MATERIAL UI

• Several iIterative functional improvements; visual still work in progress.
  

MATERIAL GAMEPLAY

• all working as designed but not as intended. value of gold breaks the game both in cost and mass. need to tweak the value.
  
• Material is now rendered "more" correctly. the masked data is now absolute; previously was wrong as there was red, reddish, kinda red, etc. now just absolute red; i.e: RGB(255,0,0)
  
• The system is also now extensible to support other material selection.
  

ENGINE SIMULATION

• Various improvements, testings, etc
  

OTHERS

• The usual bug fixes, refactorings, etc
  
• Started development on 3d UI for mecha
  
• Continuation development on better mecha visual presentation
  

Next update: 17th April 2020

• Manual entry for drag coefficient
  
• Automatic entry for forward cross-section area
  
• Automatic calculation for drag factor
  
• Implemented new paradigms in the final mass calculation. it is now dynamic depending on the mesh model and applied material(s)
  
• Manual fixes for vertex data colors

Updates:

MECHA FORWARD WALK ANIMATION

• Visualized speed is no longer being capped. Technically there is an extra animation data in the animation blend space -> requires more dev time for each locomotion component
  
• Still being tweaked on to find the sweet spot. The 2 main determining factors are stride length and frequency. In the image above, note the right animation seems slower than the center image due to lower frequency, albeit with a longer stride.
  
• All other locomotions need to be updated after finding the animation sweet spot
  

CORRECTED TERMINOLOGY

• "Human" -> "Plantigrade"
  
• "Chicken" & "Doublejoint" -> "Digitigrade"
  
• Short description:
  
  
  • Plantigrade-> walking while touching the ground with heels (i.e: Human, great apes, bears, etc)
    
  • Digitigrade-> walk on toes (i.e: cat, dog, hyena, bird)
    
  • Plantigrade generally has better stability and weight-bearing capacity, but is slower compared to digitigrade
    
  • Digitigrade can usually move more quickly and quietly but is relatively unstable.
    
  • These characteristics are some of the new factors included in the simulation (WIP)
    
  
  
• Technically there are other locomotion types; i.e: Unguligrade and Semi-Digitigrade. To reduce development complexity, those are not included in the game
  
• In the current game version; there are only digitigrades (for bipedal). Plantigrade was in the game at some point and was removed. It will be readded.
  

ICONS

STEAM GUIDE

STATS CONSTRAINTS

• Maximum speed is limited primarily by a function of power and drag. Given enough track, time and other edge case prerequisites (Power>static friction, flat track, etc), 2 mechas differing only in weight will eventually reach the same top speed
  
• The chosen power unit is Kilowatt. Drag is determined by the sum of all component's surface area and drag coefficient
  
• Attachments; which are items attachable to components; do not contribute to drag factor unless otherwise noted
  
• Maximum achievable top speed is further influenced by locomotion type
  
• Currently working in custom acceleration logic; as the current implementation of leg movement only supports static/linear acceleration. This is where the power-to-weight ratio factors in.
  
• Extracting from the current model, the fastest supported speed in the game will be = 5000 cm/s = 180 km/h = 111.85 miles/h. This value is used in the creation of the new walk animation. Most of the mecha top speed will be much lower than that,
  
• If using the car analogy, a mecha is basically a very big truck (with leg). Some top speed data samples for comparison: Human(6-12kmph), average horse (48.2kmph|30mph), Usain Bolt (44,72kmph| 22,78mph), M1 Abrams (40-72 kmph), Semi Trailer (113 kmph)
  
• Calculations are deterministic, so we can also calculate the performance of a competitor's mecha behind the scene without running the treadmill
  
• In summary: rough top speed calculation is implemented, currently working in custom acceleration, when finished; continue working on fuel consumption calculation
  

OTHERS

• Minor engine update to unreal engine 4.24.3
  
• Various other minor improvements/ refactorings/ testings
  

Next update: 20th March 2020

Updates:

• Implemented drag resistance factor. Each component has its own drag coefficient Cd (derived from its cross-section shape and surface area) which influences top speed.
  
