Dev Note About 2.0 ep 1
Dev Note About 2.0 ep 2
About 2.0 Update (3 / 3)
It's time to share our third and final dev note for 2.0 update.
Today, we'll introduce the new content and changes prepared for the 2.0 update.
1. Graphic Modifications
We've processed renewal of the graphic elements without compromising the proven usability and the familiar user experience of our players.
■ Mouse Input Support
This major update brings support for mouse input. It required a review and modification of elements on every screen, and was developed over a long term with the goal of not compromising the operation experience already familiar with keyboard/gamepad users. This is probably one of the most requested features during our live service.
■ Navigation Menu
A navigation menu has been added to facilitate ease of movement between contents. You can call up the menu by pressing the ‘ESC’ key to directly move to a different mode or use other additional functions, and the existing back operation is also available.
■ Divison of System Setting Window Categories
With the increase of features over long-term service, the system setting items have become lengthy and are now categorized into [DISPLAY], [GAME], [SOUND], [CONTROL] for easier navigation.
■ Multiple Rewards Acquisition Popup
The rewards acquisition, which was previously displayed in small sizes at the top right making it difficult to see, has been revamped. Now, the rewards acquired are compiled and shown in a list for easier review at once.
※ The top right notification will only appear when a new mission is unlocked or an ACHIEVEMENT in COLLECTION mode has been achieved.
■ Guide Pages Improvement
Guide pages have been improved to quickly find the necessary information.
■ Title Screen Change
A new design title screen for 2.0 has been applied.
2. REWIND Feature
If an unintended mistake occurs while playing a game, you can immediately use the REWIND feature to retry that specific section.
■ How to Use
REWIND can only be used in Freestyle and during practice in Ladder Matches. When REWIND is available, a green notification indicator will light up at the top of the screen, and by default, you can activate it by pressing the 'BACKSPACE' key.
You can freely change the key used for REWIND in the key settings screen within system settings.
■ Effects
Upon pressing the REWIND key, you'll revert to a state a certain time prior. This also includes reverting many in-game details such as SCORE, RATE, COMBO that the player was recording.
■ REWIND SUPPORT
This feature is intended as an auxiliary tool to support player development and is hoped to be utilized as a device for practice.
Therefore, if there is a history of using REWIND during gameplay, 100,000 points from the SCORE and 10% from the RATE will be deducted from the final record. Additionally, accomplishments of MAX COMBO and PERFECT PLAY will not be recognized.
3. DJMAX SHOP
■ PLAY POINT
You can earn PLAY POINTS by playing songs in FREE STYLE, ONLINE MODE, and MISSION. The amount of PLAY POINTS that can be obtained at one time varies by mode, and a daily maximum cap on PLAY POINTS has been set to prevent excessive disparities. Additionally, PLAY POINTS will be awarded as a reward for using various contents.
■ ROCKY POINT
ROCKY POINT is a premium currency that can be purchased in the DJMAX SHOP using a Steam wallet.
■ Products
The main items for sale are from past CLEAR PASS seasons. The NORMAL ITEM tab contains CLEAR PASS FREE items, which can be purchased with PLAY POINTS. The PREMIUM ITEM tab contains CLEAR PASS PREMIUM items, which can be purchased with ROCKY POINTS. In both ITEM tabs, four items appear at a time, and the next items are displayed after a certain period. At this time, items not already owned by the player are prioritized for display.
■ Exchange Products
In the EXCHANGE tab, you can purchase exchange vouchers for physical goods given as season rewards. Previously, there was no way to receive acrylic rewards unless you were within the top 100 in the ladder or included in the 100 randomly drawn. To improve this, PLAY POINTS are awarded as ladder match season rewards, which can then be accumulated to exchange for physical season prizes. Purchased vouchers can be ordered directly through the DJMAX STORE. With these changes, from season 12 onwards, applications for ladder season rewards will no longer proceed.
We plan to enrich the DJMAX SHOP with even more products in the future, so please stay tuned.
4. Enhancement of My Info
The My Info section, which previously only allowed users to see a limited amount of information such as DJ ICON, nickname, level, and plate, is getting upgraded. The new My Info screen, provided in card format, will not only display existing information but will also show DJ CLASS scores and LADDER MATCH class information.
As of the 2.0 update, the profile image displayed on the right side of the profile screen will be the same for all users. We are planning to develop a feature that will allow users to acquire and equip various images through multiple channels, so please look forward to it!
※ User profile photos registered on the platform will no longer be provided after the 2.0 update to prevent inappropriate content outside of the game and to standardize specifications across platforms.
5. Other Modifications
■ Integration with Steam Cloud
The method of saving game data will change from using local data to utilizing Steam Cloud. Now, game-related data will be preserved regardless of changes in location or environment.
■ Effector Function Changes
The note placement effector is separated from CHAOS and assigned to the second effector slot. The fever effector, which was in the second slot, is removed from the slot and moved to a separate setting at the top of EQUIPMENT, with the option changed to ON / OFF. (When ON is selected, it functions as automatic fever, similar to the existing AUTO X5.)
■ DJ LEVEL-UP Song Reward Balance Adjustment
The balance is adjusted so players can acquire and play DJ LEVEL UP reward songs faster. With each level increase, players will now gain multiple songs, aiming for quicker access. The content of the songs acquired remains the same, but now all LEVEL UP reward songs are obtained by DJ LEVEL 20.
■ Free Content Update
To celebrate the 2.0 update, we will update a free gear/note skin as well as a free emoticon.
Also, glory MAX ~ To the MaXimum ~BGA will be updated on 2.0 update.
6. Server Integration and New Ranking Board Announcement
Starting with 2.0 update, we plan to proceed with server integration between the XBOX and Steam platforms. During this process, a conversion of existing records will also be carried out following the rules below. (Details regarding the XBOX update will be announced separately later.)
- Conversion of existing SCOREs based on the RATE to align with the new scoring system and reflect DJ POWER
- Existing master rankings and music ranking boards will be preserved in a Hall of Fame for each platform and made viewable within the game [future update]
※ We have decided to make the above policy changes after additional internal discussions on the content introduced in Developer Notes 1/3.
※ Converting existing ranking boards based on RATE is not suitable for the new scoring system, and with the integration of platform servers, there will be many changes to the existing rankings. To allow players to view their rankings before the 2.0 update as it was, we plan to conduct a future update that includes adding a [Hall of Fame] ranking board in-game for your review.
We've reached the end of our 2.0 dev note spread across three episodes.
The continuous interest and feedback from our players are the driving forces that will help us grow into a better game.
There is a mix of feelings - regret for not being able to share more news, and a sense of relief about the long-prepared update finally coming to live. We are aiming the 2.0 update date to be May 16th, and we will continue try making improvements on new content, convenience, and optimization issues even after the 2.0 update. In addition to our regular live broadcasts, we will also strive to provide more topics of conversation like this.
We promise to always be the hardworking ROCKY STUDIO.
Thank you so much for reading this lengthy post.