https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UVZ2lE3xasI Hey everyone, today we've got another free content update for you! v1.3 features six new playable levels, a new speedrun timer, level editor improvements, and more! To celebrate, Distance and the soundtrack DLC are 50% off for one week starting at 10am PT! As usual look below for the full changelog and some fancy screenshots.
v1.3 Changelog (Build 6838):
General Improvements
6 new levels!
Luminescence (Sprint level)
Vibe (Sprint level)
White Lightning Returns (Sprint level)
Micro (Sprint level)
Sector 0 (Sprint level)
Electric (Challenge level)
New Main Menu level: Ambient
New music from The Quiggles: 2HOT2PANTS (used in White Lightning Returns)
Remastered versions of Nexus music (Resonance, Deterrance, and Terminus)
General Options: Added "Show Speedrun Timer" (for level set speedruns)
Starts upon playing the first level in a time-based mode (e.g. Adventure, Sprint, etc.)
Timer turns red (marked as an invalid run) if level is skipped or you return to the main menu early
General Options: Added "Enable Speedrun Output Log" (for synchronizing with external timer programs)
Exports events to speedrun_timer.txt in Distance install directory
For those curious about the PS4 port or the Nexus soundtrack update I also posted a little bit about both on refract.com. Let us know what you think of v1.3 below and we hope you enjoy!
- Jordan (with everyone at Refract)
Preservational Booster Sloth – The 'boost' you deserve
[EDIT 4/2] Happy April Fools! Everything has been reverted back to normal but the sloth cheat and main menu are still available in game.
Distance v1.24 Changelog (Build 6802):
General Improvements
Reverted Distance back to how it was before
The Preservational Booster Sloth is still available via Options > Cheats
Added the Sloth 98 menu to the Garage
--- ORIGINAL POST FROM 4/1 ---
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IXi3g7d8RHo
Distance v1.23 Changelog (Build 6801):
General Improvements
Added the Preservational Booster Sloth (Toggle in Options > Cheats)
Upgraded the main menu
Distance v1.2: The Other Side
Hey everyone! Today we're launching Distance v1.2: The Other Side! This update features the return of custom music, two new levels (Divide and Syncopation), an added shortcut to the Nexus track Terminus, several bug fixes, and a couple secrets. We also revamped our music visualizer tech so that Boombox mode looks better than ever. Check out the trailer for an overview!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiTAfwDqDKc
v1.2 Changelog (Build 6787):
General Improvements
New levels
Syncopation (Stunt, Reverse Tag, Main Menu)
Divide (Challenge)
Custom music is now available on Windows again!
Now supports MP3, WAV, and AIFF files
Improved how folders are scanned for music files
Updated Audio options menu
Added customizable hotkeys for Pause/Play, Previous, Next (i.e. F5, F6, F7)
New Audio options
Announcer: Toggle which announcer phrases you want to hear (Tricks, Death, Checkpoints, Mode)
Custom Music: Search Subdirectories
Simplified menu breadcrumb (orange dot) functionality
Dots now clear immediately after clicking a level set containing an "unseen" level (or car)
No longer saved between sessions
Improved music visualizer algorithm used for in-game visuals and Boombox mode
Updated Observatory music track
Enable Menu Animations in General settings now affects level select progress bar animations
"Boom Box" has been renamed to "Boombox" to match the traditional spelling
Optimized the advanced level select a bit
Improved font size for Trackmogrify input menu
Added overflow ellipsis to level select description
Improved server name text in Game Lobby
Improved default mode and level selection in the Game Lobby
Level Changes
Terminus: Added new secret shortcut
Compression: Fixed issue with angled holograms at start
Cataclysm: Small update to fix gaps
Level Editor
Added "ResetZone" which, if car is inside, resets all Animators and TurnLightOnNearCars within its bounds upon death
Added Decorations/TempleButton
Added Decorations/TempleButton_Empty
Added Decorations/TempleButton_Top
Bugs Fixed
Fixed fish not showing up in replays and made Stompers actually stomp in Observatory
Fixed various issues with level set progress bar numbers being incorrect
The car screen music visualizer no longer can get covered by the overheat warning
Fixed bug where going into the Audio options, leaving, then returning could result in a broken menu if you had "General > Enable Menu Animations" disabled
Fixed several bugs with Nexus tracks not being counted towards overall completion
Fixed bug where the author "Refract" was shown for Nexus levels
Fixed bug with holding Skip before the cutscene has fully loaded
Fixed several issues with the "new!" orange dots not working properly
Fixed bug where selecting your existing main menu level in the Garage would break the menu
Fixed bug where WaterAudioZone would play splash SFX when spawning underwater
Fixed bug with checkpoints and WaterAudioZone
Fixed bug with upper category tabs in Garage
Fixed issues where last selected level in menus wasn't being preserved between races
Fixed a few situations where it would say "Earn 0 medals to unlock this level"
Fixed bug where returning from Next Level in the Pause menu could close the host's server
Fixed bugs with Trick menu in pause menu
Fixed bug where EmpirePipeEntrance was missing its visual mesh
Fixed visual bug with speedometer and circle car screen visualizer
EDIT (3/18): Build 6789
Small fixes for Terminus shortcut
Fixes related to ~secrets~
Regarding custom music being Windows-exclusive: I'd love to see this come to macOS and Linux/SteamOS but my current API doesn't support it. Perhaps one day I can work around that but for the foreseeable future it will be only available on Windows.
