Hi. Just checking in to say that the newest big update to Atomic Society is nearly, almost ready and should be out quite soon if all goes well. The content is all done, we’re just fixing the remaining bugs as quickly as we can.
I'm hoping it'll be out in the next 7 days, but I can't promise the code will behave.
As mentioned before, big new features in this update include...
- A brand new research system adding more strategy
- Trade/barter system to boost the economy side of things
- Night lighting feature for moody nocturnal towns
- Wind turbine and building upgrades feature to let you plan what to improve.
- A completely redone/improved camera system that works a lot better
- And a ton of little tweaks and fixes to various things that I'll cover in the final patch notes.
It adds up to quite a substantial improvement to the game and I'm having fun with it again, and I've played it to the point of insanity many times.
I had been personally hoping it would be ready by now, hence I delayed writing any kind of blog. I wanted my next post to be "it's out!". But it isn't. Just when I thought we were getting there, some new bug emerges. This weekend has been a bit annoying because just when we think it's all ready to ship, a new mini-disaster shows up. Oh well.
Our current crisis is that adding a trade/barter system to the game creates a whole heap of unexpected glitches that only emerge when you play the game for a long time. They’re mostly related to the UI side of things (for example citizens taking out stuff you were trading, numbers not updating correctly, prices becoming incorrect if you swap and change the deal, etc). In theory I suppose we could release right now, but I'd rather give you an update you can play without stressing that something is going to break.
The good news is that the changes in this version really do beef up the game in my view, to the point where I’ve had to extend the in-game goals just because it just takes longer to finish building a settlement now. I think we've made the right choices...
Aside from that, while I've been waiting for bugs to be fixed, I’ve also been designing the version after this one which is really aimed at improving the resource-management side of the game. I think when that side of the game is deeper we’re really going to be onto something with AS and I'm looking forward to the rest of the year. I am proud of this game even though sometimes I want to tear my (remaining) hair out with how long things take to make. But we're doing the best we can on the budget/team-size we've got.
I just want to keep adding new content (as fast as we can) until this game is the best we can make it, no matter how long that takes. Making a good game is the best reward.
Thanks to our players who the support, telling us to relax, etc and for your feedback and suggestions. It genuinely helps!
All being well version 1.0.1.6 will be with you before August is out, and if not, I'll... I don't want to think about it. It will be out in August! :D
I'll be in touch and I'm always around on Discord (see forums for a link) if you want to pester me directly!
Best wishes,
Scott & The Team