It's been a challenging couple of months, but I wanted to update you all on the progress for the new release.
Characters
While I'm not a 3D character artist, I've been working hard on cleaning up the character models. There's still a lot to do on the skeletal rig and animations, but I'm making progress. I'm also planning to add more variety to the characters. At the moment, there are over 10 hair and beard options for both male and female characters, as well as some different face options.
Weapons
I've added over 50 new weapon parts, including pommels and guards, and I'm still working on more unique hilts. Daggers now recognize guards, which will contribute to the final quality total based on the blade and hilt combination.
Crystals
You can now transform crystals into different elemental types using a new method, making things simpler, more stable, and consistent on the programming side. This also allows for the addition of new crystal types like Time and Space Crystals. It should make things simpler for you as well, however, it does require you to travel more.
Exploration
The new map will feature many more Points of Interest. While I won't reveal too much for the explorers, visiting these places isn't necessary but will offer rewards and Easter eggs, including crystals and rare mining nodes.
Mining and Smelter
Speaking of mining nodes, I've added three new types so far, with the smelter set up to recognize 13 new materials, including alloys. Each material will increase quality, and some alloys may require combining with other alloys or crystals. The system is future-proof, allowing for easy addition of more materials and alloys.
Building
Finally, I've added more building parts and sales displays. For now, wood will be the only building material at release, but I plan to add stone and other materials in the future.
I'll try to be more consistent with updates, but it depends on my personal life and finances. Currently, the game engine is causing issues, and some files got corrupted, setting me back a few months. However, development hasn't stopped.
Thank you for your patience and support.
November Development Update
Hi Blacksmith's,
I hope you're all doing well! My updates might be fashionably late, but think of it as me building anticipation. I'm just making sure it's extra awesome for you. Thanks for your patience – it's like unwrapping a present that took a little longer to get here.
Here's a run down on the new additions I've been working on.
Weather system
Navigate through various weather states and master the art of managing your heat and cold levels. But beware – linger too long in harsh conditions, and your character might just meet an untimely demise if left unchecked. And it's not just your survival on the line – your business is at stake too! Keep your shop cozy and warm to keep those customers smiling. A toasty shop not only ensures happy patrons but also boosts your sales potential. So, gear up for a weather-driven adventure and turn your shop into the hottest (or coolest) spot in town.
Clean Shop
It's not just about the weather – the cleanliness of your shop matters too! Keep those brooms and mops ready because a clean shop isn't just good for hygiene; it's a sales booster too. Your customers will appreciate the sparkling surfaces, and a tidy store might just be the secret ingredient to skyrocketing your sales. So, polish those countertops and get ready for a spotless success.
Inventory and storage
You can stash your loot either in your trusty backpack for quick access or tuck away your goods safely in storage for later.
Reputation
Mastering the art of negotiation isn't just good for your in-game wallet – it's a reputation booster too! Your success in negotiations will leave a lasting impact on your persona, elevating your status in the world. Make sure you know your friends well, since they can also negotiate and affect your status.
Exploration
Kaldessia is where you start your adventures. Here, low-quality ore deposits await your mining prowess, and hidden secrets beg to be uncovered. Where rolling hills and towering mountains paint the backdrop for your adventures! In this region, the weather is as diverse as the terrain itself. Expect moderate temperatures with a touch of excitement – thunderstorms might rumble across the horizon, but on average, the sun graces the land with its warm embrace.
So, whether you're scaling the heights of the mountains or exploring the lush valleys between rolling hills, Kaldessia offers a perfect balance of beauty and challenge.. It's the perfect training ground to hone your skills and gear up for the challenges that lie ahead.
But for those seeking greater treasures and even more mysteries, set sail for the distant land of Northelm. Up north, you'll find superior ores and a plethora of secrets waiting to be unraveled. Just be prepared for a lengthy boat ride – plan your trip wisely, and brace yourself for the epic discoveries that await in the frozen landscapes of Northelm.
Bombs
These explosive wonders aren't just for show – use them to clear out large obstacles during mining, make way through dense wilderness, or even deal with the pesky local wildlife that crosses your path.
But the excitement doesn't stop there – bombs extend their purpose into combat and exploring caves and dungeons with your friends or alone.
Unfortunately, I have no further updates on combat. I want to reassure you that my vision for combat is to keep it simple, enjoyable, and seamlessly integrated into the overall blacksmithing experience. My primary focus remains on the art of blacksmithing, crafting, and exploration. Combat is designed to be a supplementary element, adding excitement to your journey without overshadowing the joy of forging and discovering the game world.
Your feedback is invaluable, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on the kind of combat system you'd like to see – if any. Your input will play a crucial role in shaping the balance between blacksmithing and combat, ensuring that both aspects enhance your gaming experience in harmony.
Thank you so much.
Development Update
Hi Blacksmith's,
I hope everyone is being safe and taking care of themselves. I am here to bring some new tad bits of news about the development of the game. Before that, I wanted to clarify that this rework will be an update to the current game. This is a free update. The old one will still be available for those that prefer that version.
Today, I don't have as much news compared to the last Development Update. I've been spending a lot of time trying to clean and optimize the multiplayer code, which leaves me with less time adding new stuff. However, I do have a few new additions to share.
During the development phase, I spent a significant amount of time brainstorming various ideas for implementing a complex armor smithing creation system. The concept was intriguing, offering an intricate and immersive experience for all of you. However, after careful consideration, I've decided to take a different approach.