DEV STREAM THIS SATURDAY 3PM PT
Tomorrow (Saturday) we'll be doing another special dev stream to play the new content in v1.2, plus finally playing the DAC levels we didn't play in our previous stream. Hope to see you there!
What: Distance v1.2 Dev Steam + DAC Part 2
When: Saturday Mar. 16th, 3pm PT
Where: http://twitch.tv/refractstudios
Also... something strange seems to be happening...
Systems have detected several crustacean energy signatures transmitting messages within Nitronic City’s walls.
While the intent of these entities have gone largely unknown, it has recently been determined that their outgoing messages stretch beyond the stars…
Signals end at RA 5h 34m 32s | Dec +22° 0′ 52″
The Crab Nebula.
- Jordan (with everyone at Refract)
Minor Update v1.11 (Build 6714), Workshop Highlight
Today we're releasing v1.11 which is a minor update to remove holiday features, improve a couple community levels, and fix some bugs. Right off the bat I'll mention that this does not include the custom music feature as I'm still working on it. I've made some progress but as I'm also juggling the PS4 build and Kickstarter wrap up it's been quite a hectic month.
v1.11 Changelog (Build 6714):
General Improvements
Reverted Christmas features
When starting Distance for the first time the Arcade, Multiplayer, Level Editor, etc. buttons are no longer greyed out
Added version number in main menu
Changed "Build" to "Version" in server browser
Extended server names length to 35 characters
Level Changes
Sea: Update from Dominique Grieshofer
44 Second Theory: Improved dropper drone lights and lens flares
Paradise Lost: Re-added glitch and audio effects when teleporting
Iris: Added level description
Level Editor
Added ability to add event string to CutsceneManager that triggers on level start (since the car's physics are disabled in cutscenes)
Added new object folders to Level Editor
Buildings/Nexus
Decorations/Nexus
Obstacles/Nexus
Roads/Nexus
Decorations/Foliage
Decorations/Halcyon
Bugs Fixed
Fixed issue where medal image shown in multiplayer might not match actual earned medal
Fixed issue where clicking Previous or Next Level in multiplayer could close the server
Fixed bug in Mobilization where sparks weren't showing
Fixed bug where certain levels were missing the Sprint advanced level select menu
Fixed bug in Collapse where the sky beam wouldn't fade out
Fixed bug where objects using FadeOut component might not fully fade out
JANUARY WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT
Once again I've updated the main menu to highlight some of the latest and greatest community levels released over the past few months!
Hey all! Today we've got a special holiday treat for you. As our contribution to Distance Advent Calendar (DAC) we're going all out and releasing Distance v1.1: The Nexus Update! This is one of our biggest content releases yet with 12 new levels featuring 6 new music tracks and a new mini-campaign.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FWk1qsLTmZU&index=2&list=PLIZN-V2cOpK-26mXwIN9CEhiejMSkRHzi&t=0s
To celebrate, Distance is 35% off for one week! Check out the changelog for more details and see below for some fancy screenshots.
