A couple new features have been added to the beta version of Star Explorers.
Updated Star Chart- Again
The star chart has been updated again, the mothership is now represented on as a green mothership shaped icon.
Inventory Overhaul
Inventory, trade and cache boxes now have some enhancements. First, when you take in new inventory, it will check to see if you already have the same type of item, and will add to the existing amount, if the item is stackable. Okay, yes this functionality already existed, however, there was a problem if there was an empty slot before the existing item. Now it will check all the slots first, then, only if that item does not exist, will it add the new item to the empty slot. I hope this makes sense.
Secondly, an amount slider has been added to all inventory transactions. Previously you could only choose the amount when selling items. Now you can choose a specific amount when buying or selling from a trader, and when taking or placing items in a cache.
How Are We Doing
Star Explorers is improving as a game, and the numbers are reflecting that. Although it is by no means a run-away success, and sales numbers have fallen dramatically since the first week of it's full release, they are starting to creep upwards again. Maybe it's too early to call this a trend, but have not seen that happen with any of my previous games, outside of a sale or some other external marketing effort, so I'll take it as a good sign.
Secondly, the average amount of time users spend playing the game has gone up a lot since its original release back in 2017. I'll take this as another good sign overall. Also there is a small but growing core of players who are spending a lot of time in-game. This trend could explain the increase in sales activity, since other Steam users will be able to see what games people are playing, and may become interested as a result ... so keep playing!
Star Explorers has been described as a slow burner. It's a bit open ended and maybe a bit bewildering to new players. But as you get used to the controls, and begin finding your way around the gaaxy, you will be creating new experiences. The procedural nature of the game will ensure that each play-through will be unique, with it's own challenges and rewards. I would encourage players to stick with the game, and give it a chance to get interesting before throwing in the towel. Also, I am still totally open to feedback, so if you have a problem or a suggestion, don't hesitate to contact me, or just open a discussion here on the Community Hub.
What's Next
These positive trends, however slight at this point, are helping me to keep focused on the game. Improvements will be slow but hopefully steady, until I have depleted all my energies. The next fixes will include improving the game's interactivity. Standing a little too close to a console or item sometimes makes the hand icon disappear, I need to improve this. Also, the current star chart has similar issues when you are attempting to select a star or planet. Holding the right-mouse button and rotating the view will help in the current state, but I want to make this a better experience as well.
Casual mode is another aspect I want to work on next. I've found a number of players feel the game is too hard (including my own kids) and I want to offer an option for those who would just like to explore, without the challenges of survival. While I like the idea of adding this option, I still would want to encourage players to try the "real" game. To do this, I think I would have to do something kind of drastic, like disabling inventory. There would be no need to collect items, materials, upgrades or weapons if there is no survival aspect to the game. So inventory and trade would not serve any actual purpose, right? Anyway, just thinking out-loud at this point. Any feedback is welcome.
Thanks for playing Star Explorers!