• Mecha runtime performance is now simulated, still need input/data for baseline mecha performance and its performance constraints -> expect more detailed info in next update
  

• Overhaul to the underlying system; fixed numerous bugs and increase overall stability.
  

• Major technical improvements; fixed numerous bugs.
  

Next update: 6th March 2020

Updates:

• Implemented automatic correction for wheel locomotion; wheeled mecha can now correctly sustains its speed on a treadmill
  
• Improved wheel movement by leveraging sub stepping. Wheel movement is now correctly independent from frame rate
  
• Improved locomotion data structure. no more unused redundant data between wheel and leg -type locomotion
  
• Implemented top speed detector, new mech movement interface and UI (performance info, start-stop button, camera control, etc)
  
• Implemented dynamic collision box on a treadmill to detect if a mecha has left/fallen out
  
• Improved treadmill model; from using 250cm plank to 10m plank; previously 5 planks, now only need 2, this reduces the transition gap error and has better performance
  
• Various other improvements (CDO for chassis and info widget ecosystem, Fixed Treadmill inheritance for easier default property management, new dedicated FTreadmillData, test asset for 3d widget implementation in screen space, plank material, etc )
  

• Upgraded several technical-implementation from alpha version to the final version
  
• Implemented global custom SlateStyle, several fixes, module registration, several new icons
  
• Fixed regression bug: mecha summary not updating when randomizing a mecha
  

• Updated Unreal Engine to 4.24.2
  
• Updated Save Version to v.44
  
• Implemented a macro library for unit conversion
  
• Fixed long-hidden bugs which will lead to incorrect market data
  
• Major refactor in FMechPerformanceData
  
• Added dedicated test level for Treadmill Camera, Treadmill widget, custom GameMode, etc
  

Next Update: 21st February 2020

Updates:

• Fixed unable to remove an installed component in mecha configuration UI
  
• Fixed unable to reenter platform after exiting using master toggle TAB-key and not F-key
  
• Fixed missing mecha on the default platform camera view. If a player has previously controlled the platform mecha and moving away from the platform; its position will now be reset upon entering the platform.
  
• Fixed randomly uncontrollable mecha with wheel movement. Was caused by intersecting collision data if any of the arms penetrated any of the wheel.
  
• Improved [player-mecha interaction collision box]. Its dimension is now dynamic depending on the final mecha dimension. The visual was also changed from an arrow into a "carpet". The visual cue is now clearer; where to approach mecha in order to control it
  
• Numerous other fixes (load crash, unresponsive controls, game session data, etc).
  

• Implemented several preparations works for UI finalization in 0.6 (C++ templates, Slate integration, Skeleton codes, etc)
  
• Improvements in loading screen logic, Setting Measurement System widget, New Game Configuration, Factory, ResearchDetailPanel, Competitor thumbnail overview, etc
  

• Improvements in runtime mecha thumbnail generation (custom lighting setup, orientation, check macro, dependency removal, lighting channel, scene reflection capture, etc). Still WIP; there are still several pending improvements
  

• Changed internal PhysX drive implementation from PVehicleNoDrive to PVehicleDriveNW; still work in progress with wheel-treadmill interaction
  

• Added runtime thumbnail generation test framework with extended functionality in hope to reduce development time.
  
• Extended support to simulated accelerated time frame test. This is for testing behavior that spans multiple in-game-years
  

• Addition of initial dynamic mecha presentation logic; WIP
  
• Corrected main lighting tint; from previously noon reddish to midday white
  
• Various refactoring (data management, modules clean up, class variables scopes, deprecated references, git index fixes, etc)
  
• Updated save version to v.43
  

Next Update: 7th February 2020

Updates:

• Fixed crash when attachment was randomized for the second time
  
• Fixed proto part panel not updating correctly when using [randomize components button]
  
• Fixed initialization sequence of default mecha's leg and body sometimes not updating correctly
  
• Fixed inclusion of invalid weight class and country data map inside mecha production setting data
  
• Fixed crash caused by a specific sequence of runtime mecha thumbnail creation; triggered when producing a mecha
  
