New Stars News

In Part 2 of the 'Interstellar' update, more playmodes are added with the addition of galactic unions - inspired by Stellaris federations, and stealth fleets. Unite the galaxy with Alliance Builders, or build mighty military fleets with Cooperative Militarists.

[h2]Unions: GALACTIC FEDERATIONS[/h2]
Unions are like 'federations' from Stellaris but are more refined and straightforward. They are an alliance that multiple empires can join, instead of just two. Note that regular bidirectional alliances remain in the game at this time.



[h3]1) Diplomatic Union[/h3]
This union focuses on diplomacy and alliance building, forging strong diplomatic ties and leveraging collective strength for mutual benefit. Only alliance builders can form this type of union.



[h4]Ability: Peaceful star clans can join union.[/h4]

[expand]
[h5]Member Bonuses:[/h5]
Defensive Pact: Join all ally offensive wars.
Joint Wars: Join all ally defensive wars.
Modifiers: +25% Starbase Strength.
[/expand]

[h3]2) Martial Union[/h3]
This union emphasizes cooperative militarism, combining military prowess with cooperative efforts to defend and expand their territories. Only cooperative militarists can form this type of union.



[h4]Ability: Build and maintain a union fleet.[/h4]
The leader can build and maintain union fleets, and they have no size restrictions.

[h5]Union Naval Capacity[/h5]
- 20% of collective member naval capacity.
- This is a hard limit, and cannot be exceeded when building fleets.

[expand]
[h5]Member Bonuses:[/h5]
Defensive Pact: Join all ally offensive wars.
Joint Wars: Join all ally defensive wars.
Modifiers: +25% Ship Build speed.
[/expand]

[h3]3) Economic Union[/h3]
This union revolves around economic dominance, with powerful megacorporations controlling trade and resources to maximize profit and influence. Only megacorporations can form this type of union.



[h4]Ability: All members have partnerships with each other.[/h4]
- Partnerships are formed if player forms/joins union.
- Partnerships remain if player leaves union.

[expand]
[h5]Member Bonuses:[/h5]
Defensive Pact: Join all ally offensive wars.
Joint Wars: Join all ally defensive wars.
Modifiers: +25% Collection Value in systems.
[/expand]

[h4]Unions: Actions[/h4]
Form Union - Found a union (must have cooperative ethics).
Leave Union - Leave union (as member).
Join Union - Join union with invite (as non-member).
Kick Player - Kick player from union (as leader).
Invite Player - Invite player to union (as leader).
Request to Join - Request to join union (as non-member).
Accept Request - Accept non-member join request (as leader).
Modify Union - Customize union (as leader).

Considerations:
- Only cooperative governments can found unions.
- Isolationists cannot join unions.
- Joining a union will disband all of the founder's alliances.
- A union must have at least 2 members to exist.
- Founder stays leader, unless they leave or are defeated.

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Alliance Builder: UNITE THE GALAXY[/h2]
The Alliance Builder is a diplomatic powerhouse, specializing in forging alliances, maintaining diplomatic relations, and leveraging collective strength for mutual benefit.



Empire Chat:


[h3]Ability: UNITE THE GALAXY[/h3]
[h4]Can ally and invite star clans to your union.[/h4]



[expand]
Strength: Enhances galactic security, and allies enter all wars.
Weakness: Can be countered by other galactic unions, and you can be dragged into wars.
[/expand]

[h3]Ability: FORM DIPLOMATIC UNION[/h3]
[h4]Can form diplomatic unions.[/h4]
- You can ally star clans, or invite them to your union.
- Star clans are peaceful ancient mini-empires that are open to tribute, but have limited diplomacy.

[h3]Unique Building: Unity Council Chambers[/h3]
This grand structure serves as the central hub for fostering collaboration, forging alliances, and promoting unity among diverse factions within the colony.

[expand]


Jobs: 1x Diplomat (Produces: +1 Power)
Bonus: +50 Opinion for all allies.
Restrictions: Non-stackable; Non-upgradable; Can only be built in capital.

Within the spacious halls of the Unity Council Chambers, representatives from various factions convene to discuss matters of common interest, negotiate treaties, and resolve conflicts through diplomatic means. The building houses meeting rooms equipped with advanced communication technologies, translation systems, and data networks to facilitate effective and efficient dialogue between different species and civilizations.
[/expand]

[hr][/hr]
[h2]Cooperative Militarist: A UNITED FRONT[/h2]
Forging a unique path between cooperation and aggression, the Cooperative Militarist emerges as a formidable force on the galactic stage.



