The game just received another big update with an improved look of some 3D models like conveyor belts, new generation systems, and gameplay mechanics such as water sensors.[/p][p]In addition, I've been able to iron out some recently reported issues! [/p]
CURVED CONVEYOR BELTS
[p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/40809781/301f88e42909adecb5f6522e8257eb512b656663.png"][/p][p]New, improved conveyor belts are finally part of the game.[/p][p]It wasn't straightforward, since the entire interpolation system for resources had to be rewritten. All resources are now following the rotation of each curve or a slope.
[img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/40809781/776d3b319af87bf13adac0f1971ad21bd05d324b.png"][/p][p]Many rotation corrections had to be made to match resources pushed out from containers or transferred to another station via docking station. [/p]
LOGIC SIGNALS WITH UTILITIES
[p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/40809781/f3d411f8e3f6339edaee6dc7fce43e6ed971ded5.png"][/p][p]It is now possible to detect water level in a water tank, electricity efficiency in the network, or gas level in gas containers. [/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/40809781/caec941e6bc891a23a6d0fb5fd428ca4e6f088a5.png"][/p][p]Utility signals are sensed automatically when selecting a device. The system recognizes the type of device and creates a signal for water/electricity/gas. That signal can be suppressed by custom resource pick. [/p]
FIXES & IMPROVEMENTS
[p]Thanks to you guys, I've been able to reproduce and fix many existing issues.[/p]
[p]It is now possible to set the 300 FPS setting[/p]
[p]Many devices are now allowing to navigate flying bots through them[/p]
[p]The terrain is no more blocking selection, so it's way simpler to select objects on the surface[/p]
[p]Box Voxel Tool no longer allows removing large volumes of voxels, it is possible only in BP[/p]
[p]It is now possible to migrate AIs that are busy[/p]
[p]Transport bots are now showing delivery status[/p]
[p]Migration is now preventing from having incorrect states or AIs stuck[/p]
[p]All astronauts are having new hairs groom config, should prevent crash and increase performance[/p]
[p]Fixed transport bot problem that would try to get into removed device to pick required resource[/p]
[p]Fixed issue where removed devices on the planet could leave utility symbols (electricity, water)[/p]
[p]Fixed issue where loaded devices (mine, farm) would not consume electricity[/p]
[p]Fixed issue with incorrect orientation of Box Selection Tool[/p]
[p]Fixed issue that invalid path bot would not use newly created valid path[/p]
[p]Fixed multiplayer issue that vehicle cost would be different on a dedicated server[/p]
[p][/p]
GAME DISCOUNT
[p]The game is currently participating in the STEAM SUMMER SALE and is offering the highest discount ever (50%). It's the perfect moment to grab the game and try it out or play it together with your friends! [/p][p][dynamiclink href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/1614550/Astro_Colony/"][TAG-104]Please don't forget to join Our Discord community to let me know about your Astro Colony wishes ;)
https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w[/p][p][img src="https://clan.akamai.steamstatic.com/images/40809781/4d278e7daaef1dda4c81f72aafbb84b65e68f2cd.png"][TAG-110][/p][p]Thank you for your support! Tefel (Terad Games)[/p]
UI Overhaul is OUT
Hey Astro Colonists!
The new big update about the UI Overhaul is OUT! There are many improvements and fixes coming together. For example electricity was reworked for all machines to be consumed only when they are active.
New game systems
There are new game systems working differently now.
Crafting - only crafting one recipe at once
Electricity - is only consumed when machine is active
For example, laboratory is not consuming 5 MW since the recipe is not started, waiting for 8 oxygen tanks. The same would be if there were no astronauts inside!
Redesigned HUD
Before
After
With the new simplified windows look, the game interface readability has improved. Semi-transparent windows with blur give it sci-fi vibes.
New player stats
The player panel is now more readable, with icons and an oxygen bar clearly showing how much oxygen is left. When there is no more oxygen, healthbar becomes red, indicating losing hit points.
New sleek UI
Every simple interaction menu feels fresh and tidy with new transparent slots.
New Interactions
Interaction menus are now presenting data in very elegant form. It's way more clear which elements are important and interactive. Some widgets got simplified to not overwhelm the player with too much text.
Interface elements
Interface elements got their final touch, with stylized sci-fi graphics. The player hotbar was moved to the middle of the screen, so dragging items into slots is easier.
Many small elements, like tooltips, got their final shape. Again, not using too much text, but using graphics and diagrams.
Please share your feedback about all changes, what you like and what not. I believe some systems and UI elements can further be improved to match the sci-fi style of the game. https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w
Thanks guys so much for support! Tefel (Terad Games)
Upcoming UI Overhaul
Hello, Astro Colony explorers! After the last major update Threats & Defense, the work has not slowed down, quite the opposite! Many new improvements are coming to the game very soon!
The game is currently being prepared for its release (end of the year), so it's the perfect time to improve the user interface to be more intuitive and sci-fi at the same time!
What's coming to the game?