• Fixed a very specific crash; triggered when clicking [platform unlock button] while mouse cursor was moving at the time left mouse button was pressed down
  
• Fixed a random crash when the game has been running for several minutes -> triggered by an incorrect implementation of a competitor retiring it's oldest prototype
  

• This is the internal development test context (unit test, integration test, etc), not to be confused with the test mechanic inside the game (Treadmill, etc). i.e: The tests made to test the test framework etc, which test the in-game test platforms (i.e: Treadmill) among other things
  
• Functional Test: Extended test cases and improved implementation in mecha, mech component, attachment, materials, DataTables, etc
  
• Spec Test: Extended test cases and implemented more test features; i.e: now support asynchronous, latent and complex testing
  
• Test Helper: MechsTestHelper.h, test templates, enum helpers, test suites presets selections, automated testing of attachment point generator, new custom empty test level, new actor class StandaloneComponent, etc
  
• With this update, almost all applicable test framework in UE4 has been implemented in the project. The last one "Automation Driver" which simulates player input is currently WIP.
  
• A secondary (weaker) development machine has been partially integrated into the dedicated testing workflow. This will free up resources in main dev pc -> less downtime
  

• Updated Unreal Engine to v.4.24.1
  
• Updated save version to v.42
  

Next Update: 10th January 2020

Updates:

• Implemented autonomous forward movement and internal speed regulator that will match mecha's speed
  
• Improved collision detection, treadmill mecha spawn location calculator, motion structure ->form is now flat instead of an oval and open-loop for better performance
  
• Added treadmill chassis mesh
  
• Fixed incorrect treadmill world forward direction
  
• Extended spawn test mode to support default and MoveForward behavior
  

• Numerous refactorings (Cachings, Initializations, SocketNames, etc)
  
• Deprecated several outdated temporary class variables/functions i.e: bSimulatedMecha, bOverrideLocomotion, ApplyDebugAIWheelHandbrake, SetupAsAI, SimulatePlanarMovementInput, etc
  
• Fixed CustomInitialLocomotionKey implementation, invisible editor placement mecha, mecha wheel control regression, NaN invalid transform, wheel not turning, etc
  

• Created additional simplified AI ecosystem for treadmill behavior
  
• Improvements to treadmill mecha behavior tree; will now not stopping after failure to reach the goal; will keep moving indefinitely until stopped from command, simulating real scenario when tested on a treadmill. Also removed idle-delay in Behavior Tree
  
• Added c++ class for AIControllerMechaTreadmill and subclassing mecha with AMechaTreadmill
  

• Implemented several initial test environment setups for new performance test mechanic (treadmill-mecha-AI interactions)
  
• Created several locomotion-specific-type mecha archetypes to streamline test workflow
  
• Implemented dynamic all-locomotion spawning tests with dynamic navigation
  
• Implemented several c++ functional tests and dedicated test templates for faster future locomotion test additions
  

• Implemented new data structures for mecha performance (FMechRuntimePerformance, FMechPerformanceData)
  
• Improved const getter implementations, Refactored several gameplay structure's types; mostly from int32 to more "efficient" types i.e uint16, unint32
  
• Sale History per tick now of type uint16 which means the max value is 65.535
  
• Added FProductionSetting FinalizeProductionMetrics function to sync up the WeightClassMap, CountryMap and ProductionCost values
  
• Fixed crash when accessing data inside ComponentMap in PerformanceData
  

• Refactored Time; changed master time data type from int32 to uint32; improved encapsulation and include dependencies, etc
  

• Initial integration implementation of custom slate UI in preparation for future UI finalization
  
• Implemented dedicated test GameMode for faster Slate Testing
  
• Minor improvement in ProductionPanelW
  
• Implemented new RuntimePerformance widget and slate as the main panel for all related performance info
  

• Updated to Unreal Engine version 4.24
  
• Updated save version to v.41
  
• Implemented #pragma region for improved source code readability
  
• Various other general improvements i.e: corrected several scoping/encapsulation, module migration, etc
  