Empire Chat:


[h3]Ability: A UNITED FRONT[/h3]
[h4]Can invite other empires to join your wars.[/h4]



[expand]
Strength: Can cause chaos for victim empire.
Weakness: Must have good relations with other players.
[/expand]

[h3]Ability: FORM MARTIAL UNION[/h3]
[h4]Can form martial unions.[/h4]

[h3]Unique Building: FORGE MATRIX[/h3]
Built upon a foundation of shared purpose and coordinated efforts, the Forge Matrix serves as the epitome of the Cooperative Militarist's commitment to collective strength and rapid mobilization.

[expand]


Jobs: 1x Forge Technician (Produces: +6 Metals, -3 Energy)
Bonus: +50% Ship Build Speed in system.
Restrictions: Non-stackable; Non-upgradable.

Through meticulous planning and relentless innovation, the Cooperative Militarist has fine-tuned the operations of the Forge Matrix to perfection. Its advanced algorithms optimize resource allocation, minimize production bottlenecks, and streamline the construction process, allowing for an unprecedented increase in fleet build speed within the system.
[/expand]

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Quality of Life Improvements[/h3]

[h4]Special Abilities are Shown on Loading Screen[/h4]
- Shown when initially starting game, instead of tips.



[hr][/hr]
[h3]Other Changes[/h3]
1) Repeatable techs are much less likely to show up.
- Non-repeatable techs will be prioritized before repeatables.

2) Leaving an alliance or union forms a 5 year truce.

3) All players can form a business partnership, which now shares 5% of collected resources between empires.
- Previously, this was limited to megacorps, and didn't include trade a bonus.
- This is now mutually beneficial, and can be seen as more of a fixed trade deal.
- Collected resources refers to harvested star/planet resources.

4) Buildings now have custom names, lore, and descriptions.

[h3]More to come...[/h3]
I believe it's more fun for each play-mode to have powerful abilities and mechanics, that can be overpowered in some instances, instead of simply having boring modifiers like '+100% Collection Value'.

Higher quality features will also mean a better overall experience, at the cost of more months before public playtesting. I originally intended for public playtesting in April, but the game won't be ready for that for a while due to an increased scope of game, and thus more development requirements. I expect that this will be the most important gameplay update for the game, and the new features being added are necessary for New Stars to be a fun and replayable experience.

There is still more to come...

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Stay tuned for more updates...[/h3]
Feel free to comment your suggestions below.

🎮 Playtest New Stars: discord.io/adamjr.
⭐ Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0

Inspired by recent suggestions, I decided the game needed more gameplay paths and unique features. Similar to Civilization, each playable government will have their own unique building and special abilities. This is part one of the upcoming 'Interstellar' update. Here we go.

[h2]Megacorporations: Monopolize the Galaxy[/h2]
As a megacorporation, your power lies not only in economic might but also in your ability to manipulate politics, negotiate lucrative deals, and establish monopolies.


This new playmode required an extensive rework of the colony system.

[h3]ORDER OF BUSINESS[/h3]
[h4]Form a business partnership, and build offices on friendly colonies.[/h4]
- Form a business partnership via trade panel.
- Purchase business rights on colony, if you have a partnership.
- Business partnerships can be ended via diplomacy panel.
- You cannot form partnerships with isolationists, or setup businesses on megacorp colonies.
- Intel of colony systems is shared after forming partnership.

Strength: Invest in buildings for resources, with less risk.
Weakness: Costs power and energy, limited to 4 slots, other megacorps can compete.
Counter: Compete as a megacorp; don't accept business partnerships, play as an isolationist.
Best Maps: Maps with lots of non-isolationist players, and lack of competition (megacorps).

[h4]Colony Action: Purchase Business Rights[/h4]
Grants 4 build slots in a foreign colony, for the empire to build on.

Conditions:
- Player must be a megacorporation.
- Colony must have 4 empty building slots.

Considerations:
- Resources are split 50:50 between owner and business.
- Production is halved if colony is occupied.
- The only way to remove business rights is to defeat the business player.
- Build queue is shared between colony and owner.
- A player cannot cancel other player's colony orders.



