Tower Unite News

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Weekly Dev Log for February 27th, 2023, detailing all the changes that have happened since February 21st, 2023. 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]February 2023 Condo Contest - Monochrome - NOW VOTING[/h2]

Hey everyone! It's time to vote for the winner of the Monochrome, February 2023 Condo Contest.

Voting ends on 11:59 PM, February 27th, 2023!

Click here to vote!

You can read the rules and view the submissions here!

[h2]Update 0.16.6.1: Touch Screen Support[/h2]

Our next Tower Unite update, Update 0.16.6.1 adds some new Libretro consoles, as well as support for light gun games. You can see what is planned for this update here.

macdguy finished light gun support. He also added colorable support for the portable handhelds, as well as adding brightness and zoom settings. He also added touch screen support to the Citra and DeSmuME consoles, as well as a stylus for the PartyCon 2S. He also added support for two fantasy console cores, "TIC-80" and "LowRes NX".

Nuclearxpotato started working on a new console model for Retro PC gaming.

[h3]Libretro: Touch Screen Support[/h3]

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

[h2]Miscellany[/h2]

Johanna continued working on art for the two Virus maps, "Altar" and "Theme Park".

Lifeless continued working on Part 2 of the Minigolf map, "Dark".

madmijk continued working on MIDI support, as well as fixing bugs with Dark Voyage.

Nuclearxpotato continued working on the Virus map, "Altar", as well as various new items.

Sketchman continued working on backend improvements and optimizations.

Will continued working on music for SDNL.

[h2]Wrap It Up[/h2]
That about covers everything that happened since February 21st, 2023 at PixelTail Games.

[h2]Accessibility Suggestions[/h2]
We've created a forum post asking the community for suggestions on how we can improve gameplay for players with certain conditions such as colorblindness, dyslexia, or anything else that might affect a players ability to use the standard presentation and controls of the game.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, and possible solutions on how to solve a particular issue, please check out the forum post here.

---

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

We're also active on Twitter! https://twitter.com/PixelTailGames

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

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/devupdates/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

Experience the wonders of double ticket earning this weekend starting now and ending on Monday.

Tower Unite occasionally features events that multiply your rewards for playing the game! This weekend is double ticket weekend, so hop on over to the Arcade and shower yourself in prizes.

EVERY Arcade game gives double tickets during this event!

HAVE FUN AND ENJOY THE TICKETS!

Hello everyone, and welcome to the Weekly Dev Log for February 21st, 2023, detailing all the changes that have happened since February 13th, 2023. 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]Accessibility Suggestions[/h2]
We've created a forum post asking the community for suggestions on how we can improve gameplay for players with certain conditions such as colorblindness, dyslexia, or anything else that might affect a players ability to use the standard presentation and controls of the game.

If you have any ideas or suggestions, and possible solutions on how to solve a particular issue, please check out the forum post here.

[h2]February 2023 Condo Contest - Monochrome[/h2]

Hey everyone! It's time for another Condo Contest.

The theme for February's contest is Monochrome!

With this theme, your build should be focused around one color!

You don't need to use the default color on an item, but you should try to keep all items in the build around the same hue. Feel free to change the brightness and saturation.

The submission period ends on February 23, 2023 at 11:59 PM.

First place prize is 2,000,000 Units!

You can read the rules, how to enter, and prizes here!

[h2]Update 0.16.6.1: New Consoles and Light Gun Support[/h2]

Our next Tower Unite update, Update 0.16.6.1 adds some new Libretro consoles, as well as support for light gun games. You can see what is planned for this update here.

Johanna worked on light gun Libretro cabinets.

joshua worked on the PartyCon 2S console.

macdguy added light gun support to the seven Libretro cores that handle light gun support. He also added brightness and zoom options, as well as a "turbo button" for some consoles, so that players can adjust the game speed in situations where some games play too fast or too slow.

Nuclearxpotato created a model for the light gun.

[h3]Libretro: PartyCon 2S Console[/h3]



[h3]Libretro: Light Gun Model[/h3]



[h3]Libretro: Light Gun Cabinets[/h3]



[h2]Virus: Theme Park[/h2]

Johanna continued working on art for the Virus map, "Theme Park".

Wheezwer worked on concepts for the park mascot and castle.

[h3]Virus: Theme Park EARLY WIP[/h3]



[h2]Miscellany[/h2]

Johanna continued working on art for the Virus map, "Altar".

madmijk continued working on MIDI support.

Nuclearxpotato continued working on the Virus map, "Altar".

Sketchman continued working on backend improvements and optimizations.

Will continued working on music for SDNL.

[h2]Wrap It Up[/h2]
That about covers everything that happened since February 13th, 2023 at PixelTail Games.

---

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

We're also active on Twitter! https://twitter.com/PixelTailGames

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

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/devupdates/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

This update addresses various issues that came up from Update 0.16.6.0.

