Forts News

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We're back with another bi-monthly update covering a range of important bug fixes and quality of life improvements, to serve the Forts community and enhance the playing experience. We've also included a few commander changes. Read on for more.

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[h2]Post-Battle Stats[/h2]
Individual player stats now appear in the battle results screen.

Hot on the heels of the Observer HUD and multiplayer loading screen comes the post-battle stats screen. After the battle has ended, players will get a breakdown of how each player fared, individually listing damage done and reactor health left. Ordered by Damage Done, this feature will allow players, observers, streamers and viewers a handy overview of player performance. It's even shown during replays.

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Energy Shield now absorbs firing resources as well as reflecting beams, giving Shockenaugh an edge against beam-happy opponents. Shocker!


In line with the hyper theme of the character, Hurricane's Repair Stations now reduce the duration of the EMP effect of EMP Rockets and the like by half a second, each second. This effect stacks; the more Repair Stations, the quicker your weapons recover from EMP.


The banked shot ability added to Eagle Eye a couple of updates ago has proved effective. Perhaps too effective. We've give this a little tickle and increased the time to bank the extra shot from +20% up to +25%.

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[h2]Change list dlc2 28 r14448[/h2]

Add: player stats to multiplayer results panel
Add: Add results window to end of a multiplayer replay
Add: Add round scores (if configured in obs tools customisation) to results screen
Add: Lobby chat warning message when current map has no AI
Add: Map/mod edit box and filters to workshop screen
Add: GetProjectileClientId, SetProjectileClientId script functions for player stat tracking of script created projectiles
Add: GetWeaponClientId and SetWeaponClientId script functions for player stat tracking of script created weapons
Add: Observer Tools HUD pulse background of last built field when important constructions occur
Add: Show event of important item construction tech
Add: Host option to enable artificial lag for host
Add: EMPRepairFieldRadius and EMPRepairFieldRate properties to device repair field to reduce EMP effect (RepairFieldPeriod must be > 0)

Balance: (Shockenaugh) absorbs firing resources as well as reflecting beams
Balance: (Hurricane) Repair Stations reduce EMP effect at half time
Balance: (Eagle Eye) increase time to bank extra shot from +20% to +25%

Fix: ranked map preview is sometimes missing
Fix: joining players sometimes reset the lobby's game mode (thanks Vykro)
Fix: scripts are able to allocate unlimited amounts of memory, causing the PC to grind to a halt
Fix: (Shockenaugh) the energy used to fire beam weapons is not absorbed by shields
Fix: Debug Console vars available in multiplayer matches
Fix: non-owning clients send door close messages when deleting a weapon
Fix: lobby ready and mod remove buttons can be spam clicked
Fix: desync caused by sprites with a 'colour' table or with invalid frame textures
Fix: desync of playing clients when a client connects at the same time as another joins
Fix: all structures are suddenly destroyed when zero speed projectiles collide
Fix: crash when weapon animation scripts cause an exception
Fix: crash when the only node 'mass' is negative in building_materials.lua
Fix: crash during preview and construction when there are no bracing plates in building_materials.lua
Fix: (SetWeaponReloadTime) documentation says remaining time, when it should be progress time
Fix: crash when a player drops out and then tries to send loading progress
Fix: English Workshop item names are overwritten with local language display names when updating a workshop item
Fix: Observer Tools HUD Label and Commander filters not applied when starting a match/replay
Fix: Observer Tools HUD text bleed for long team names
Fix: Observer Tools Metal rollover text field not set correctly
Fix: Select button is not added to hosts downloaded lobby chat line messages after subscribing to a selected map/mod
Fix: Unregistering console vars not correctly comparing string names
Fix: (UpdateGroundTriangles script function) no effect during gameplay
Fix: (GetBlockVertexPos script function) crash when vertexIndex is out of range
Fix: (EnumerateStructureLinks script function) matchSide parameter doesn't function correctly
Fix: lobby medal popup is shown over afk and desync messages
Fix: desync message shows 'Due to inactivity your game is not discoverable' if host was previously away
Fix: commander can be charged by reflected projectiles attacking team-mates
Fix: Uninitialised data in Observer Tools
Fix: Observer Tools teams scores not sent to clients in lobby
Fix: restarted campaign missions produce replays which desync
Fix: (reactor) sprite unnecessarily depends on construction sprites, causing desyncs when textures are replaced
Fix: Observer Tools isn't initialised until second frame of match
Fix: Players can delete built in maps in the editor map select list
Fix: Maps and Mods items offset from each other in workshop screen
Fix: filter edit box shadow consistency in map and mod select screens
Fix: Text filter is not applied after toggling 'Use English Names' in map selection screen
Fix: (\bind command) commands are not triggered by key
Fix: (\bind command) commands with paged output are not escaped
Fix: (\bind command) doesn't wait for key
Fix: (\bind command) key is added to prompt after selection
Fix: (\keylist command) listing doesn't show entire key label