[h3]Unique Building: Logistics Office[/h3]
This state-of-the-art facility serves as the headquarters for all logistical operations in the star system, ensuring the smooth functioning of supply chains and resource allocation throughout the colony.

Jobs: 1x Logistics Manager (Production: +4 Energy)
Bonus: When built on a foreign colony, collect system resources as your own.
Type: Non-stackable; Not upgradable.

Considerations:
- Logistics office can collects system resources, without sharing any with colony owner.
- Great for foreign colonies with lucrative system resources, especially special resources.
- They are they are expensive and takes a while to build, so make sure they are worthwhile.

[expand]
Inside the sleek and futuristic architecture of the Logistics Office Building, you'll find a dynamic environment where precision and coordination reign supreme. Advanced computer systems, holographic displays, and real-time data feeds create a high-tech atmosphere, enabling seamless integration of various logistical processes.

The Logistics Office Building houses a team of dedicated professionals who work tirelessly to optimize the movement of goods, materials, and resources across the colony. From procurement and storage to transportation and distribution, every aspect of the logistical network is carefully managed and coordinated within these walls.
[/expand]

[h3]Megacorporation: AI Behaviour[/h3]
The AI can form partnerships, purchase land rights on other colonies, and manage businesses similar to how it manages colonies. AI will end business partnerships, if their attitude becomes cautious to another player.

The megacorp AI also has 150 new chat entries for the diplomacy panel, which depends on the relationship and attitude towards the player, and focuses on financial terms.



[hr][/hr]
[h2]Peacekeeping Pacifist: 'Peacefully' Interfere in Wars[/h2]
Peacekeeping pacifists assert their influence on others by enforcing their peace plans. They may peacefully interfere in wars by sending their own peacekeeping fleets to protect star systems.



[h3]GALACTIC HARMONY ENFORCEMENT[/h3]
[h4]Peacefully enforce ceasefires in wars you are not a part of.[/h4]
- Belligerents cannot move into enemy systems containing fleets that are peacekeeping.
- Peacekeepers always have open borders with player that is at war.

Strength: Can complicate wars to influence balance of power in the galaxy.
Weakness: Ceasefire ends if war is declared on peacekeeper, and fleets are destroyed.
Counter: Declare war on the peacekeeper, and attack peacekeepers.
Best Maps: Maps with lots of players.



[h3]Unique Building: Peacekeeper Academy[/h3]
This prestigious institution serves as the galactic training ground for peacekeeping forces and diplomats, nurturing individuals dedicated to resolving interstellar conflicts through peaceful means.

Jobs: 1x Peacekeeper (Production: +8 Science)
Bonus: Removes all border friction for empires which are neighbours to the colony system.
Type: Non-stackable; Not upgradable.

[expand]
As the pinnacle of peacekeeping excellence, the Peacekeeper Academy conducts research and analysis on interstellar conflicts, striving to identify root causes and propose peaceful solutions. It serves as a knowledge hub, producing insightful reports and recommendations that contribute to the creation of peaceful and stable interstellar alliances.

The presence of the Peacekeeper Academy within a colony radiates a sense of tranquility and assurance. It not only trains and deploys peacekeepers to resolve conflicts within the colony but also extends its influence to neighboring systems, advocating peaceful coexistence and fostering diplomatic ties.
[/expand]

[h3]Peacekeeping Pacifist: AI Behaviour[/h3]
The peacekeeping pacifist AI also has 150 new chat entries for the diplomacy panel, which depends on the relationship and attitude towards the player, which focuses on peaceful terms.



[hr][/hr]
[h2]Quality of Life Improvements[/h2]

[h3]Go to colony capital via diplomacy panel.[/h3]
This is a quality of life improvement that moves camera to capital world. It is an essential as part of the business setup flow.



[h3]Arrows to cycle through player colonies via colony panel.[/h3]
This makes it much easier to manage your business ventures.



[hr][/hr]
[h2]What's to come...[/h2]
There are more government types in New Stars and thus more play-modes to add. We have only scratched the surface. I'd like to focus on a few government types at a time, to ensure they are polished and fun to play. Note that peacekeeping pacifists could get more bonuses in the future to be on par with megacorps.

[hr][/hr]
[h3]Stay tuned for more updates...[/h3]
Feel free to comment your suggestions below.

