Tower Unite News

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Weekly Dev Log for July 8th, 2024, detailing all the changes that have happened since July 1st, 2024. Note: Devs that don't appear in the weekly log are not necessarily away or not doing work, but may be working on things currently not announced or backend work that doesn't need to be detailed.

[h2]Kalleira Plushie and Pins[/h2]



Since you guys are awesome and funded our previous campaigns, we were able to start two Makeship campaigns on June 28th!

This time the campaigns are for a 3-pack of pins and a Kalleira (+ Cosmic Catsack) plushie. You can order them in a bundle, so you can save, if you want to do that!

The campaigns will be running for a limited time, so be sure to keep an eye on them if you want to snag them for yourself!

Buying this merch seriously helps us with funding TU's development, and we can't thank you enough for supporting us in any way you have already.

Also, to those of you who bought the Cornelius Plush: keep an eye out! Those should be shipping out later this month!

[h2]Minigolf Map Maker[/h2]

We're nearing completion on getting the Minigolf Map Maker out the door, and into all of your hands. We're super excited to see what maps the community is able to create with these tools.

While doing some internal testing, we made a couple proof of concepts using props and the same tools you'll be getting.

[h3]Minigolf Map Maker: Testing[/h3]



Using the Sky Volume, Post Processing Volume, and some set decorations, it's very easy to make a Martian landscape.



[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]Minigolf Map Maker: Hole Piece[/h3]

Every Minigolf course will need a hole! This week, we setup the tool to work well with actually placing down flags into it. It'll automatically snap into the hole for you, even when adjusting dipped mode and such (mouse cursor is offset from the recording).

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]Minigolf Map Maker: Camera Editor[/h3]

All of the hard work of getting splines working and the camera system culminated in the Minigolf Intro Camera tool. This allows you as the map maker to make custom camera intros for each hole. If one isn't place, it'll default to a static camera.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]I/O Camera[/h2]

The Camera tech for the Minigolf Map Maker has also been exported for use for other game world maps, as well as for use in the Condo.

[h3]I/O Camera: Splines[/h3]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]I/O Camera: All Settings[/h3]



[h2]Miscellany[/h2]

Johanna worked on fixing issues with the Plaza for the next update, as well as implementing changes to the Minigolf Map Maker due to feedback from internal testing.

Josh continued working on character models.

Lifeless worked on adding the SDNL voice lines, made a couple minigolf holes for the new Minigolf map, and continued working on several QOL features.

macdguy worked on finishing up the Minigolf Map Maker, and worked on some workshop browser improvements (fixing issues where maps wouldn't load, fixing the UI, ading controller support to the UI, etc).

Sketchman fixed an issue that was blocking further VR development, and continued working on bug fixes and optimizations.

Will continued working on music.

[h2]Wrap It Up[/h2]
That about covers everything that happened since July 1st, 2024 at PixelTail Games.

---

Join our Discord for development updates and community fun! https://discord.gg/pixeltail
We love awesome people like you!

Follow our developments on our Trello in near real-time: https://trello.com/b/6BwRMiPw/tower-unite-roadmap

If you like our game and want to support development, please consider getting a Supporter Pack:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2792910/Tower_Unite__Supporter_Pack

Take a peek at what's being worked on every week in our weekly dev logs! There's bound to be something interesting every week! https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/announcements/weekly-dev-logs/65

Please report bugs & submit suggestions on our forums. We're active everyday & here to help.
For bug reports: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/bug-report/18
For suggestions: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/suggestions/7

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Weekly Dev Log for July 1st, 2024, detailing all the changes that have happened since June 24th, 2024. Note: Devs that don't appear in the weekly log are not necessarily away or not doing work, but may be working on things currently not announced or backend work that doesn't need to be detailed.

[h2]Kalleira Plushie and Pins[/h2]



Since you guys are awesome and funded our previous campaigns, we were able to start two Makeship campaigns on June 28th!

