This major update includes a new area based around a large telescope array and observatory. Inside the main observatory structure is one of our new features, a 360 cinema. From here you can immerse yourself in almost total 360 video surroundings.
In addition to this new cinema type, we’ve also overhauled existing cinemas with a new approach to displaying in-game videos. Previously we would only support youtube, and had a cut-down web-browser to render them. This wasn’t particularly good, as it lacked audio control, and was limited to really that one provider, which didn’t always work anyway. With this new approach we do not support any specific provider directly, but instead accept any direct media url to be played by using the same system to would already power the audio output in our club areas. This also comes with the benefit of better video quality, better audio quality, audio volume control and fading of audio as you move away from the area. It also will mean pretty much no hitches, and better fps in general.
Secondly in this update we’ve also introduced support for the Steamworks Inventory Service, which allows us to better manage items in the game. This means items unlocked through gameplay, or purchased via DLC will be handled through this system instead. In terms of how the game operates, nothing will really change front end, you will customize characters as. The only visual change you will notice, is your items are now stored under your Steam profile Inventory (which can globally be made private or friends only if you need to for whatever reason).
In addition to this inventory support we’ve also created an item store on steam. This will allow us to release items more easily than the conventional DLC method (and not wait on approval before a product is sold). We will be aiming to remove all existing DLC packages from sale, sometime over the next week or so and instead focus primarily on this item store. You can visit the item store here.
Patch Notes:
Environment
- Added new area to Metarahi, based around a large telescope array and observatory.
- Added some new environment sounds for new area.
- Fixed various terrain painting on Kiokio and Metarahi.
- Fixed physical materials on some foliage assets.
- Fixed placement of some foliage assets.
General
- Added new cinema video handling. Direct youtube URLs are no longer supported, but instead any media can be linked directly.
- Added new 360 degree cinema at the newly added area.
- Added steamworks inventory service support.
- Added item store with several new clothing pattern packs available.
- Added improvements to eye and skin materials.
- Fixed an issue with unlocks for some flag pattern extras.