Big Ambitions News

It's time for our first patch for the EA 0.6 Preview Branch!

We have already received a ton of bug reports from all of you, helping the team tremendously. We are very grateful for all of those, thank you!

[h2]Changelog[/h2]

• Fix cigarettes not available for delivery NY Distro
  
• Cash Register: Change the work button to green
  
• Updates to Hardenting Tunnel's particles
  
• Fix various issues with overlays
  
• Fix "outside music" playing when a song ended, even after business closed
  
• Fix watching TV from a chair that's not facing the TV
  
• Fix collider issue with Cigar Rolling Machine
  
• Fix error when using taxi
  
• Fix missing outlining for Polishing Machine
  
• Add visual effects to Polishing Machine
  
• Remove employee indicators from various machines
  
• Fix issue with cash register when ordering from a distance
  
• Visual updates to Sewing Machine
  
• Enable Forklift interactions with Input Stations
  
• Show boxes instead of paper bags in Import inventories
  
• Fix players able to sit on Recruitment Agencies' reception desks
  
• Fix UI not hiding after buying a vehicle
  
• Fix z-fighting wall corner in IKA
  
• Fix small Jack-O-Lantern not for sale in IKA
  
• Fix missing help content for fabrics
  
• Add visual effects and animations to Laser Cutting Machine
  
• Fix input/output direction arrows not hiding when closing Interior Designer
  
• Fix "outside chair" overlay header showing "bench"
  
• Rename Cigar Shelves to Tobacco Shelves
  
• Fix United Gasoline fences have no colliders
  
• Fix player running using desktop animation after leaving school
  
• Fix being able to do other activities while using vehicle
  
• Fix fridge overlay not updating real-time
  
• Fix can't buy specific products in Essentials Store
  
• Visual updates to Bottling Machine
  
• Remove Printing Machine from Help System
  
• Fix errors when using Interior Designer's Eyedropper Tool
  
• Fix player stuck in sitting position after resting while exhausted
  
• Add animations to Cigar Rolling Machine
  
• Add visual effects to Cigar Rolling Machine
  
• Fix Earbuds/Headphones recipes not working on Help System
  
• Fix wrong customer queues in Factory Supply Depot
  
• Fix collider of Cigar Rolling Machine
  
• Update Nightclub Rustic layout (blueprint)
  
• Add animation to Industrial Sewing Machine
  
• Fix z-flickering in Appliance Store
  
• Reduce light intensity of Ceiling Lamp Tube
  
• Fix cannot add paper bags to cash register
  
• Fix error when using Interior Designer's eyedropper tool after returning from main menu
  
• Fix can't change building sign appearance
  
• Update fabric colors
  
• Fix missing visuals for Cut Fabric (Classic Expensive)
  
• Fix selling camera in InteriorDesigner not updating security
  
• Set schedule to always open (24h) for new factories
  
• Fix Interior Designer's time control not turning on/off indoor lights
  
• Fix some pedestrians clothing not hiding
  
• Fix conveyorbelts' SFX running always
  
• Add more access points to pallet/storage shelves
  
• Fix cannot use jerrycan
  
• Fix overlay stuck at gas station under special conditions
  
• Changed Manhattan Movers opening schedule
  
• Update trash decorations at Lower Manhattan
  
• Changes to floor lamp visuals
  
• Various changes to machines section in Help
  
• Fix 42 2nd Street wrong entrance position
  
• Fix Basic Management course's player chair has dummy AI
  
• Fix error when entering school
  
• Fix Casino time running at x2.5 speed
  
• Fix computer not being interactable when just placed
  
• Fix decrease on vehicle slots after using moving service
  
• Fix error when moving a bigger warehouse into a smaller one
  
• Fix Floor lamp's emission not working
  
• Fix first time opening blueprints not working
  
• Fix directional light wiggeling
  
• Add lights to Essentials Appliance Store
  
• Fix warehouses with no showing up in HQ plans
  
• Add compatibility fix to restore broken warehouse's vehicle slots
  
• Add Food Assembly Machine animation
  
• Add visual effects to Automated Frying Machine, Batch Pasteurizer and Conveyor Food Grill
  
• Fix Ground Beef model missing
  
• Update animation timings from Conveyor Food Grill
  

Keep the bug reports coming and we'll keep the patches coming too! 😎

[hr][/hr]
Thanks to everyone for all the continued feedback!

~Hovgaard Games

[h2]Big Ambitions EA 0.6: Factories[/h2]

Hi there!

As we approach the release of 0.6, we're excited to share our latest experimental build with you. The team has been working tirelessly to bring you a bunch of new features and improvements. Dive in and help us test and refine this exciting new update!

Due to some unforeseen setbacks with the factory it has taken us a bit longer than we anticipated. We're committed to quality and didn't want to release a feature we weren't completely satisfied with. Now, we're excited to finally bring you factories to Big Ambitions, enabling you to produce all the products available from our wholesale importers.

