2MD VR Football: VR Platform Testing and Bug Fixing
Hi Everyone!
I wanted to give you all an update with regards to how we test 2MD when SteamVR gets an update, or if anyone reports an issue.
First and foremost, we have a VIVE Pro setup and a standard Oculus setup for testing both major platforms. We also have a WMR setup (not pictured here) as that is still seeing somewhat common use as an entry-level VR solution.
In addition to the standard VIVE and Oculus controllers, we also recently got our hands on the Index prototypes - however, currently, our studio hasn't had the bandwidth to sit down and really play with them yet.
Our current testing rigs are 2 Alienware Aurora PCs with identical specs (Core I7, 8 GB ram, GTX 1080 cards, running the latest windows 10 build) 1 for each major platform to avoid interference from each platform's executable (SteamVR / Oculus software)
Lastly, we've set up our cameras to best allow tracking of throws, requiring overhead approach to ensure the best possible accuracy.
Whenever someone notifies of an issue with the game, the first thing we will do is attempt to reproduce it - that is why stating the nature of your setup is absolutely essential when you have an issue, because we have to figure out where in this rather convoluted chain of PC hardware, software, and VR hadware that the issue may be occurring.
The current build of 2MD is shared not only with players on steam, but also upwards of 20 to 30 VR arcades around the world. As such, we've avoided implementing any platform-specific requirements, since we have to ensure maximum compatibility for everyone.
An interesting complaint raised in the (thankfully few) negative reviews folks have posted stem from the game working initially, then suddenly not working correctly one day. Be assured we haven't stealthily updated the game or something; this is usually caused by an updated component outside of our control, most often a SteamVR setting or, occasionally, a windows update. This is usually where we will recommend trouble shooting, as we've not altered anything with the executable itself.
Another issue that has cropped up has been throws either dropping as soon as the button is released, or throws behaving inconsistently - 2MD relies on framerate in part for its tracking, so if there are any hitches, this will affect accuracy. One good way of determining this is the case is, throws behave correctly in the practice field (which has minimal geometry and no crowds), but don't behave consistently in the actual game (which is a much heavier load resource-wise). Our solution to this is lowering the quality of the game settings to match your hardware, decreasing the resolution of the social screen / spectator screen (or disabling it entirely), and making sure your graphics card drivers are updated and don't have any reported bugs affecting SteamVR or Oculus. Remember - we can't support a non-standard setup (3 camera oculus, for example). I realize other games may not have the same issue, however remember other games don't necessarily handle tracking in an identical way.
Rest assured, if someone reports and issue that we are able to reproduce consistently on our standard setup, we'll try to fix it. As it stands, however, the game has been fairly stable on a multitude of setups around the world, so we've not had to make any changes to the executable in a long time.
Lastly, with regards to future updates for the game, at this time nothing concrete is planned, since we are working on our next console and PC(!) releases. Our current bandwidth is rather limited as we are an entirely 3 person team, so we've made sure our resources for 2MD are focused currently on making sure the product that is out there remains polished, functional and fun.
Thanks for your time!
Truant Pixel
2MD 1.2 Update - Upgraded Audible Voices, New Music, New Attractions!
Alright, let's get started!
Hey all,
We've been working hard since the launch of 2MD on other platforms to integrate some of the non-specific platform changes and polish into the Steam version of the game, and I'm glad to report those changes are now live for both the home and arcade license releases!
New Attractions
Two new attractions have been added, replacing duplicative touchdown events:
"Leather Field" (Skins) now features the NewsCenter 5 chopper swooping in for a glamorous closeup of the victorious team...
"Kerry Green Stadium" (Unicorns) now features a flyover of a certain stealth aircraft...
New Music
"2MD: Down the Field," a pulse-pounding original track composed for us by K.Carter, has been fully integrated into the game proper: https://open.spotify.com/album/1ZbPbCpQ9sWGJ1Myh7JaNN
"Down the Field" is now available for use in your home field.
