Hello,
I wanted to give you a detailed update of all the changes coming to Coffee Shop Tycoon and some insight into why I have been so busy working on the next update.
In order to accomplish the new features I wanted for the game, I had to rehaul two major systems in the game: Customer AI, and Grid System (placing objects). I started by creating the Customer AI from scratch using a better architecture to handle more complex states, this will enable customers to have more advanced interactions in the future and was also required to allow a smarter navigation system for a feature that I will describe in a moment. After dealing with all the new AI, I started to modify the Grid System to allow more dynamic placements and reduce the number of wasted spaces in your shop. All those changes to introduce…. Store Expansions!!!
Store Expansions
Starting on the next update you will be able to unlock new areas on your shops. You can expand your shop by reaching the required reputation level and paying an expansion fee. The Second and Third shop will have this option available, so you can start placing tables and decorations on the sidewalk or over a nice deck next to the lake. New stores will also feature expansions and will be created with this feature in mind to offer interesting options and multiple expansions.
New Items
This effort would not be complete without having new cool things to buy and customize your shop, so the new update will add 20 new objects, including tables, firepits, plants, and even some big shared tables so people can chill on your store while working on their homework. All thanks to the amazing work of Gaby which has been helping me creating new models for the game.
Better placement and more options
There are some common coffee shop layouts that were not possible due to the old grid system, for example, placing tables against the wall.
The new grid system gives you the flexibility to achieve this and more. Placing tables was also a little restrictive as you had a big area around your table that needed to stay clear of any other object, now tables only use the occupied slots and you can even place tables together without any restriction. Individual tables that are next to another will not become a merged larger table, but customers will still use them as each portion was an individual table.
Every small table now supports 4 chair slots, one on each side. Larger shared tables can support up to 8 customers at the same time.
Some final words
Working for the past months on this has been challenging and fun at the same time, the problem with working on such core systems of the game is that you have a broken build for a long time until you get all the new pieces in the right place, so basically I had nothing flashy to show you for quite some time, but everything has come together and you can see the results of all the work. I wanted to finish this update during the first weeks of December, but it has proven very difficult. I feel relieved that all the new features are working together quite nicely but there are still some bugs and details that need to be fixed before I can release the new update. I will be leaving to see my family for holidays tomorrow, but I'll be back at work on January 3rd, so expect to play the update on January. Thank you for all the support and interest on the game, I have great plans for the game next year as I am planning to bring it out of early access and have a full release, there are still many things that need to be done before that but that is my main goal and I will work non-stop to achieve it.
Happy holidays and enjoy your coffee!