Horse Racing Manager News

[p]In the last devlog we talked about Alpha, new visuals, sponsorships and other new systems.[/p][p] [/p][p]After months of community playtesting, we are excited to finally announce that Horse Racing Manager has entered Early Access![/p][p]During the playtest period, we released over sixty builds, fixed hundreds of issues and refined systems across the game. We resulted in more stable and strong foundation, that is ready for future growth and expansion.[/p][p]This moment marks a major milestone for our project. After two years of development, we are ready for our next phase where we get to share HRM with wider audience.[/p][p] [/p][p]For past couple of weeks harness racing has been online and available for testing. It brings new way to approach training, breeding and race strategy. As we move forward with this system, we want to improve the animations and expand it with new mechanics, including harness and gallop skill paths for horses, adding a choice for player to make with horses "path" to pursue.[/p][p] Preview of harness racing[/p][p] [/p][p]To achieve our goal making first steps into the game more clear and welcoming, we have added first wave of tutorial system covering key areas such as stable, races, breeding, staff, market, medical area, scouting, company and facilities. [/p][p]We've designed tutorials to guide new players through the basics without limiting exploration. The onboarding system has been updated with a rewritten welcome mail and a follow up tutorial.[/p][p]As a whole, system will see improvement, it is work in progress and we will utilise feedback to create as clear tutorial as possible. [/p][p] [/p][h2]Facilities[/h2][p]Facilities has been reworked visually since implementation. The horse detail backgrounds now change based on stables financial status, adding more sense of prestige and progression. We also added first set of facility graphics, it establishes new framework for more visual representation of facilities related assets added during Early Access.[/p][p]Preview of facility graphics[/p][p] [/p][h2]Quality of Life Improvements [/h2][p]Some improvements has been added since last devlog to both playability and interface. We added quick register be available from home screen to instantly register horses for races. Date system has seen minor change, from showing dates of next events, we changed it to relative date system, so instead of date, it shows days until event. [/p][p]We added locked out areas to sidebar, showcasing facilities that haven't yet been built. To make quick actions more accessible, we added feature page to Market highlighting buyable horses and upcoming auctions. Inbox feedback was heard, so we added "Read All" button as well![/p][p]Preview of Featured tab in Market and Locked out areas in side bar[/p][p] [/p][h2]Audio and Visuals[/h2][p]Game's presentation has seen a lot of improvements since last devlog, both audio and visuals.[/p][p]On audio side, we have added first version of game's main music. We've added sound effects when purchasing horses, hiring staff, signing sponsorships or constructing facilities. (Some audios is temporarily disabled as we resolve the issue with add-on)[/p][p]On the visual side, we have optimised race scene performance and refined animations, also improved lightning and transitions. We have fixed the hair and hats to render correctly across models, and we added visualisations for both auction tiers and player characters backstory.[/p][p]Player's character backstory choices[/p][p] [/p][h2]Simulation and Systems[/h2][p]We added the first version of Racetrack Generator, which allows importing racetracks created by community! At the same time we continued developing custom World Options, where is possible to define CPU stable budgets, prize money multiplier and staff wage multiplier, the number of days simulated before your start, and even toggle illness, injury, staff poaching and career-ending injuries on and off. [/p][p]Performance and optimisation has seen updates as well, such as training, economy tracking, and race registration now run on weekly or monthly cycles instead of daily, massively improving sim speed. [/p][p]We also added new layers to breeding and genetics, once DNA data is unlocked, it is possible to research coat colour probabilities to better understand breeding outcomes. [/p][p]And with the upgrade to Godot 4.5, with new libraries and rendering systems, game now runs smoother, loads faster and performs better in long-term sessions, but of course it is not all positives that comes with upgrade, we also now face few issues with music and sounds, we are actively working on fixing it.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Fixes and Stability[/h2][p]Throughout the playtest period, we've fixed hundreds of issues, many thanks to player reports and testing feedback![/p][p]CPU stables behave more reliably when bidding, hiring and reacting to player actions. On the technical side, startup times have been improved, memory usage reduces and several background processes now include better diagnostic tracking to help us identify problems faster. Also older saves now migrate correctly between versions. [/p][p] [/p][p]We have member count of over 500 already. If you have suggestions, ideas or something else you want to talk about, it's a great platform and an easy way to reach us. Join the server here!

