In Devlog #12 of the space game development, new features and improvements were showcased, including enhancements to the start menu, camera zoom functionality, speedometer, volumetric clouds, missile range requirements, and gameplay mechanics such as missile firing sounds and missile volley adjustments. The developers also focused on performance optimization for the Steam Deck, attended GDC, created a trailer with a score by Peter, and engaged with the community through Discord, teasing upcoming UI, movement, and combat improvements.
In Devlog #12 of a space game being developed by the creator and their collaborator Rich, several new features and improvements were showcased. The start menu, although a placeholder, was added to allow for easy settings adjustments while testing on the Steam Deck. The camera zoom functionality was enhanced, allowing for quick transitions between long-range combat views and close-up navigational views. A speedometer was added to track travel speed in meters per second, with plans to implement speed limitations for various in-game elements like missiles, rail guns, and enemy ships to fine-tune gameplay.
Volumetric breakdown clouds were introduced to enhance the visual aesthetics of the game, with potential gameplay implications such as using clouds to hide ships or reduce radar signature status. Range requirements for missiles were implemented, visible on the mini-map, which adds a strategic element to combat encounters. The addition of distance markers on the mini-map enhances player awareness of engagement ranges, while future developments include functionality for ship weapon range representation on the map.
New gameplay mechanics were demonstrated, such as missile firing sounds provided by a collaborator named Panzer V1 and the ability to adjust missile volley sizes. The implementation of missile reload times and ammo counts is planned for future updates to balance gameplay. The game’s death screen was revealed, showcasing a unique design, and the addition of asteroid impacts as a cause of player death. The inclusion of rotating planets for added realism and performance optimizations on the planet geometry and materials were highlighted as recent improvements.
The developers conducted an experiment to test the game’s performance on the Steam Deck, leading to an optimization phase to ensure smooth gameplay on the platform. Insights were shared regarding adjusting graphics settings to achieve better frame rates, aiming for a target of 60 FPS on the Steam Deck. While challenges remain in optimizing the game further, progress was made in refining performance issues. The developers also attended GDC, and a trailer with a score by collaborator Peter was created, available in the Discord progress channel. The community engagement through Discord was emphasized, with discussions on space whales and project updates being shared with nearly a thousand Discord members. Future updates teased upcoming UI, movement, and combat improvements in the game.