This time the campaigns are for a 3-pack of pins and a Kalleira (+ Cosmic Catsack) plushie. You can order them in a bundle, so you can save, if you want to do that!

The campaigns will be running for a limited time, so be sure to keep an eye on them if you want to snag them for yourself!

Buying this merch seriously helps us with funding TU's development, and we can't thank you enough for supporting us in any way you have already.

Also, to those of you who bought the Cornelius Plush: keep an eye out! Those should be shipping out later this month!

[h2]Eruption Update (0.17.13.0)[/h2]



Last week, we released Update 0.17.13.0, which included a new Ball Race map, Eruption, as well as some new items, fixes, and optimizations.

You can read the full release notes here.

[h2]July 2024 Dev Update[/h2]



Today, we released our developer update for July 2024, detailing every thing we worked on last month, and what future updates we're working on!

You can check it out here.

[h2]Condo I/O and SDK Tools[/h2]

macdguy worked on a camera volume and camera IO items. They have follow and static modes. He also worked on a physics spawner, designed for Ball Race / Minigolf obstacles, but could be used for anything.

[h3]Camera Volume / IO Items[/h3]



[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h3]Physics Spawner[/h3]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Miscellany[/h2]

Johanna finished working on the Minigolf SDK, and worked on optimizations for the plaza.

Lifeless finished the Ball Race map, Eruption, worked on adding the SDNL voice lines, and continued working on several QOL features.

macdguy worked on finishing the Minigolf and Ball Race SDKs.

Nuclearxpotato continued working on a new Minigolf map.

Sketchman worked on bug and crash fixes. He also made achievement icons for the Ball Race map, Eruption.

Wheezwer worked with Makeship on the plushie and pins, wrote the Dev Update, and continued working on the arcade art pass.

Will continued working on music.

[h3]Achievement Icons for Eruption[/h3]



[h2]Wrap It Up[/h2]
That about covers everything that happened since June 24th, 2024 at PixelTail Games.

---

Join our Discord for development updates and community fun! https://discord.gg/pixeltail
We love awesome people like you!

Follow our developments on our Trello in near real-time: https://trello.com/b/6BwRMiPw/tower-unite-roadmap

If you like our game and want to support development, please consider getting a Supporter Pack:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2792910/Tower_Unite__Supporter_Pack

Take a peek at what's being worked on every week in our weekly dev logs! There's bound to be something interesting every week! https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/announcements/weekly-dev-logs/65

Please report bugs & submit suggestions on our forums. We're active everyday & here to help.
For bug reports: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/bug-report/18
For suggestions: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/suggestions/7

Hello everyone! We’re back for the July Dev Update!


Hey everyone, we’re here again for our Monthly Dev Update! This is a big one!
First off, since you guys are awesome and funded our previous campaigns, we were able to start two Makeship campaigns on June 28th!

This time the campaigns are for a 3-pack of pins and a Kalleira (+ Cosmic Catsack) plushie. You can order them in a bundle, so you can save, if you want to do that!

The campaigns will be running for a limited time, so be sure to keep an eye on them if you want to snag them for yourself!





Buying this merch seriously helps us with funding TU’s development, and we can’t thank you enough for supporting us in any way you have already.

Also, to those of you who bought the Cornelius Plush: keep an eye out! Those should be shipping out later this month!

So far this year we released:
• Minigolf: Nostalgia & Workshop Map SDK (For Virus, SDNL, and LC)
  
• The Supporter Pack
  
• Minigolf: Haven
  
• The Engine Upgrade and Movers Update
  
• Anniversary Events
  
• Bumper Cars
  
• Workshop Sound Packs / The Big Summer Update
  
• Ball Race: Eruption
The updates next in line are:
• Minigolf / Ball Race Map Editors
  
• Plaza Optimizations
  
• Dedicated Condos
  
• Workshop Rig 3.0
Other updates we’re planning are:
• Arcade Update
  
• SDNL Update (Voice Lines, Map Updates, etc.)
  