Improve: increase ranked ping limit to 350ms
Improve: Remember last tab in Workshop screen when re-opening and only populate tabs when made visible
Improve: AbsorbsBeams is mutually exclusive to ReflectsBeams (materials can do both or either)
Improve: repair, EMP repair, and disruption device abilities are mutually exclusive
Improve: Vertical positioning of victory/defeat results
Improve: DedicatedHost setting is written to settings_hardware.lua when disabled for easier editing
Improve: (\bind and \keylist commands) control modifiers are localised
Improve: (\bind command) is cancelled by pressing Escape

Remove: option to disable anti-air in Skirmish and Multiplayer

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[h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2]

If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.

Cheers,
EWG

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When we polled the Forts Pro League players at the conclusion of last season they were overwhelmingly in favor of expanding the current map pool. What better inspiration could there possibly be for a new map competition? We're looking for 2v2 maps balanced for high level competitive Moonshot play.

The winning creator will receive a $100 Steam gift card, Map Maker Champion in-game medal, and have their map promoted in-game, on Steam, and across social media with an opportunity to be included in the upcoming FPL Season 2 map pool.

Are you excited for season 2?
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Format

The event will consist of two stages:
Stage 1 - Map makers will be able to submit their maps starting on June 10th 8PM UTC and ending on June 17th 8PM UTC in accordance with the rules below. Maps submitted before June 10th 8PM UTC or after June 17th 8PM UTC will not be accepted.

Stage 2 - Our judges will select the 5 best entries to go into the Live Stream June 24th 8PM UTC, where a group of top players will compete in exhibition matches to showcase each map while the judges look on.

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Prizes

[h3]1st place[/h3]

• $100 Steam gift card
  
• In-game Map Maker Champion medal and accompanying role on Discord.
  
• The winning map will be promoted in-game, on Steam, and across social media with an opportunity to be included in the FPL Season 2 map pool.
  

[h3]2nd place[/h3]

• $50 Steam gift card
  

[h3]3rd place[/h3]

• $20 Steam gift card
  

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Live Stream

Date - June 24th 8PM UTC

Judges and stream hosts: Blammo 42 scientist Noze Cronkhinator Project Incursus

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In order to participate you will need to:

• Have Forts
  
• Familiarise yourself with The Forts Map editor and Style Guide
  
• Create and submit a map that fulfills all requirements between June 10th 8pm UTC and June 17th 8pm UTC
  

Map Requirements

• An original Moonshot (no High Seas dependency) map created from scratch
  
• Balanced for competitive 2v2 play (FPL)
  
• Begin with 1-3 Mines
  
• Allow flexibility with weapons and strategies
  
• Receive the Symmetric tag on the Workshop
  
• Have suitable performance on all computers
  

How to submit your map

• Upload your map to the Steam Workshop with the name "FMMC5 - yoursteamname" example, FMMC5 - Romerolagus
  
• Select a separate map name to include with your entry submission.
  
