My Little Blacksmith Shop News

Hey Blacksmith's,

It's been a long wait and the wait is over. Version 0.2.0 is finally released and available to everyone. This new version can be found in the new unstable branch.

Unstable branches allow me to upload more frequently without breaking your saves and other stable versions of the game that you are currently enjoying. This new version, since it's a massively different and still has issues that need to be addressed, has been placed here, so that I can upload changes, fixes tweaks and experimental changes or additions before upgrading it to a Stable branch. Eventually the goal is to make this new version the main version and retire the old version (which will still be accessible for those that prefer the old version)

This version may or may not be stable enough to recommend to your friends. The same goes for content creators. But if it is, feel free to invite your friends and make Youtube content on it.


For those not sure how to access the unstable branch:

Under your Steam Library, right click "My Little Blacksmith Shop" and choose Properties
On the right hand side, click on Betas.
Beside Beta participation, click the drop down menu and choose unstable


Thank you for being patient with me. I hope you enjoy the new update. As always, visit the discord or the Steam discussions to leave your feedback and bug reports. If any major issues arise, I'll do my best to address it a.s.a.p.

Cheers!

Hey Blacksmith's,

I have some great news to share with you today.

After wrestling with some corrupted files, I'm happy to say development is back on track! However, not without its hurdles. The biggest hit was losing progress on the map I had poured so much time into. I had to rebuild it from scratch. But there's a silver lining—I've been using a powerful tool called the Voxel Plugin, which not only sped up the process but also allowed me to create a much larger map than I originally planned. What started as just Kaldessia has now expanded to include Northelm and Abaddon, opening up even more for you to explore. While these regions won’t be fully fleshed out, because of their size, at launch, you’ll still be able to venture into the frozen wastelands of Northelm or brave the dark, sandy, volcanic lands of Abaddon. It’ll take some time to bring them to the same level of detail as Kaldessia, but the process is already growing in ways I hadn’t anticipated.

I’ve also put together a short video showcasing the progress on multiplayer. While most of the core features are in place, I’m still polishing up the rough edges. Keep in mind that what you’ll see in the video isn’t final, and you might spot a few quirky bugs here and there—but hey, that’s part of the fun! Hope you enjoy the sneak peek!

[previewyoutube][/previewyoutube]

Hey Blacksmiths,

It's been a challenging couple of months, but I wanted to update you all on the progress for the new release.

[h3]Characters[/h3]
While I'm not a 3D character artist, I've been working hard on cleaning up the character models. There's still a lot to do on the skeletal rig and animations, but I'm making progress. I'm also planning to add more variety to the characters. At the moment, there are over 10 hair and beard options for both male and female characters, as well as some different face options.



[h3]Weapons[/h3]
I've added over 50 new weapon parts, including pommels and guards, and I'm still working on more unique hilts.
Daggers now recognize guards, which will contribute to the final quality total based on the blade and hilt combination.



[h3]Crystals[/h3]
You can now transform crystals into different elemental types using a new method, making things simpler, more stable, and consistent on the programming side. This also allows for the addition of new crystal types like Time and Space Crystals. It should make things simpler for you as well, however, it does require you to travel more.



[h3]Exploration[/h3]
The new map will feature many more Points of Interest. While I won't reveal too much for the explorers, visiting these places isn't necessary but will offer rewards and Easter eggs, including crystals and rare mining nodes.



[h3]Mining and Smelter[/h3]
Speaking of mining nodes, I've added three new types so far, with the smelter set up to recognize 13 new materials, including alloys. Each material will increase quality, and some alloys may require combining with other alloys or crystals. The system is future-proof, allowing for easy addition of more materials and alloys.



[h3]Building[/h3]
Finally, I've added more building parts and sales displays. For now, wood will be the only building material at release, but I plan to add stone and other materials in the future.



I'll try to be more consistent with updates, but it depends on my personal life and finances. Currently, the game engine is causing issues, and some files got corrupted, setting me back a few months. However, development hasn't stopped.

Thank you for your patience and support.

Hi Blacksmith's,

I hope you're all doing well! My updates might be fashionably late, but think of it as me building anticipation. I'm just making sure it's extra awesome for you. Thanks for your patience – it's like unwrapping a present that took a little longer to get here.

Here's a run down on the new additions I've been working on.

[h3]Weather system[/h3]
Navigate through various weather states and master the art of managing your heat and cold levels. But beware – linger too long in harsh conditions, and your character might just meet an untimely demise if left unchecked.
And it's not just your survival on the line – your business is at stake too! Keep your shop cozy and warm to keep those customers smiling. A toasty shop not only ensures happy patrons but also boosts your sales potential. So, gear up for a weather-driven adventure and turn your shop into the hottest (or coolest) spot in town.