 [/p][p]We have planned for Early Access phase to last around six months, but as game development often goes, things tend to take longer than expected. We will share more details and confirm the final game's release date once we've made more progress during Early Access. [/p][p]During this time we will bring new features and systems, polish what we currently have, improve both audio and visual aspects and expand on making game feel more lively, with social system and history feature.[/p][p] [/p][p]Development is ongoing, and we will keep you updated on our progress. We are continuously working to enhance Horse Racing Manager, and your feedback is invaluable. Our goal is to make this franchise the most realistic horse racing simulator in the world. Your support is crucial for us and greatly appreciated. [/p][p]Follow Horse Racing Manager Here![/p]

[p]Hello everyone,[/p][p][/p][p]We've had to postpone the Early Access release by two weeks due to Steam's review process taking longer than expected. We understand that the recent DDoS attack on Steam and upcoming Next Fest may be contributing to these delays.[/p][p][/p][p]The good news is that the playtest will remain open and continue to receive updates, so this delay won't directly affect players. You will still remain to have access to the latest improvements as we keep polishing the game. [/p][p][/p][p]Horse Racing Manager is now planned to launch in Early Access on October 24th. [/p][p][/p][p]Thank you for ongoing support and understanding, we are almost there![/p][p][/p][p]- The HRM Dev Team[/p]

[p]In the last devlog we talked about Pre-Alpha, coat DNA system, race and npc logic and more.[/p][p] [/p][p]For the past four months, we have been in Alpha testing phase, and during it we made over 50 builds! It has been incredibly valuable for our team, our community has been more than helpful, big thanks to everyone! [/p][p]This stage has been focused on fixing bugs, improving stability, and polishing core systems, but also on testing how new features feel in real players hands. [/p][p]Alpha testing has been a nice reminder that this project is not just about building a game based only on our vision, but about building it with the community. [/p][p] [/p][p]Economic side has grown since last devlog. One of systems we've working on is sponsorship, your horses now can land sponsor deals, which will provide you with extra income, we are still working on names and logos and polishing the system, but we have the core system and we are excited to expand on it.[/p][p]Auction has seen major and minor updates. We've added first version of auction announcer audio, which we feel like adds authentic atmosphere to the scene. We added autobid option, where player can let CPU automatically bid up to set amount, and also we added quick bid buttons.[/p][p]We've reworked Market and Auction UI with better filtering, visuals and skill displays. [/p][p] [/p][p]We've added a new social system that brings descriptions to horse and staff profiles, showing their closest friends and enemies.[/p][p]System is still in its early stages, but it already makes profiles feel more personalised and adds a sense of connection between individuals. Now when player looks at a horse or staff member, player can also see the bonds and rivalries that define them. [/p][p] [/p][p]Horses can now be fitted with gear, such as blinkers, facemasks, halters and legwarps. These can be equipped in horse option menu, some of the colours are still being polished, and more options are on their way.Turnout coat preview [/p][p] Facegear preview[/p][p] [/p][h2]New Visual and Sound Improvements [/h2][p]We have taken large steps in atmosphere during summer and been improving both visuals and audio. On the visual side, we have improved shadows, polished animations such as gallop starts and idle horse movements, and in latest update we added water to race scenes. Stable backgrounds have also been added to horse detail views, instead of just plain background. [/p][p]On the audio side, we've expanded ambient effects, did balancing on race day crowd sounds, and introduced prerace music to set the tone before event begins.[/p][p]Stable background[/p][p] [/p][h2]Horse Traits and Genetics [/h2][p]We expanded breeding and horse individuality, bringing few of new features. DNA profile unlocking gives deeper and better insight into breeding potential, you can purchase this unlock each time you plan to breed, or build a Genetic Lab as a bigger one time investment to unlock DNA information in future for free. [/p][p]Base temperament and intelligence stats have been added to horses, which can be trained but within the limits. No horse can change completely, but personality and habits can be influenced.[/p][p]We have also added automatic foal naming that comes with notifications, makes new generations easier to track, and as usual, we have expanded coat colours and markings to bring more variety.
Preview of breedings DNA profile[/p][p] [/p][h2]Stable Life and Management [/h2][p]We've added features to make the world feel more alive. End of year awards will highlight the top horses, jockeys, trainers and managers. Inheritance system now ensures that if NPC owner dies, their stable is passed down instead of vanishing. [/p][p]Since last devlog, we added sanctuary and retirement options, where player can now send horses to sanctuaries or put them down, depending on circumstances.[/p][p] [/p][h2]UI and Quality of Life Improvements[/h2][p]We've added more features to make stable managing feel more intuitive. Stable tab on the home screen to make managing multiple horses and staff faster. Horse navigation has been improved with arrow keys and dropdown menus. Inbox shortcuts, giving you possibility to respond quickly with W/S/Y/N keys. Trade history now appears in horse trade and market pages, and for players who wants to take a deeper look at data, we have added stats page and SQL editor. [/p][p] [/p][h2]Simulation & Systems[/h2][p]We've changed stable capacity system, stables are no longer unlimited, but now each one has a defined horse capacity, which creates realistic management pressure and of course stops hoarding. Additionally, horses now receive experience from participating in races, experience improves performance over time. [/p][p]Reworked CPU race registration, the way npc stables register for races now has been improved to make races fill out more naturally and ensure variety across events. [/p][p]Added failsafes for NPC stables, to avoid situations where too many stables collapse financially, support systems were added that inject stability in the economy when needed.[/p][p]Autobalancers have been added, it is a new balancing logic that automatically adjusts race frequency and horse populations, keeping the world competitive. [/p][p] [/p][p]If you'd like to support our developers throughout the journey, we created Ko-Fi page for Horse Racing Manager. Donations are completely optional and won't grant any perks. That said, any donations are appreciated! Ko-Fi link here! [/p][p] [/p][p]We have member count of over 500 already. If you have suggestions, ideas or something else you want to talk about, it's a great platform and an easy way to reach us. Join the server here!

