001 Game Creator News

We are beyond delighted to finally be able to share with you all some major updates about the future of 001 Game Creator, and FINALLY introduce our brand NEW project that we've been teasing for so long, Open Dev Kit!

Seven years ago, we began working on an app-making tool to complement 001's game-making functionalities, as users sought more customization options and advanced scripting, pushing 001's limits. We wholeheartedly appreciate the incredible engagement and support from our community, as your valuable feedback and demands for advanced features were the main driving force behind our persistent efforts. Despite the uphill battle, we have embraced the challenge and embarked on a new project to meet and exceed your expectations, while still continuing to support 001 Game Creator.

What this means for 001 Game Creator, is we will still be providing bug fixes and continuing support for the software, our loved project is not being abandoned. Considering the software is still using VB6 it is unreasonable to perform any large overhauls or implement substantial new features; however, we will continue doing as we have these past few years, focusing on quality of life improvements, simple features and stability.




Introducing Open Dev Kit (ODK). A completely rewritten project from the ground up. It is built natively in C++, adhering to the latest standards and leveraging our learnings from 001 Game Creator. Although in the early alpha stage, ODK already offers features that 001 Game Creator users could only dream of, as seen in our early teasers.

ODK will adopt a simple subscription model with various tiers, leaving 001's DLC-based model. This change will allow us to dedicate more time and resources to support our community and deliver new features, while expanding the variety of templates without additional costs. The entire ODK community will work with the same building blocks and we'll be able to move much faster.

Built from the ground up, ODK harnesses the power of the cloud to provide a plethora of benefits and address critical challenges faced by the community.
Here are some of the major advantages and reasons behind ODK's cloud-based approach:

1. Enhanced Project Reliability: Many of our 001 users have encountered data loss due to various reasons such as computer transitions, hardware malfunctions, or operating system issues. With ODK now being in the cloud, your project data is securely stored, backed up and protected, minimizing the risk of data loss and providing peace of mind.
   
   
2. Real-Time Saving: We've all been there, where you have a sudden power outage, app or operating system crash while working on something. Since changes are sent to the cloud in real-time, you will never have to worry about losing your hard work due to an unexpected system failure.
   
   
3. Reduced Download Size: The download size of 001 has grown significantly over time, primarily due to duplicated content, including templates and demos. ODK eliminates this issue by leveraging the cloud's capabilities, delivering a more streamlined and efficient experience for users. Even the ability to launch from a thumb drive with a persistent cache is possible.
   
   
4. Faster and Frequent Updates: ODK's cloud-based nature enables us to deliver updates rapidly and frequently. By removing the need for users to manually download and install updates, you'll have access to the latest features, bug fixes, and improvements seamlessly, keeping your creative workflow uninterrupted.
   
   
5. Enhanced Crash Tracking: ODK simplifies crash tracking by automatically collecting crucial details, minimizing the burden on users to provide extensive information. This allows us to better identify and resolve issues, thus ensuring a more reliable and stable development environment.
   
   
6. Leveraging Cloud Services: ODK's cloud infrastructure also means that we can leverage various services to enhance our users' game development experience. For example, a future asset sharing system, enabling users to easily access and share resources within the ODK community.
   
   
7. Simplified Build Process: With ODK, complex installation processes such as setting up Android Studio, buying a Mac, and other related tools become a thing of the past. Builds can now be executed completely on the server side, saving you valuable time and effort.
   
   
8. Anytime, Anywhere Access: ODK's cloud-based nature means you can access your projects from anywhere, and in the future, even on mobile devices and web browsers with collaboration options. You'll have accessibility whether you're working from your desktop or on the go.
   

Today, we're excited to kick off our alpha early access program, granting access to active Patreon members (Pro tier and up) in a gradual and prioritized manner. Priority will be given to those who sign up early or have already joined the program. Patrons who join early during the alpha phase will also receive a small special indefinite perk as thank you for supporting us early on. We encourage everyone to get involved now to secure your spot as this is a limited-time offer!

It's important to note that this alpha early access program is just the beginning, and while only a subset of features has been implemented, many of these exciting additions have already been previewed in our teasers. So rest assured, the journey towards incorporating more exciting and advanced stuff such as 3D, shadows, terrain, and MANY more, has only just begun.