• Fixed save games not saving properly
• Mednafen PSX & Yabause games longer cut off and display properly on the screens now
• MAME 2010 emulator added
  
  This adds a lot more compatibility and support for most 3D MAME games and CHD-based games!
  Note: Final Burn Neo will still be chosen as the preferred emulator, if the game is supported, otherwise it’ll fall back to MAME 2010.
  
  
• Citra updated to latest
  
  With this update, it's added lots of compatibility updates, performance improvements, and C-Stick support!
  Left Joystick is now functioning properly in Citra, allowing for games that use both the Joystick and D-Pad to function properly.
  
  
• DeSmume now has a simulated touchscreen with the Right Stick
• PPSSPP speed fixes have been made, fixing the emulator running 2X speed
• PPSSPP save data now functions
  
• Flycast now supports WinCE games, at least with the ones that are compatible with the emulator
  
• Virtual Jaguar will now automatically apply resolution fixes for certain games
  
• mGBA is now the preferred emulator, replacing VB Advance. This will help with performance with many demanding games
  

Changes/Bug Fixes

• Libretro: Fixed save games not saving before resetting or switching games (SRAM now saves properly on emulation shutdown)
  
• Libretro: Added MAME 2010 core support (removed mame2003_plus core)
  
• Libretro: Added Citra core support (removed citra2018 core)
  
• Libretro: Added mGBA core support (removed vbam core)
  
• Libretro: Set core option for DeSmume to simulate touchscreen input with right stick (desmume_pointer_device_r = "emulated")
  
• Libretro: Fixed timing issues (rendering 2x speed) with 3D rendering in PPSSPP
  
• Libretro: Fixed save file issues with PPSSPP
  
• Libretro: Flycast now supports WinCE games
  
• Libretro: Added Keyboard Mode option to settings to enable full keyboard support for DOSBox
  
• Libretro: Fixed consoles that were not connected to media players connecting to media players on condo load
  
• Libretro: Consoles will no longer connect to a media player automatically if there is a console already plugged in
  
• Libretro: Fixed idlescreen artwork being placed on the glass material on the glass arcade cabinet
  
• Libretro: Fixed idlescreen artwork not being populated properly on arcade cabinets
  
• Libretro: Fixed non-host players not being able to access the settings menu
  
• Libretro: Fixed desaturation setting not applying to the dynamic light effects
  
• Libretro: Flycast rom searcher now supports GDI
  
• Libretro: Cartridges no longer respawn if respawn delay is set, if they are slotted into a console. The respawn delay timer will begin after ejected

We're also busy working on the next updates, including these upcoming maps!








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

We're also active on Twitter! https://twitter.com/PixelTailGames

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

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! http://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/devupdates/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

In the background, we've been working on an unannounced Condo feature. We're happy to share what this feature is today!


Tower Unite now features retro game emulation support, courtesy of Libretro! Libretro is a wonderful framework that allows for multiple systems to be emulated in one neat package!

Emulators can now be played within your Tower Unite Condo, supporting 27 retro game systems. Wow!

Please keep in mind that this feature is experimental, but we have taken many steps to make it as accessible and easy to set up as possible!

We’ve set up a guide for use that can be found here:
https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/t/46512

At this time, there is no Netplay support, nor is there the ability to watch others’ gameplay. This feature is entirely client-side.

Note: Tower Unite and Libretro do not come with any games. You must provide your own.
We do recommend trying out compatible games found on itch.io.


Game Featured: DUCKSTROMA by AB-UltraNarwhal ( https://narwhal.itch.io/duckstroma )



We've created Consoles and Cartridges for you to use!

The Consoles are available in the Toy Stop and Arcade stores.


Consoles connect automatically to Media Players when placed next to them!

You can place down a Cartridge, customize it, and save games to it. Cartridges work with all the Consoles and there are a few different Cartridge types.

The Cartridge item is available in the Toy Stop store.





We have created Libretro-enabled Arcade Cabinets you can use as well. These Arcade Cabinets have support for changing their Marquee, Side Art, Panel Artwork, and Idlescreens.

The Arcade Cabinets are available in the Toy Stop and Arcade ticket stores.



Currently we have:

• Standing Cabinets (4 styles)
  
• Standing Wheel Cabinet
  
• Wheel Cabinet
  
• Immersive Wheel Cabinet
  
• Table Top Cabinet

You can also play games on the go with two different Handhelds. Equip them in your hot bar and play within either the Plaza or Condos.

The Handhelds are available in the Toy Stop and Arcade ticket stores.




We've set up a user guide for how all this works and how you can get started here:
https://forums.pixeltailgames.com/t/46512

That post also includes more information on the feature overall!



Changes

• Added Libretro Emulation Support!
  