Redesigned HUD
Before
After
With the new simplified windows look, the game interface readability has improved. Semi-transparent windows with blur give it sci-fi vibes.
New Interactions
Interaction menus are now presenting data in very elegant form. It's way more clear which elements are important and interactive. Some widgets got simplified to not overwhelm the player with too much text.
Interface elements
Interface elements got their final touch, with stylized sci-fi graphics. The player hotbar was moved to the middle of the screen, so dragging items into slots is easier.
Many small elements, like tooltips, got its final shape. Again, not using too much text, but using graphics and diagrams.
When will the update be?
Update comes 31 May (Saturday)
Of course, if everything goes as planned. The game has a massive UI with thousands of elements and supports 12 languages. Currently, about 90% of the UI is remade, and it seems everything is coming nicely together.
Please share your feedback about the upcoming changes. Let me know if there are UX elements that can be further improved. https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w
Thanks guys so much for support! Tefel (Terad Games)
Astro Colony community request update + dev stream
Hey Astro Colonists! It's time to announce a Developer stream during the ongoing Threats & Defense major update! The game just received another update with improvements you asked about!
IMPROVEMENTS
splitter can now push into all directions if other directions are blocked
there is a new setting in the gameplay options menu that disables Cosmic Events
new passive tool (stabilizer) that makes movement precise. Passive tools are now switching from one to another
precise movement is active when using blueprint designer
it is now possible to dismiss the tutorial bot topic (end mission) that is known to the player
guidebook explains how to clear the hotbar + new improved localizations
UI mouse scrolling is now faster
FIXES
fixed issue that savegame made during possessing vehicle would clear blueprints and architecture themes
fixed nebulas visibility after traveling to the next universe
meteor storm no longer throw meteors at the last moment of existence
multiplayer player host no longer can have invalid camera offset after other player rejoins
multiplayer player host improvements for origin rebasing (should help if there are any teleporting problems)
fixed issue with UI visibility - blocking some mouse interactions, like multiplayer chat buttons
fixed issue with logic blocks (blockers) being unable to block conveyor belt flow
fixed issue with low framerate animation vignette when possessed
fixed nebulas loading issues for universes > 1, they are now visible after loading
Tonight, 20 CET I will be streaming live Astro Colony! It's a great opportunity to find out more about this unique colony building game, with endless exploration and automation possibilities where you can take planets with you!
Don't forget to try the new demo created for the Threats & Defense major update! Please wish me good luck and don't forget to come over to say hello!
Thank you very much for your constant support! Terad Games
THREATS & DEFENCE UPDATE
Hey Astro Colonists! The game just received the Major Update about threats & defense! Cosmic Events have been redesigned to appear from time to time, making it a great experience throughout the game!
Before the update, players could occasionally encounter objects as they traveled and discovered new parts of the endless universe. These objects were small enough to pose no threat.
In this update all of that changes. Events occur periodically. Traveling further increases the chance of them occurring.
COSMIC EVENT SEQUENCE
When the Cosmic Event starts, the player is hearing a warning message, and the music drastically changes. It can be easily located due to the marker visible on the screen. For the next minute, the player's attention shifts towards defending the station.
DEFENSE
A player who is not prepared can deal with it on their own, repairing, cleaning, or simply by waiting. However, it is much better to counteract the event in time. Defense systems come to the rescue:
SERVICE CONSOLE
An automated way to repair and clean the station. It is using service bots to eliminate the effects of cosmic events.
SHIELD
The shields provide ideal defense against meteor showers and comet impacts. It requires engineers to operate.
HARVESTER
Harvester automatically creates a sphere that attracts both solar wind and storm clouds. It absorbs them, providing electricity to charge batteries.
CANNON
Cannon is the ultimate defense versus comet strike. It's targeting and shooting it down with ease.
OTHER IMPROVEMENTS
A lot of other improvements have been added to the game. Many effects, textures, e.g. conveyor belt have been improved. Many 3D models have been changed, e.g. a battery showing the state of charge.
IMPROVED GUIDEBOOK AND TUTORIAL
A few new topics appear in the Guidebook. The tutorial has been thoroughly checked, and minor translation and keyboard shortcut issues have been fixed!
NEW BASIC SCIENCE
After listening to the community's suggestions, we came to the conclusion that the basic science point system needs to be changed, to avoid an excessive number of points. Now basic science points are obtained by manually harvesting resources from asteroids and planets. These points can be spent on technologies that are rather optional, just like decorations or gravity boots.
REALISTIC MOVEMENT SYSTEM
Comments about the movement system being unrealistic made me take action. Many parameters have been adjusted to reflect movement in space. The new system certainly gives a feeling of levitating. I would like to know if this change is a positive change and does not hinder development. For ease, I have added more precise controls to the GYROSCOPE itself!
Please share your feedback with me on Discord. It is what pushes the game to one or another direction! https://discord.com/invite/EFzAA3w
Thanks guys so much for support! Tefel (Terad Games)
Dev Broadcast + fixes + Daily Deal
Hello Colonists! It's time for a development broadcast!
