June Update

[p]This month marks the end of the rework phase since the new demo release and post-mortem. I’ve watched around 50 playthrough videos from demo players to paid playtesters to really pin down the few elements that still weren’t clicking. I’ve implemented most of those fixes in the game, and some are still WIP but will be added as level design progresses. I reckon I’m about 2 months behind now overall, but I’m not too worried if it means delivering a better experience within the same scope I promised at the start.[/p][p]Let’s dive into the main changes for Paper Sky (June Edition):[/p][p][/p][p]One major issue with the demo’s message system was the freeform writing, which unfortunately opened the door for offensive content. I initially believed the number of people who’d abuse it would be negligible, spoiler: I was wrong. Nearly 5% of demo players wrote "bad" messages, even using alternate alphabets to bypass the filter.[/p][p]The new system I came up with this month makes players find and unlock words from messages left by others. Words now have powers and stats that carry through people's journeys. The more words appear in messages, the more maneuverability and abilities it grants for your paper plane. This means I am binning the "tech tree" ability system and make it more simple and modular.[/p][p]This eliminates the risk of offensive messages entirely. I’ll also be working with professional translators to reward coherent or funny messages with gameplay bonuses.
For instance if your message makes sense like a cheering up message would be, then you have more boosts etc...[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Some words can only be unlocked by visiting specific animals and NPCs. These unique words are fixed across playthroughs, helping players target specific upgrades and plan their builds more easily.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]From all the playthroughs, one thing was clear: the “stepped” boost system wasn’t as intuitive as I thought. Instead of refining the tutorial, I decided to change the system entirely.[/p][p]Boost now works with a traditional boost meter: as long as you have energy, you can boost; essentially entering a free-flying state. Energy regenerates by flying close to surfaces or doing acrobatic moves (like entering wall holes), which already reward players with a significant boost.[/p][p]Also, I heard feedback about the plane feeling “too floppy” compared to real paper. I’ll be improving the shader for that. It’s tricky to fully capture paper physics with just math, but I’ll get closer.[/p][p][/p][p]A major missing feature was landmarks—natural goals to help players navigate the world.
Now, these huge landmarks will combine upgrades, messages, and checkpoints in one. They’ll be visible from far away and let you:[/p]

• [p]Save/load progress[/p]
• [p]Teleport via the world map (once discovered)[/p]
• [p]Upgrade or fold a new plane[/p]
• [p]Edit your message[/p]

[p]Skins and unlockable planes will be tied to in-game achievements, which also sync with Steam achievements for PC and Steam Deck players.[/p][p]That’s it for this month.
Sorry for the lack of visuals; last month was packed with work.[/p][p]I hope you have a nice week, and see you all next month.[/p]