• Added Retro Gaming Cartridge, Super Partycon Interactive System, Duper Partycon Super System, Mega Exodus, PartyCon 3D, Retro Gaming Computer, Mega Wavescape, GameStation Global to Toy Stop store
  
• Added Spacefarer Arcade Cabinet, Platformer Arcade Cabinet, Masher Arcade Cabinet, Bruiser Arcade Cabinet, Standing Racing Cabinet, Arcade Racing Cabinet to Toy Stop store
  
• Added Workshop Gaming Console to D.I.Y. store
  
• Added Game Junior, Deluxe Racing Cabinet, Tabletop Arcade Cabinet, Arcadi Digital Entertainment Device to Asteroid Belt (Arcade) store
  
• Added VCR to Central Circuit
  
• Added Videocassette to Rob's Imports
  
• Added IO Events - Size Volume: SetSize
  
• Condo IO: Inventory search entry now saves between the two tabs (normal and IO), so you can have a separate IO search from your main inventory search
  
• Condo: Physics items no longer rotate to the center when picking them up (i.e. when picking up physics items, they will pick up at the same angle they are before you picked them up)
  
• Condo IO: SetLightColor is now properly replicated
  
• Condo IO: Item Picker search bar now saves previous search
  
• Condo IO: Item Picker search keyboard focuses immediately now, so you don't have to click on the search bar to start typing
  
• Condo IO: Item Picker search now lists items in the order of distance from your current position
  
• Condo IO: Item Picker search now supports searching through custom names
  
• Condo IO: Improved readability on Item Picker items, as it no longer colors the titles of the item, only the icon
  
• Condo: Updated multi-canvas UI to be easier to use, it's now done as tabs (like the color tabs)
  
• Condo: Physics-al Media now has a new variation - Videocassette tape
  
• Condo: FX Lightbeams no longer block inventory grab traces and instead can only be grabbed by their base
  
• Condo: Laser Projector now has a "Base Visibility" option that turns the laser projector into an FX-like item, hiding the laser projector base, but keeping the laser effects
  
• Condo: Ground Pet icon now only shows while inventory menu is open
  

Bug Fixes

• Fixed discrepancy in Units between main UI and pause menu UI
  
• Fixed achievements showing that they were unlocked "on 1970"
  
• Fixed latest news popup not going away, even on confirm, if the patch notes failed to load
  
• Fixed various item glow issues in Plaza (such as the Unit Button)
  
• Dark Voyage: Fixed cart teleporting in the middle of the ride, but for more edge cases this time
  
• Arcade: Fixed Ring God collision issues, where rings would get stuck floating
  
• Arcade - The Offering: Fixed "A Worthy Offering To The Gods" not firing off properly
  
• Arcade - The Offering: Fixed collision issues with the first wall, which would allow balls to fall through the window wall
  
• Arcade - The Offering: Fixed window wall divider not being visible enough
  
• Arcade - The Offering: Fixed ball physics being too bouncy
  
• Condo: Fixed a crash when undoing stashing IO items
  
• Condo: Fixed Canvas Button missing use prompt
  
• Condo: Fixed Workshop item scales not saving sometimes
  
• Condo: Fixed Box Select not working with items that are newly created (after you use the box select once)
  
• Condo: Fixed a crash with the gizmo that occurs sometimes when trying to deselect an item from a group selection
  
• Condo: Fixed item properties going to IO connections by default for certain items, when it should just be in the normal menu
  
• Condo: Fixed Haunted Painting not always loading the second canvas image for other players
  
• Condo: Fixed physics items spawning clipping through the ground when first spawned
  
• Condo: Fixed foliage items colliding with weapon traces
  
• Condo: Fixed Hedge items not coloring their leaves (also fixed the leaves looking odd in different lighting scenarios)
  
• Condo: Fixed Sound Emitters playing the sound again for clients after they have left the net distance on them
  
• Condo IO: Fixed Trigger Volumes not handling delayed outputs properly
  
• Condo IO: Fixed Blocking Volumes (and Volumes in general) blocking weather particles, sounds, etc.
  
• Condo IO: Fixed a crash when wiring up items persistently (ie. security cameras to media players)
  
• Condo IO: Fixed a crash related to dice
  
• Condo IO: Fixed alt drag copy not working if you have the Condo IO inventory tab selected
  
• Condo IO: Fixed copycat not working if you are in Condo IO inventory tab selected
  
• Condo IO: Fixed Counters not prompting a condo save after the counter was changed
  
• Condo IO: Fixed wiring tool not allowing you to scroll through item inputs with scroll wheel on various items
  
• Condo IO: Fixed wiring tool visual bug
  
• Condo IO: Marked the logic gates and boolean switch items as unfinished (these were not supposed to have been released)
  
• Condo IO: Fixed the notorious crash related to delayed outputs
  
• Condo IO: Fixed Teleport Volumes activate/deactivate functions not working for clients causing desyncs
  

We're also busy working on the next updates, including these upcoming maps!








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

We're also active on Twitter! https://twitter.com/PixelTailGames

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

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! http://forums.pixeltailgames.com/c/devupdates/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