0.2.0 Changlog - Optimized Efficiency
Here is is. Update 0.2.0. Exactly 0.1.0 update units since the original build we released on August 26th of this year. It's been 10 weeks and 9 new updates since we started Early Access. We would like to thank everyone who has supported us so far with purchases, reviews, bug reports, constructive feedback,and suggestions.
Performance Optimizations
We've spent almost all of this week on optimizations so miniLAW will run better on low end machines, these changes will of course make mid and high end machines run even smoother. While testing miniLAW on multiple hardware configurations, we determined the lowest specs possible. We've concluded that the Intel HD 5500 (and most likely the equivalent GeForce 720 and Radeon HD 5570) is the new required video card level and we will be updating the store page to reflect this.
If you have a low end PC, these steps should substantially increase FPS and give a more consistent play experience:
- Shadowcasting OFF
- Frameskip ON
- Physics objects reduced
- Play in fullscreen
Specifically we have done the following:
- When shadowcasting is switched to "off", all light drawing is now handled in a batch process. This will give a noticeable framerate boost for those using this option.
- Condensed all neon sign light drawing into a new batch process object. This will give a framerate boost for everyone and allow us to put more neons EVERYWHERE like we envision it should be.
- Physics objects settings now determine how many particles window panes create when you break them.
- New platform code eliminates ledge cast points and attempts to approximate those cast points themselves. Results in a big performance boost in ledge-heavy areas.
- Occlusion and shadowdrawing is now 300% more efficient and stairs create their own approximate cast points for further improvements.
- Improved how the lock minigame displays to cut down any potential lag they may have caused.
- Made tile darkness drawing much smarter.
- Minor light, HUD, and screenshake code improvements.
- Organized fonts onto proper texture pages.
New Features
Oh yea, we also added the corporate headquarters of one of the most valuable companies in New Babel. ABRAXAS!