My Time at Sandrock News

Howdy, Builders!

In this devlog, we'll address some of your concerns, and we'd love to hear your feedback.

[h3]Regarding the quantity of NPC storylines[/h3]
We're working on additional content, including post-marriage storyline tasks for many romanceable characters. All these elements will be submitted together for translation and voice acting. Now, we've crafted two extensive side storylines for Owen, which will be part of a future free update! To our players who cherish Owen, we kindly ask for your patience and encourage you to stay tuned for these thrilling updates!

[h3]Loading Time Optimization[/h3]
For PC hard disk drives (HDD), there is now up to 40% optimization when loading late-game saves into the main town, reducing the time from 2 minutes around to 1 minute and 10 seconds around. This optimization also applies to PC solid-state drives (SSD) and all other gaming consoles. The improvements are less noticeable for early-game saves.
The key changes include:
1, Resolving an issue that caused slow loading when loading home resources and simultaneously unloading other resources.
2, Optimizing the resource loading sequence for the tree-cutting feature. This may result in an additional 5 seconds before being able to cut trees after entering the scene, but the overall loading time is significantly reduced.

[h3]Regarding Visual Changes[/h3]
Player feedback about lighting issues is related to our switch to a new rendering pipeline. As part of the process of porting to Console platforms, we transitioned from using the Build-in pipeline to URP (Universal Render Pipeline). This change has resulted in some differences in the visuals and lighting effects compared to the previous version. We are currently working on restoring and optimizing areas where the effects are not up to par.


(Mistoture Farm and the Hideouts after the light adjustment)

Regarding Facial Shadows: Some of you have shared feedback about variations in facial effects between multiplayer and single-player modes. Initially, this stems from our delay in updating the rendering pipeline for multiplayer.
However, with the upcoming version and the console port, we aim to harmonize the artistic effects across both modes.
Furthermore, prior to the official release, we noticed that the shadows on the face weren't aesthetically pleasing, prompting us to make adjustments. The outcome is a gentler appearance with fewer random shadows on the face, as demonstrated by the current in-game effect shown on the right.

(SCREENSHOTS MADE BY PLAYERS)

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[h3]Howdy Builders! [/h3]

We've been putting in some serious work throughout December, crafting the Christmas version, which is why the dev log has been a bit quiet. Thanks a bunch for understanding.

But don't you worry – our development train is still chugging along. A bunch of you have probably already dived into the free Winter Updates on PC, PS5, and XBOX. We're hoping these new goodies bring a smile to your faces.

Now, for our Nintendo Switch Builders, we're aware of some performance hiccups and the longer approval process. Fear not! We've got an update in the works, and it'll be landing in January (I pinky promise!). Keep your eyes peeled on our official announcements for all the deets.

[h2]What's cooking in the development kitchen this month[/h2]
[h3]PC Multiplayer[/h3]
We're thrilled to announce an upcoming multiplayer mode update just before the Chinese New Year, packed with exciting features.
In this update, we've seamlessly integrated those single-player clothing DLCs into multiplayer. Brace yourselves for an immersive experience!
Adding to the excitement, we're introducing the Dance Off event in multiplayer mode. Gather your friends and groove to the beats – it's time for a multiplayer dance party!
To enhance your late-game experiences, we're bringing the Power Drill and Chainsaw into multiplayer. These tools will make your gatherings more productive and dynamic.
However, addressing your feedback on the factory, greenhouse, and kids systems, we currently face specific design and technical challenges. Regrettably, we're not planning to include them in the multiplayer mode at this time. We sincerely appreciate your understanding.

[h3]PC Singleplayer [/h3]
In reference to the Singleplayer experience, we're excited to announce our preparations for the upcoming quarterly free update set to release in March. Stay tuned for more details about this version leading up to its official launch.
Our primary objective is to achieve a simultaneous release on PC, PS5, and XBOX. However, we regret to inform you that the NS content may experience a delay of at least a month.
To ensure timely platform reviews, we aim to have everything prepared by the end of February. This marks a unique challenge for us as it is the first time we're synchronizing PC and console content releases, but we're putting forth our best efforts.