 [/p][p]The next milestone for Horse Racing Manager is Early Access, which we are aiming to launch mid-October. This will be first time a wider audience gets to experience the game, and we are thrilled to share everything we have been building. [/p][p]Until then, we will continue working, polishing existing features, improving balance, and fixing remaining rough edges that we uncovered during Alpha. Early Access is just a beginning, and we are so excited to see where it leads us.[/p][p] [/p][p]Development is ongoing, and we will keep you updated on our progress. We are continuously working to enhance Horse Racing Manager, and your feedback is invaluable. Our goal is to make this franchise the most realistic horse racing simulator in the world. Don't forget to add Horse Racing Manager to your Steam wishlist! Your support is crucial for us and greatly appreciated. [/p][p]Wishlist Horse Racing Manager Here![/p]

[p]In the last devlog we talked about new UI, Pre-Race scene, betting system and conditions.[/p][p] [/p][p]Horse Racing Manager is currently in its pre-alpha stage. This phase has been ongoing for nearly a month and includes both internal testing and early feedback from members of our Discord community. During this time, we've focused on identifying and fixing bugs, improving stability, and refining the core systems, and the improvement has been very clear and inspiring. The game has grown noticeably since the start of pre-alpha testing, and we will talk more about significant changes in this devlog.[/p][p][/p][p]We are now preparing for a public alpha testing. This next phase will take place on Steam and will allow players to access the latest builds as they are released. [/p][p] [/p][p]We've talked about DNA system a lot in the past, and now we've made significant progress on DNA-based coat system. Each horse now carries a genetic profile that determines its coat colour. This system plays a central role in breeding, where the genetic trait of parent horses are combined to produce an offspring with realistic and varied coat outcomes.[/p][p][/p][p]Several coat categories are now fully implemented. These include all cream variants, such as smoky black and palomino, as well as the full range of dun, champagne, pearl and silver coats. Each category has been carefully developed by our amazing artist to reflect real-world genetics and provide diversity in the game. Additional coat types are still in development and will be introduced in future updates.[/p][p]Showcase of new implemented coats[/p][p] [/p][p]Race tracks are set to receive an enormous visual upgrade. Our goal is to enhance the environments with more detailed assets and layered parallax backgrounds, creating a greater sense of depth and atmosphere during races. These changes are part of our broader effort to improve the aesthetic of the game.[/p][p]This work is currently in progress, and implementation into the game is one of our next key steps.[/p][p][/p][p]Detailed new race environment.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Theme System Enhancements [/h2][p]The theme system has been expanded to support a much broader range of node types. With this change, we increased flexibility in how themes are structured and applied. It lays the groundwork for enormous possibilities for everyone to express their creativity through custom themes. Our team has created multiple themes, that are implemented into the game as "Default Set', but we are excited to see themes created by the community.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Race Logic and NPC Behaviour [/h2][p]The system that determines which horses participate in races has been reworked to improve both fairness and realism. Previously, NPC-owned horses were selected in a way that could lead to inconsistent or unbalanced race lineups. With the new weighted ranking system, horses are now chosen based on their performance, condition and other relevant factors. [/p][p]This way we ensure more competitive races and more believable racing environment, also stronger horses are more likely to appear in higher stakes events, while still leaving room for surprises and disappointments.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Simulation System Overhaul[/h2][p]We've made improvements to how the simulation system is presented. Previously, when the simulation was running, the interface could make it unclear how far the process was. The updated version now provides a clearer and more informative simulation view.[/p][p]In addition, players now have more control over simulation process. Player can stop the simulation manually at any time, or let it pause automatically when an important event occurs - such as a race result, a message, or important decision point. [/p][p]The simulation panel has also been redesigned to provide clearer information to understand what is happening in the background and what is happening next.