Hey Everyone,
After several months of work, we are finally ready to bring you Update 29.
This update is a full redesign of Stars End. Starting from switching from server based game to SQL powered MMO, and ending with full visual rework of the main playable area.
The work continues full speed as we plan to release several more updates in June.
And so - introducing Update 29:
The change-log comes with couple of thousands changes, so bellow is the summary and not the actual detailed patch notes.
SWITCH TO MMO AND SQL
- Bellow changes required a full progress wipe
- MMO switch – changed from two official servers to two main MMO servers
- New SQL database features make sure there`s no need for progress wipes in the future
- Completely new database powered by MySQL capable of supporting very large playerbase on one server
- Hosting Dedicated servers redesigned, and requires to install SQL
- Solo player is still possible, but first my host the server after install SQL
- Solo Play and Dedicated Hosting process is to be simplified in the near future
- New database eradicates majority of bugs effecting Stars End over the past few months
- New database cuts loading time from up to 3 minutes to as low as 20 seconds
MAJOR VISUAL UPDATE
- Started work on the major visual updated effecting every area of the game
- Beta Prairie planet is the first to get completely redesigned
- New grass, new trees and plants, new rocks, higher resolution textures
- Planet now has defined bi-oms with different plants, trees, and animals
- Orbital space station completely redesigned
- Started on Nox moon redesign
- FPS camera reworked
- TPS camera improved with lowest point and transparent grass
MAJOR NEW FEATURES
- Added voice chat with proximity chat
- Initial gamepad support implements – still needs a bit of work
- Private property implemented, with loot and containers in some locations being private
- Implemented stealing and outlaw system for being caught stealing
- Outlaw Deed and Shady merchants available at Orbital stations to help get rid of Outlaw status
- Various resources are now available on the ground to pick up – rocks, sticks, fiber e.t.c
- Animal AI redesigned – fixing number of issues and making Bears, Thrawlers, Oraphangs much smarter
- Enabled sneaking around Ais or animals field of vision
- Email signup added to the main menu, with reward item for signing up with valid email
BUG FIXES AND MINOR ADDITIONS
- Over 200 bug fixes and minor additions across the board