Hello everyone,
It has been a long time since we have last provided an update. We say that in almost every update, but this time we have something more than just promises to give you.
We have released a beta version of the major update we have promised in previous updates.
This beta currently contains:
Online Multiplayer
MiniGolf Mania can now be played online, with early stage Steam integration.
To host a game, simply choose Start a Public Game or Start a Private Game. To join a friend's game, first launch MiniGolf Mania. When the game opens, you can join your friend's game via the steam overlay.
You can also join a random game, if you wish.
Course Creator
The biggest new feature of the beta is the Course Creator, an in-game editor that allows you to create your own custom courses. We have put a lot of work into the Course Creator to make it one of the most versatile editors ever created for a minigolf game.
We do not have a tutorial ready for the Course Creator as of yet, but here is a run-down of the basic controls:
- W, A, S, D - Move camera
- Left Click - Select, Confirm Spawn object / Move objects
- Left Click + Drag - Move selected objects
- Right Click - Cancel Spawn / Move
- Right Click + Drag - Rotate camera
- Middle Click + Drag - Move camera
- M - Start moving selected objects
- Left Shift (Hold) - Move selected objects up and down
- Z, X - Rotate selected objects
- F - Focus camera on selected objects
- G - Snap selected objects to the grid
- C - Duplicate selected objects
The Course Creator does not currently have workshop integration, however any custom courses you make will be automatically sent to players who join your game, so you will be able to play your custom courses with friends online.
The Course Creator also currently has a limited amount of content available, but we will definitely be adding a lot more on the way to the final release.
Please be aware that custom courses created during the beta may become incompatible in future updates to the beta. We will do our best to try to maintain backwards-compatibility during the beta, but we cannot guarantee this.
Future Updates
In the past, we have not been reliable in giving updates for our progress with this game. From now on that will change.
We will be releasing weekly updates to the Beta branch until the final release.
These updates will include bug fixes, improvements, and additional features. The updates will most likely be released every Sunday evening (Eastern Standard Time).
Opting In to the Beta
To opt-in to the Beta branch, follow these steps:
- Right click on MiniGolf Mania in your games library and select Properties
- Select the Betas tab.
- Select beta - Beta Releases from the dropdown.
Please keep in mind that this is a beta, everything is in its early stages, and there will be bugs and missing features.
We have created Beta Discussion sub-forums where you can report bugs or give suggestions for improvements or new features for the online multiplayer and Course Creator.
We would like to also mention that while the Pirate Course promised in past posts is not included in this beta, it will be included by the final release.
Thank you to everyone who has remained patient with us over the past year. We definitely wish we could have brought you more content in less time, but unfortunately our lives have been busy with other responsibilities. We just want everyone to know that we will keep the promises we have made, no matter how long it takes.
- Road Turtle Games Team