• Fixed incorrect upgraded platform back wall placement
  

Next update: 27th December 2019

Updates:

• Improved internal data structure managements; serialization is now more atomic; more robust to future changes
  
• Improved user interface logic (SaveLoadPanel, SaveSlot, ResourcePopup)
  
• Improved save data validity query, now only accessing required header data
  
• Implemented save serialization, log category profiling, and saveable-interfaces
  
• Updated to v.40

• Added data validation check in testing workflow
  
• Added several internal dedicated editor maps for various use case tests
  
• Implemented several random data generations to aid in internal testing
  
• Implemented main game objects decoupling; internal testing can now test all main game objects separately
  
• Implemented extensive assertions on each initialization step

• Improved Market initialization and logic
  
• Fixed bug cartesian chart sometimes not showing the graph
  
• Fixed several minor UI visual issues
  
• Fixed wrong const pointer implementation in market data

• Fixed crashing during mecha reset
  
• Fixed several errors during randomization
  
• Fixed loading not correctly updating material

• Improved music manager i.e: data validation, nativization, etc
  
• Fixed music not playing in the main menu, incorrectly looping, control behavior, etc

• Improved initialization, notifications, default properties mobility settings, references, data types, etc
  
• Fixed crash when loading a save game with active sales
  
• Fixed reduction of initial prototype cost upon loading a saved game

• Improvements to worker manager (XP calculation, daily contributions, tick rate, data access, etc) and worker character (c++ nativization, uniform and accessories setups, etc )
  
• Fixed crashing when hiring a new worker
  
• Fixed initial engineer not spawning in shipping build
  
• Fixed stale dangling delegate member of SpawnVolume causing a crash when transitioning back into main menu level

• Fixed attachment data not correctly setting its runtime attachment component
  
• Fixed incorrect relative transform upon load

• Added dedicated delegates manager
  
• Added several new delegates; i.e: OnLoadedMainMenu, OnLoadedLevelFullGame, OnValidMarketEventManager, OnChangedNonCreditResource, etc
  
• Improved delegates implementation; now using the most lightweight version (Dynamic multicast to event) ; i.e: in OnExecuteAccidentChange, OnFinishMarketTick, OnMarketProtoChanged, OnNewEventIntroduced, BeginLoadingScreen, EndLoadingScreen, etc.

• Fixed upload pipeline technical issue
  
• Changed steam build configuration from development to shipping
  
• Formalized project management tracking
  
• Started initial integration of DevOps CI/CD
  
• Added doxygen, source monitor, cppclean, cpu profiling integration

Next update: 13th December 2019

Updates:

• Fixed DirectX issue
  
• Fixed several non-critical backlogs: physics constraints warnings, outdated redirectors, etc

• Improved core logic; creation of dedicated UI module, migrated bulk logic to custom HUD
  
• Cleaned up several widgets (assembler, notification systems, main widget, escape menu, etc )
  
• Further ecosystem cleanups: initialization, references, dependency, scoping, etc
  
• Improved tooltips creation for MarketWorldEventDetails, PartSelection, MechSummary and SaveSlots
  
• Deprecated outdated widget manager
  
• Improved caching of MechConfig/MechControl widget
  
• Fixed regression EA_Disclaimer show tutorial button not working
  
• Fixed control/config UI hint and visual cue still showing when in general UI mode
  
• Implemented new custom mouse cursor; now context-sensitive to 6 cursor state; each with a new icon
  
• Refactored configuration context panel logic and delegates call. fixed initial button selection and interaction sync between the traditional button click and interactive component click
  
• Improved attachment removal UI [WIP]

• Implemented new camera manager class with CameraBlendTransition upon ControlStateChange
  
• Improved main avatar control logic transfer, fixed edge case unable to possess the main avatar
  
• Improved MechPlayerInteractSensor by also listening to global control change
  
• Fixed camera in the wrong position when entering config mode after previously in control mode with wheel locomotion
  
• Fixed sometimes unable to enter general UI mode when in mechInteractSensor proximity

Next update: 8th November 2019