• Set your Workshop visibility to Unlisted
  
• On the Official Forts Discord, direct message @42 scientist#0042 with a link to your entry and the desired name for your map before June 17th 8pm UTC.
  

Maps will be graded according to appearance, gameplay potential, and Forts best practices. A more detailed description of the full grading criteria will be made available on Discord. We look forward to seeing your creativity on display.

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In order to improve your map's chances of winning, check out these guides on Steam for best practices:

[h2]The Forts Map Editor Guide[/h2]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=870883350

[h2]The Forts Map Editor Style Guide[/h2]
https://steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=916955478
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Special thanks to Cronkhinator and 42 scientist for organising the first community led map competitions.

Good luck to all the competitors and have fun!

Cheers,
EWG

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Congratulations to team Incursus=BAR, winners of Tournament XXVI!

EtaN and Cloud made the most of their opportunity to collect another tournament victory and simultaneously make a not-so-subtle game recommendation to our host and caster Project Incursus. Leveraging their overwhelming APM and ability to manage the chaos of High Seas projectile laden skies they stormed to victory over their opponents.

Incursus=BAR clearing the skies with shotguns
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In second, team Green Leaf follows up a 6th place finish in the inaugural season of the FPL with their best result to date. After being knocked out of the top half of the double elimination bracket by Incursus=BAR, Vykro and Dranistian emerged from the bottom half for the rematch. This time they would manage to take one game before ultimately losing the best of 3.

Team Green Leaf locked in a slugfest with Up Grade Santé
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And the even less subtly named Beyond All Reason in third place. AlexD and Helicopter not being shy about advertising their love of the RTS genre. A love shared by many Forts players, as witnessed above. Their tournament run ended in a duel of Thunderbolts against team Green Leaf.

A battle of BARs as Beyond All Reason brings the deckguns and cannons to bear against Commando BAR
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[h3]1st Place - $100 in Steam Gift cards[/h3]

Incursus=BAR

• EtaN
  
• Cloud
  

[h3]2nd Place - $50 in Steam Gift cards[/h3]

Green Leaf

• Vykro
  
• Dranistian
  

[h3]3rd Place - $20 in Steam Gift cards[/h3]

Beyond All Reason

• AlexD
  
• Helicopter
  

Prizes split equally between teammates

[h2]Challengermode Bracket[/h2]
Tournament XXVI Bracket

[h2]Replays & VODs[/h2]

Thank you to hosts and casters Project Incursus and Salzwerk.

Tournament replays are now available in the Featured tab of the Replays menu in-game, and tournament videos are available below.

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

German cast with Salzwerk and Der Goldjunge

[h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2]

If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.


Cheers,
EWG

G'day Forts fans!

Are you ready to set sail upon the High Seas again? As promised we return to naval warfare for our 26th official tournament with 2v2 High Seas Co-op. From the smallest dinghy to the largest battleship to a combined land and sea armada you and your crewmate share full control as you compete for fame and glory. And of course Steam gift cards too!




Tournament XXVI will be held May 27th at 8pm UTC and hosted by Project Incursus. In order to participate teams must first compete in a qualifying event on May 20th at 8pm UTC with the top 8 teams advancing to XXVI. Please note that we will be using Challengermode to handle registrations.

Registration for the qualifying event will open on May 13th at 10pm UTC Up to the first 16 eligible teams will be accepted.

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On to the details.


When will Registration open?

Registration will open at Tournament XXVI Qualifiers

May 13th at

• 3pm PT (West Coast USA)
  
• 6pm ET (East Coast USA)
  
• 11pm GMT +1 (London)
  
• 12 CEST (France, Germany)
  
• 8am May 14 (AEST Eastern Australia)
  

Entries submitted before this time will not be accepted. Once registration has opened the first 16 teams to submit a valid entry will be admitted. Valid entries must fulfill the requirements listed below under How do I join?


