UPDATE: Mac OSX version was added to the beta branch this weekend.
Version 3.2.8 has been released to the beta branch. This version, release candidate (RC) 5, is still Windows 64-bit only.
On Thursday and Friday, we discovered some major issues with the game, which had to be fixed before we could officially release the Unity 5 update. These have now all been fixed, and we're currently targeting a Monday or Tuesday release.
If you have tested any of the previous beta versions, we'd really appreciate it if you could give this latest version a spin: please report any issues you find using the in-game report tool (CTRL+B).
Major changes:
Fixed major pathfinding issues in Friar's Keep and Marcuria, which could cause the player to get permanently stuck
Updated lighting in Storytme, Friar's Keep, Interlude II and Marcuria
Fixed NPC footsteps in Marcuria
Fixed camera clipping walls in Zoe's Apartment
Fixed a number of smaller graphical glitches
Fixed an issue with visual glitches when skipping certain cut-scenes
In addition, most choice-and-consequence notifications have now been replaced with a more subtle visual and aural notification. These can still be disabled in the game settings
Known issues:
NONE! (Fingers crossed.)
Thanks again for your continue assistance and patience, and we hope this one's a keeper!
Beta branch updated to version 3.2.6 (RC4)
UPDATE: We've found a nasty blocker in the latest beta version (and quite possibly earlier versions as well). This blocker can, amongst other things, cause Kian to get stuck escaping Friar's Keep just prior to the confrontation with Warden Murron. We've fixed the problem and will publish a new beta tomorrow; this does mean, however, that we'll need to do another round of testing before we can release the final version.
We're getting very, very close to officially releasing the Unity 5 version of Dreamfall Chapters. This update will bring performance improvements to everyone, along with significant changes to how the game looks (along with some gameplay tweaks, based on player feedback).
We've just released beta v3.2.6 to the beta branch. This is still Windows 64-bit only.
If you're not already playing the beta, this is probably not the time to start doing so. But if you are, and you're willing to help test the latest build, please do so. Remember to report any issues you encounter by pressing CTRL+B and entering a description of your issue. A screenshot is automatically attached to your bug report.
Here are the latest changes in this version:
Fixed broken reflection probes after using ALT-TAB in full-screen mode. (Please help us test this fix by running the game in full-screen and alt-tabbing back and forth between the game and your desktop. If things look broken or odd after switching back to the game, let us know!)
Updated lighting in Dr. Roman's Office
Updated lighting in Journeyman's Inn
Thanks again for all your help, and for submitting thousands (!) of bug reports the past couple of weeks.
ALMOST THERE!
Unity 5 beta v3.2.5 arrives!
We've just put another beta update into the oven; feel free to take it for a whirl while it's baking.
Previous caveats apply — and we're planning another update in the morning, since there are Known Issues, so this is NOT a release candidate. (Sorry.) (The next one will definitely be an RC.)
We're still targeting a final release of the Unity 5 upgraded version this week. BOUNDLESS OPTIMISM.
Anywho:
Patch notes
Xbox controllers should now work in all versions of Windows
Fixed buggy reflection probes
Fixed all (?) flickering shadows
Fixed additional character lighting bugs in Europolis
Fixed colliders in Marcuria
Fixed some popping animations where characters interacted with items
Fixed popping assets on Marcuria wall
That should cover most of it. Known issues include some new lighting fixes (damn lighting keeps breaking in Unity 5) and some other very minor bugs. Nothing to worry too much about, luckily.
Test away, testbots!
Unity 5 beta v3.2.4 (RC3) is live
The latest release candidate for the new Unity 5 version is now up on our beta branch. Please click the following link for instructions and caveats:
The main change in 3.2.4 is the update to Unity 5.2.2p4, which should fix the memory leaks in previous versions.
Changes include
Engine updated to Unity 5.2.2p4 with fix for memory leaks
Fixed various gameplay issues reported by testers
Fix for Xbox One controller
Various lighting fixes
Numerous collision fixes
Dialogue and lipsync fixes
Fixed floating NPCs in Marcuria
As usual, we're going to leave this release candidate on the beta branch until we're confident that it's stable and solid enough for a general release…or update it with fixes, if we discover any new issues.
If all goes well, we hope to have a final release of the Unity 5 version this week.
UPDATED! New release candidate! Unity 5 beta v3.2.3 now available
UPDATE: Bug reports have helped us eliminate most of the remaining issues with this release candidate. However, due to the memory leaks in Unity 5.2.1 and the broken lights in 5.2.2, we're currently waiting for a new Unity patch before building the next (and hopefully final) release candidate. We'll keep everyone updated on that.
