Build a Game Universe News

(December 4th - January 31st, 2019)


We hope your new year is off to a great start!

For us, it's been a month of development:
1) Bug fixing and polishing systems.
2) Expanding tile type features.
3) Launch Title Game (wip).

In this update, we'll look at new features and fixes in the Build a Game Universe! :)





During development of the weapon and projectile system, we needed to add in a few more core elements to capture the fun of weapon designing. With the latest build, we introduce two main elements to the mix -> Hit Effect Behaviors and Multi Input Types.

1) Bullet Hit Effect Behaviors
+ When the bullet hits an object, it can apply behavioral changes. Currently, supported types are scale, physics, pause, and follow.

On Hit Behavior - Scale
+ Scale changes an objects size on hit. For example, the primary fire can grow the object while the secondary fire can shrink it. Each has the ability to auto-return to its original size after a set time.

+ Grow and Shrink 1


+ Grow and Shrink 2


On Hit Behavior - Physics
+ After a hit occurs, the physics will transform the hit tile in to a physics object and have it fall, and optionally have a reset based on time or distance.


+ Gravity On (Primary), Off (Secondary)

On Hit Behavior - Pause
+ When pause is enabled, it will freeze the tile in place for an amount of time and optionally reset it after. Simulates an ice gun or freeze ray. :)


On Hit Behavior - Follow
Follow provides a friendly way to activate an object to follow and repel.
+ Follow and repel


+ Follow (Primary) Stop (Secondary)

+ Repel only





2) Multi Input Types
The Multi Input Types provide a second layer of behavior to each bullet when shot.
Old way -> Single operation -> Press button to fire, bullet flies through air until hitting a tile.
New Way -> Multiple input -> Press button to fire, optional button to apply new behavior to the bullet.

The system has three core parts.

+ Select how -> On Hit (default), On Button Pressed, After Time Delay, After Distance.
+ Select type -> Detonator, Gravity Gun, Change Angle, Change Gravity, and Steer.
+ Select input -> Shoot and Activate with Primary, Secondary, and both.

+ On Button Pressed -> Shoot Bullet to Hit Tile -> Detonator -> On Hit -> Enable on Button Pressed


+ On Button Pressed -> Shoot Bullet -> Gravity Gun (Tool) Holds Tile -> Press to Throw


+ On Button Pressed -> Shoot - In Air - Press Button to Change Bullet Direction


+ On Button Pressed -> Shoot - In Air - Press Button to Add Gravity to Bullet (Drops)

+ On Button Pressed -> Shoot - In Air - Joystick 2 Steers the Bullet till hit


+ On Button Pressed -> Shoot - In Air - Fuel Count Down


+ On Hit -> When Distance After Tile Hit Reached


+ On Hit -> When Time After Tile Hit Reached






Spawn and Coin Loot
+ Coin Spawning and Removing


+ Multi Spawn Type Based on State


+ On Die Spawn (Heart)

+ On Hit Spawn Water and Coin


+ Mix of Spawn and Pickup Behavior Changes






Camera Bob
The camera bob system was reworked to provide a smoother hand-held style of motion. With three options of activation - Idle, Move, and Always.

+ Camera Hand-Held Style During Idle






UI Highlighter Update
+ UI Ripple Effect provides an extra layer of feedback


Fonts
+ Over 250 new fonts added to the text options!






!--IMPORTANT--!
+ This update requires property changes to any level containing a pickup tile type (coins, hearts, health, etc). Please follow the steps below (or video) to update your pickup tile type in games and tilesets.

Steps to make it work.
1) Select the tile to get to properties
2) Select the Item button (icon/rollout)
3) Enable as Item -> True
4) Item Type -> Consumable
5) Select Trigger State
6) Enable On Enter and Off Exit -> True

Update a Pickup Tile in Build a Game
Step 1

Step 2


Update a Pickup Tile in Tile Builder

Remember: You'll know it's 'not' working if you try to pickup a coin and it 'doesn't' pickup. :)

All tilesets (from us) have been updated, so when using them again, they will 'just work' and no adjustments are needed. Let us know if you have any questions on the changes. :) Thank you!





