We put together a player feedback questionnaire one week after the release of the GOO2 Beta back in August 2021. This data helped shape the goals for the GOO2 beta in parallel to our own internal ones as we approach the Official Release. We appreciate all the great information and feedback you helped by passing our way.
NOTE: This data is from September 2021. NOTE: Many improvements have been made since this data was gathered.
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QUESTION 1
Roughly how many hours have you played of GOO2?
RESULT = Majority played more than 5 hours.
QUESTION 2
Did you notice any change on the GRAPHICS compared to GOO1?
RESULT = Majority noticed an improvement in GRAPHICS.
QUESTION 3
What would you rate the GRAPHICS for GOO2?
RATING: 7.4
QUESTION 4
Did you notice any change on the PERFORMANCE compared to GOO1?
RESULT = Majority noticed an improvement in PERFORMANCE.
QUESTION 5
What would you rate the PERFORMANCE of GOO2?
RATING: 8.6
QUESTION 6
Did you notice any change on the LOAD/BOOT times compared to GOO1?
RESULT = Majority noticed an improvement in LOAD/BOOT TIMES.
QUESTION 7
What would you rate the LOAD/BOOT times for GOO2
RATING: 9.1
QUESTION 8
How is the new multiplayer netcode for GOO2?
RESULT = Majority prefer and enjoy the new MULTIPLAYER NETCODE.
QUESTION 9
What is your favorite view mode in GOO2?
RESULT =
= FPS
= Third-Person
= Top-Down
QUESTION 10
Which GUARDIAN did you play as the most?
RESULT =
= Warrior (Push)
= Assault (Jetpack)
QUESTION 11
What would you rate the GAMEPLAY in GOO2?
RATING: 6.7
QUESTION 12
What are your MOST favorite parts of the GOO2 beta?
QUESTION 13
What are your LEAST favorite parts of the GOO2 beta?
QUESTION 14
How does GOO2 compare to GOO1?
RESULT = Majority prefer GOO2 over GOO1.
QUESTION 15
Fix the flying ragdolls OR its a feature?
RESULT = Majority prefer the silly physics.
QUESTION 16
What would you prefer us to focus on for the GOO2 beta?
RESULT =
= Polish & Bug Fixes
= Co-op Modes
QUESTION 17
What would you give as an OVERALL rating for the GOO2 beta?
Thank you to everyone who has played Guardians of Orion (Phase 2) and we look forward to the official release!
GOO2 | Patch 2.0.73 (Offline Mode 2.0)
We have just published a major update for the GOO2 Beta to fix some of the last core focus areas and remaining issues.
[ v2.0.73 ] • ADDED: Offline 2.0 Mode. • ADDED: Offline Progression & Save Data. • ADDED: Default Armor Visuals for each offline Hero. • ADDED: Server Browser 2.0 (New Data Tables). • ADDED: Backwards compatibility for previously unlocked Accolades. • FIXED: Weekly Modifier carrying over to subsequent games. • FIXED: Accolades not being granted. • FIXED: Manual revive not working properly. • ADJUSTED: Accolades reward logic. • ADJUSTED: Accolades UI descriptor color. • ADJUSTED: Optimized Inventory operations. • ADJUSTED: Game Multiplayer menu now used for Lobby. • ADJUSTED: HUD for offline local co-op. • INSPECTED: Credit Pack purchases @ Ion Shop.
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OFFLINE MODE 2.0
PROGRESSION & SAVE DATA
We are introducing the revamped OFFLINE MODE in the upcoming v2.0.73 update. This update will make the Offline experience better than ever before.
1.) PROGRESSION Hero Levels and Stats carry over from match to match.
2.) VISUALS Armor visuals are now specific to each Hero instead of Universal.
3.) DATA Inventory Gear and Skills are persistent from game to game.
4.) MULTIPLE PLAYERS Local Offline Multiplayer has an updated User Interface.
OFFLINE PROFILES
You can make a variety of offline user accounts each with their own nine hero slots. Each of these slots will have progression so the more you play the higher their levels, skills and inventory equipment will become. Skills and equipped gear will save and carry over from game to game.
ALL 9 HEROES
AVAILABLE IN OFFLINE MODE
Offline is a great way to experience the gameplay of each of the nine Heroes and see which one is YOUR favorite!
