The Default Star Explorers game has been updated to Beta Version 3.4D.
Before I describe all the new features and benefits of 3.4D, let me address those of you who are currently playing the default version. Your saved game will not load in the new version. However, if you want to continue your existing game, you can opt to use the "legacy" version by right clicking on Star Explorers>Properties>Betas>legacy. This will reload the old version of the game and allow you to continue where you left off.
You may also need to delete your existing "settings.cfg" file in order for it to work correctly. Check Star Explorers>Properties>Local Files>Browse Local Files and delete "Settings.cfg" before you start a new game.
For those of you who want to go with the update, know that the game is still in Early Access, and it is still incomplete, however a number of improvements have been made and new features have been added.
To see details about all of these, please see all the previous announcements. In short, they are as follows:
New Features
- New Terrain Generator
- Blueprint based crafting system
- Storage locker on ship
- Improved alien A.I. and collision functions
- Updated loading bar with a text description of what is happening
- More stable code for menus and other aspects of the game, many potential crashes have been fixed.
About Early Access
As many people pointed out early on, the game was not quite complete and polished enough for an early access release. I accept this criticism. If I could do it over, I would probably have waited a bit longer and polished the game up a bit more before releasing. On the other hand, it has been the contributions of players in Early Access that have allowed me to find and make improvements to the game. For me that is how I understood Early Access, and it is basically working out that way. Steam's guidelines on this are pretty vague. However from a marketing standpoint, I accept that releasing a game too early can have a negative impact on players.
With that said, If you purchased Star Explorers, it is very helpful to me if you play the game and offer your criticism. Preferrably in the discussion board if possible.
Thanks again for your continued interest in Star Explorers!