Revisions and Bug Fixes
Over 140 commits, bug fixes and revisions for the month of January.
Highlights:
+ Pickup tile is now officially an item
+ Added hotkey " to open textbox for property bars in subtile mode.
+ Fixed player velocity animation direction
+ Fixed level saving with multiple goals
+ Updated icons for new slider buttons
+ Added weapon improvements for hit
+ Added new fonts to text system
+ Fixed start position tile support for player, gui, goal and save
+ Updated tilesets from Bag
+ Added sway (hand-held) camera motion to bob
+ Fixed issues with teleporter portTo systems
+ Score points can now be achieved by trigger, hurt and die states.
+ And much more.

Check out the Release Notes.






Don't forget, we have training videos available for those wanting to learn how to use Build a Game.
1025+ videos are available for learning Build a Game!
116 videos are available for learning Tile Builder!



During the beta program, you will receive 1,000 silver coins into your account each week. Have fun purchasing games and tiles!



Sign up for the Beta. Email [email protected] to get your steam key and be a part of the testing. =)

Next post, we'll give you a sneak peek in to a new tile under development.
Have fun building and playing in Build a Game Universe!

Chad - Nathan - Eric

(December 4th - December 25th 2018)

From all of us at Build a Game Universe, we wish you a Merry Christmas!

And we have a gift for you on the Market Center! :)

Dino Hunter! - (New Tileset)
+ Packed with 98 tiles!






Here are a few tiles in gif action :)


+ Hunter Animations


+ Autotile Dino Backbone


+ Autotile Dino Head and Bones


+ Autotile Square Tree


+ Autotile Rounded Tree







Luke 2:11-14 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.




Have fun building this holiday!
Chad - Nathan - Eric

(October 25th - December 3rd, 2018)

Welcome back! For the next few weeks our focus will be on Fun!



To kick things off for December, we have a new tileset on the Market Center!
Fighter Pack 1



The tileset provides three great characters, each with unique abilities and weapons, that make playing fun! Be sure to check them out and let us know what you think. (Note: We're still working through the default settings for them)

The Samurai



The Marshall



Namka







Revisions and Bug Fixes
+ Release Notes
+ Over 450 commits, bug fixes and revisions since late July to now. :)
+ Every week with your help, we're making Build a Game a more bug-free 'fun' place to be. Thank you!


Update Highlights
+ Weapon System and Projectiles polished
+ Weapon Projectiles disable correctly on time, distance, stick to, and on hit
+ Weapon Projectile bounce options have been added (below)
+ Background Parallax tile correctly locks offsetting
+ Background Parallax speed now has multiplier option
+ Background Parallax color is now separate from core
+ Added ability to trigger objects from separate layers
+ Added Player 8-dir dodge ability and animation support
+ Player pause on shooting options (primary, secondary)
+ Internal Testing - Brush and Eraser Line, Box, Hole Options
+ Added 2 tilesets -> Ink Line Platformer and Fighter Pack 1
+ Improved garbage collection for save file
+ Mobile devices continue to be tested
+ Line connectors polished
+ And much more!






One fun update with the weapon tile is the addition of bounce and multi-bounce options. If you're looking to have a fireball bounce around, or a trick shot that hits on angles, you can now do it with ease.

Bouncing


Bounce Multiple


Bounce Physics


Bounce Hit At End


Bounce - Keep On Going








Don't forget, we have training videos available for those wanting to learn how to use Build a Game.
1025+ videos are available for learning Build a Game!
116 videos are available for learning Tile Builder!



During the beta program, you will receive 1,000 silver coins into your account each week. Have fun purchasing games and tiles!



Sign up for the Beta. Email [email protected] to get your steam key and be a part of the testing. =)


Have fun creating with Build a Game Universe!

Chad - Nathan - Eric

Update 79 - New Build!

(September 15th - October 24th, 2018)

A new build of Build a Game Universe is live! Yea!



Are you new to Build a Game Universe? Request your key (free) today and start playing with all the new features! ([email protected])


First.
This update represents the past several months of work on Build a Game Universe. We have eight major areas to cover (changes, revisions, additions) and (for those following along) it combines updates from the last few months to help keep things organized. :)

1. Main Menu
2. Market Center
3. Product Page
4. Editor Mode
5. Tile Types
6. Tilesets (tiles)
7. Tile Builder
8. Performance Upgrades


You can dive in to the categories below and/or jump straight in to Build a Game to see the changes yourself. Let us know if you have any questions. Have fun!