[/p][p] [/p][h2]Interactive Mail System[/h2][p]The in-game mail system has been updated to support direct interaction. Message that includes subjects such as trade offers, invitations, or other decisions now come with action button, allowing player to respond immediately without need to navigate through additional menus. Current state of this system is still buggy, but we are working on polishing it to desired state.[/p][p]We've also in the process of reworking parts of the mail system to improve how messages are structured. [/p][p] [/p][h2]Home Page Redesign[/h2][p]The home page has been redesigned to serve as central hub for all key information for player. It now includes a calendar view that displays upcoming events, such as races, training sessions and other scheduled activities. Each event is marked with a colour-coded icon, making it easy to distinguish between different types of events. [/p][p]Clicking on any event in the calendar takes you directly to its details, allowing quick access for player. The home page also shows the current status of all player-owned horses, including their condition and readiness. Additionally the most recent messages are displayed, helping players stay up to date without needing to switch scenes.[/p][p] [/p][p]Redesigned home page[/p][p] [/p][h2]Betting System Update[/h2][p]The betting system has been fine-tuned to improve betting accuracy and usability. NPCs now place bets based on logical criteria, and payouts are calculated correctly based on race outcomes, creating consistent betting system. We've also improved the race front view, where betting now takes place directly. This makes it easier to place bets and follow the action without needing to navigate away from race interface. [/p][p] [/p][h2]Database & Performance[/h2][p]We have upgraded to SQLite version 4.5. Alongside this, several database queries have been optimised, especially those that affect performance in the later stages of the game, leading to faster load times and smoother gameplay, particularly when the game world becomes more populated and complex.[/p][p] [/p][p]We are now in middle of internal testing of the game with help of handful of community members, who has contributed a lot to game development process, soon after it's mostly functional, we will open alpha testing to our whole community. In this version player will already own a stable, unlike in final version where you start out unemployed.[/p][p] [/p][p][/p][p]If you'd like to support our developers throughout the journey, we created Ko-Fi page for Horse Racing Manager. Donations are completely optional and won't grant any perks such as early-alpha, we'd like to keep testing open to everyone in our Discord. That said, any donations are appreciated!

Ko-Fi link here! [/p][p][/p][p]We have member count of over 300 already. If you have suggestions, ideas or something else you want to talk about, it's a great platform and an easy way to reach us.

Join the server here!

[/p][p]We had originally planned to launch early access in early June. However, as development progressed, we identified more bugs than expected and saw opportunity to further improve the overall playing experience. Rather than rushing the release, we've decided to take additional time to polish the game and ensure it matches the quality we are aiming for.[/p][p]A new release window will be announced in future.[/p][p]Development is ongoing, and we will keep you updated on our progress. We are continuously working to enhance Horse Racing Manager, and your feedback is invaluable. Our goal is to make this franchise the most realistic horse racing simulator in the world. Don't forget to add Horse Racing Manager to your Steam wishlist! Your support is crucial for us and greatly appreciated. [/p][p]Wishlist Horse Racing Manager Here![/p]

[p]In the last devlog we talked about demo, localization, facilities and new scenes.

[/p][p]The game's UI has seen major changes, improving both functionality and visual aspects. UI is designed to be intuitive, with easy access to key features for pleasant, casual experience. Last devlog we gave you a sneak peek of command bar, since then we have completely implemented it into a game, command bar will offer possibility for quicker actions for players who prefer efficiency. UI is seeing continuous work, but now we've gotten a clear final vision, and we are moving towards it.

Moving in new UI

Command bar in action

We are also working on different colour themes, we will have multiple preset coloured themes, but we'd like to give player option to customise colours of their liking, our goal is to make it as flexible as possible, so each player can modify their surroundings exactly how they like it.

Sneak peek of themes, still work in progress

[/p][p]Our team has been working on a condition system to simulate exhaustion. Horses, jockeys, and staff now tire after certain activities, meaning horses can't race daily and staff can't work intensively for long periods of time. This introduces more realistic expectations for the player as a manager, and requires the player to plan more carefully around schedules and workloads. It has been implemented for horses but not for jockeys and staff yet.