🎮 Playtest New Stars: discord.io/adamjr.
⭐ Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0

New challenges and rewards enter the galactic stage with the addition of space leviathans, and a new tutorial system to increase accessibility for new players by explaining game systems in detail. Here are the changes since last development log.

[h2]Space Entities[/h2]
Space entities are unpredictable creatures of the void. They hunger for the materials that your starships are built from. Make sure your military is always ready to deal with any surprises.

Squids have ascended from the oceans...


Small squids are spacefaring leviathans, that are rumoured to have originated from worlds with vast oceans, and learned over time to adapt to the endless void of deep space.


Plasma squids are less common leviathans that originate from sources of pink plasma. Defeating them in battle will yield the rare plasma resource, which is used in advanced military infrastructure.


Void squids are rare leviathans that are rumoured to originate in the dark oceans of void worlds. They are the strongest, and yield antimatter - a resource used in some of the most destructive weapons.

[h2]Tutorial System[/h2]
A new tutorial system has been added to help players that are new to the genre, and/or the game, and increase accessibility.


Each empire gets their own advisor. If you don't need them, you can fire them at any time, or permanently dismiss a specific tip.


There are at least 10 different in-game tips, for different game mechanics, which can be extended when needed.

[h2]newstarsgame.com[/h2]
A new website has been created to show the changelog of New Stars updates, among other things.

newstarsgame.com

newstarsgame.com/changelog

[h2]Other Changes[/h2]
The Genesis update is the beginning of consolidating the game into a fast-paced 4X experience.
- Map sizes have been slightly reduced, as large maps were unnecessarily large.
- Player claims resolution changes based on quality settings.
- This prevents the game from crashing due to GPU overload on lower end systems.

[h2]The galaxy comes to life...[/h2]
Entities that have adapted to the void will bring new challenges and rewards to New Stars. There are many more that can be added, but that will depend on player feedback.



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Stay tuned for more updates, or join the community Discord (linked below).

Playtest New Stars (closed-beta): discord.io/adamjr
Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/adamjr

Feel free to comment your suggestions below, or at discord.io/adamjr.

Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is subject to change in the future and is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0
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There have been a lot of optimizations, and bug fixes, along with the addition of MacOS and Linux support. Here is what has changed in New Stars recently.

[h2]New Stars Supports Lower-End Systems[/h2]
Playtesting on my dual-core laptop, I managed to get 20-30 FPS on the galaxy map, and 25-30 FPS in the star system simulation. This was not possible before. If you have a mid-end to high-end PC, you should not have a problem with performance.


[h3]MacOS + Linux support has been added.[/h3]
You will also be able to play New Stars on MacOS or Linux.

[h2]What is to come...[/h2]
The idea of New Stars is that each game is unique, re-playable, and each game takes no more than a few hours to complete. The pacing will be different to a lot of other sophisticated strategy games. Here are some changes that are currently being worked on.

1) Some techs will be removed, and the tech system will be simplified.
- 40 techs may not be necessary for games that only last a few hours.

2) Map sizes will be reduced in size, which will further increase performance and speed up games.

3) The ship builder will be simplified for a faster-paced gameplay.
- The ship builder offers a different layer of strategy in resource management and combat.

4) Tutorial tooltips will be added for new-time players.
- There have been complaints among some playtesters that there was no explicit tutorial system.

5) Combat will incorporate engagement range.
- Currently, ships of any type can shoot from the same distance in a battle.
- Each military ship type will have a different engagement range.
- Smaller ships will have to physically move towards larger ships to be effective in combat.

6) Hostile space entities?
- Space enemies that spawn in unclaimed regions of the map keep the player busy.
- A strong military is needed at all times to defend new territories.

The future gameplay will likely be inspired by fast-paced games such as Northgard, as opposed to Stellaris. Ideally these changes will help differentiate the game mechanics to 'similar games', provide a replayable experience, while offering a somewhat similar feel to galactic strategy.

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Stay tuned for more updates, or join the community Discord (linked below).

Join the Closed-Playtesting: discord.io/adamjr
Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/adamjr

Feel free to comment your suggestions below, or at discord.io/adamjr.

Wishlist New Stars to support development.

This page is subject to change in the future and is intended to be a development preview, which may not reflect the final state of the game.

Credits:
- Star satellites icon by Lorc under CC BY 3.0
▙ ▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▖▟