1) Main Menu.

+ Learn Modes
Framework has been established for four different learning types. Quick intro, classroom, manual, and video. As we move forward (lots to do), we'll continue to refine and polish these based on feedback and testing.



+ Refresh Button
The refresh button on the main menu page (lower left) is the beta way of insuring you can 'refresh' tiles and products in case they don't appear in your market and development.



+ Settings Menu (Highlighter)
A new highlighter is available for the user. It allows active UI to show a border line, inside fill and optional color when selected. Settings menu will soon include all editor side options as well.



+ Onscreen Keyboard
The onscreen keyboard (joystick and touch mode) provides a clean grid pattern for easier navigation.






2) Market Center.

The Market Center (continuing goals) are to provide a fresh and fun experience while exploring the games and tilesets in the Build a Game Universe.

+ Layouts and Grids
Added optional view types which included small and large sizing, and added a list, grid and column type view.

+ List View (New Design)

+ Switchable views (List, Column, Grid)

+ Product View Sizes (Small/Large)





3) Product Page.

+ New to the product page is the ability to assign a unique background image to your product. The background fits for any screen-size and defaults at 1920x300 pixels. Examples can be found in the Default Tileset



+ Public and Private Modes(plus coming soon - gameID's for quick sharing)

+ Gallery System (carousel)
Set youtube video links and screenshot images to your games.


+ The carousel viewer provides two viewing modes (fullscreen and halfsize)


+ Video player controls (close up)

+ Gallery viewing example


+ QA Section
The core testing of levels is currently disabled so that we can implement a much larger (and fun) system for quality assurance on games. The end goal is to help increase developer quality and meet a higher level of expectation from the end user. In place of QA, the developer will verify their game is playable and meets the user guidelines each time they publish, by clicking on the message prompt for Publisher Agreement.





4) Editor Mode.

+ Toolbar tools
Let's point out a few buttons you may enjoy clicking on in the editor. :)

1) Home (0,0) - Takes you back to the origin point in the scene.
2) Quick Map and Go - Click to zoom out to scene extents, then click to zoom back in.
3) Save Scene - Allows you to save while you work (Hotkey - Ctrl+S)
4) Video Player - In editor - watch or follow the training videos while you build.
5) Tile Selection - List style view for selecting and moving to a tile.

Example of Tile Selection Viewer



+ Tile Connections
Building levels then coming back to them after a day (or two) can present a challenge in remembering what tile is connected to what. Our first goal in assisting with that challenge is to connect the dots. Any tile that connects with another has the option of viewing it's connection.


Optional Line Images


Animating the Line Direction


Multi-tile Connection



+ Trigger Events
The Trigger Event system in Build a Game is prepared for testing. We'll release additional videos on complex designing this month. For now, it would be great to see how everyone handles the basics (and help in finding bugs, polishing flow and function). Thank you!
1) Trigger Event: Basics 2) Trigger Event: Screen Transition 3) Trigger Event: Change Player State 4) Trigger Event: Change Mover Direction 5) Trigger Event: Adjust Scribble Brush Size


+ Slider bar input
The input buttons (by click) will allow you to change the value directly (without sliding/dragging).


Multiple input selection and adjustment


+ Disabled Tile Save Type (None, Remember-Me, Persistent) for tiles. We are refactoring it's core purpose alongside the QA section. Will be released in a future beta build.





5) Tile Types.
The new tile types are listed below with one example for each. Next week we'll post training videos covering all their cool features and how to use them. :)

+ Teleportation Item - Ability to teleport player a set distance


+ Offscreen Indicator - Tracks any tile using an icon (on/off screen)


+ Waypoints - Point path system for tiles to follow


+ Gui - Added a popup message system and pause option (user side)


+ Music Match - Pattern making system to match by click


+ Dissolver - Create smooth fades to reveal and hide parts of your scene


+ Dissolver - Direction and gradient type


+ Dissolver - Edge blending for effects


+ Trigger By Layer - Tiles on one layer can trigger tiles on another layer.



