August Update

[h3]Back to School, Back to Paper Planes[/h3][p]What better time than back-to-school season to talk about paper planes? The 1 month challenge is over, and I’m happy to announce: Beta Access is here! well.. kind of..[/p][p][/p][h3]Beta Access is here[/h3][p][/p][p]2 Months behind, eh not too bad![/p][p]If you pledged at the “Beta Plane” tier or higher, you’ll receive your Steam beta key tomorrow via Kickstarter message. This key gives you:[/p]

[p]Permanent access to the beta build on Steam[/p]
[p]Full access to the final release at launch[/p]

[p]That means some of you are already unlocking all your pledge rewards.[/p][p]⚠️ Note: the Steam beta build is being uploaded as I write this, so it might take a few hours before you can play. I’ll post on Discord when it’s live. You will most likely receive the key once it is sorted out tomorrow![/p][p][/p][h3]Benchmark & Dynamic Loading[/h3][p]The first beta build is mainly for benchmark testing. It will teleport you across finished art-style scenes to check performance, shaders, and post-process effects.
If all goes well, I’ll move ahead with seamless scene transitions and no loading screens when switching between art styles (except for world map travel).
I plan to release monthly beta updates until launch, so you can follow the game’s progress step by step.[/p][p][/p][p]Next month I will upload the finished checkpoint systems and message system so you will get the full final gameplay loop as promised.[/p][p][/p][h3]Checkpoint System[/h3][p]Here’s an early look at the checkpoint mechanic I teased last month. With luck, beta testers will get to try it in the update.[/p][p][/p][p][/p][h3]A more contemplative experience[/h3][p]I’ve reworked the flight feel with new “hoverboard” air-cushion physics:[/p]

[p]Flying close to the ground now gives you a gentle hover and a speed boost[/p]
[p]Diving into slopes flows smoothly with momentum conservation and assisted yaw[/p]
[p]Risky maneuvers feel rewarding, not punishing[/p]

[p][/p][p][/p][p]These changes, combined with the continuous boost meter, make the paper plane easier and more fluid to control.[/p][p](GIFs don’t do it justice, I’ll post a proper video on Twitter soon!)[/p][p][/p][h3]Puppy month[/h3][p]Outside of dev, this month was full of puppy training sessions. The little one is settling in and becoming best friends with the resident dog.[/p][p][/p][p][/p]