- Dev Update #21 - 17 July 2019
Greetings from the "game development cave"! It's been far too long since I posted an announcement, so I figured it was high time that I do so. There's been quite a bit going on behind the scenes over the past few months, but we are still in the thick of it so to speak. One major bit of news is that I was able to work closely with a really awesome game designer who has tons of experience designing game systems. This experience was very helpful, and he was able to really help clarify some key aspects of the game design and flesh out the vision for some of the key game design details. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F9d35188b015ed4cd79d693902ac22e4f9be0a7b8.jpg Game design spreadsheets! How exciting! On the development side, most of the work has gone into building out the multi-block machine systems, and really fleshing out the way that the player…
- Dev Update #20 Patch Day! - 21 January 2019
Hey all, by the time you read this a new patch should be working it's way to you through Steams servers. Several new features made it into this patch: Grappling Hook A craftable Grappling Hook has been added to the game. The Grappling Hook allows for a lot more mobility while traversing the level, and is fairly cheap to acquire early on in the game. It will likely get another tuning pass at some point, but it is quite fun to use and I am interested to hear your feedback on it. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F207c4e1baef535634f177075379b525de42cb0e0.gif You can check out a longer video of the grapple in actions here: https://youtu.be/Ou2e_Crm32k Unstable Blocks Some buildings have a chance to spawn unstable blocks which can fail/collapse when walked on. There are some audio/visual cues that telegraph this to the player so that falling can be av…
- Dev Update #19 - 8 January 2019
Hey all, I've been busy behind the scenes coming out of the holidays getting things figured out and ready for the next patch, and I wanted to share some info on what will be coming. This patch will focus on the exploration aspect of the game, so one of the primary things that I want to include is the craftable grappling hook. Along with the ledge mantling and wall running that is already in the game, the grappling hook will allow you to have much better mobility when exploring the map. The grappling hook will also be the first of many major items that are crafted with parts from the metal casting bench. The primary function of this device is that you can shoot out a grapple, and pull yourself up/over gaps and obstacles. This added mobility should be a lot of fun when it comes to exploring the world. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Ff9baa893f41d%25E2%2580%25A6
- Dev Update #18 Patch Day! - 3 December 2018
Game Features and Changes Engine Upgrade This patch, we made a major move to a much more up-to-date version of the game engine. While not immediately apparent from the outside, this is an important accomplishment because it means the game will now have the benefit of all of the engine-level bug fixes, and features that the more up-to-date version of Unreal Engine offers. Internally, there was a lot of work done to help ensure everything still works as expected and properly on this new version of the engine. Spawn Point Changes https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Fe6be4a00786061909f8d678212028dde8b4fd800.gif In new games, you will now have the ability to change and set your spawn point, by placing the Bioprinter down at the desired location. If no Bioprinter is available in the level, your character will spawn back at the starting location in the sh…
- Dev Update #17: Progress Report - 16 November 2018
Things have been busy on my end getting ready for the next patch at the end of the month, but I wanted to make a quick update and talk about some of the things that are in-progress over here. Besides the regular bug fixes, one of the key pieces of content that will be in the next release is the ability to set your spawn point. You'll initially spawn next to a bio-printer (pictured below) and you'll have the ability to move this device to change your spawn point. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Fe6be4a00786061909f8d678212028dde8b4fd800.gif Early game difficulty is also getting a small tune-up to give players a little bit more breathing room during the first few minutes of the game, while they are still learning the mechanics. One of the main focuses this patch will be story and lore content, so I'm also hoping there will be a hefty chunk of new…
- Dev Update #16 Patch Day! - 26 October 2018
Build 0.1.5.0 is up! There are lots of new things to check out in this build. New Content: New Crafting Tree: Botany NOTE: You'll need to start a new game in order to acquire the seeds from the chests to fully utilize this tree. It is now possible to grow your own plants using the items in this tree. It takes a bit of work to keep the plants growing happily, which will be a key driver of the need to upgrade to automated machines and systems later on. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F53d6cab17053999592191e72190db29d7fd0946d.png New Items There are quite a few new obtainable items in the game now, as a part of the new crafting tree: https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F91c293ca1f7e8291efab02bd965a050124791139.png Tabbed Crafting Menu Each crafting tree now gets it's own tab in the crafting table. This should…
- Dev Update 15: October 26th Patch Roadmap - 17 October 2018
Hey All, I wanted to do a quick update and talk about what I hope to include in the next patch, which is scheduled for October 26th. Growing System Currently, the main source of food and fuel in the world is through scavenging loot boxes and garbage piles. This is very much meant to be an 'early game' activity, and to that end, the next patch is slated to include a new crafting tree oriented around growing your own food. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Ff53fe5355b210afcb8031456756a181bdb47a04b.png You'll be able to find seeds in the more difficult to navigate areas of the map (rarely). Next, you'll need to create dirt (hydroponics will come later) and build a planter. Once you've got a planter, you can't just plant the seeds and hope for the best, you'll need to protect the plants from getting too cold, and provide them with water and light. ht…