The instrumental mix has also been added to the title screen.
The full instrumental mix has also been added to the practice field.
New Audible Voices
2MD now features a full roster of professional voice work to help augment the onscreen action:
The Skins QB now features a unique voice selection, provided by the skillful SungWon Cho (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7096032/ , @ProZDkp).
The Shirts QB now features the voice work of David Wald (https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2969210/).
The Unicorns QB voice now also features the voice work of SungWon
The Rockets QB voice now also features the voice work of SungWon
The voice slider now approximates the position of the logo slider above it, to more easily attribute each voice to the corresponding team.
The Coach / Tutorial voice delivery has also been updated!
A Note About Future Updates
Over the last few months since release, we've fielded questions about whether or not we intend to expand upon 2MD, such as adding new teams, new modes, or other features. It should probably be said that, while we've definitely left room for expansion in the future should time and the response permit, we are first and foremost committed to remaining true to the core game. That, I feel, we've definitely accomplished, and I want to be sure that anyone picking up the game today should hopefully feel they've gotten exactly that: a fun, polished and unique VR arcade experience.
We also realize that, as a rule, providing ongoing support in the form of updates and potentially expansions is part of establishing and growing the game. We are a team of 3 developers currently working on other projects, so resources remain limited for now. Despite that, every free moment we have, we are still exploring other possibilities for 2MD, which is why we refuse to close the door on updates, expansions or DLC in the future. So, TL:DR, yes, we will continue to periodically update the game, certainly if the response grows we'll be able to devote more time and resources to doing so.
Thanks again for playing, for your kind support, and for spreading the word about our little football game!
-M
Truant Pixel, LLC
Commercial / Arcade SKU Additions (context labels, all teams unlocked)
This is a small QOL update targeted at our commercial license / arcade SKU customers only, and does not apply to the standard personal edition of the game.
Based on user feedback, 2MD's commercial arcade build (which is accessible through cybercafe license and designed for use in VR arcade installations) now features context sensitive labels over key in-game objects. These will provide users with quick descriptors for basic interactions.
Additionally, the in-game tutorial resets after the game has been idle for more than 3 minutes, providing the next player with the full tutorial experience. Experienced players can, as always, skip this tutorial by clicking the coach.
Finally, all teams and stadiums are unlocked from the start.
As always, thank you for your time and support, and we look forward to seeing you on the leaderboard!
2MD 1.11 Update - Flip Plays, Easier Running
Hello again all,
We're happy for all the feedback we've been getting on our big 1.1 update. We've made two additional changes that players are going to find especially useful.
*Play flipping
*Touch-pad running on VIVE
Play Flipping - tapping the same direction a second time after selecting your play will now flip that play (effectively giving you 16 play configurations to choose from in total). Great in a pinch when you want that Hail Mary, but you'd rather run it up the left rather than the right.
Touch-pad running - Specific to VIVE owners, running is now assigned to the touch pad rather than requiring a hard press of the direction pad. This change was made due to feedback re: responsiveness of the VIVE hardware. Oculus functionality, meanwhile, has not changed.
Lastly, we've made some under the hood comfort enhancements so running the ball should be a more comfortable experience over all. Additionally, we've implemented a few minor bug fixes along with a modification to the tutorial and notebook to account for the addition of play-flipping as noted above.
Thanks again for your support, and as always we look forward to seeing you on the leader boards!
2MD 1.1 Update: New Features, Modes, and More!
Hello everyone,
As always, we are grateful for the feedback the community has provided us about 2MD. We are happy to announce our first major feature update that includes:
* QB Running
* Practice Mode
* Throw Calibration
* Point Bonuses
* Championship Ring
There's a lot to talk about, so let's get started:
QB RUNNING MODE + ACHIEVEMENT This is a big one - and was something that has been in the works for a while. Now, after the snap, pressing a direction on the D-Pad will allow your QB to start running the ball! Pressing "up" runs forward, "left" and "right" sidle in that direction, and "down" backpedals. Being able to run the ball is especially important for those times in which that first down or TD is juuuuust out of reach. Additionally, you can use your free hand to 'stiff arm' dummies on your way down the field.