The complete patch notes will be released when EA 0.6 is ready for its full release, but for now, here is a summary of the bigger changes in EA 0.6.

Originally posted by Games

Please notice: This version is unstable, unoptimized and might contain game-breaking bugs which may destroy your savegame. The branch will be updated frequently as we squeeze bugs. Any progress/savegame will be lost once this testing period is over.

This is an opportunity to help us find bugs and get some early insight into the development of our next update. The experimental/preview version of the game is not simply a way to play the new update earlier.

Please don't leave us negative reviews based on your experience with the experimental branch, thank you! ❤️

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Factories[/h2]
It is time to take your business to the next level. We’re adding factories that let you produce most of the products available from the wholesale importers. From simple hot dogs to flashy jewellery to high tech smart watches. Most of the machines are ready to use, but we are still wrapping up the last ones.




[h2]New Pier Area[/h2]
To accommodate for the new factory feature we have added a whole new pier area. Here you can import raw goods for the factories in order to get your production up and running.
The beautiful pier houses three new purchasing sites:

• Pier 6 for food
  
• Pier 7 for materials
  
• Pier 8 for drinks
  

You’re free to take a stroll around the pier; while most things work, the area is still a work in progress.




[h2]Interior Design[/h2]
Get ready for a complete overhaul of our Interior Designer feature! We've listened to your feedback and we have streamlined the design process with an intuitive "mode" switch and a handy tools bar. Finding the right tools are now easier than ever—right at your fingertips. Dive into a smoother, more enjoyable designing experience in our latest update! Try holding “shift” while selecting the floor or wall and see just one of the improvements we have made to the design process.




[h2]Moving Service[/h2]
Outgrown your current space? No problem! Say goodbye to manually packing and moving items with hand trucks. The moving company fully automates the process, making your transition to a larger or different building seamless and hassle-free. What are you waiting for? Come on down to Manhattan Movers!




[h2]Indoor Delivery Spots[/h2]
When you enter your apartment or business, you will now see that it has undergone renovation. All rentable spaces now have a designated delivery spot for you to receive any kind of wares directly into your home or business.




[h2]Overlay and UI Improvements[/h2]
We've streamlined our overlays and popups for a cleaner, less intrusive experience. Now, only the most essential information is displayed, including employee names right at their desks for easier management. Plus, we've resolved the issues with popups triggered by keyboard commands or player proximity, ensuring a more cohesive and consistent UI as our game grows in complexity. Enjoy a more intuitive experience with these quality-of-life upgrades!




[h2]Visual Improvements[/h2]
We have been working on improving the visuals and performance of the game. This has resulted in some spectacular lighting improvements. Here is a highlight of the most noticeable changes:

• Improves "time of the day" feeling with a rotating sun.
  
• Moonlight shadows
  
• Improves exterior and interior lighting
  
• Each district has a different atmosphere with their own effects such as fog
  
• Added more trash and dirt to the streets
  

[h2]Task Management Overhaul[/h2]
Previously, changing an employee's status or settings could erase their associated tasks and information. Now, we've tied tasks to the HQ, not individuals. Whether an employee leaves or changes roles, no data is lost—tasks automatically reassign or stay pending. Plus, you can now easily transfer task information when relocating, ensuring seamless operations.




[h2]Help Page Updates[/h2]
The F1 help menu will now feature a search feature as well as the option to go back and forth between pages.





[h2]Quality of life improvements & Bugs[/h2]

There are so many bug fixes, improvements and balancing we have knocked out of the park for this update. A full list will be provided for the release, but here are some of the quality of life changes you can expect.

• Fixed so that the paper bag is discarded after consuming the last item in it
  
• Changed the “store is dirty” alert to turn off at 80% clean instead of 90%
  
• Updated some of the wording of messages to make things easier to understand
  
• When watching tv, the player now looks for a nearby chair/sofa to sit down, opening the entertainment overlay
  
• Updated the wording of the Logistics Manager popup to make it more clear
  
• Removed theft from order-based businesses
  
• Start repeating PA contract. Now you can set up a contract in advance
  
• Added a “Are you sure” confirmation option before shutting down a business
  
• The button for ending a call has now changed to make it clearer if you are canceling the order or ending the call
  
• Balanced the hairdresser
  

Originally posted by Games

Please notice: This version is unstable, unoptimized and might contain game-breaking bugs which may destroy your savegame. The branch will be updated frequently as we squeeze bugs. Any progress/savegame will be lost once this testing period is over.

This is an opportunity to help us find bugs and get some early insight into the development of our next update. The experimental/preview version of the game is not simply a way to play the new update earlier.

Please don't leave us negative reviews based on your experience with the experimental branch, thank you! ❤️

[h3]Here's how to access the branch:[/h3]

Reminder: Experimental Branch saves are not compatible with the full release
You will be rolled back to your EA 0.5 savegame when EA 0.6 is fully released.