- Dev Update: Actually Early Access Edition! - 12 October 2018
https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F1ed0345dadba1bed20b0c9c8caf70b5196a361b3.png For a small dev, early access is an important tool, because it lets me get feedback from the community on the direction of the game. There are a lot of features and content planned for Lamplight Station, and I am excited to bring you all into that process and let you be a part of it. Early Access is just the start of things as far as Lamplight Station goes. It means that the game update releases will start happening on a more regular schedule, and development will shift in focus more towards content and stability releases now that most of the core systems are in place. The crafting tree will expand greatly, story elements will start getting introduced to the game & quality of life features like player-controlled spawn points and UI improvements should all start making…
- Hotfix 0.1.4.2 - 10 October 2018
Ahead of our early access launch, I've been focusing on cleaning up as many bugs as possible, and addressing any minor qaulity-of-life issues that I can. This will likely be the last patch before early access! -Trev Hotfix Patch Notes -Buffed chest health -Railings drop more pipe now -Signs now correctly drop more signs when harvested -Improved button readability in recipe list -Starting area rotated so that block placing is easier in that location -"Looked At" item label in hud no longer cuts off longer text strings -Added HVAC pipes to started chest -Added tutorial tooltips to furnace -Furnace input now has label showing the fuel that it accepts -Assembly Table and Door now use correct highlighting meshes -Fixed bug with duplicate Assembly Table -Removed decimal from temperature display -Tab now opens inventory -Reduced volume of tool breaking sound -Windowed/Full Screen option disabl…
- Anouncement: October 12th Early Access Launch Date! - 3 October 2018
Early Access October 12th! https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F32e23ccd88b4a2bb115c35cf82b1860b73607f92.png Since our last update, all of the critical-level bugs that our closed alpha testers have found have been addressed. Because of this, I feel that the game is finally ready to open up to early access. There are still many things on the to-do list, and a lot of content to add to the game in the coming months, but it is time to give a larger community of people access to the game. This is a big milestone for the project. For much of its development, this game is something I have worked on alone. Now it's time to turn this solo gig into something that a wider community of people can speak into, and enjoy, and that's exciting! -Trev
- Dev update #14 Alpha 0.1.2 - 24 September 2018
Based on feedback from our Alpha testers, there's quite a list of bugs that have been patched in this update: Bug Fixes -Crafting table has had several bugs squashed that would result in lost items -Picking up items in the world no longer has a delay -Fixed case where breaking a block in the world with full inventory would cause the loot to follow you around forever -Several bugs fixed that would cause item loss when dealing with full inventories -Tutorial chest now saves and restores correctly -Game save lag on first spawning fixed -Intro text larger -Fixed grammatical error in intro -Tutorial chest no longer too easy to break -Climbing rope should work more reliably now Community Update Lastly, I wanted to post some screenshots that our Alpha testers have been sharing: Alpha tester ThatOtherGuy braved the cold and climbed to the top of the station to grab this picture of the sunrise,…
- Dev update #12 Patch Day! - 17 September 2018
This will be the first of several bug fix releases in response to our closed alpha testing. Special thanks to the following testers on discord for their help uncovering these bugs: dall77 JimmyL Kayrajh Tecknowolf thatotherguy XypherOrion 《Hirrei》 Patch Notes: Alpha 0.1.1 -Graphics scalability options added to the game -Gamma/Brightness settings added -Removed unneeded VR plugins from project to avoid VR hardware from thinking game is VR enabled -Signs now have colliders -Roadway blocks are easier to see in the dark and have a nifty glow effect -Missing jacket slot added to paperdoll -Fixed bug that can cause items to become un-placeable if they are in a stack that is split -Mobs should no longer spawn at player start location, but can still follow the player there
- Dev Update #11 Prepping for closed alpha! - 28 August 2018
We’ve been spending a lot of time focusing on prepping for our closed alpha testing, and there are lots of changes big and small that have gone in to this so far. Now is probably as good a time as any to start doing some official-ish patch notes. Patch Notes: Pre-Alpha Added new craftable recipes: -Improvised Falcion (Sword) -Ramen Noodles -Straps -Improvised Helmet Frame -Improvised Optical Component -Improvised Faceplate -Improvised Helmet -Improvised Improvised Greaves -Improvised Chestplate https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F1098f834c9546bc6eacb0132a02927ccb7517efc.png A preview of some of the new items that have been added to the game Features and Changes: -Waypoint added on death, along with a container of your items -Added settings menu -Added number key shortcuts for each toolbelt slot -Reticule visuals now more intuitive -Door sound adde…
- Devblog #10 Water, Water Nowhere - 26 June 2018