[/p][p]We're in process of finishing pre-race scene, this scene will appear before the race itself. Each horse walking up to their starting positions, common information about horse and jockey will be displayed on the screen. On the side will also appear common information about race location, such as track length and condition. An announcer system will be implemented to introduce each participant, and music to match the race track location.

Showcase of pre-race scene. This is a developer UI used to pull data, the final UI will look different.

[/p][p]Our artist has been doing phenomenal work on new designs. Since last devlog, we've gotten 8 brand-new horse coats added, each with unique patterns and colour palettes. Additionally, new markings for face and legs have been added. Last but not least, new jockey animations implemented into the game.

New coats

Fresh facial markings (blazes, stars and snips) and detailed leg markings (socks and stockings)

New animations

[/p][p]It's been a while since we talked about our DNA system, but we're excited to share our latest progress. We've begun implementing realistic coat color inheritance, bringing a new level of authenticity to horse breeding in the game.

This has been a significant challenge, as equine coat genetics are remarkably complex with multiple interacting genes controlling color expression. Thanks to our incredible Discord community, we've received expert guidance throughout this process. A special thanks to users Billygoatsgruff and Ceenbee for their patience, knowledge, and continued support in helping us understand (read: somewhat understand) equine genetics.

One interesting consideration we've encountered is balancing realism with gameplay. In the real world of thoroughbred racing, the coat color gene pool is relatively narrow, with bay, brown, and chestnut dominating the field. For the final game, we're exploring options to either allow players to adjust genetic frequency weights or implement a slightly more diverse starting pool of coat colors. This approach would ensure that while rare colors remain appropriately uncommon, they wouldn't be virtually impossible to obtain through breeding.

Screenshot of top results

[/p][p]Our world is growing larger every devlog. Two new environments are being added to the game, one is inspired by enormous and beautiful Meydan Racecourse in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and other one inspired by historical Navan Racecourse in Navan, Ireland. Both racecourses bring their own unique atmosphere and feel to the race, from the deafening cheers of tens of thousands at Meydan, to the quiet, muddy charm of Irish countryside racing.

Racecourse inspired by Meydan Racecourse

Racecourse inspired by Navan Racecourse

[/p][h2]Programs System[/h2][p]This system allows player to assign horses and jockeys to different care routines and training regimens. This way we are adding more flexibility to how player could manage their stables and prepare for each race according to what they think is the best. This is a work in progress right now, and operates only partially, but we are excited to see how it will function once everything is done.

[/p][h2]Betting System[/h2][p]Our team has been working a lot on the betting system, taking it step closer to its finalised state. The betting UI is complete, though it may still undergo minor changes, but it is fully functional. Player side of betting is close to being ready, and NPC betting logic is finished. Now we move to polishing the system, we are excited to get to show it in Alpha.

[/p][h2]Custom notes[/h2][p]We had amazing suggestion from Discord community about being able to write custom notes about horses, jockeys and staff. So we added something that is purely for the player to have on side panel, you can open side-panel notes and write your plans or other thoughts individually for each horse/jockey/staff member. This tool will especially prove useful with each leap player will take growing stable and creating own legacy.

[/p][h2]Updating to Godot 4.4[/h2][p]We are currently cleaning up and merging branches and fixing possible bugs, after that we are updating project to Godot 4.4. We hope that this will solve long-standing Apple compatibility issues.

[/p][p]We are now starting internal testing of the game, soon after it's mostly functional, we will open alpha testing to our Discord community. In this version player will already own a stable, unlike in final version where you start out unemployed.

[/p][p]If you'd like to support our developers throughout the journey, we created Ko-Fi page for Horse Racing Manager. Donations are completely optional and won't grant any perks such as early-alpha, we'd like to keep testing open to everyone in our Discord. That said, any donations are appreciated!

Ko-Fi link here!

[/p][p]We have member count of over 300 already. If you have suggestions, ideas or something else you want to talk about, it's a great platform and an easy way to reach us.

Join the server here!

[/p][p]We will start internal testing in upcoming days, looking forward to sharing playable version with our Discord community somewhere in late April. Our goal is to release early access in late May - early June, and finally full release once early access is in a state we are confident with publishing as complete game. Development is ongoing, and we will keep you updated on our progress.

We are continuously working to enhance Horse Racing Manager, and your feedback is invaluable. Our goal is to make this franchise the most realistic horse racing simulator in the world. Don't forget to add Horse Racing Manager to your Steam wishlist! Your support is crucial for us and greatly appreciated.

Wishlist Horse Racing Manager Here![/p]