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Little Witch in the Woods News

[Beta] Release 3.0.0.0-b Patch Notes

Hello, this is Sunny Side Up!

Our deepest apologies for the delay in sharing the latest updates on the development of the game.
Though we have not been able to interact with everyone as much as we would have liked, we have always poured our hearts into the development of Little Witch in the Woods. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience caused by the delay in updates.

This update will be applied to the beta version.
Please refer to the following URL for a tutorial on how to play the game in beta.

Link

Having received user feedback about the game experience, this beta update is focused on systems optimization. Though we have gone through rigorous internal testing to ensure game stability, we believe that internal testing alone will not be enough. Different devices and operating systems may interact differently in-game resulting in various issues. Thus, we consider beta testing a must. We seek your understanding and cooperation in providing your valuable feedback. To all players who provided feedback on systems-related experiences in-game, we would like to invite you to participate in this round of beta testing. Your feedback will help the process of game development immensely.
Apart from the current focus on system optimization, we are also working on new content. However, we have decided to concentrate on system optimization in this beta. Thus we have only added some new content for this beta update. We will provide a more detailed breakdown of the content updates in a public announcement soon.

Please note that existing save files cannot be used in this update. If you would like to experience the new content, we strongly suggest using the Chapter Selector.



[h2]Using the Chapter Selector[/h2]

We have added new chapters to the Chapter Selector.
If you would like to experience the new content straightaway, please use the Chapter Selector.
(Please refer to the patch details below for a tutorial on how to test out new functions)



[h2]Patch Details[/h2]

[h3]Optimizations&Tweaks[/h3]

The Region Loading System

In previous versions, all maps and game elements were loaded when starting up the game, creating more work for the PC. This issue has been resolved. Now the game will only load necessary maps and game elements on startup to reduce workload.
This will enable the computer with lower hardware specifications to run the game smoothly.


Streamlined Loading Time Between Maps

We have optimized the region loading system, but this has caused loading times for other maps to grow longer.
To ameliorate the situation, the game will preemptively load maps adjacent to the map that the player is currently in.


Internal UI Adjustments for Better Game Functions

The UI follows Ellie as she moves throughout Little Witch in the Woods and appears in-game. However, the UI's tracking of Ellie has caused in-game lag.
Now we have adjusted the UI so that it no longer follows Ellie and is displayed on-screen.


Graphic Optimization

As the graphics that appear in Little Witch in the Woods continue to increase, the strain on lower spec hardware will be counterproductive.
In order to debloat graphics, we have compressed all shapes and structures, while redesigning the placement of images in the game. This has improved graphic function and enabled the game to run smoothly on lower spec computers as well.


Save File Optimization

Previously, an issue where loading information on a save file would lead to the loading of all existing saves was identified. This caused a sharp increase in data volume, causing the game to freeze under specific conditions.
To solve this problem, we have separated all necessary information displays in order to speed up the loading of the save file menu.



[h3]New: Village Bulletin[/h3]

You may see ordinary quests posted on the Village Bulletin that has been erected in the village.
  • The Village Bulletin function and UI development
  • New Villager Quests
  • New Side Quests
  • Changes to acquiring methods of existing quests and rewards



[h3]New: Swimming Functionality[/h3]

In order to add to the ways players may explore the forest, we have adding the Swim function.
What's more, we have also added new organisms that can be gathered while swimming.
  • We have added the ability for Ellie to swim in water terrain.
  • We have also added the Dive and Sprint functions. You may spend stamina while swimming to Dive and Sprint.
  • Change of organisms found at waterfalls
  • Changes to medicine formulae corresponding to the changes in organisms



[h3]New: Decoration Function and Decorative Content[/h3]

After expanding the Witch's House, it is now possible to decorate it
  • New decorative function and decorative menu UI
  • Changes to the process of expanding the Witch's Cottage
  • New furniture and miscellaneous items
  • Decorations can be bought at the Resident's Center
  • Updates to the maximum tier of catalog rewards
Guide for playing Decoration content
  • You may accept the quest of expanding the cottage in two ways: 1. Select Chapter 4 in the Chapter Selector. 2. Complete construction of the village's fountain and tread on the damaged flooring after returning to the Witch's Cottage.
  • The Decoration function can be used after expansion of the Witch's Cottage is complete.