• New Minigolf Map

[h2]Minigolf Map Editor[/h2]
The Minigolf map editor is planned to be the next update now that Eruption is out! During June, progress was made on the Base Height Settings and S-Bend tool. These are tools that will help with the shape and style of courses players make.

Features still in progress include the Ramp tool and the Holes tool. For the Ramp tool, progress has been made on Steepness settings and Ramp Type variations. We’re still working on Curve Tightness settings, the Flat Base setting, Base Height setting , Wall Variations, and Wall Height settings. For the Holes tool, we’ve been working on the Hole Type setting and the Dip setting.

[h2]Ball Race Map Editor[/h2]
Lots of progress has been made on the Ball Race map editor! We’ve completed options to hide Bumpers and Trampolines, we’ve made a spline mesh for platforms, and we’ve finished making Start Tubes, Arrows, Spikes, Buttons, and a tool to test the ball. We’ve added Tubes, a Ball Launcher, Drums, Gongs, and Boost Volumes as well.

[h2]Plaza Optimizations[/h2]
In the mean time, progress was made on Plaza Optimizations. We’ve finished up work on the art pass and optimization of the Transit Station and have moved on to optimizing stores (and doing some art improvements)!

These optimizations will not only help with performance inside these locations, but they will also help with performance in the surrounding areas in the Plaza, so we’re excited to get them all out to you.

These changes will be included in an upcoming update.

[h2]Moderation Tools[/h2]
We’ve implemented a new ban appeals system which will greatly streamline ban appeals.

In short, you will now use this ticket system for appealing bans and will no longer appeal bans through our email.

This will allow for easier resolutions of appeals as well as informing appealing users of the status of their appeal in a more timely fashion.

For more info on how to appeal bans now, visit the How to Appeal Bans.




After the Minigolf and Ball Race SDK are out, we plan to release an update for Dedicated Condos, the Workshop 3.0 Rig, SDNL, and some more new maps!

[h2]Workshop Rig 3.0 Preparations[/h2]
In regard to Workshop Rig 3.0, right now we are preparing the SDK Importer and creating a tutorial for the rig. Once that’s done, we’ll release another update where this new rig will be usable.

[h2]SDNL Update[/h2]
In June, progress has been made on the SDNL update we’ve mentioned this year.

We’ve been organizing and implementing the Announcer voice lines that were recorded last summer by the voice actor Gianni Matragrano, along with getting work done on some additional sound effects!

If you don’t remember, the SDNL update will include Announcer voice lines as well as changes to Container Ship and the release of SDNL: Lookout. Lookout is a rework of Zombie Massacre: Acrophobia for SDNL, giving you an opportunity to see that map from a whole new perspective!

[h2]Dedicated Condos[/h2]
Due to Canvas and Workshop issues, there hasn’t been more progress on Dedicated Condos this month, but it’s still in the plan. We should be able to get to work on this in full swing in the coming months, so keep an eye out for updates.

We have also had some discussions this month on how to better advertise Dedicated Condos so more people can understand the concept by giving it a flashier name. Community Worlds was one we came up with, and we’re still brainstorming others.

For reference, our current progress on Dedicated Condos can be viewed here.

[h2]Arcade Update[/h2]
We love the Arcade as much as you all do, and we’re always itching to get back to it. We have a fun Arcade update planned for the future that will bring in some new games. We’ll be getting to work on this very soon. Like Dedicated Condos, just keep an eye out for this in the future.

[h2]Map Work[/h2]
In the world of Game World maps, progress has been made on a new Minigolf map! We aren’t ready to dive into the details of it yet, but know that more than half the holes have been completed!

[h2]VR Support[/h2]
We also wanted to share that we recently had a breakthrough with getting motion controllers working again! With that issue out of the way, work can continue on VR Support.

[h2]July Calendar[/h2]


Here is the calendar for July events! If you want notifications, we have the events set up on our Discord here. If you would like to make a suggestion for events, do so here.
That’s gonna do it for this Dev Update! Thanks for reading, and we’ll see you next time.