If you're already running the beta, your game should update automatically. If you're not in the beta, think carefully before joining. Warnings & instructions here:
Made sure inactive collision meshes are hidden correctly on scene start. This should fix issues with seeing blue/green/pink walls and boxes found in the previous build
Fixed blurry camera in Journeyman's Inn
Fixed various collision issues
Fixed issue with cinematic camera clipping through the Bellmaster's mesh in Europolis
Other minor fixes
Known issues
Memory leak: we're waiting on Unity to fix their engine. Patch is expected shortly
Probably some visual glitches here and there, along with lighting issues in some scenes. We're working on it!
Occasional dodgy collision, with characters clipping into scenery. We're working on this one, too!
We should be getting close now. Thanks again for submitting bugs (CTRL+B) and for helping us with the engine port.
UPDATED! Unity 5 beta patched to release candidate (v3.2.2)
UPDATE #2: We've patched the beta with a fix for the bug report tool, and faulty collision that blocked progress for some players. We're sorry for the delay. Test away!
UPDATE: The in-game bug report tool is broken in this version. We have fixed it and we'll publish an update in a few hours. Many apologies for the inconvenience.
The beta branch has been updated with version 3.2.2. This is also our first release candidate for the Unity 5 64-bit Windows version.
With well over a thousand bugs submitted this past week, we really appreciate your assistance and collaboration. It's been instrumental in getting this far, and we hope some of you can continue testing for a couple of more days.
For those of you who haven't installed the beta yet, here are instructions and some warnings (in short; unless you know what you're doing, don't play the beta):
There are still some known issues in this build, including:
Memory leak related to shadows. This is unfortunately a Unity 5.2 engine bug that we are unable to resolve at this point. As soon as Unity submits a fix, we will update the version. Some players may experience memory leaks that makes the game use progressively more memory, possibly resulting in a crash, specifically in larger locations like Europolis and Marcuria. To resolve, try restarting the game or reduce shadow distance to '0'.
Bugs with lights/shadows in some locations. We are still working to improve lighting across all locations in the game. This task will be ongoing.
Bugs with effects and full-screen filters. Some visual effects and camera effects are still missing or reduced. The team will continue to make improvements over time.
Story flags may occasionally not be properly recognised by the game. We're working on an immediate fix for this.
Game controllers (such as Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers) may not function properly, due to changes in Unity 5. We are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.
Recent changes include:
General updates to lighting and shadows across multiple locations. Too numerous to list in detail!
General updates to effects and filters
General updates to collision across the game. Please let us know if you find any more collision issues!
Fixed cloth physics objects bugging out when unfocusing and then re-focusing the game window while having the in-game menu open
On the title screen, GUI elements and 3D assets are no longer being rendered in the background while playing videos
The story recap video can no longer be played multiple times on top of itself by spam-clicking the recap-button
While the bug report (CTRL+B) window is active/visible, forced the input-field to have focus. If this window still loses focus for some reason, click once outside it and then inside the input-field for it to regain focus
Multiple cameras were rendering light shafts in scenes when they didn't have to. These cameras have received a stern talking-to and will not be rendering light shafts anymore
General collision fix: characters' step offset limit changed from 0.2m to 0.1m. This means that it should be harder for characters to scale small objects on the ground
Pathfinding: reduced the chance for Bip to get stuck in the ramp just before arriving outside the National Front meeting
Pathfinding: an obscure bug could cause NPCs to walk through walls and objects. This should no longer be possible, unless said NPCs are ghosts or using some sort of advanced phasing technology
Fixed screen effects bugging out (white screen with black outlines of objects) after minimising and then maximising (ALT-TAB) the game window
Occlusion fixes in multiple locations
Fixed more shiny materials, including metallic cows
There should be fewer floating NPCs in the game
More performance improvements in certain locations, including Dr Roman's office
And, look, tons of other, smaller (but still important) bugs that have been reported by our beta players. Too many to list here! Thanks again for reporting them!
We expect there to be more than one release candidate, and please let us know if you encounter any new/serious/annoying bugs, but we're still hoping to release the Unity 5 Windows version (both 64-bit and 32-bit) shortly.
Fingers crossed!
UPDATED! Unity 5 beta patched to release candidate (v3.2.2)
UPDATE #2: We've patched the beta with a fix for the bug report tool, and faulty collision that blocked progress for some players. We're sorry for the delay. Test away!
UPDATE: The in-game bug report tool is broken in this version. We have fixed it and we'll publish an update in a few hours. Many apologies for the inconvenience.
The beta branch has been updated with version 3.2.2. This is also our first release candidate for the Unity 5 64-bit Windows version.