How will teams be seeded?

Seedings will be automatic based on past results in Challengermode events.


Will all matches be streamed?
During the qualifiers select matches may be chosen for live broadcast while others take place offline.
All main event XXVI matches are planned to be streamed live.


Prizes?

The current prize pool is as follows:

• 1st place $100
  
• 2nd place $50
  
• 3rd place $20
  

Prizes will be awarded in the form of Steam digital gift cards. Each team member will receive a card equaling half the value of the full team prize.

If you have any additional questions please contact us on Discord.
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[h2]How do I join?[/h2]

In order to participate, you must do the following...

• Join the Official FORTS Discord
  
• Create accounts on Challengermode for yourselves and your team and join the XXVI Qualifying event
  
• Your names on Discord, Steam, and Challengermode must match and include your team tag (see below)
  
• Inappropriate competitor or team names and logos will not be accepted
  
• Send a message on Discord to 42 scientist#0042 with your team name, tag, roster, and logo
  
• Team names should be 12 characters or less
  
• Team tags should be 3 characters
  
• Team rosters should include links to each player's Steam profile
  
• Team logos should be 128x128 pixels
  
• Registration will not open until May 13 6pm ET (10pm UTC)
  
• Maximum of 16 teams
  
• The top 8 finishing teams will advance to Tournament XXVI
  

Team Capacitor
[CAP] Fred
(Link to Fred's Steam profile)
[CAP] Max
(Link to Max's Steam profile)

Sample entry with Team and Logo

• Tournament XXVI Qualification starts May 20th, 2023 at...
  
• 1pm PT (West Coast USA)
  
• 4pm ET (East Coast USA)
  
• 9pm GMT +1 (London)
  
• 10pm CEST (France, Germany)
  
• 6am AEST (Eastern Australia)
  

• Tournament XXVI starts May 27th, 2023 at...
  
• 1pm PT (West Coast USA)
  
• 4pm ET (East Coast USA)
  
• 9pm GMT +1 (London)
  
• 10pm CEST (France, Germany)
  
• 6am AEST (Eastern Australia)
  

• The FORTS Tournament lobby
  
• The Official FORTS Discord
  
• The Challengermode Forts Space

• 2v2 Co-op
  
• Double elimination
  
• 20 minute time limit
  
• High Seas enabled
  
• Moonshot enabled
  
• Tons of Guns enabled
  
• Portals enabled
  
• Commanders enabled
  
• No Commander bans! All commanders reporting for duty!
  
• Draws decided by core damage inflicted (total damage if core health is equal)
  
• Maximum of 16 teams
  
• Check-in on Discord starts 1 hour before tournament
  
• Late or absent players forfeit their matches
  
• Use of exploits or bugs for self-charging or any other purpose is strictly forbidden.
  
• Earthwork Games reserves the right to make changes to this event as needed
  

Project Incursus


Including but not limited to:
Castaways
Fort Falls 2v2
Frigates
Hillboat
Sun & Oil 2v2
The Leviathan
Volcanic Rim
Windswept


Cheers,
EWG

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We are pleased to announce our newest member of the Earthwork Games team, 42 scientist!

42 is a longtime member of the Forts community who has taken on a variety of roles over the years. Winner of Tournament XII with teammate Sgitkene, unofficial and official Forts Statistician, creator and curator of The Spreadsheet, 6 x 9, Discord moderator, Tournament Organizer, host and replay Caster, French translator, tester, and now Community Admin overseeing the Forts Pro and Amateur leagues.

So let's give 42 a big Forts Community welcome and congrats on becoming an official part of the EWG team!

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[h2]Make Sure To Join Our Discord[/h2]

If you haven't already, join our Forts Official Discord server to connect with other players, share strategies, create maps/mods, and receive advance notice of upcoming events.

Cheers,
EWG