You can test all available tiles by downloading the Default Tileset in the Market Center. :)

Current tile list (wall of text): Audio, Auto-Tile, Background (Parallax), Block (Default), Block Multi-State, Bomb, Builder (Think minecraft), Camera (20+ different type), Camera Gui, Check Point, Clouds and Shadow, Damage, Decal, Dialog Bubble (Simple), Dissolver, Door (key, lever, pad), Dynamic Circuits (visual), Dynamic Sky, Dynamic Grass, Fog of War, Goal, Gradient Sky, Grappling Hook, Hang System (vines, poles), Image Effects (300+ camera effects), Jetpack, Jumppad, Killbox, Ladder (standard and grow), Light and Shadow, Lightning, Lightrays, Manager, Message Flash, Music Notes, Numbers2048, Offscreen Indicator, Particles, Passthrough, Pickups (Lots of options), Platform, Player, Player Ai, Reflection, Screen Transition, Scribble Physics, Slingshot, Spawner, Start Position, Teleportation, Teleporter, Terrain, Trigger, Volume, Waypoint, Weapon and more tiles on the way! And combine these with thousands of properties to make each tile incredibly unique and yours. :)





6) Tilesets.

Available now, 25+ tilesets ready for testing.



Special Note: For all developers that have submitted content to the Market Center, you can now re-submit to get things back up. :) No changes are needed, simply open the tileset project in Tile Builder, click Submit, then when you are ready, make it Public in Build a Game.
Check out the full process here





7)Tile Builder.

We've added two options (buttons) in Tile Builder for improving the workflow and speed of making tiles between tilesets.

Exporting a Project
Have a tileset project? Wish you could use that one as a starter project for other tilesets? You can!



1. Bottom left corner you'll see four buttons. Click on the disc with the green arrow.
2. Create a folder or navigate to an existing one.
3. Click the 'Export Project' button.
4. Done.

That's all there is to it. Now you have a full copy of the project to use for a new starter project. When you open it up, you can replace (Right click on tiles and replace images) tiles and already have all your properties completed. Yea!

Check out the video example to see how quick and easy it is. :)
Exporting a Tile Builder Project


Template Loading and Saving
Templates allow you to Save and Apply tile properties within different projects (tilesets). Meaning -> You spent hours on a player tile and want to apply those same values to another tileset player. Now you can. :)



1. Open Project'A'. (Any project you want)
2. Right click on a Tile. Select the Save as Template option.
3. Give it a name when prompted (Ex. Player Tile - Dog 1 )
4. Open Project'B'. (Any project you want - or use it in the project you already have opened)
5. Right click on a Tile. Select the Apply Template option.
6. Select the template you want to apply. Tile Builder will automatically assign it to the selected tile.

Here's a simple video showing how to do it :)
Template Saving and Applying Explained





8) Performance Upgrades.

The past few months we've continued to focus testing on mobile and consoles, mainly in key areas for speed and size improvement.
+ Loading into Build a Game happens immediately.
+ Going into the level editor loads much faster with intelligent tileset checking.
+ RAM usage is significantly less in multiple areas, namely loading and unloading of tiles.

If you have been using Build a Game for awhile, then you are most likely going to notice a huge speed increase on loading (in all areas). :)





Training Videos
Don't forget, we have training videos available for those wanting to learn how to use Build a Game.
1025+ videos are available for learning Build a Game!
116 videos are available for learning Tile Builder!


Our Silver Standard Reminder (Silver Coin Allowance)!
During the beta program, you will receive 1,000 silver coins into your account each week. Have fun purchasing games and tiles!


Beta Group Signup
Sign up for the Beta. Email [email protected] to get your steam key and be a part of the testing. =)


Remember, this update means we have cleared the store front and servers (Fresh Start). If you have any questions or concerns, just let us know ([email protected]). Thank you!

Time to Build a Game with us and fill up the store with fun!
Thanks!
Chad - Nathan - Eric

Update 78 - Build Update

(September 19th, 2018)

Build a Game Universe is back up and going. :)

Notes
+ This update is a minor update to the main build, but we want to be sure you have access to Build a Game while we work on it. :)

+ We have turned off some features in the Market Center, in the Product Page, and Tile Viewer intentionally and will be re-introducing things throughout the next two weeks. If you don't see something that is normally there, it's okay, it'll be back. :)

+ All game data and files have been cleared and are ready for a fresh start on more testing. :)

+ When all the features have been tested against the live build, we'll be sure to make a much larger announcement with all the fun things happening in Build a Game Universe.


Thank you!
Chad - Nathan - Eric