With well over a thousand bugs submitted this past week, we really appreciate your assistance and collaboration. It's been instrumental in getting this far, and we hope some of you can continue testing for a couple of more days.
For those of you who haven't installed the beta yet, here are instructions and some warnings (in short; unless you know what you're doing, don't play the beta):
There are still some known issues in this build, including:
Memory leak related to shadows. This is unfortunately a Unity 5.2 engine bug that we are unable to resolve at this point. As soon as Unity submits a fix, we will update the version. Some players may experience memory leaks that makes the game use progressively more memory, possibly resulting in a crash, specifically in larger locations like Europolis and Marcuria. To resolve, try restarting the game or reduce shadow distance to '0'.
Bugs with lights/shadows in some locations. We are still working to improve lighting across all locations in the game. This task will be ongoing.
Bugs with effects and full-screen filters. Some visual effects and camera effects are still missing or reduced. The team will continue to make improvements over time.
Story flags may occasionally not be properly recognised by the game. We're working on an immediate fix for this.
Game controllers (such as Xbox 360 and Xbox One controllers) may not function properly, due to changes in Unity 5. We are working to resolve this as quickly as possible.
Recent changes include:
General updates to lighting and shadows across multiple locations. Too numerous to list in detail!
General updates to effects and filters
General updates to collision across the game. Please let us know if you find any more collision issues!
Fixed cloth physics objects bugging out when unfocusing and then re-focusing the game window while having the in-game menu open
On the title screen, GUI elements and 3D assets are no longer being rendered in the background while playing videos
The story recap video can no longer be played multiple times on top of itself by spam-clicking the recap-button
While the bug report (CTRL+B) window is active/visible, forced the input-field to have focus. If this window still loses focus for some reason, click once outside it and then inside the input-field for it to regain focus
Multiple cameras were rendering light shafts in scenes when they didn't have to. These cameras have received a stern talking-to and will not be rendering light shafts anymore
General collision fix: characters' step offset limit changed from 0.2m to 0.1m. This means that it should be harder for characters to scale small objects on the ground
Pathfinding: reduced the chance for Bip to get stuck in the ramp just before arriving outside the National Front meeting
Pathfinding: an obscure bug could cause NPCs to walk through walls and objects. This should no longer be possible, unless said NPCs are ghosts or using some sort of advanced phasing technology
Fixed screen effects bugging out (white screen with black outlines of objects) after minimising and then maximising (ALT-TAB) the game window
Occlusion fixes in multiple locations
Fixed more shiny materials, including metallic cows
There should be fewer floating NPCs in the game
More performance improvements in certain locations, including Dr Roman's office
And, look, tons of other, smaller (but still important) bugs that have been reported by our beta players. Too many to list here! Thanks again for reporting them!
We expect there to be more than one release candidate, and please let us know if you encounter any new/serious/annoying bugs, but we're still hoping to release the Unity 5 Windows version (both 64-bit and 32-bit) shortly.
Fingers crossed!
Unity 5 beta patched, v3.2.1 is alive!
The Unity 5 beta has been updated TWICE today, and the latest version (3.2.1) (liftoff?) brings a host of changes to the beta. See below for a brief-ish list.
A huge THANK YOU to everyone who's contributed so far! We've received more than one thousand bug reports, and we've gone through 'em all. Luckily, there are many duplicates, or we'd be exhausted.
We're really excited to hear that performance has improved massively for the vast majority of testers: we've received many, many reports of frame-rates doubling, even tripling. This makes us very happy!
We'd love for you guys to continue testing for a few more days, especially to help us find collision bugs (of which there have been quite a few). Faulty collision can really ruin the experience for players, so we'd like to weed 'em out.
For those of you who haven't yet ventured into the beta, please read this post first:
Cinematic sync issues have been fixed. Audio/video should now be in perfect harmony again
Bloom and tone-mapping has been corrected for all (?) scenes in the game. This affects the lighting and general appearance of our beautifully scenic...scenery
All characters and creatures now feature updated Unity 5 shaders. There should no longer be shiny or metallic organic beings (unless they are tin men or Silver Surfers)
No more blurry characters/scenes (and no, you don't need glasses)
Directional lights in House of All Worlds have been fixed
Missing monitor has been brought back to the bio lab
All scenes have refreshed and rebaked lighting, making them much (hopefully) prettier
Some scenes have been further optimised
Something about physics and non-convex colliders. Yeah, I dunno
Ulvic's hair planes now match his hair! (Or the other way around)
We expect the final release of the Unity 5 version to arrive next week, after this beta has been baking a bit longer in the oven. Please let us know if you come across anything: press CTRL+B in-game in order to submit a report, or click 'Submit bug' from the pause menu.