The endgame for the tech tree in Lamplight Station involves the ability to build a lot of complex and high-tech machinery. Things like stellarators, gene splicers and molecular printers are on the horizon. Most of these machines will require power, cooling and item inputs. This also allows for a lot of creativity, because the player can decide how to lay out these structures optimally, and automating them can become a possibility. You have to walk before you can run, so some of the first multiblock structures that the player can craft will be much simpler. Fog Collectors These allow for the collection of moisture from the air, and built using two parts: A water barrel, and one or more collector blocks. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Fa25fdce969baa21a08027bfc695b447c9e5a91f8.png The collectors can be stacked vertically over a single barrel, at…
- Devblog #9 Level Up! - 18 May 2018
Last week, we focused on improving the level design. There's much more variety in terms of tiles that spawn in the world now. The level also received some tweaks to make it easier to travel up/down in the level and increase the verticality a bit. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Fd56870351a0958fa6dcbb6dbfdcd96c7674e6582.png Highrise offices will be a good place to find rare items, such as wood, used in flooring only the most luxurious areas. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F03181781c2fdfdbbfaa082c05c0490a7673d8a46.png Terraced 'apartments' can provide a quick escape from the cold, and a way to travel up or down in the station. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F8b132590cac890fefa03ea393f46537240f8208f.png Various storefronts can contain food items, or electronic…
- Devblog #8 It's Getting Windy Out There - 20 April 2018
The last few weeks, we've focused our efforts on polishing gameplay for the first 20-30 minutes of playtime. We still have a ways to go but many bugs have been squashed, new content has been added, and settings have been tuned. Here's some of what we've been up to: Exposure System https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Fed4affa533120585ee34660dbada15d3c25f6a83.gif The game is now aware of how exposed the player is to the elements. Your temperature penalty is now calculated based on this, and there are visual/audio cues as well. Precipitation is more affected by the wind the more exposed you are. Exposure is calculated via a combination of checks: 1. Testing to see if the player is under a roof or not. 2. Testing to see how directly in the path of the wind the player is. This second check is accomplished via a 3D pathfind between the player and the win…
- Devblog # 7 Save Me! - 2 April 2018
This past week we focused on getting some of the smaller, yet vital features added to the game. Your progress in the game is now saved upon exit, and you'll have the option of starting a new game or continuing with a previous game upon launching. There's also a loading screen now and a system for spawning into the world only after the level has fully loaded. We've also added several new tiles to the map generator: an alleyway tile, and an apartment lowrise tile. These areas of the world were once inhabited by the less well-to-do residence of Lamplight Station, and are good sources of resources early in the game. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Fd55da7c85957ccd3a24fca65d3a4794e443a0f5c.png Alleyway tile. A good place to go to get materials for lights. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F7d83f88dc267ecc9ff9%25E2%2580%25A6
- Devblog # 7 Save Me! - 2 April 2018
This past week we focused on getting some of the smaller, yet vital features added to the game. Your progress in the game is now saved upon exit, and you'll have the option of starting a new game or continuing with a previous game upon launching. There's also a loading screen now and a system for spawning into the world only after the level has fully loaded. We've also added several new tiles to the map generator: an alleyway tile, and an apartment lowrise tile. These areas of the world were once inhabited by the less well-to-do residence of Lamplight Station, and are good sources of resources early in the game. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2Fd55da7c85957ccd3a24fca65d3a4794e443a0f5c.png Alleyway tile. A good place to go to get materials for lights. https://cdn.steampulse.org/steam/asset?u=https%3A%2F%2Fsteamcdn-a.akamaihd.net%2Fsteamcommunity%2Fpublic%2Fimages%2Fclans%2F31346587%2F7d83f88dc267ecc9ff9%25E2%2580%25A6
- Devblog #6 Craft All the Things! - 23 February 2018
This week we focused on adding new craftable items to the game, particularly in the metal casting crafting tree. New Machines Molding Bench Patterns can be turned into sand molds using this machine. Casting Bench Molten metal can be poured into molds in this machine, leaving you with a strong cast component. Recycling Bench Scavenged metal and electronic scrap is broken down to components using this bench. The addition of the proper tools can increase the amount of items you receive when breaking things down. Because of the sheer number of items we will have in the game, it became clear that some basic validation of the item data was needed so that we don't inadvertently allow mistakes to creep in as we create items for the game. To that end, some very basic sanity checks were added to the item library that should alert us if we make mistakes when adding new items to the game. In additi…
- Devblog #6 Craft All the Things! - 23 February 2018
This week we focused on adding new craftable items to the game, particularly in the metal casting crafting tree. New Machines Molding Bench Patterns can be turned into sand molds using this machine. Casting Bench Molten metal can be poured into molds in this machine, leaving you with a strong cast component. Recycling Bench Scavenged metal and electronic scrap is broken down to components using this bench. The addition of the proper tools can increase the amount of items you receive when breaking things down. Because of the sheer number of items we will have in the game, it became clear that some basic validation of the item data was needed so that we don't inadvertently allow mistakes to creep in as we create items for the game. To that end, some very basic sanity checks were added to the item library that should alert us if we make mistakes when adding new items to the game. In additi…