[h3]Clean Shop[/h3]
It's not just about the weather – the cleanliness of your shop matters too! Keep those brooms and mops ready because a clean shop isn't just good for hygiene; it's a sales booster too. Your customers will appreciate the sparkling surfaces, and a tidy store might just be the secret ingredient to skyrocketing your sales. So, polish those countertops and get ready for a spotless success.




[h3]Inventory and storage[/h3]
You can stash your loot either in your trusty backpack for quick access or tuck away your goods safely in storage for later.




[h3]Reputation[/h3]
Mastering the art of negotiation isn't just good for your in-game wallet – it's a reputation booster too! Your success in negotiations will leave a lasting impact on your persona, elevating your status in the world. Make sure you know your friends well, since they can also negotiate and affect your status.




[h3]Exploration[/h3]
Kaldessia is where you start your adventures. Here, low-quality ore deposits await your mining prowess, and hidden secrets beg to be uncovered. Where rolling hills and towering mountains paint the backdrop for your adventures! In this region, the weather is as diverse as the terrain itself. Expect moderate temperatures with a touch of excitement – thunderstorms might rumble across the horizon, but on average, the sun graces the land with its warm embrace.

So, whether you're scaling the heights of the mountains or exploring the lush valleys between rolling hills, Kaldessia offers a perfect balance of beauty and challenge.. It's the perfect training ground to hone your skills and gear up for the challenges that lie ahead.



But for those seeking greater treasures and even more mysteries, set sail for the distant land of Northelm. Up north, you'll find superior ores and a plethora of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Just be prepared for a lengthy boat ride – plan your trip wisely, and brace yourself for the epic discoveries that await in the frozen landscapes of Northelm.




[h3]Bombs[/h3]
These explosive wonders aren't just for show – use them to clear out large obstacles during mining, make way through dense wilderness, or even deal with the pesky local wildlife that crosses your path.

But the excitement doesn't stop there – bombs extend their purpose into combat and exploring caves and dungeons with your friends or alone.




Unfortunately, I have no further updates on combat. I want to reassure you that my vision for combat is to keep it simple, enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated into the overall blacksmithing experience. My primary focus remains on the art of blacksmithing, crafting, and exploration. Combat is designed to be a supplementary element, adding excitement to your journey without overshadowing the joy of forging and discovering the game world.

Your feedback is invaluable, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the kind of combat system you'd like to see – if any. Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the balance between blacksmithing and combat, ensuring that both aspects enhance your gaming experience in harmony.

Thank you so much.

Hi Blacksmith's,

I hope everyone is being safe and taking care of themselves. I am here to bring some new tad bits of news about the development of the game. Before that, I wanted to clarify that this rework will be an update to the current game. This is a free update. The old one will still be available for those that prefer that version.

Today, I don't have as much news compared to the last Development Update. I've been spending a lot of time trying to clean and optimize the multiplayer code, which leaves me with less time adding new stuff. However, I do have a few new additions to share.







During the development phase, I spent a significant amount of time brainstorming various ideas for implementing a complex armor smithing creation system. The concept was intriguing, offering an intricate and immersive experience for all of you. However, after careful consideration, I've decided to take a different approach.

In the end, I realized that simplicity could often be the key to an enjoyable gaming experience. By opting for a more straightforward armor smithing system, I can ensure that it remains accessible and enjoyable for both new and seasoned players.



Clothing and armor is an essential element that can breathe life and personality into characters, making the game world feel more vibrant and immersive. During the development process, I realized the potential of this simple yet impactful feature and decided to invest time and effort into it.

Now, as you interact with the various customers and NPCs throughout the game, you'll notice a delightful array of clothing options. Each character will have their own unique style and attire, reflecting their background, culture, and role in the world. From intricately designed armor sets to elegant and colorful robes, the clothing details will help you connect with the characters and your customers on a deeper level.

Not only will this addition enhance the visual appeal, but it will also allow for a more engaging narrative experience. The clothes characters wear can tell stories of their own, hinting at their professions, achievements, or even their personal struggles. You might find yourself discovering secrets and gaining insights into the lives of the people you encounter, all through the artistry of their attire. In turn, this can help you decide on how much to charge for your wares as each customer that enters your shop, will carry a limited number of coins in their pockets.

That's all for the moment. On the next Development Update, I'll talk about exploration, combat and a release date.