Dev blog - December 2020
It's been a little while since the last update so I thought I'd let you know what I've been working on.
I mentioned back in August that I've been working on a significant performance update. I've achieved what I originally set out to and am currently looking at a potential fps (frames per second) improvement of 64% over the current live version!
However while working on this I've delved into the engine more and discovered that even greater gains could be possible. The figure mentioned above would probably only be available to those with quad core CPUs because it relies on a lot of multithreading.
The next stage has the potential to deliver the same sort of performance to those with lesser systems by making greater use of the calculation potential of the graphics card.
It's an exciting development and if all goes to plan should pave the way for bigger and better aquariums than ever! I'm hopeful to release the update early in 2021. Thank you for your patience!
Beyond the performance update, there are many exciting things on the horizon.
For starters, I have an ambitious redesign of the sandbox mode planned. My aims are to:
But these are just ideas. How would you like to see sandbox mode improved?
I also want 2021 to be an even bigger year for Megaquarium than 2020! It'll be a tough year to beat, but I'm going to give it my best shot!
I would love to be able to release new official content more often and I'm working on some ideas which might help with that. I'll hopefully have more to share next year.
All that remains to be said is: Happy holidays!
Performance improvements - almost there!
I mentioned back in August that I've been working on a significant performance update. I've achieved what I originally set out to and am currently looking at a potential fps (frames per second) improvement of 64% over the current live version!
However while working on this I've delved into the engine more and discovered that even greater gains could be possible. The figure mentioned above would probably only be available to those with quad core CPUs because it relies on a lot of multithreading.
The next stage has the potential to deliver the same sort of performance to those with lesser systems by making greater use of the calculation potential of the graphics card.
It's an exciting development and if all goes to plan should pave the way for bigger and better aquariums than ever! I'm hopeful to release the update early in 2021. Thank you for your patience!
A longer view
Beyond the performance update, there are many exciting things on the horizon.
For starters, I have an ambitious redesign of the sandbox mode planned. My aims are to:
- Improve the way Sandbox mode interacts with DLC and mods. Lots to talk about here, maybe enough for an entire blog post! ;)
- Make a truly everlasting sandbox where trades and quests are generated forever rather than at specific prestige values.
- Increase the variety and complexity of side-objectives.
But these are just ideas. How would you like to see sandbox mode improved?
I also want 2021 to be an even bigger year for Megaquarium than 2020! It'll be a tough year to beat, but I'm going to give it my best shot!
I would love to be able to release new official content more often and I'm working on some ideas which might help with that. I'll hopefully have more to share next year.
All that remains to be said is: Happy holidays!