We are exhilarated about the future of Open Dev Kit and the possibilities it brings! Stay tuned for more updates and join us on our journey in shaping the next chapter of app and game development!

Join the early access wait list by supporting us on Patreon (Pro/Expert Tier): https://www.patreon.com/softweir/

Sign up to our newsletter for future updates: https://eepurl.com/irhhm-/

View the teaser videos here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8qwf6Hn98NiwvxEKwMhCQjLsDq9KyvMD


Thank you for your continued support,
The SoftWeir Team

MAY the sales be ever in your favor. Get ready to take your creativity to new heights and MAYke your game design dreams come true with this new version during our highly anticipated May Sale!



We're excited to share that a fresh and revamped version of our "Tower Defense" demo is now available in this update of 001 Game Creator! You might recall the previous version of this demo had some issues, but the current version has been completely overhauled with new, streamlined scripts and enhanced gameplay mechanics. Plus, the map now looks even more stunning! This updated demo is an excellent source of learning material and a great foundation if you're planning to develop a game in this genre. Additionally, we've increased the Android API version to 33 and fixed a quirky bug that has been lurking around for years, where selectable fields could affect the colors of other fields.





As you may recall, recently our Wiki received a massive update, adding two entire new sections dedicated to Events and Use Values, along with links to video tutorials and game recipes where applicable. This means you can access even more detailed and comprehensive information on 001 Game Creator's features and how to use them more effectively in your game design.

For those of you that haven't caught up in a while, the previous software update also included some sweet new features and fixes mainly related to DPI and how games are affected at different resolutions. Additionally the game and editor startup time has been improved, although this should be more noticeable on Android/iOS and HTML5.





Teasers about our brand new secret project are still dropping in! Our Patreon community has recently witnessed the 7th teaser. Each teaser reveals a small bit of what this whole new project of ours is going to be about. The next one is on the horizon so if you'd like to see it along with all of the previous ones then now would be a great time to become part of our amazing Patreon community! Plus, you also get early access to betas, game recipes, tutorials and other similar content before they get released to the public.



Additionally, you can join our newsletter to receive updates about the upcoming project and other news about 001 Game Creator. Subscribe on our website: https://www.softweir.ca/teaser/



During our May Sale, you can enjoy a massive 75% discount on our main software, and 15% off the DLCs! This is a perfect opportunity for you to put on your game design hat and take your skills to the next level. Don't miss out on this incredible offer lasting until May 15th!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/347400/001_Game_Creator/

Don't forget to add to your cart our latest DLCs for 001 Game Creator! The STEM Course E-Books which come in two volumes, covering both the Basics and Resources, as well as our SoftWeir Game Design Worksheets! These resources have already been helping many of our users master the basics or polish more advanced topics, and the game design worksheets are a great way to plan your next project. With multiple worksheets, detailed explanations, and tips & tricks from real game developers, you won't want to miss out on these incredibly useful resources!

As the weather warms up and the days get longer, it's the perfect time to dust off your game design skills and create something amazing with 001 Game Creator. We've got some exciting updates and announcements to share with you PLUS some sweet Spring deals so let's dive right in!


We're thrilled to announce that our wiki has received a major update, making it now way more detailed and comprehensive than ever before. Specifically, it now has two additional sections dedicated entirely to Events and Use Values. Each and every single one of them is a separate entry on the wiki. Some entries acquired links to other entries which are directly related or similar to others, and some have additional notes. A lot of them even have links to our video tutorials or game recipes where applicable, so that users can quickly see how an event or use value that they're interested in knowing more about is utilized.

Check it out here:
https://001gamecreator.com/wiki/events/
https://001gamecreator.com/wiki/usevalues/






In case you missed our past releases, there have been quite a few changes and additions implemented, including a recent hotfix which addressed a few pesky issues that our users reported.

Specifically, the DPI awareness during game testing has been reverted due to debugger issues at higher ratios, and an "Upscale windows using system DPI" game setting has been added, which will now offer editor-like scaling to built games. The game and editor startup time has been improved (more noticeable on Android/iOS and HTML5), restorative items now work properly in the MMORPG DLC, and a visual issue with equipment displaying double stat increases in MMORPG DLC has been fixed.