There are some important changes and fixes, so please check the list below. Thank you for reporting all issues, so I could polish the state of the game.
List of improvements
Cable cars no longer "lose" connection when undocking and reloading the game
When the player is in the blueprint designer, vehicle designer, or map - oxygen barriers are still working
Transport drones can now pick resources directly from drills.
Fixed issue where the decider would not apply the state on/off on the machine after reloading
Fixed problem with no collisions when going to the map / blueprint designer
Fixed rare crash when removing cable car pole
Fixed crash related to use of logic deciders
Fixed rare dedicated server issue where docking state wouldn't be recovered
Please check the Steam broadcast. It was recorded today (26.01.2025), so there are many new things about the game discussed.
In preparation of a major content update "Threats & Defense", I just published another improvement and stability update. Below, you can check what actually changed in the game.
FARM PLANT SELECTION IS BACK
Farms and barns are now allowing to select what plants/creatures are used. This is a great way to restrict farms / barns to doing one thing and not accidentally harvesting another plant.
BALANCE AND UI CHANGES
The game received quite a few balance changes, new UI improvements, new order for slots, and more relevant recipes.
The technology tree has been adjusted, recipes require technologies, and the blueprint voxel designer only works after the appropriate technology has been discovered.
IMPROVEMENTS
Farm selection is back, locking farm to one selected resource
Extended tech tree is better organized
Tidied up recipes and balance changes
Construction screen with improved order
FIXES
Cable car system got refactored with many small fixes
Cable car pathfinding improved, always being up-to-date after player changes
Docking sequence is now interrupted if another docking action is performed
All icons are now hidden when possessing a device
Fixed blueprint pole connection
Fixed some hotkey preview for tools and interactions
Fixed a few cases of unlocked recipes by default and not by related technology
Pressing "E" is no longer closing the window when input field is selected
STREAM
I will be streaming and then re-streaming the game on Steam. Please check Discord for more info.
Thanks guys so much for your support! Tefel (Terad Games)
Astro Colony - Happy New Year!
HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎈 🎊 🥂 Colonists!
It was very busy end of the year adding improvements and fixes. To find out about all changes, please check the list below!
NEW FEATURES
Selecting new devices is now automaticly closing interactions
Pathfinding for cable cars is now improved
Each stargate requires proper technology to be researched first
FIXES
Fixed crash related to cable car pathfiding invalid state
Fixed crash related to player action changing
Fixed inventory sensor line to be visible again (white)
Selection box now can be controlled while moving station
Electronic panel shader movement fixed
Pasting decider is no longer attaching automaticly to already constructed devices (only blueprints)
Docking station after upgrade is no longer giving "free" power
Oxygen barrier collisions improved
Gas level visuals are now fixed
Some 3d models improved to better fit space
Adjusted emissive levels of some effects like comfort ring etc.
Remote fabricator antenna is now correct when possesed
Arriving astronauts shuttle is no longer visible in blueprint designer
Fixed head glitch related to reseting head animation (entering kitchen after no oxygen pose)
I would like to ask for your understanding and support. Making a complex automation game is not an easy task.
Please don't forget to join Our Discord community to let me know about your Astro Colony wishes ;)
Happy New Year everyone! Tefel (Terad Games)
Dev Broadcast Life of a Colonist
Hello Colonists!
The Major Update Life of a Colonist is here! I am presenting Major Update changes in the short re-stream. Thanks to the author of 990 for sharing the savegame!
Please don't forget to join Our Discord community to let me know about your Astro Colony wishes ;)
Thank you for your support! Tefel (Terad Games)
LIFE OF A COLONIST UPDATE
Hey Astro Colonists! The next Major Update Life of a Colonist is OUT! Please get the latest changes from STEAM.
New challenges await! Together with the already-existing needs, oxygen consumption and comfort are now in the game! Decorate your stations to create cozy space and increase satisfaction of your Astronauts!
OXYGEN
Providing oxygen to the astronauts is now mandatory to make them able to live on the colony. Without it, humans will simply lay down on the floor and notify need of assistance. But no worry! You can share your own oxygen or build the oxygen barrier to rescue them. Moreover, the barrier will now turn red if not enough oxygen tanks are provided.
COMFORT
As an additional need, it won't punish the player, but rather help to increase efficiency. When the level of comfort is high, all other needs are consumed slower. Now astronauts are checking if there are enough decorations placed nearby.
Improvements
As always, every update brings more improvements overall: 1. Hearing many complaints, I decided that the starting hotkey layout has to be reworked, making it more similar to other established games.
Q - construction menu
Tab - Inventory
H - hide hand / selection mode
2. UI elements got reworked with more round backgrounds and icons.
3. The interaction panel will appear hovering objects to let players know when unique interaction is possible.
DEMO 4.0
Together with the major update, a new DEMO version is released. It has all QOL improvements alongside with improved UI. If you don't own the FULL GAME yet, check this instead!