[h3]Other Updates[/h3]
  • New Compulsory Sleep effects and penalties
  • New Witch's Cottage gardens and mailbox



[h3]Other Tweaks[/h3]
  • Changes to the Witch's Cottage and the terrain of the garden of the Witch's Cottage
  • Adjustments to some villagers' schedules
  • Adjustments to the gathering methods of some organisms
  • Adjustments to the book tool's functions
  • Changes to the time stamp of saved files following sleep



Dev Log #9



In the previous dev logs, we introduced various expansions to the Witch's House to enrich the experience as a witch. Now, we'd like to also allow you to customize this space to show off your personal tastes.

In order to do that, we're working on adding the ability to decorate the interior of the Witch's House with furniture and accessories. We have plans to introduce items of all shapes and sizes, covering a wide variety of themes, and even open up the walls to be decorated.

We just know that you will enjoy this new addition to the game!
It's your time to shine! Design the Witch's House and fill it with your unique personality!


Trial run of customization system
(The image is only a portrayal; actual gameplay may differ.)




Now various landscapes are available in the Little Witch's Woods, and the ecosystem of the creatures is naturally based on the surrounding landscape. However, we realized the fact that Ellie can only move across land and walls is a major missed opportunity to exploit the variety in landscape.

That's why we have added swimming to Ellie's arsenal of skills in order to allow for more interesting and meaningful interaction with the environment. Now Ellie will be able to travel in water and also move faster over a certain distance with the forward dash function.

Of course, with the swimming function, you can expect wonderful, new creatures to be added to the water in the future.


Ellie swimming in a waterfall area
(The image is only a portrayal; actual gameplay may differ.)





Remember that broken bridge beyond the village? You couldn't go across to the other side since the bridge was broken.

We're happy to announce that the bridge has been repaired and the village and villagers on the other side will be open for exploration and development depending on your progress in the game.

Keep your eye out for the new map and many fascinating characters to interact with!


Full view of the area across the bridge




The Little Witch in the Woods has several bugs that prevent players from enjoying the game to the fullest.
After examining and analyzing the relevant issues concerning optimization, we have concluded that postponing action will only make the process harder down the road, so we decided to prioritize this.


[h3]Results of Optimization [/h3]

Below are the test run stats on a low-end PC before and after optimization.



  • CPU: Intel Core i5 750
  • Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GT 710
  • Memory: DDR3 8G




Left: before optimization; right: after optimization

There was no significant numerical difference in terms of hardware performance.
But there was significant change in terms of frame rate.
D3D11 values (frame rate)
  • First: Current frame rate
  • Second: Minimum frame rate
  • Third: Average frame rate
  • Fourth: Maximum frame rate


When comparing the frame rate before and after optimization, we can see that the average has essentially doubled. (We have placed the upper limit at 60fps, so it is impossible to play at a higher frame rate.)

In addition, there was a significant difference in the amount of time required to load the game for the very first time.
(Measured from the moment the loading screen appears to the moment it disappears.)

  • Before optimization: 33.8 seconds
  • After optimization: 17.1 seconds

After optimization, the loading time was nearly cut by half.


Upon updating to the newest version of the game, your gaming experience should be improved.



That's all for dev log #9.
Thank you!

All development is in progress and may change at any given time.

Nominate "Little Witch in the Woods" for the best "Sit Back and Relax" Game!

Are you enjoying your apprentice witch life with Ellie?

Restore villages, brew potions, explore forests, and meet new people...
As an apprentice witch, Ellie seems to have a lot to do, but in an environment full of interesting things and warm people, sometimes Ellie can get lost in one way or another.

『Little Witch in the Woods』 is being developed diligently to become a byway for players to take a break in a world full of things to do.

Voting for the STEAM Awards has begun.
If you enjoyed 『Little Witch in the Woods』 as a byway for rest, please help 『Little Witch in the Woods』 make it to the list of finalists this year.
Please vote for 『Little Witch in the Woods』 as the best "Sit Back and Relax" game in the Steam Awards.

EA Release 1.6.22.0 Patch Notes

- Fiexed some translation errors of in-game texts

EA Release 1.6.22.0 Patch Notes

Resolved the problem of the game being unable to progress in a certain situation.
  • Contents of update : Japanese, Chinese (Traditional) added

Once again, we apologize for any inconvenience caused.