We still have a couple of more patches planned for the beta period ahead of the official release of Guardians of Orion 2. If you have any issues please reach out directly via Discord, Twitter, Support Email.
1. Follow us on Social Media: https://twitter.com/dankiedev https://www.instagram.com/dankiedev/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0x37PHZNhWZnpEMz3aohQ
2. Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/cY5XHC3
GOO2 | Offline Mode 2.0 (Preview)
OFFLINE MODE 2.0
PROGRESSION & SAVE DATA
We are introducing the revamped OFFLINE MODE in the upcoming v2.0.73 update. This update will make the Offline experience better than ever before.
1.) PROGRESSION Hero Levels and Stats carry over from match to match.
2.) VISUALS Armor visuals are now specific to each Hero instead of Universal.
3.) DATA Inventory Gear and Skills are persistent from game to game.
4.) MULTIPLE PLAYERS Local Offline Multiplayer has an updated User Interface.
OFFLINE PROFILES
You can make a variety of offline user accounts each with their own nine hero slots. Each of these slots will have progression so the more you play the higher their levels, skills and inventory equipment will become. Skills and equipped gear will save and carry over from game to game.
ALL 9 HEROES
AVAILABLE IN OFFLINE MODE
Offline is a great way to experience the gameplay of each of the nine Heroes and see which one is YOUR favorite!
1. Follow us on Social Media: https://twitter.com/dankiedev https://www.instagram.com/dankiedev/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0x37PHZNhWZnpEMz3aohQ
2. Join the Discord: https://discord.gg/cY5XHC3
GOO2 | New Multiplayer Model
We wanted to give a behind-the-scenes look regarding some elements around the development that made Guardians of Orion (Phase 2) a reality:
PRE-PRODUCTION
(2017)
The first and foremost aspect we had to complete was the concept of what we wanted to do with GOO2. This changed a few times, originally starting as just a small quality-of-life patch to fix a dozen or so aspects. This later finalized and we eventually settled on a sizable and formidable product revamp, focused on core quality changes: • New Multiplayer Architecture • Better Graphics • Better VFX & SFX • Boots Faster • Loads Faster • Reduced File/Install size • Improved Gameplay Sandbox
REPAIRS
(2018-2020)
Part of the initial hurdle was all of the core changes -- but the biggest obstacle was restoring the multiplayer functionality across things like development changes, legacy servers, engine changes, plugin changes and various others. This process was all the years leading up to now.
REACHING THE REMEDY
(SPRING 2021)
This monumental hurdle was fixed shortly before you all were invited to start playing the alphas/betas in Spring 2021 (April/May).
THE NEW SETBACK
(SPRING 2021)
During the last playtest (#003) in early May 2021 we received an update about a bug that I believe we mentioned during one of the earlier tests where we almost had to cancel or postpone test #1 or #2 relating to a 3rd party server issue.
Long story short: The server architecture was creating duplicates beyond our control and as a result this was doubling the costs. We reached out to the partner that handles this service and had them begin looking into it. They ended up finding a fix but it only lasted temporarily.
LEGACY ARCHITECTURE Most importantly and during that time they had mentioned that because it was a bug using a legacy (deprecated) server type that they may not submit a fix for this which means that the cost bug was to be expected to survive indefinitely.
CONVERSION OPTIONS Our only option at this point was to spend the time/resources to convert to either their new (non-legacy) 2.0 dedicated server model or to spend the time and resources doing an entirely different model -- player hosted:
PLAYER HOSTED SERVERS
("REWRITE")
(SUMMER 2021-)
In the end we decided to move forward with [player hosted] because of a few reasons:
#1 - PLAYER-FIRST FOCUS There was no guarantee that a similar problem wouldn't happen with 2.0 as legacy over time and this ultimately leaves it in our (developer) and your (player) control.
#2 - LONGEVITY You can play as long as you want over time, just like Prelude.
#3 - STABILITY You can host your own games, won't matter where you are in relation to the old goo1 servers.
#4 - DEVELOPMENT The actual workflow and development process is improved because we no longer have to compile multiple builds, upload a server build, deploy a server build and then connect with separate game builds to test out changes and features (which if anything was wrong, make said change and repeat that process) which could easily add hours per any server-related task.
