Dear Retailers #16 - Building a Global Retail World

[p]Dear Retailers,[/p][p]Two weeks ago, we discussed the implementation of online features for King of Retail 2, and we’ve made huge strides since then that we’re ready to start discussing now that we know they’re feasible and achievable for our upcoming update.[/p][p]Now that I’ve done my due diligence with Steam integrations, and Steam Workshop functionality is nigh, it’s time to look at how this upcoming functionality will open up the community experience for King of Retail 2.[/p][h3]Create Your World – Model & Texture Editing[/h3][p]Mod functionality will be incorporated into King of Retail 2 in the next update.[/p][p]The Discord and the Community Page are abuzz with fan creations, including custom art, logos, and some really cool and novel designs. But a common question we’re getting is “when can we start creating custom assets for the game?”[/p][p]I’m always touched by the creativity players bring to their stores. Now, let’s take it to the next level.[/p][p]We’ll be introducing an editor program for King of Retail 2 with next update, which will allow players to create custom textures and introduce custom models. [/p][p]An early view of the editor environment in motion!
[/p][p]However, we’ll be looking at early implementation of this feature in order to get this out the door, with improvements to come. That means:
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• [p]The editor will be available as a download from the King of Retail website, at least initially. [/p]
• [p]Integration as part of the Steam launcher will come at a later date, once the executable is finalized.[/p]
• [p]Initial editing will focus on allowing custom textures, intended for wall and floor decoration. More features will be expanded in the coming weeks.[/p]

[p]We wanted to extend this tool for those in the community looking for new customization tools, and to bring community creations to the upcoming Steam Workshop.[/p][p][/p][h3]Compete for the Crown – Online Leaderboards[/h3][p]Our second major upcoming feature shifts the spotlight from creativity to competition. Retail is a competitive industry, after all, and why not see how the opposition is making their mone?[/p][p]We’re introducing Online Leaderboards, a global ranking system that tracks the success of retailers around the world in an in-game 3D diagram.[/p][p]Your rankings will be visualized as a living cityscape, where towering buildings represent the world’s most successful players. Your own progress, and that of your friends, is on full display.[/p][p][/p][p]Stand tall and shake the markets when Global Rankings drop in the next update.[/p][p][/p][p]You’ll be able to filter by friends or global results. At the moment, we’ll be calculating sum sales across all player saves. As we continue to update this feature, we’ll be looking at building significant segments like:[/p]

• [p]Specific sales by Store or Concept (looking more at singular playthroughs)[/p]
• [p]Employee or Management Metrics (who’s fired the most employees?)[/p]
• [p]Reputation within the city.[/p]

[p]We also see this system as the starting foundation for future community events and competitions. One idea we’re currently mulling about is integrating Leaderboards into seasonal challenges or scenarios. This feature is still very early on in ideation, and we’ll continue to build out Leaderboards in the meantime, but I’d love to hear your thoughts.[/p][p]We’ve also taken great care and caution to make the Leaderboard as fair and accurate as possible. There are always going to be gaps, but I’m committed to finding them. ;)[/p][p][/p][h3]A World Built with Players[/h3][p]We’re incredibly excited to see how you’ll use these tools, and we’ll be looking for player feedback as they roll out. Our next update will be announced in the coming weeks, and will consist of everything we discussed today, as well as updates to introduce the Steam Workshop and Steam Cloud functionality. We also have a considerable product update on the horizon, so stay tuned for a new catalog. [/p][p][/p][p]As always, join us on the Community Discord to share your thoughts, ideas, and (soon) your Workshop creations. I’d particularly love to hear what you think could fit into our Global Leaderboard feature, and what you’d like to see tracked. [/p][p][/p][p][/p][p][/p][p]Also be sure to check in with me on my development channel on Twitch every other Friday. Watch me develop, and share your idea![/p][p]Until then, happy sales.[/p][p]– Daniel[/p][p]
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