Dear Stormworkers,
Two weeks ago we announced that v1.0 is coming on September 17th 2020. This week, we are discussing the new modular engines and how the new experimental branch will work in more detail. These new engines will launch on the same date above, but only as an experimental and in-development feature on this new branch.
The new modular engines are a series of components that can be assembled in various configurations to form working engines. This is the top voted new feature in the recent poll, has been requested many times on our feature tracker, and has even been prototyped in 3d by some of our community members (Nacon's design is frequently shared on Discord).
These modular engines are broken down into:
Crankshaft
The crankshaft is the core of the engine, which most other parts connect to. This is a modular part and can be chained with other crankshaft components to create longer parts.
Piston
The piston part connects to the crank shaft. It consumes fuel and air and produces exhaust.
Power Manifold
The power manifold connects onto the end of the crankshaft, providing a connection manifold for belt driven engine accessories.
Starter and Alternator
The starter motor and alternator are both belt driven modular components that connect to the power manifold. The starter is for getting the engine running using electrical power, while the alternator is a small generator.
Pump And Coolant Manifold
The fluid pump and coolant manifold are separate components. The fluid pump turns energy from the engine into fluid pressure, while the coolant manifold provides a fluid cooling interface with the engine.
Clutch
The clutch is a single block component that connects onto the end of the crankshaft, allowing the engine to connect and disconnect from any external torque pipe system.
Experimental Branch
Experimental branch is an optional version of the game that all players will be able to play if they wish. This new branch launches on September 17th 2020, with v1.0. This new branch of the game is to allow us to collaborate more closely with the community, get your feedback earlier, and be more open and transparent with the current development of the game.
With the new modular engines, we have barely scratched the surface. We have started with these small parts, but there are other components to add, larger component sets, and more to investigate. Let us know your feedback on where we should take this new feature, and share your vision of what modular engines should mean.
We can't wait for the v1.0 release, to share all the new stuff we have been working on, and to enter a new chapter of closer collaboration with the community!
Much love <3,
The Stormworks Developers