TOO LONG; DIDN'T READ
(TL;DR)
Initially we had to do a full REPAIR which reached completion in early 2021 when the first Alpha Test was released and players got to experience the game for the first time. Right after this an external 3rd party issue had forced basically a full REWRITE.
It has been quite the undertaking as this has affected EVERY aspect of the game (player accounts, login, quests, inventory, stats, gear, scaling, characters, loadouts, skills, purchases) and basically everything/anything. We are finally at a point where everything is systematically in tact and as of the latest release (2.0.72) everything is appearing stable and fully playable.
THANK YOU!
We appreciate your feedback and help during this BETA process. The best way to continue supporting Guardians of Orion (Phase 2) is:
1. Follow us on Social Media: https://twitter.com/dankiedev https://www.instagram.com/dankiedev/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCN0x37PHZNhWZnpEMz3aohQ
It's been one month since we released the public beta for Guardians of Orion (Phase 2) and we wanted to provide a recap of all that was accomplished during this period.
PRIORITIZATION We use a prioritization development model so all critical and important changes are tackled first. This is why you may have some known issues not approached for a bit while the more core changes are completed. If you have any issues or reports please feel free to reach out.
TOP 5 CHANGES REQUESTED The good news is that we accomplished the most demanded changes which consisted of: 1. Open Mic 2. Crits as Clients 3. Loot crates as clients 4. Daily Challenges/Rewards 5. SFX-related issues.
7 PATCHES, 1 MONTH In total we've released seven patches during this month to continually patch and polish internal and received issues. We still have more patches planned and look forward to seeing your feedback.
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GOO2 BETA CHANGELOG:
[ v2.0.66 ] 8/25/2021 • ADJUSTED: Removed Substance assets due to engine issues. • FIXED: Tropics map has nav issue. • FIXED: Active gear visual issue. • FIXED: NPC Quest Replication • FIXED: Segment editions being granted multiple times causing ID issues.
[ v2.0.67 ] 8/27/2021 • ADDED: Pet replication for Client. • FIXED: Issue with Inventory/Item Pickup • FIXED: Enemies dropping wrong loot levels for Clients. • FIXED: Chat breaking TopDown mode. • ADJUSTED: Connection timeout variable.
[ v2.0.68 ] 8/31/2021 • ADJUSTED: Skybox on Whiteout region. • FIXED: Skills resetting on some player accounts. • FIXED: Vulkan region crashes. • FIXED: "Jittery" sprint on clients. • FIXED: "Jittery' aim on clients.
[ v2.0.70 ] 9/12/2021 • FIXED: Crafting as Client. • FIXED: Issue with manual loot pickups. • FIXED: ION being set to zero (@new). • FIXED: Issues with Inventory. • FIXED: Issues with Breakdown. • FIXED: Issues with Crafting. • ADJUSTED: Grant items logic. • ADJUSTED: Custom Item Data logic. • ADJUSTED: Consume items operations. • ADJUSTED: Breakdown logic. • ADJUSTED: Disconnect message/delay.
[ v2.0.71 ] 9/19/2021 • FIXED: Critical Hit Chance for Clients. • FIXED: Critical Hit Multiplier for Clients. • FIXED: Damage Reduction for Clients. • FIXED: Blunt Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Piercing Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Explosive Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Elemental Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Poison Damage Reduction for Clients. • FIXED: XP Per Kill for Clients. • FIXED: Fire Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Lightning Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Ice Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Poison Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Corrosive Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Gold Find for Clients. • FIXED: Magic Find for Clients. • FIXED: Large Dino Boost for Clients. • FIXED: Robot Boost for Clients. • FIXED: Blink Speed for Clients.
[ v2.0.72 ] 9/24/2021 • FIXED: Daily Challenges as Client. • FIXED: Quest completion as Client. • FIXED: Weapons not able to damage Orb/TRex in TopDown. • FIXED: Turret not able to damage Orb/TRex. • FIXED: SFX issues with Vulkan map. • FIXED: SFX issues with Relic map. • FIXED: SFX issues with Tropics map. • FIXED: SFX issues with Hades map. • FIXED: SFX issues with Grumps enemy. • FIXED: SFX issues with Jeckyl enemy. • FIXED: SFX issues with Kruger enemy. • FIXED: SFX issues with Namor enemy. • FIXED: SFX issues with Allosaurus dinosaur. • FIXED: SFX issues with TRex dinosaur. • FIXED: SFX issues with Stegosaurus dinosaur. • FIXED: SFX issues with Triceratops dinosaur. • FIXED: SFX issues with Dilophosaurus dinosaur. • FIXED: SFX issues with NPC Chatter ambience. • FIXED: Microphone on by default. • FIXED: Cannot pick up some loot.
