Alpha devlog #17 - Balancing the game

Hey there! In this new devlog I'll be introducing the main gameplay loop of the game, demonstrating how I'm achieving balance through a shared script, and showcasing additional enhancements that have been made to improve the overall gaming experience.

This devlog is focused on a more technical aspect of the game's development, providing an in-depth look at recent updates. One of the notable achievements is the creation of a specialized script that allows for remote updating of various game variables. This script has played a crucial role in the extensive balancing efforts for the gameplay.

The main goal of this balancing process has been to ensure that players embark on their space colonization journey with a comfortable start. To achieve this, adjustments were made to the initial resources available in the lander. These resources are now sufficient to construct a compact outpost and pressurize it using oxygen canisters. However, the challenges don't end there. For sustained survival, players must cultivate plants within the colony to generate both oxygen and food, presenting a continuous challenge that brings depth to the gameplay experience.

The script is shared on this page, along with the example project that you can download to test it.

Remote Updating Script:

• The script allows remote updating of game variables.
• It can modify variables associated with various aspects of gameplay.
• The script is used in the game's balancing process.
• It provides flexibility to adjust game parameters without changing the code.

How the script works:

• The script is executed during the game's loading process.
  
• It starts by accessing a centralized Google Sheet containing balancing data.
• The data is formatted in a CSV file, making it accessible for processing.
• The script reads the CSV file, which contains rows with commands and parameters.
• The script interprets the commands and parameters to determine the changes to be made.
• It identifies the relevant Scriptable Object based on its name and adjusts the specified variables using C# Reflection
• The changes are applied, affecting various gameplay aspects such as energy, oxygen, and more.

I will be organizing playtesting sessions in the coming phase of the game's development. If you're interested in participating, I invite you to join our Discord community and reach out to me. Your insights and feedback from these playtesting sessions will play a crucial role in shaping the direction of the game's ongoing development.

Based on the valuable feedback received during the playtesting sessions, I will prioritize the next steps in the game's development. This iterative approach will allow me to focus on addressing the most pressing concerns and enhancing the gameplay experience according to the insights shared by the playtesters. Any participation is welcome and will contribute significantly to refining and optimizing the game.

If you want to stay updated on the project:

• Watch the other devlogs on our Youtube channel
• Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/FlyGameStudio1
• Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/6HTh8qpuVD