. playtesting)
In fact there is already ongoing playtesting. A first "virtual captain" with sailing experience and external to this project is testing the 4 most mature ships (merchant schooner, tartane, brig, 9pdr frigate). The feedback is overall positive, e.g. praising the feel and immersion of sailing (specially in first person view) or the level of detail of the frigate (biggest, most mature model). Quite positive too was that he could perform most common sailing manoeuvres such as wearing, tacking, heaving to or coming to anchor with the current controls and only a simple manual (a game tutorial will be included after more playtesting, when the current UI is validated). Also as a result of this playtesting came some improvements, most notably the new wind rose compass. You can see it on the game screenshot below (lower right corner) and you can see the difference if you compare with the "older" pictures on the store page (need to update).
Apart from working on improvements triggered by this first playtesting, the development focus is on the future Steam playtesting. First by integrating the Steam API on the original simulation (requirement to upload to Steam). In addition, now the simulation offers you the option to provide feedback, suggestions or bug findings within the programm, including a picture (i.e. no need to leave the simulation). The target is to make it easier for you to provide feedback during playtesting. You can see the buttons to take a picture and send the report at the bottom of the game screenshot below (these are temporary, will disappear in the finished simulation ;) ) .
The next step will be the Steam Playtest signup possibility for you at the beginning of next year. There will be an announcement when you can start signing up.
