Minor Update 2 Status
Minor update 2 has been in the closed beta branch for some time now being put through its paces, and there have been several show stopper issues that have seen partial or complete resolution. Once the High issues have been resolved and the frequency of reports of High issues diminishes, it will be put into the open beta branch for everyone to try, test, and enjoy. Minor Update 2 will follow the same path as previous updates in which it will see a period of testing and user feedback through the closed beta and open beta before moving into the live build.
As always, I want to thank those who have taken the time to review and provide feedback or have submitted issue reports in the closed beta phase.
Workshop Integration
Workshop integration is under way with the "Research" part of R&D out of the way. This feature is now moving into design and implementation. While there are not a lot of shiny front end things to show with regards to connecting Stellar Navigator the workshop, it will open up more opportunity for community submitted content and collaboration once implemented!
What can be said about the direction with workshop support is that the interaction within Stellar Navigator should feel seamless and fall within the experience that is Stellar Navigator.
Community Feedback
As always, many users of Stellar Navigator have been busy posting fantastic ideas to the Stellar Navigator ideas board in our Discord server. With no exception, Major Update 2 will include user submitted ideas. The currently selected ideas for this up coming update include:
Constellations (Linking Star Systems)
For a long while now, there has been a request for creating links between star systems on the galaxy map. Originally, the idea was to provide this ability to users through the addition of custom galaxy map backdrops from which users could draw these lines prior to placing their systems on the map. However, being that Stellar Navigator has and will continue to be a toolset to enable creative individuals, it seemed right to include these tools natively within the program. It also couldn't come at a better time, with the awaited galaxy point customization, these two features will surely bring life to everyone's galaxy maps!
Multiple Asteroid Belts
Another long standing request is the ability to add multiple Asteroid Belts to star systems to further distinguish them from one other. The initial goal of this feature will be to provide users with the ability to add additional (not sure how many just yet*) asteroid belts. Further iterations will come with the option to select the type of visual and color as is seen with many other systems in Stellar Navigator. This feature is currently in design phase with mockups and/or screenshots to come.
*Performance of Stellar Navigator is the deciding factor in this as it has been and will continue to be a priority for Stellar Navigator's minimum requirements to be kept as low as possible.
That will be all for this month. I look forward to having more exciting features to show of in the coming weeks along with pushing Minor Update 2 into the open beta branch. Until next time - keep looking to the stars!