We've updated the launcher to allow multiple versions of the game, currently the live version and a public test version for testing the latest updates before they go live - that also includes the Luminous planet type with mushrooms as seen in the screenshot above.
Why a public test version?
We put a lot of effort into testing the game before a new version is released. Having a public test version that is explicitly allowed to have significant flaws like a new planet type with missing textures or even game-breaking bugs will help us identify more bugs before they go live and hopefully gives us more time to develop the game. We hope that some of you like to see the new content earlier and in exchange report bugs, give feedback on new gameplay mechanics, etc.
For discussions and bug reports regarding the public test version, please use this forum (only visible for game owners).
Alpha 0.2.0.27
New in this version:
Gameplay
Improved movement:
Added sprinting with [Shift].
Smoother camera movement when walking upwards onto a block.
Tweaked some variables, e.g. fixed falling slowing you down when walking downhill and slightly increased gravity on smaller planets.
The map now shows biome names and height in the top right corner and indicates height of terrain with different color shades.
Graphics
Stars now look exactly 57.31% better.
Added icon for matter manipulator.
Technical
Bugfixes:
Improved loading time.
Fixed a bug that in rare cases caused chunks to not be displayed for several seconds after leaving the loading screen.
Fixed a bug with saving loot in unlooted NPC corpses.
Fixed profession window showing old numbers of items in inventory when inventory changed while the profession window was hidden.
Fixed server running on the same PC sometimes additionally appearing as a server on the local network.
Added support for adding new planet types while keeping the save files. The universe is split into sectors/chunks internally and now each of those sectors has a version, so already generated sectors won't change, while new sectors contain the new types of planets.
Added a new planet type with procedurally generated mushrooms that you cannot reach yet since it's work in progress.
Devlog #3: Demo coming soon!
Hi everyone! I'm currently working on a demo that includes all features of the game, with only one limitation: You can play each character only for a limited amount of time. This way, you can play the game, test if it works on your PC and see if you like it before purchasing. If you decide to purchase it, you will keep your savegame from the demo.
How will the demo differ from the full version?
It basically is the full version, with all features. The only restriction is the time limit per character. However, there may be more restrictions for the demo in the future to prevent cheating/spam on multiplayer servers.
When will the demo be available?
If everything goes according to plan, the demo will be available within less than a week from now. However, I need to include some technical features to support adding new planets without having to wipe your savegames - this may take some time.
Why a time limit per character?
I think a time limit is fair, I can't let you play the full game for free forever and it is too complicated and time-consuming to create a version with a limited amount of features.
I originally intended to add a time limit for the demo itself instead of per character, something between 3 and 7 days, but because of GDPR, you have the right to erasure, meaning I would have no way (at least none I know of) to save that your trial period has ended if you withdrew your consent, so you could basically delete your account and create a new one, which takes less than a minute, and play forever, for free, which is not the intention behind a demo/trial version.
If the saves files were stored on my servers, I could at least erase them in case you delete your account, rendering this method of getting an unlimited trial period useless. However, they are stored on your PC, so there is no way for me to delete them.
So, since this type of time limit was not possible, you get a time limit per character. This may be even better than what I originally intended.
Devlog #2: A new Dev and Mushrooms
Hi everyone!
Just a quick update on the development: First of all, we welcome a new designer on our team who creates textures, 3D models and animations. Also, I'm currently working on a new planet type, with mushroom biomes and things that glow in the dark, that I already mentioned in Devlog #1. I hope it will look as cool as I imagine it. The planet itself is almost finished, but it needs unique fauna (a lot of 3D models) and some quests.
I added procedurally generated mushrooms to that planet, so every mushroom is different. For that, I used Bézier surfaces to generate caps that are uniquely shaped, in combination with some linear algebra to tilt the caps and stems. A lot of math actually, so if you've ever wondered what you need all that stuff you learned in school (and university) for, it's mushrooms. Yay!
I think the new planet will be added as soon as there are enough NPCs and quests for it, I guess that will take about two weeks.
Devlog #1: Coming soon...
In this first Devlog, I'd like to talk about what are the short-term (1-2 months) plans for Cube Universe.
A new planet type: Luminous
I'd like to add a new planet based on a blue-ish color theme where things glow in the dark, with mushroom biomes and dark forests - and maybe red deserts as a contrast. Every mushroom will be procedurally generated and some will be inhabited, but the latter feature will not be available before procedural generation for things like dungeons is implemented, since I want those mushrooms to have randomly generated rooms and "hallways".
Other features and content
There should be more quests, e.g. a quest where you have to find some Mithril ore and get a recipe for some Mithril armor as a reward. I also would like to add some pirate-themed quests, like finding a treasure on the bottom of the ocean after talking to some people to find clues. Unfortunately, all of those ideas require some form of structures like houses etc., which are not yet implemented, so this will take some weeks.
Crafting, movement and character advancement/customization will be improved, with more recipes like armor and weapons, but also enhancements, e.g. for boots to increase your walking speed on sand and snow, and a hang glider, so you can glide over the world. You should also have a limited amount of stamina, so you can run faster or glide for a limited amount of time before you need a break to regenerate. Some potions will increase your stamina for a short period of time.
I hope this gives you an idea on what to expect in the next months. Feel free to discuss and give feedback on those ideas.
Alpha 0.2.0.25
New in this version:
You can now directly choose a savegame instead of creating a server. Currently, only one savegame (with multiple characters) is supported. The option to create multiple savegames will be available as soon as mods are supported, to allow you to create different savegames with different mods.
Server problems should be fixed now. In some rare cases, you may have to add the server IP if you want to play with friends on the local network.
Alpha 0.2.0.23
New in this version:
<*>Improved physics: You now slide on ice and are slower on sand and snow.
<*>Added walking sounds based on the ground type
<*>Fixed a bug that caused biome borders to differ on server and client
<*>Hopefully fixed a bug in the automatic server discovery on some systems (probably firewall/anti-virus related?)
<*>Fixed mouse wheel scrolling through action bar not working in some cases
Login via Steam now available!
The launcher has been updated to allow you to log in through Steam, removing the necessity to create an account. Now, you can simply choose a username and start playing!
You can also set an optional offline password that allows you to log in without Steam and without a network connection. In this offline mode, you will log in directly to the game servers (which will be automatically hosted by you or someone else on the local network as soon as you/they select a savegame) and therefore need to set said offline password.
Alpha 0.2.0.22
New in this version:
Crafting skill levels: You now need to practice before you can craft more advanced things.
