It’s been a while since my last update! Maybe you thought I gave up… but truth be told what happened was I broke the mouse support for the game sometime after the 0.7 update when I was adding controller support, and I haven’t gone back to fix it yet - so, even though I’ve continued to work on the game, I haven’t made any builds. The version on itch is still 0.7.

Video Update

Update 0.12-alpha

Since there have been five updates since the last public release (some big, some small), I figure it’s best just to highlight the most interesting changes:

* Added a crafting table (an anvil) that lets workers convert bars into usable parts
* Added manufacturers - these machines automatically convert bars into parts
* Added a galactic waypoint system
* Added drones that can explore waypoints in the galaxy
* Added an engine pod that allows space travel (currently disabled)
* Added enemy space stations + combat waves
* Added defensive rocket launcher turret
* Added offensive celestial cannon
* Added the ability to assign a cooking job
* Added a rice cooker that requires rice farming
* Added music venue (currently disabled)
* Added skill trees
* Added farmer job
* Added scientist job
* Added new sound effects + sound manager
* Added win conditions / updated objective system
* Added screen shake
* Added sandbox mode that allows you to configure the galaxy + win conditions
* Added capturable planets
* Added space shuttle that can bring workers to different planets
* Added split screen multiplayer (currently disabled)
* Added controller support
* Added new resources
* Added new shaders
* Updated UI
* Refactored(lots) + new architecture
* Juice

Next Plans
I’ve been sharing the 0.12 build with my friends, but there are a lot of new controls to learn and there's no real tutorial in the game anymore - so it’s pretty uninviting and I don’t think I’ll share this build on itch just yet. My next update is going to focus on continuing controller support (bringing back the mouse), adding more tooltips / information / clues,  and maybe finishing the split screen multiplayer.

After That
After that I am planning on adding the ability to save and load space stations. For the obvious reason of allowing the player to return to their game (which is important now because sessions are taking 30+ minutes), and also to allow the player to create and save blueprints of space stations that will allow them to quickly build new space stations. These blueprints will also be used to design / layout the enemy space stations.

And Finally
The last big feature I plan on adding to the game is an overworld / galactic conquest game mode. In this mode, the player will start with a map showing a number of local galaxies to choose from. Upon choosing, they will spawn with a humble single celled space station, which they can expand until they have enough resources to to create another space station in a different galaxy. As the game proceeds the player will be able to trade resources between their space stations, and with NPC space stations. There will be various factions in this overworld, and, while I want to have win conditions, I also want the bulk of the story telling to come from your interactions with the factions. I’m taking a lot of inspiration from Civilization and Kenshi.

Anyways, here is a short story