Thanks!
Unity 5 beta now available! BUT PLAYER BEWARE!
We just uploaded the first Windows 64-bit Unity 5 beta version (3.2.0) to the beta branch. Read on for instructions about how to install this beta.
WARNING: This is a BETA version, and the 'b' in beta stands for BUGS! (As in, they will occur.)
So unless a) you're downloading the beta to actively test and submit bugs, or b) you've had performance issues in the past and want to check if this version improves things, we do NOT recommend playing the beta.
In addition, replaying earlier episodes will overwrite your 'story flags' (the choices you've made in the game). These flags can be easily changed back by loading a saved game (containing all your earlier decisions) but we still recommend backing up your flags and settings by making a security copy of this folder (copy and paste into explorer address bar to access folder):
Consider yourselves properly and officially warned.
Still with us? Great!
To install the beta, right click 'Dreamfall Chapters' in your Steam library, and select 'Properties'. Click the 'BETAS' tab, and select the latest beta (v3.2.0) from the dropdown menu. Close the properties window. The client should begin downloading. If it doesn't, try closing and restarting your Steam app.
Major changes:
The game engine has been upgraded from Unity 4.6 to 5.2. This is a MAJOR update with far-reaching consequences (!), including new lighting, shaders, effects and performance optimisations
In-game bug report tool: press CTRL+B to report a bug, or press ESC to pause the game and select the 'Report bug' option. A screenshot will be attached to your bug report, along with some game and system information
64-bit Windows version, with better memory handling (and probably fewer crashes)
New notification effect for important choices and consequences
Known issues:
This beta is Windows 64-bit only. If you’re using a 32-bit version of Windows or a Mac/Linux OS, you will not be able to download and play the beta (and you might want to consider upgrading to a 64-bit OS)
In multiple locations, the lighting has not been tweaked for the new lighting system, and things might appear too dark or too bright. Please report bugs with lighting, but be aware that we’re working on this
Some characters may appear shiny/metallic or too dark/bright. We’re working on the character lighting, shaders and materials
Flickering shadows in some locations. If you see flickering shadows, let us know: you can usually fix the problem by pausing and un-pausing the game
There are bugs with collision — e.g. Kian is able to get into the National Front rally by pushing past the barrel near the entrance. If you’re able to pass through scenery or get to places you’re not supposed to get to, please report it
We’ve had a few reports of broken pathfinding. If a non-player character gets stuck or vanishes completely, please let us know. You can usually fix this by reloading a previous save game
During cinematic cut-scenes, the audio and animations may be out of sync. We’re working on this, but please report any major issues with cut-scenes.
In general, the frame-rate should be improved from previous versions of the game. However, the performance in some locations may be slower than expected. Please let us know if you experience major performance issues
How to report bugs:
The best way to report a bug is to use the in-game bug report tool. Press CTRL+B to report a bug, or pause the game by pressing ESC and select the ‘Report bug’ option from the menu. This will open a text box where you can describe your issue. Please include any relevant details. After entering a description, click submit and the game will send us a bug report, together with an automatically attached screenshot. We also automatically attach the output log from the game, along with some system information (hardware/OS specs). This information will only be used to track down and fix bugs, and we delete the information afterwards
If you don’t want to automatically submit a bug, you can visit our beta forum by following this link, to post a bug report: http://redthreadgames.com/forum/forum/31-dfc-beta-feedback-reports/
Please report any bugs you encounter, including:
Pink stuff! Pink stuff usually means missing materials — and if you don’t know what that is, don’t worry! If you see large pink surfaces where there shouldn’t be large pink surfaces, let us know
Major drops in performance. If your frame-rate averages 30 frames or above in larger location, and suddenly drops to 20s or below in a smaller location, there's something wrong. Let us know!
Collision! If you are able to pass through walls, scale furniture, get outside or above the world — let us know!
Ugly/inappropriate lighting on characters and scenery: the lighting system is the single biggest change from Unity 4.6 to 5.2, and we need help catching all the bugs!
Thanks for helping us out with this major update, and we apologise again for the production delays this has caused. We expect the beta phase to run about a week before we finalise the release version, though this naturally depends on the number of bugs and our squashing of said bugs.
An update on the Unity 5 beta
The team just posted an update about the Unity 5 version on Kickstarter. Click below to read the full text:
The update also includes a list of the highest priority bugs we're working on. It's very technical, but possibly interesting, and we believe in full transparency.
tl;dr: things are progressing, there's a long list of issues, everyone's working hard to fix them, fingers crossed for a beta this week!