v1.1 Changelog (Build 6669):
General Improvements
Added holiday features (Options > General > Christmas Features)
Reindeer car decorations, snow on car screen, winter-themed main menu
Added "Nexus" mini-campaign (Campaign > Nexus)
Includes five levels with all new music
Unlocked after completing Lost to Echoes
Added new levels to Sprint
Station
Iris
Observatory (featuring new music from The Quiggles)
Precept
Projection
Eclipse
Added unique new level to Challenge
Variant Blue
Minor updates to community level "Past"
Bugs Fixed
Fixed bug with incorrect position/rotation of Archive audio visualizer
Fixed bug where Encryptor was always unlocked
Fixed bug with not being able to reset in Eye of the Storm
Fixed bug where levels' unlock statuses weren't being updated on game launch
Fixed bug where CarScreenImageTrigger would use a random delay before showing on car screen
EDIT (12/15): Quick patch to address a few issues
Added VR options when launching Distance (including the ability to launch without VR even if a device is plugged in)
Fixed bug where replays were sometimes downloaded in the Nexus campaign
Fixed bugs related to skipping Nexus cutscenes
Fixed bug with being able to reset your car during Nexus cutscenes
EDIT (12/17): Another tiny patch
Updated medal times for Iris based on feedback
Added medal times for Resonance, and Deterrence
DEV STREAM THIS SATURDAY 2PM PST
The fifth annual Distance Advent Calendar (DAC) is about halfway through, and we've already seen some absolutely incredible creations so far. Check out our video on social media for a recap of the first week: Twitter / [url=https://facebook.com/refractstudios/videos/369603673597733 []Facebook.
This Saturday we'll be doing a special dev stream to play through the first two weeks of levels and (most likely) talk about the v1.1 update.
What: DAC + v1.1 Dev Steam
Where: http://twitch.tv/refractstudios
When: Saturday Dec. 15th, 2pm PST
Let us know what you think of v1.1 below and we hope to see you this weekend!
- Jordan (with everyone at Refract)
Distance Advent Calendar 2018
The fifth annual Distance Advent Calendar (DAC) has begun! DAC is a community-run event where each day in December leading up to the 25th level creators coordinate to release a new Workshop level!
In previous years DAC has resulted in some absolutely mind-blowing levels being released, so we can't wait to see what's coming. There also might be a very special DAC contribution from Refract this month, so definitely stay tuned.
KEEP UP WITH DISTANCE ADVENT CALENDAR
Follow DAC level releases by joining our official Distance Discord and checking out the #dac channel. Discuss each day's level with other players, and see early previews of upcoming levels. If you would like to join in by releasing a level yourself, get in touch with the organizers by messaging Skirmisher#0172 or Backgrounds'#7604.
You can also check out the DAC 2018 Special Event via our Workshop home page. We also hope to do at least one DAC live stream this month, so more information to come soon regarding that. Happy December everyone!
- Jordan (with everyone at Refract)
Cursed Halloween Update
Happy Halloween! For the next 24 hours we're releasing a special Halloween build of Distance! The Encryptor (skeleton vehicle) will be available to everyone during this time, and we've dialed its spookiness up to 11.
I've also re-added Boombox Mode and car visualizers on Windows OSes (restoring the previous functionality). Custom MP3 support and other OSes are still in the works. Check out the changelog below for the full details:
v1.02 Changelog (Build 6669):
General Improvements
Added various Halloween features!
The Manor has temporarily replaced the default main menu
Made the Encryptor even spookier
Encryptor is temporarily unlocked for all by default
Smashable pumpkins are back (disable in General options)
Added spooky laughter when landing tricks (disable in General options)
Spectrum car screen is infested with cobwebs (disable in General options)
Re-added Boombox Mode in General options
Made medal times on Approach more reasonable
Level Editor
Added Decorations/EmpireNozzle
Added Decorations/EmpirePuck
Added Decorations/EmpireTechDish
WORKSHOP HIGHLIGHT
Also be sure to check out these excellent scary/spooky/eerie Workshop levels today!
The Distance soundtrack is finally here! It features over 2.5 hours of original music from myself and The Quiggles, including extended tracks and a few bonus tracks, all remastered exclusively for this release!
If you already backed Distance at the soundtrack tier or higher you can access your soundtrack and art book via your Humble Bundle library. Otherwise you can pick up the full soundtrack below. All 54 tracks are available in both MP3 and FLAC formats!
If you have a favorite track on the OST I'd love to hear which one it is. Let me know on Twitter!
NEW DISTANCE PATCH (v1.01)
Today we're also releasing a small patch to address some issues in v1.0 as well as include The Manor as a main menu option and include some of the new music from the soundtrack. Yes, that includes Machine 17 and its fancy remix. Check out the changelog below!
v1.01 Changelog:
GENERAL IMPROVEMENTS
The Manor is now available as a Main Menu 👻👻👻
Added Machine 17 and Machine 17 (The Quiggles remix) to music list
Updated various music tracks to match the improved soundtrack versions
Updates to Entanglement, Research, Embers, Enemy, Forgotten Utopia, and It Was Supposed to be Perfect to fix minor issues
Updated default CameraShakeZone values
BUG FIXES
Fixed issues with several achievement descriptions
Fixed bug where unclicking Primary on a WarpAnchor would remove the option entirely
Fixed bug with FOV adjusting in the main menu
Removed version text from upper right in level editor
UP NEXT...