• Right-click Big Ambitions on Steam
  
• Select Properties
  
• Select Betas
  
• From the dropdown menu, choose "experimental - Use at own risk - Unstable!"
  

[h3]Remember to submit Bug Reports![/h3]

If you see something weird while in-game, be sure to hit F2 to submit a bug report so we can fix it! Any information on what you did before the bug occured are greatly appreciated.

If you have additional information to contribute, or need a response, the best option is to create a thread on Steam, Reddit, Big Ambitions Forums, or our Discord, then mention that thread in the Bug Report, so I know it's yours and can reply to you!

As always, huge thanks to all of you for the support you give. Every comment, bug report, feedback and words of encouragement means the world to us. You make this whole thing possible. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you!

~ Hovgaard Games and the entire Big Ambitions team!

Hello! We have a tiny patch for you today!

[h3]Changelog:[/h3]

• With the previous patch, Nightclubs lost their cover charges. They are back now!
  
• Defeated Rivals were still sending warnings about "new rivalries" starting. They were lying. This should be fixed now.
  

That's it for now!

~Hovgaard Games

[h3]Hello and good day![/h3]
We've got another small patch for our ambitious friends!

[h2]Mac Users[/h2]
First up - if you're a Mac user that's been dealing with the issue of launching to a black/grey/green or flickering screen, we have a workaround! If not, then skip to the Changelog section!

The issue seems to be related to video memory while launching the game, and launching the game in windowed mode seems to fix it.

We're still looking into a more permanent solution, but this fix should get you into the game again! Please let us know if you're still having trouble after this or have any new information, so we can get things working for you!

[h3]Mac Workaround[/h3]

• Right-click on Big Ambitions in Steam and go to "Properties"
  
• In the "General" tab, in the "Launch Options" section, type "-windowed" (picture above)
  
• Launch the game and it should launch in windowed mode, and not flicker!
  

Based on player reports, you should be able to resume fullscreen after launching!

• Go to the "Options" menu, in-game
  
• In the "Graphics" tab, click the toggle for fullscreen! (picture below)
  

[hr][/hr]

[h2]Changelog[/h2]

• Fixed issue causing some businesses to not recognize cash registers or shopping baskets
  
• Fixed memory leak while browsing blueprints, which could cause crashing
  
• Fixed MarketInsider showing a negative number of providers for products being sold
  
• Fixed issue making it impossible to recruit candidates
  
• Fixed issue causing rent and marketing to be $0
  
  • Note: It might take a few days for them to start appearing again
    
• Fixed Special Stores (such as Mr. Scott's Office Supply) charging the wrong prices in-store
  

Note: We're aware that rivals are still sometimes sending messages after being defeated. We're talking to them about that and will get them to quit soon!

[hr][/hr]

And a quick tease on the status of EA 0.6: Early testing is going well and we're about to start polishing the update soon!

Stay tuned through July for more information on when we'll begin EA 0.6 Experimental Branch Testing!


~Hovgaard Games

[h2]Hello everyone! [/h2]

It's time for another little patch with a few more fixes!

Note: For some fixes, you might have to wait in-game until after 02:00 for everything to clear up

Changelog:

• Fixed a hand truck UI issue where an extra inventory UI would popup and delete inventory
  
• Prevented Rivals from randomly changing prices lower than the lowest market price
  
• Fixed issue where Rivals would still send messages after being defeated
  
• Fixed issue where Jessica could own El Gato
  
• Fixed issue where Rivals thought they owned a player's store
  
• Fixed glitch that was allowing rivals to sell things for significantly too high prices
  
• Fixed issue where rivals only owning 1 store might show no income on their graph
  
• Fixed hairdressers sometimes showing the wrong products
  
• Fixed glitch that was allowing players to sell things for too high prices
  
  • Note, you will need to adjust your prices if they were set to these incorrectly high prices!
    
• Fixed issue where prices of shut-down stores were being counted as the lowest market price
  
• Fixed an issue where you could hire a candidate in the middle of negotiations, then finish negotiations to hire them twice
  
• Fixed issue where you could poach an employee, but the rival wouldn't lose the employee
  
• Fixed an issue with one employee demand that was causing deliveries to fail
  
• Fixed issue where scooter could fall through the harbor
  
• Fixed Animation glitch if the casino time ended while you were in the middle of gambling
  
• Fixed cannot open folders on Mac. Direct links for Logos, Music Files, and Saved Games should now open
  

Additional Note: A few Mac users are experiencing an issue where the game opens up to either a flickering screen or a solid color. We are looking into this, but currently we are struggling to replicate the issue as most Mac users are not having this issue

[hr][/hr]

That's it for now! Keep attacking those rivals while we finish up the next big update!

~Hovgaard Games