Saving and how it works
For those who weren't aware, I was having some major troubles getting the saving function. Finally after some time I decided to google the answers online and get a few things figured out, which was really what I should’ve done in the first place but it wasn't my top priority. But thankfully I can say that saving is indeed a feature that has been implemented to the game itself and wont be an issue in the future.
I also managed to get some anti-cheating systems down by using a binary encryption to prevent people from going in and changing their save files.
It’s been implemented in with the beautiful VIDE Dialogues plugin made by my good friend Christian Henderson. Not to mention the thousands of other things Christ has helped me with over the years especially in programming, I can't thank him enough. You really should check out his plugins and other work that he does.
Right now
Everything seems to be primarily done and I can work on extending the game. Some small things I think I SHOULD work on are some sound effects for battles, fixing the animations so they always play when there supposed to, and maybe making a better walkthrough when I have more to show.
I think the biggest thing I should begin to put heavy construction on is more enemy types since currently it really is just spickles. I've been jotting down, idea after idea of creatures and bosses, mission/puzzle ideas, etc. The game really should be great. I might even work on a few savable mini-games as well.
Beta Testing
Currently, the process with getting beta testers to be able to play the game involves deleting the game out of your Steam Library and activating a seperate key for those who have played. There will also be a "Closed Beta Tester" extra with some cool new (un-decided) features that you will be able to check out and use when the time comes to implement it.
I love elaborating on the fact that these additions for playing the game in early access wont be huge but probably a small addition like making your health circle red or putting CBT: *Your name* instead of just *Your name* on the top of the screen as you play. Nothing huge but still pretty fun to brag about. And if you don't want the extras, just un-install the DLC that includes it, I don't actually think it'll change your save files what-so-ever. But your chances of being a closed beta tester are slim if you ask. I love seeing people just simply being active in the community. Asking questions (that don't revolve around beta testing) and helping answer others questions. Even the smallest comments like "I can't wait for this game to come out" sit nicely, deep in my heart.
(Really I just want you to suck up to me MWAHAHAHA)
I'll try to make an organized way to sign up for the game's CB in the future.
And Finally
I really can't wait to show off this game to the world and I really hope i'm doing a good job advertising to those who are interested. I'm not quite sure how many people are keeping up to date with the game but I'm extremely excited to show more in the future. If you don't understand why it's taken me so long to get to this point, I'd recommend you watch 2kliksPhilip's video on mid-development hell to get a better understanding. He's an amazing youtuber <3
Thank you so much for bearing through this announcement with me, and I hope to see some great and interesting feedback in the comments.
- Seth Albertus