I was originally intending to release the OST alongside v1.0, but I clearly underestimated how long it would take to finish up extended tracks and clean up various issues in older tracks. Thanks for being patient while I recovered from the v1.0 launch and took time to wrap this up.
Now that we've all had some time to process the v1.0 launch we're hard at work on some cool new stuff for future updates. Stay tuned for more to come!
- Jordan (
Distance v1.0 is Here!
It's finally here. 12 team members, 6.5 years of development, 4,174 Kickstarter backers, many many Steam Early Access players, dozens of patches, 2,500 workshop levels, 12 conventions, and probably around 10,000 cups of coffee have resulted in Distance v1.0!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7dp5mwhcl8
Plenty of mixed emotions at Refract today as we say goodbye to Distance Beta and hello to v1.0. Something definitely feels strange about not seeing that beta watermark in the upper right corner.
Distance was our first project outside the safety net of academia and I think it's safe to say that for most of us at Refract it was an incredible (and intense) learning experience. While we did our best to stay true to what we outlined in our Kickstarter, this project has continually evolved due to our skills improving, our tastes expanding, and our players' continually fantastic feedback.
We have the most patient and supportive backers, and the coolest player community on Earth. Thank you for believing in us to create something new and interesting in the racing genre! Your continued energy, excitement, support, and thoughtful feedback have kept this project going strong.
Speaking of which, remember that community press release we mentioned? It's going out to reviewers and content creators today! Thank you to anyone who took time to contribute. Out of the hundreds of responses here are a few of the quotes we included in the release:
What Players Had to Say about the Distance Experience
“Distance is practically the only game to tell a mysterious story with a very deep plot through racing, adrenaline-filled survival racing that can actually induce emotions totally outside the genre.” -Mad Max
“No other game captures to feeling of high speed driving quite the way Distance does. Turning a game about driving into, essentially, a puzzle game is maddeningly brilliant” -Jacob Odom
“The atmosphere makes this game more than just about racing. Some of the environments can bring out a range of emotions from sadness to joyfulness.” -Deumfides
What Players Had to Say about Distance’s Gameplay
“Burnout-boosting down a glass and neon highway that flips upside down while you ceiling-ride past hell's own road works equipment through an impossible cyberpunk nightmare city to a pounding electronic soundtrack.” -Jonas Emmett
“It's a game where your car can jump onto walls after getting cut in half by a laser, but actually keep going. Like yeah find me another game that has that and I'll eat my jorts.” -Chris
“The racing game where the map itself is trying to kill you with saws and lasers.” -Aida
What Players Had to Say about Distance’s Community
“If the vision of the creators of Distance is the heart of this game, the community certainly is its blood.” -João Felipe Brandão Jatobá
“It's not just a game anymore, it's something personal. The community is genuine, and all very active. It's got this kind of vibrancy and life to it, that never quite goes away. It's been going on long before the game ever officially reached Alpha, with the creation of the gem Nitronic Rush. Even then people knew there was something going on. It's not just the sum of its' mechanics, but something more. This game is alive.” -Nicholas
“The game is packed with kinetic excitement that makes it an exhilarating game to watch or play, with hours of replayability due to one of the most in-depth mapmakers I've ever seen and oodles of fan-made racetracks at your fingertips.” -Lukas P-Stylianides
We are looking to v1.1 and beyond, but for now I think we're going to take a bit of a break. For those awaiting the soundtrack, today will be a long day of rolling things out (i.e the Steam builds, DRM-free builds, art book, soundtrack, etc). It's mostly down to me getting that stuff finalized so please be patient while I work through it all.
Also, on a personal note I have to mention that Boombox Mode and custom MP3 support are indeed temporarily unavailable in v1.0. This is due to a tech limitation when upgrading our audio backend before launch. I do plan to re-integrate these features as soon as I can, so thanks for your patience while I figure it out.
Anyways, thanks again to our Kickstarter backers and Early Access players for being a crucial part of this development. Also thanks to my amazing teammates for inspiring me daily and pushing me to be my best. We all can't wait to see what you think of v1.0!
- Jordan (
Clearing Leaderboards for v1.0
Hey all,
Just a super quick heads up that we're planning to wipe our Steam leaderboards in conjunction with the v1.0 release. This is done to clear out any unachievable times, remove broken times due to bugs or other issues, and make way for our newly optimized replay files which are considerably smaller in v1.0.
Your old local replays will still work, we just figured that it would be nice to start fresh with the v1.0 release. If you happen to have a favorite replay uploaded to Steam, today's your last chance to capture it via video.
Anyways, that's all. See you tomorrow for the v1.0 release!