[h3]Consoles[/h3]
For Switch players eagerly anticipating the Switch update, we submitted the new version for Nintendo's review just before Christmas. Currently, it has been approved for the Americas, Europe, and Japan. However, we are still awaiting approval for Asia. Once that is secured, we'll proceed with the global update.

This upcoming Switch update aligns with the Christmas version on PS5 and Xbox, encompassing all features from PC V1.0. We've implemented specific optimizations for the Switch version, addressing the persistent popping issue by 90% and significantly enhancing overall framerate stability, especially in the later stages of the game. Looking forward for the Switch, our focus is on enhancing visual effects and further improving framerates.

As for the next console update for PS5 and Xbox, we have successfully ported all content from the PC Winter Update (the Christmas version), and performance tests are showing promising results. Our plan is to submit it for testing with Sony and Microsoft by the end of this month. If everything proceeds smoothly, the update is anticipated to roll out before the Chinese New Year in February.
However, it's important to note that the update for the Switch is expected to be delayed by about a month.

[h2]Coming Next Devlog[/h2]
Next week, we plan to address several concerns that have been on everyone's minds. This will include an explanation of the loading times on PC HDD and our proposed solution, insights into the development of subsequent NPCs content, as well as the reasons and solutions behind the recent changes in visual effects on the PC version.
Stay tuned to our social media channels for the latest updates on the development of My Time at Sandrock.




Your feedback is important to us and all Builders. Singleplayer or Multiplayer and Localization Surveys are eagerly awaiting your thoughts. We hope you can take a moment to fill them out.

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Howdy Builders,

As we say goodbye to the past year, enriched with memories and progress, your boundless and incredible support means a lot to us!

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Together, let's venture into the future, welcoming the countless opportunities the new year brings. Let's acknowledge our appreciation for the path we've traveled and look forward to the numerous possibilities that lie ahead. Come join the fun as we ring in the New Year! Grab a seat and enjoy our super-fun Dev quiz and wishing video!

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[h3]🌠May your coming year be filled with joy, prosperity, and the collective achievements 🚀

Happy New Year![/h3]



Catch up with us around the web for more Sandrock information:
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Howdy Builders!

[h3]We're livestreaming now:
[/h3]

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We're about to share some seriously cool stuff—sneak peeks behind the scenes, the freshest 1.2 updates, and guess what? A surprise Giveaway that'll blow your mind! 🎁🌟
Let's not just hang out, let's ROCK the new year together! 🎉🎮

Howdy Builders,

We've just rolled out a sizzling hotfix patch, V1.2.0.2! We've tackled some of the reported issues you've brought up recently. Your feedback fuels our improvements! Update now and dive back into an even smoother gaming experience. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Here is the changelist:

Fixed:

• Fixed a problem where the follower was not correctly dismissed after completing the post-marriage quest.
  
• Fixed a potential issue of freezing during the Showdown at High Noon when entering the Abandoned Ruins.
  
• Fixed an issue in the mission "The Happiest Place in the Free Cities" where the Bumpers could not be installed.
  
• Fixed an issue with Grace's path when entering the Town Hall after the main quest "Give me a Sign."
  
• Fixed an issue where the continuation of the main quest "Just Give a Whistle" could not be triggered.
  
• Fixed an issue in the "Chasing Elsie" quest where the player could not enter the cave, leading to quest failure.
  
• Fixed an issue where the trigger area for the mission “One Small Step for Sandrockers” would sometimes disappear unexpectedly.
  
• Fixed a problem in the home data where abnormal duplicates of doors and windows were causing save file errors.
  
• Fixed an issue where the door to the reward room would not open after defeating the boss in the Breach Hazardous Ruins.
  
• Fixed an issue where some save files contained two instances of the character “Lin-lin.”
  
• Fixed an issue where players could potentially fall to their death while switching between home editing modes.
  

Don't forget the 2024 welcome livestream in a few hours
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