The other updates featured the all-important implementation of HTTPS support (both for Windows and Android!) for the "Query Webpage" event. 001's Android API version has increased to 31 in order to comply with the new Google Play Store requirements, a "Smooth Scaling" option has been added to font resources to be able to turn off anti-aliasing in situations where it is not desired, as well as a "Change Rain/Cloud Scale" map event and use value to be able to control weather easier through script. Moreover there've been a few full-screen features implemented and the overall experience of the full-screen functionality has been greatly improved.



You can view the full list of changes for the previous updates from the changelog:
https://001gamecreator.com/changes/



We're very excited to tell you that we have started dropping teasers of our new project on our Patreon. Currently, more than 5 have already made their appearance, each showing more and more of what this brand new project of ours is capable of, with many more coming in the very near future.



You can see what these are all about by becoming part of our Patreon community. As a Patreon supporter, you'll gain exclusive access to behind-the-scenes development updates, early access to new features, and more.
https://www.patreon.com/softweir



Additionally, you can join our newsletter to receive updates about the upcoming project and other news about 001 Game Creator. Subscribe on our website: https://www.softweir.ca/teaser/



To celebrate the arrival of Spring, we're offering some incredible deals on 001 Game Creator, all our DLCs as well as our Basics and Resources E-books and Worksheets. From today until April 1st, you can get 60% off the main engine, up to 30% off the DLCs and 10% off our E-books and Worksheets. Don't miss out on this amazing opportunity to take your game design skills to the next level!
https://store.steampowered.com/app/347400/001_Game_Creator/



Finally, we want to express our gratitude to our supporters, our Patreon members, our translators and the entire community as a whole. We couldn't do what we do without your passion, creativity, and enthusiasm. All of your feedback has helped us to improve our products and service throughout the years. Thank you for being part of the 001 Game Creator family, and we look forward to seeing all the incredible games you'll create in the future!

Best regards,
The 001 Game Creator Team

Fixes, sales, teasers... we've got them all so come and get some! Enjoy those sweet discounts of 001 Game Creator and its DLCs alongside a new updated version of it... and some more secret project stuff!


In our previous update we made it so that 001 games during play-testing were DPI aware, meaning they were rendering at the true resolution as specified in the Game's Settings regardless of what the user's Windows DPI scaling was set to. However, due to a few of our users reporting some issues at higher ratios, we made it an option you can toggle in the Game's Settings. Note this feature only impacts built games at this time.
We also managed to modestly improve game and editor startup times which should be more noticeable on Android/iOS and HTML5 games specifically.

As always, we appreciate the continued support and feedback that we receive from both the community and our Patreon members. You can view the full list of changes for the newest update and the previous ones from the changelog below:
https://001gamecreator.com/changes/

Teasers about our BRAND new secret project have finally started popping up. Currently, 3 teasers have already dropped on our Patreon (the 3rd just came out only few days ago!) with more coming down the line, each revealing a small piece of the grand puzzle that we've got in store for you. If you'd like to see for yourself what this is all about AND get access to a bunch of other great benefits, then now would be a great time to become part of our amazing Patreon community!
https://www.patreon.com/softweir



Our last public version was a much welcomed update with 40 great changes. Ranging from Fullscreen toggling, HTTPS support (both Windows and Android!) for the "Query Webpage" event, some important Android versioning updates, testing app control fixes to games on mobile, and much much more!

Feel free to have a look at our past releases, including the recap of 2023.001 at:
https://001gamecreator.com/changes/


Now get a sweet discount of 001 Game Creator at 60% off and all of your favorite DLC's for up to 30% off until February 23rd! Create a variety of different games from a first-person shooter to even your own full-blown MMORPG. Jump-start your dream project now before spring arrives!


We can't thank you enough for having made all of this possible. From our Patreon members, to our translators, and the entire community as a whole! All of your feedback has helped us to improve our products and service throughout the years. As such, thank you! We hope the community and Patreon members grow to the point when we can release webinars in the future!