We have also changed the "Kicker" achievement to "QB Sneak," awarded for running the ball into the end-zone for a touchdown.
(We also understand that for some players, moving this way in VR might be uncomfortable. Rest assured it is not necessary to ever run the ball to win the game, as 2MD is balanced for multiple play styles. As an option, however, it is there, and we'd love to know what you think.)
PRACTICE MODE Created for those players who want to hone their skills free of the clock, the practice field allows you to run a simple ring drill. To enter the practice field, simply click on the rings propped up against the rehab cart:
The tutorial has also been modified to take you to this mode, so if you feel like letting the coach yell at you for a bit, give it a go: just click the coach to re-enter tutorial mode. Click him again to shut him up!
More importantly, however, the practice field is home to another major addition . . .
THROW CALIBRATION After listening to community feedback, we realized that a one-size-fits-all option wasn't adequate as different VR setups have different quirks. Housed within the practice area is the throw calibration panel. Here you can tune the release height and power distribution of your throws, until the mechanics are optimal for your play style.
The setting changes you make here are global / game-wide, and will persist until you return to the practice field and change them again or hit 'reset' to return to the default.
POINT BONUSES Based on community feedback and an analysis of leader board trends and individual play-style, we've decided to tune the bonus point system. Now, bonus points are awarded for completing passes, as well as for finishing the round with time left remaining on the clock. Additionally, choosing to skip the bonus round (and save your throwing arm) wont require forfeiting all the additional points. So expect to see some big changes in the leader boards. Now's the best time to jump in and destroy your old high score!
"LIVE FEED" CAM 2MD has a build in broadcast view for spectators watching the game outside of VR. But both the player and the spectators can toggle between the broadcast view and the 1st person perspective in real-time, by hitting the spectator button or the spacebar on the keyboard.
Now, when the 1st person view is active, a small "LIVE" logo will be visible on the lower right hand corner of the player's view. This is especially helpful if you are streaming, and want to dynamically switch between views as the magic happens.
CHAMPIONSHIP RING What would talk of "showing off" be without a little bling? For those players skilled enough to conquer all 7 opponents, you'll now have a flashy reminder that you can use to get lucrative endorsements, and the admiration of all your peers*
*not really.
Additional graphical tweaks have been made to further polish the presentation, and should be noticeable in all areas of play (but especially the locker room). Lastly, we've made some behind the scenes tweaks which should allow for a smoother experience overall. As always, keep letting us know what you think, and we look forward to seeing you on the leader boards!
-M (Truant Pixel, LLC)
New Features Added (Expanded Playbook, Skip Button, Tweaks)
Hey everyone,
We truly appreciate the positive impressions and feedback you've given us. As of today, the following changes are now live:
We have expanded the playbook to include a second set of 4 plays assigned to each hand. You now have a total of 8 plays to choose from when on the field! You might also notice that now, when editing plays, an "L" or "R" is visible next to the d-pad indicator to signify on which controller the play is stored.
By user request, we've added a button added to allow players to skip the bonus round. It will spawn to your left when the round activates.
We've also moved the player closer to the whiteboard in the locker room, so standing-room players will have an easier time accessing everything.
Please note, that applying this update might reset your configuration settings (quality settings and such). Access the configuration tool by launching from the desktop to ensure your settings are where you want them to be.
Thanks for your time, and we'll see you on the field!ːsteamhappyː
2MD VR Football is live!
Hi everyone! We're proud to finally share this little game with the world. Though it started as a small side project that we undertook in tandem with our larger contracts, we endeavored first to make a VR experience that was polished, fun, lighthearted, but also challenging. Please, let us know what you think! If you're streaming your gameplay on Youtube or Twitch, let us know, we'd love to see your highlights! :)
