Hello all,
Welcome to a very exciting Flashing Lights news update! We're delighted to unveil our next roadmap, taking you all the way up to v1.0 and beyond.
Please note that in the background, alongside this roadmap, we will be investigating AI improvements!
September:
- EMS enhancements
- New ambulance van
- New EMS treatments
We kick off this roadmap with a much requested update to the EMS department! We've heard your requests, and will be improving upon current EMS gameplay mechanics, and adding a new ambulance van with its own unique interior. Finally, we will be adding a number of new EMS treatments.
October:
- Sandbox menu update
- AI pedestrian outfit variety
- Animation fixes
We have loved seeing what you have all been getting up to with the new sandbox menu (F6 is the default key - check it out if you haven't already!). That was just the beginning - we will be updating the sandbox menu with fun new options in October! One of these new options, the ability to switch to a civilian character model, will open up some new role play opportunities!
Let us know what sort of options you'd like to see added to the sandbox menu.
We'll also be updating AI pedestrian outfit variety, and working on animation fixes - both of which will help make the game feel that bit more natural.
December:
- Mod support (Textures + sounds)
- Tutorial (Hints + controls tips)
- World Update (Rural towns + new locations)
- Performance Optimisation
Mods by player: Elias Auxilibus
Mods have unofficially been a part of the Flashing Lights community for a long time, but we have heard loud and clear that you want in-game mod support. Which is why we're so excited to announce that mod support for textures and sounds, utilising mod.io, will be introduced in the December update.
We'll also be updating the game world, fleshing out rural towns and adding new locations.
Crucial performance optimisations are also coming with this update. We have been working hard on new environment and scenery optimisations which should deliver a smoother experience for players.
Lastly, we'll be delivering a tutorial, including hints and control tips.
2023 Q1 + Q2:
- Bug fixes
- Steam achievements and cloud saves
- Rep points unlock system
- World update
- v1.0 launch
In the first half of 2023, we will be focusing on improving game quality by tackling bug fixes - but also updating the game world further, introducing a reputation points unlock system, and adding Steam achievements and cloud save support.
This will mark the point at which we leave Early Access and hit v1.0 - crucially though, this will NOT be the end of the game's development. In fact, we have a number of new features already planned for the second half of 2023...
2023 Q3 + Q4:
- K9 for police and fire departments
- Day/night cycle and weather
- AI backup
- Continued community-led enhancements
We're excited to announce that we will be adding AI backup in the second half of 2023! This will come in handy for when you're protecting the city alone (playing single player) - for instance, if you're playing as a police officer and come across a fire, you'll be able to call an AI backup firefighter to take on the blaze.
Just as exciting is the planned day/night cycle and weather effects, and the K9 for police and fire departments.
Aaaaand, breath out... that's all we have to share for now, but we hope you are as excited as we are for the future of Flashing Lights!
Keep an eye out for the September update, and keep on sharing your thoughts, feedback and suggestions!
Thanks for all the support,
The Flashing Lights Team