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HOW TO SUPPORT GOO2:
Please consider writing a review for your impressions of GOO2.
If you've already written a review for GOO1, please consider adding an UPDATED part for more up-to-date impressions.
If you have any issues or questions please reach out directly.
[#01] WHAT IS GOO2? A free update for owners of GOO1.
[#02] WHY IS GOO2? We wanted to make changes and provide a better game.
[#03] WHERE IS GOO2? Possibly on your hard drive.
[#04] WHEN IS GOO2? Right now.
[#05] HOW IS GOO2? We are a big fan of the game personally and hope you are too.
[#06] WHAT IS THE FOCUS OF GOO2? • New Multiplayer Architecture • Better Graphics • Better VFX & SFX • Boots Faster • Loads Faster • Reduced File/Install size • Improved Gameplay Sandbox
[#07] WHAT ABOUT MY GOO1 CHARACTERS, SKILLS, INVENTORY? They will transfer seamlessly into GOO2.
[#08] WHAT ABOUT MY GOO1 PURCHASES? These carry over into GOO2.
[#09] WHAT ABOUT MY ION/CREDITS? These transfer over into GOO2.
[#10] WHAT IS THE RELEASE DATE? The first release was on August 25, 2021.
[#11] HOW WILL IT BE RELEASED? As an Open Beta to signal we have other internal changes we want to make.
[#12] WHEN WILL YOU TALK MORE ABOUT GOO2? Right now.
[#13] WILL THIS BE A SEPARATE APP ON STEAM? No, GOO1 will evolve automagically into GOO2.
[#14] WHY ARE YOU RELEASING THIS AS AN UPDATE GOO1? It is the easiest way for GOO1 owners to receive for free.
[#15] WILL THERE BE FUTURE PATCHES? Yes, we have some patches planned beyond the initial release for known issues.
[#16] WILL THERE BE FUTURE UPDATES? If there is demand we can supply.
[#17] WHAT IS ON THE ROADMAP? We have an open issues channel on the Discord.
[#18] ANY WORD ON OPEN GALAXY, VEHICLES, CELESTIALS, ETC? These were part of crowdfunding goals that were unsuccessful and so they were not secured nor confirmed.
[#19] WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR GOO2? We're focused on polishing and patching.
[#20] CAN I SUBMIT IDEAS? Always, please use Discord, DM or Email for now.
[#21] CAN I SUBMIT FEEDBACK/BUGS? Yes, please use Discord, DM or Email.
We have just published another update for the GOO2 beta to fix some known issues. Thanks to all players who helped report or discover these issues:
[ v2.0.71 ] • FIXED: Critical Hit Chance for Clients. • FIXED: Critical Hit Multiplier for Clients. • FIXED: Damage Reduction for Clients. • FIXED: Blunt Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Piercing Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Explosive Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Elemental Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Poison Damage Reduction for Clients. • FIXED: XP Per Kill for Clients. • FIXED: Fire Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Lightning Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Ice Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Poison Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Corrosive Damage for Clients. • FIXED: Gold Find for Clients. • FIXED: Magic Find for Clients. • FIXED: Large Dino Boost for Clients. • FIXED: Robot Boost for Clients. • FIXED: Blink Speed for Clients.
If you have any issues please reach out directly via Discord, Twitter, Support Email. Thank you!
We wanted to provide a look at some behind-the-scenes development on the recent "MOONSTONE" video. How it was designed, how it came together and comparing the initial vision to the final result. All of this begins with the Storyboarding Process:
STORYBOARDING PROCESS: For these types of videos, there are a few underlying principles:
Sketch & Composition
Color Theory
Any requirements/notes (objects in scene)
For "Moonstone" we had six main shots we wanted to ensure and between these six shots were basically design "lerps" which carried the video from one to the other. We've included these quick storyboards below alongside their final render equivalent:
