Hello, Navigators!
This month has been a busy one for development. Tackling both fixes for the Betabranch (Version 0.8.4 Beta 156) and developing the latest iteration of features for Stellar Navigator's Major Update 2.
Just as a reminder, Major Update 2 will include, Steam Workshop support to share Galaxies with other Navigators, Linking Star Systems on the galaxy map, and allowing for the creation of additional asteroid belts within a star system.
Beta Branch
The frequency of issues have reduce to a point where a public beta is on the near horizon. The plan is to have this out to the larger audience (still in beta, not live) is April 21st. Feel free to opt in when it becomes available and try out the new features, and as always a huge shout out to those who jump in and test the latest builds of Stellar Navigator! Their efforts help make the most stable experience for everyone.
Major Update 2
The biggest part of Major update two is the ability to upload galaxies to Steam Workshop and share them with other creators. This will not be replacing the import and export that is available today.
While last time there wasn't much to show in regards to this feature, this month I'm happy to share a sneak peak at the "Uploader" that will be available from the galaxy selection window at the main menu. From here, information about the galaxy can be provided and an image included in the upload to represent the galaxy.
As for subscribed galaxies from the workshop, they will appear in the galaxy selection window along side any other galaxies present.
Constellations
More work has been done with the linking of star systems in the galaxy map. At present connecting lines may be freely drawn between star systems directly on the galaxy map, and will be generated upon loading the galaxy map as seen below.
Examples presented below are in engine works in progress and subject to change.
Constellations - Watch as they form throughout the night sky
Galaxy trade lanes - Bringing a galaxy together.
A critical aspect of this system is performance; because galaxies can be vast and full of star systems, wormholes, trade lanes, and hyperspace routes, it's important to ensure all of this runs smoothly on a range of machines. Much of the work seen above is the initial steps towards rendering lines in a single draw call during and once fully rendered. Further performance tuning and customization of the lines will come as development continues providing users with a tool set to represent how their star systems connect and the people therein.
That's all for this month's update! Happy exploring and as always - keep looking to the stars!