A basic version of the chat feature has been released into the default version of the game allowing players to communicate with each other through physics based words which can be typed into and edited.
(example of text system)
Currently each character typed is displayed on a created physics based word which can then be deleted or edited like a normal text editor. This creates a functional chat system which still fits with the games very physics oriented style.
I will also continue to experiment with the physics properties of these words as well as possibly even making the characters themselves physics objects like what was shown in the last updates video.
(example of text system in game with other player)
There are still some other things that could be improved upon such as the fact when the player begins to type off of the screen, instead of the words being created from the bottom of the previous word they appear from the cursor which can lead to clouds of indecipherable words. However this effect can also create quite interesting snakes of text which are fun to create and edit.
(example of text cloud)
I encourage all to test out this new feature and try to find any issues present.
Also now the leaderboard has been changed so any entries from before the updated leaderboard which tracks each users complete metrics instead of just kills will no longer be displayed as their metrics had incomplete information.
Pending tasks are now
- Chat System (Experiment with physics properties and physics based characters).
- Steam workshop for player skins.
- Complete network game lobby UI (make pretty and complete all network game modes).
- Complete network game restart UI (make pretty).
- Research different arenas and backgrounds.
- General bug fixing, tidy up and enhancement of look and feel..