After enjoying a much-needed break during the holidays, it's time to kick off this new year with a much-anticipated 001 Game Creator update you have all been waiting for! As well as many other cool stuff on the horizon!


Keep your eyes peeled and your inboxes refreshed, because something big is going to start showing up on our Patreon VERY soon. For those of you who are in the loop, yes this is indeed about our "Super Secret" project that's been in the works for YEARS, and whose existence we've been teasing for a while now. If you'd like to be among the first ones to witness it AND receive some sweet upcoming Patreon exclusive benefits, now would be a great time to sign up!
https://www.patreon.com/softweir


The change log of this new version is incredibly big with 40 great changes, featuring a wide assortment of additions, enhancements and bug fixes. Let's dive right in and break down some of the best parts of this update!

The spotlight definitely shines on the critical addition of the HTTPS support (both Windows and Android!) for the "Query Webpage" event. This will open up so many exciting new possibilities for projects such as IAPs, using online services, accessing web APIs and so much more! (Please note HTTPS support will come to iOS at a later time).
Moreover, we've updated 001's Android API version, increasing it to 31 in order to comply with the new Google Play Store requirements. While we're on the topic, we also fixed some issues around Android. Namely not being able to build for said OS when the name of a project contained UNICODE characters, or a whacky behavior with random numbers that caused occasional higher values than expected and potential crashes (HTML5 too), controls being lost on Android/iOS when testing through the app launcher, and we made Android build work without legacy command line tools.

A "Smooth Scaling" option has been added to font resources to be able to turn off anti-aliasing in situations where it is not desired, and we also added a "Change Rain/Cloud Scale" map event and use value to be able to control density, speed and scale of rain and clouds easier through script.

And last but not least, a long-awaited feature has made its way in 001 Game Creator, which is the ability to toggle between windowed mode and full-screen via event. To complement this addition, support for Alt+Enter was also added, which is essentially a well-known short-cut that accomplishes the same thing! Furthermore, many issues relating to the full-screen functionality and various resolutions in general were also ironed out, providing now a much smoother experience across different resolutions.

Compared to previous versions, you can expect way less issues both in the editor as well as your existing games! We made actor collisions more consistent, Field related fixes were issued such as the field text line spacing not stretching to accommodate changed font sizes, and the Typewriter/Fade effect not refreshing after a field value changed. We also received numerous reports concerning tearing of certain terraformation pieces so we addressed that, in addition to another tile-set related issue which caused tile previews in the map editor to offset in front view. Some crashes that occurred when a weapon with a deleted body sprite set was fired, or when displaying text had a partial color indicator character. Other fixes include stuttering issues with actors moving on the Z-axis when a map floor boundary was enabled; the "Holding Point X/Y/Z Position/Rotation" use values from not taking animation into account; networking and hashing functions on certain languages of Windows... and SO much more!

As always, we appreciate the continued support and feedback that we receive from both the community and our Patreon members. You can view the full list of changes for the newest update and the previous ones from the changelog below:
https://001gamecreator.com/changes/


For those of you who may have missed past announcements, recently our Patreon community received first-access to a brand new game recipe! We'd also like to remind you that currently the beta version our patrons get to enjoy includes the In-App Purchase feature so consider joining the community if you'd like to get your hands on it before it gets released to the public:
https://www.patreon.com/softweir


Our brand new SoftWeir Video Game Design Workbook is finally out and ready to ship right to your doorstep! A whopping 156 pages packed with various resources featuring multiple worksheets, explanations and tools to help you get started planning your next big project! Ranging from checklists, to tips & tricks by real game developers, and even an organized and dedicated space for you to draw and take notes in. It's an incredibly easy, useful and portable way to manage and keep your projects in one place, on top of being fun!
Visit https://www.softweir.ca/product/game-design-workbook/ and place your order now!


We can't thank you enough for having made all of this possible. From our Patreon members, to our translators, and the entire community as a whole! All of your feedback has helped us to improve our products and service throughout the years. As such, thank you! We hope the community and Patreon members grow to the point when we can release webinars in the future!

Hope everyone's year is starting off spectacularly!