Build a Game Universe News

Quick note to all Build a Game Developers. (September 15th, 2018)

Build a Game Universe is preparing for the latest updates.
Which means:
+ Access to Build a Game Universe is closed until changes are complete.
+ Estimated time to reopen - 9.15.2018 - cst (night)

[Edited: 9.16.2018]
+ We found a couple bugs tonight and need to fix/test them some more. Will update (make live) Build a Game Universe 9.16.2018 - cst (evening).

[Edited: 9.17.2018]
+ Nearly there (later today we hope)! We've been testing and fixing small things for the past two days. Just want to be sure that your experience is a fun one. :) Talk with you soon! Thank you for the support! :)

If you have any questions till then, feel free to post them below.

Thank you!
Chad - Nathan - Eric

Update 76 - Mid-month News

(July 21th - August 16, 2018)

As the month draws to a close, we want to let you know what's about to happen!

We are 'finally' there. :)
End of this month should be a new build, hundreds of bug fixes, new tiles to work with, a fresh market center, new product page options, screenshot/video system, and much more!

We look forward to sharing with you all the hard work that's been put in to Build a Game over the past few months!

Thanks!
Chad - Nathan - Eric

Update 75 - July News

(June 10th - July 20th, 2018)

We're back with more updates on Build a Game Universe!

First.
Updates
+ Lot's of fun things on the business side pulling together and prep work for our next build update!
+ This might be the longest quiet time on record - (Let's not do that again)
+ And it's the longest non-pushed-up-changes on record. (Fixing that next month)
+ Things are about to change. :)


Second.
Features!
A Music Notes tile type and new Play system are coming!
Music notes tile provides an enjoyable memory skill play system with options (and audio, not in gif).




Play Tile System
Something fun to come!
The Music Note tile is the introduction to the 'play' system. Well, actually 'Player Tile' was, but think of these as mini-games (or a complete game), which have adjustable rules to play with.
Play tiles will include an array of games like checkers, chess, cards (regular, black jack, freecell), match 3, memory match, connect four, hangman, pong, tennis, puzzles, and much more. All play tiles can be played by themselves and/or together with other play tiles. No rules on that part. We'll talk more on this when we begin rolling out the systems for it.


Tile Connections
Connections in Build a Game Editor are important. And understanding 'visually' what's connected to what is super helpful. So, we've got a fun 'connected to' option to help you identify how your game flows.

+ Simple connected line from one tile to another


+ Optional image pattern for lines


+ Movement (speed)

+ Multi-connection


In addition, the Trigger Event system continues to be polished and bug fixed. The updates will provide a smooth way to work with unique events in Build a Game (next month)!


Third.
Training Videos 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. =)


Have fun creating with Build a Game Universe!
Thanks!
Chad - Nathan - Eric

Update 74 - Coming Attractions!

(May 5th - June 10th, 2018)

We're back with more updates on Build a Game Universe!


First.
Updates
With a month of work complete, we are overdue for an update!
Here's a quick overview.
+ Bugs -> Over 350 commits, revisions and fixes last month.
+ Features -> 10 new features and updates (below).
+ 26 gifs showcasing new bag things!
+ Market Center reset is still on the todo list.
+ New Tile -> Offscreen Indicator!

With that said, let's jump to the features!

Second.
Features!

+ Editor Tile List Tool
The tile list tool provides quick access and navigation to all tiles in the scene.


+ UI Highlighter
Added highlight option to make joystick navigation more noticeable.


+ Editor Slider Bars with Input!
When updating values in the editor, you can click on the text box to adjust the value directly.


Multiple selection and adjustment


+ Product Page Updates
The background image option is now in place.
This provides one more way to make your product page more personal.


The Screenshot system is nearly complete for developers. It provides the option to embed a youtube video.


A carousel viewer is in place to showcase your game videos and screenshots.


Here's a quick look at the videoplayer controls.


Screenshot adjustable size and viewing.


+ Onscreen Keyboard Updates
The keyboard layout is now 'squared-off' for easier navigation.


+ Teleportation Tile
The teleportation item is complete with a fun set of features.
Three features are showcased below.

Teleporting Guide - Shows where you're going


Teleport Blocker - Prevents teleporting through certain walls (based on ids)


Quick example of teleporting within a level


+ Gui Tile Updates
Two quick features in gui, are the popup message system and user enabled pause option.

Direct access to the pause system (in game)


Ability to pass tile information to a gui connection (receiver)


+ Screen Transition Tile Updates
Added an option for text fading and flashing on enter/exit states


+ Waypoint Tile Updates
Waypoint targets now have direct control of their behaviors


Simplified the connection for waypoint targets


Example using the waypoint for grass blowing :)


+ Offscreen Indicator Tile
The new offscreen indicator tile allows you to track tiles where ever they are.


Indicators can enable/disable based on pickup/putdown states


Indicators can be disabled on the die state


Indicators can be triggered and track multiple objects


Indicator path follow - Allows point to point trailing


Multi-indicator tracking


+ Easter Egg
The first egg is hidden. :) We'll give hints once Build a Game is updated. :)


Third.
Training Videos 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. =)


We're looking forward to getting all this in to your hands for testing...soon!
Thanks!
Chad - Nathan - Eric

Update 73 - Performance, Optimizations and the Market Center

(April 14th - May 4th, 2018)

First.
Updates
+ Three weeks of work on performance, polish, and bugs. (More on that below)
+ Major update 'likely' to happen this month. Lot's of things coming together.
+ Market Center overhaul and reset (Happening soon. Really great reasons below)
+ Next week, we demo the Teleportation tile, which has some awesome, fun features and mechanics.


Second.
Performance Gains!
The last few weeks major testing has been done on mobile and console.
With that said, we focused on key areas for 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.

Important!
Overall, file load/save/use is 1/3 the original size, which means Build a Game works on mobile devices, consoles, and lower end computers.
With every great optimization and performance boost, something has to change...or in our case a 'Reset' to the Market Center. :\
If you are new to this (within the last 2 months), let me quickly explain what will happen.

The Bag Team(Us) will do the following.
+ Set a date for the Market Center Reset.
+ Let you know the timeframe.
+ Then clear (delete) Games and Tilesets from the store.

The Beta Testers(You)
+ Submit your Tilesets to the store again.(This will update them to the new system)

Games(Everybody)
+ The optimizations are breaking changes for all games.
+ Once we update, old games will no longer work.

Note:
In previous updates, the changes were small, however with the new improvements to Build a Game, it requires a fresh start.
For the games we are developing, we're taking screenshots and video so that reproducing them will be quicker on the remake. We hope that idea helps with your projects, as well. :) Thank you for your understanding and support during the beta testing period.


Third.
Market Center
The product view and product page have been updated to support list, column, and grid layouts.

+ Market Center - List View (Fresh Design)

+ Market Center - View Type (List, Column, Grid)

+ Market Center - View Sizes


+ Market Center - Product Page Background



You can read the release notes here:
Release Notes (and current bug list)


Training Videos 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. =)


Thank you for being a part of this great adventure. :)
Chad - Nathan - Eric