---

Join our Discord for development updates and community fun! https://discord.gg/pixeltail
We love awesome people like you!

Follow our developments on our Trello in near real-time: https://trello.com/b/6BwRMiPw/tower-unite-roadmap

If you like our game and want to support development, please consider getting a Supporter Pack:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2792910/Tower_Unite__Supporter_Pack

Take a peek at what's being worked on every week in our weekly dev logs! There's bound to be something interesting every week! https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/announcements/weekly-dev-logs/65

Please report bugs & submit suggestions on our forums. We're active everyday & here to help.
For bug reports: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/bug-report/18
For suggestions: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/suggestions/7

IT’S BEGUN!


https://www.makeship.com/products/kalleira-plushie



https://www.makeship.com/products/tower-unite-3-pack-of-pins



The Kalleira Plushie and TU Pins Campaigns have both started on Makeship!

The campaigns will be up for a limited time (21 days), so check out the store pages to see how it all works and get them for yourself!

If there’s enough interest, there could be more awesome stuff like this to come in the future!

Race through fire, flames, and face heat itself! Careful not to catch fire and burn away in the dangerous lava fields. This is a hard difficulty map that focuses on speed and quick reactions, with a flare of the dramatic!




This is our biggest sale in years!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/394690/Tower_Unite/



We've also added a new fun item that you can place in your Condo to take pictures with you and your friends. Use this timed camera to take screenshots in various poses using your emotes!





Due to changes with Discord's image hosting policies where images will expire after 72 hours, and to help with canvases failing to load, we have disabled Discord image support. You will have to rehost these images elsewhere and you can do that by copying your Discord image links into a private discord server (to get the image) and save and rehost to another image host.


Stay tuned for more information on what we're cooking up next, we'll be posting our July 2024 look ahead and monthly status update soon! We're hard at work on the Minigolf and Ball Race level SDK.


Changes

• New map - Ball Race: Eruption!
  
• Workshop Sound Packs now sort alphabetically
  
• Workshop Sound Packs now shows options to let you vote up, favorite, or uninstall a sound pack while in the sound pack browser
  
• Added new Condo materials: Minigolf Grass Checkered, Minigolf Tiled, Ball Race Bonus, Scanline, Neon Grid, Neon Sky, Nostalgia Sky, Checkered, Iridescent Disk, Waterfall Pixel, Nostalgia Smooth, LED Array, Boost Colorable, and Felt
  
• Ball Race Tile condo material now colors only 2/4 of the tiles like you'd see in Ball Race
  
• Added Camera Photo Spot placeable item to Central Circuit. This item will take a timed screenshot of you and your friends
  
• Canvas images now timeout after 2 minutes of loading
  
• Workshop Sound Packs that were just downloaded from the browser will now be automatically selected after the download is complete
  
• Opening the Workshop Sound Pack browser will automatically select the sound pack of the sound you currently have set on the emitter

Bug Fixes

• Fixed and improved inventory titles (for the inventory title setting)
  
• Fixed Zombie Massacre diamond trophy not using the new trophy model
  
• Condo IO: Fixed true/false outputs being missing for XOR logic gate
  
• Fixed Nipper9000 item materials being missing
  
• Fixed a memory leak and various crashes

Join our Discord for development updates and community fun! https://discord.gg/pixeltail
We love awesome people like you!

Follow our developments on our Trello in near real-time:
https://trello.com/b/6BwRMiPw/tower-unite-roadmap

If you love our game and want to support its development, please consider getting a Supporter Pack! We'd be so grateful!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2792910/Tower_Unite__Supporter_Pack

Take a peek at what's being worked on every week in our weekly dev logs! There's bound to be something interesting every week!

https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/announcements/weekly-dev-logs

Please report bugs & submit suggestions on our forums. We're active everyday & here to help.
For bug reports: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/bug-report/18
For suggestions: https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/suggestions/7