Hi Tycoons,
Right now I won't post a new version, even tho Version 0.9.3.07 is done. The reason is that currently we have a couple of new players in our community and the new version would break the save files without significant advantages. I'd like to avoid destroying the starters experience right now, so I will wait some days or the end of the sale event on Steam.
I had to rewrite the saving system because of two main reasons. The first is that the development version (0.9.4.0) has much more data than the current one which slows down the loading process. Simply we have to store much more data, so we needed a new system for that (and I'm happy to say that the new solution I've built is around x4 faster than the last one).
The second reason is that I wanted to offer my game in different stores which meant that I have to offer wider compatibility. The new system now supports the Windows Stores even including XBox (as I mentioned earlier I will port the game to consoles eventually as well), but that's the far future.
Offering the game at more places is pretty critical because of changes here in the past months which cut back visibility from "moderately successful" or let's say "indie games" drastically so now I lose more money than before - what I'd like to compensate. Luckily I have wishlisters who are still potentially here (that's how we got some new players) - and as I mentioned I saved up every penny to be here, so still I can afford to work on the game for long. And don't worry, even if I won't be able to finish the game in the next 1 or 1.5 years in full-time, I will continue it in part-time.
The above also means that I've updated the most important components of the game to the latest versions. I've started the development in 2016, so that means years of advancement - providing a bit of performance boost and potentially less trouble on your computers. Also, I've researched for a new solution to show things in the 3D building scene which could offer a great performance boost, but I didn't have time to test it yet.
Another thing that I'd like to mention that some weeks ago I've decided that I will create a new style for the UI. It means that it will change both functionality and visuals and I'd like to put it into the very next bigger update of the game. Even more, maybe I will put it into the current stable version before the bigger update comes out (yeah, I know how long it takes :( ).
I made this decision because of your input. I think the retro goals were not really reached, while a huge percent of the players doesn't like the current style (again, I'm not talking about functionality here which is a different topic). In my "free time" I even participated in UI courses hoping that I gather new skills.
I know how excited you are because of the new features, I am too, and I will do my best to deliver them as soon as possible, without rushing it.
Thanks for asking about my health, again and again, I really feel good lately, I even go to the gym on a regular basis. It is not only a great physical recreation activity but in fact, that's the only occasion when I socialize. Being a solo indie dev in your own place is kind of isolating, but it helps a lot to work more hours per day.
Also, thank you very much for being here, and being supportive!
And special thanks for the kind words in the discussions nominating me for the "Best Developer” Award. I'm not sure if I deserve it because I'm in such a big late, and honestly I'm just very happy that I can afford to be here. Thank you very much, guys! :)
Oh and... I've also tried to improve my general drawing technique. Check out the before and after versions of this character:
Thanks again guys,
Andris
*Let me put here the earlier stuff and the link to the RoadMap of the game*
https://steamcommunity.com/games/686680/announcements/detail/1673520100901557536?insideModal=0