In the end, I realized that simplicity could often be the key to an enjoyable gaming experience. By opting for a more straightforward armor smithing system, I can ensure that it remains accessible and enjoyable for both new and seasoned players.
Clothing and armor is an essential element that can breathe life and personality into characters, making the game world feel more vibrant and immersive. During the development process, I realized the potential of this simple yet impactful feature and decided to invest time and effort into it.
Now, as you interact with the various customers and NPCs throughout the game, you'll notice a delightful array of clothing options. Each character will have their own unique style and attire, reflecting their background, culture, and role in the world. From intricately designed armor sets to elegant and colorful robes, the clothing details will help you connect with the characters and your customers on a deeper level.
Not only will this addition enhance the visual appeal, but it will also allow for a more engaging narrative experience. The clothes characters wear can tell stories of their own, hinting at their professions, achievements, or even their personal struggles. You might find yourself discovering secrets and gaining insights into the lives of the people you encounter, all through the artistry of their attire. In turn, this can help you decide on how much to charge for your wares as each customer that enters your shop, will carry a limited number of coins in their pockets.
That's all for the moment. On the next Development Update, I'll talk about exploration, combat and a release date.
Development Update
Hey Blacksmith's,
I hope this announcement finds you well in your blacksmithing adventurer's. I am thrilled to share with you gameplay development footage for the next big update. Remember these are just early shots and are subject to changes.
The crafting process is being refined to be more intuitive and simpler while still adding a layer of complexity to those that want to dive deeper.
A more immersive experience when ordering supplies.
Making mining fun.
Finally be able to create grips, guards and pummels and combine them for even more customizability then before.
Add your wares to displays and adjust their prices.
Customers will only purchase goods from displays...
..but you can have multiple customers visiting your store and buying your wares.
Employ the strategy of negotiating with your customers in order to establish a mutually beneficial agreement.
That is all for the moment.
Despite my tireless efforts day and night, I am unable to provide a release date for this game at the moment. Nevertheless, thank you for being a part of the My Little Blacksmith Shop community. Your support and enthusiasm inspire's me to continually try to improve and deliver an extraordinary experience.
Development Update
Hey Blacksmith's,
I wanted to reach out and provide an update on the status of My Little Blacksmith Shop. As you may know, the current version of the game has many many bugs and issues that made it challenging to play. It has been a challenge for me, to fix the bugs, optimize everything, all while trying to deliver new content. The issue is compounded when new code is written on top of old code and might I add, not well written. Trying to rewrite the old code at this point in time makes no sense.
As a result, I've made the difficult decision to stop working on the old version of the game and began focusing my attention on creating a completely new version with multiplayer being the core focus.
I understand that this news may be disappointing to some of you, especially those who have invested a lot of time and effort into the original game. I want you to know that I appreciate your support and feedback throughout this process. It has been incredibly valuable, and I will continue to keep your feedback in mind as I develop the new version.
However, I am happy to report that I have made significant progress on the new version of My Little Blacksmith Shop. I have already done some internal testing, and things are looking promising. The game is running smoothly, and the multiplayer functionality is working better than expected.
In addition to adding multiplayer functionality, the game is being rebuilt, from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. Which means the game should work better, utilizing powerful new features like Nanite and Lumen.
I have made significant changes to how the game is played by adding new features and mechanics to enhance the gameplay experience. Most of the current features will be added to the new game and I also been hard at work creating new character models and animations for the game and I believe that these changes will make the game more enjoyable and engaging than before.
Although there is still much work to be done before the game is ready for release, I am excited about the direction that it is taking. My hope is that these changes will create a more polished and enjoyable experience for all of you.
This new version will not come at additional cost and will be slowly rolled into beta access while allowing you to still have access to the old version. I don't have an ETA unfortunately but progress has been moving pretty quickly.
Thank you for your support and patience as I continue to work on the new version of My Little Blacksmith Shop. I will keep you updated on the progress of the game, and I hope that you are as excited as I am to play it.
Cheers,
Dasius
Dev Update
Hey Blacksmith's,
October - November has been rough.
All of my development time has been spent trying to fix a major crash that has been popping up on my end. This came, unfortunately, right after I managed to fix several issues that have been plaguing the Steam experimental build.
So, for the time being, not sure if I'll be able to get another build out this month, unless I can find the source of the issue soon. Once I do, i'll push out the update ASAP.
Thank you for your patience.
Patch 0.1.2.054
Hey Blacksmith's,
New update for the beta branch with mostly fixes.
This update is only on the Beta branch. If you would like to play on this version,
Right-Click on "My Little Blacksmith Shop" in your Steam Library.
Select Properties.
Click on the Betas Tab.
Click the drop-down menu and choose "alphatest". This will download the new update.
Click close.
Hope you all enjoy.
Patch Notes
Fixes
Fix an issue with crates not having their proper wood colors.
Fix an issue with weapon racks not having their items in place when loading back into the game.
Fixed an issue with items not staying inside crates when closed.
Fixed an issue with items in crates disappearing when loading back into game. This doesn’t fix already missing items unfortunately.
Fix an issue with foliage settings not saving properly.
Fix an issue with ingots disappearing from shelves on re-load.
Fix for audio not playing night sounds.
Fix for tree log health not updating when struck.
Fix for Geoffrey’s shop only having one type of guard in stock.
Fix for shields disassembling downwards if the shield is facing downwards.
Fix an issue where shield parts disassembled would turn to stone.
Fix for when rotating items while being held.
Fix for the Furnace not being able to destroy shields.
A fix to planters and seeds.
Changes/Additions
Updated Backpack UI.
Customers will request lower tier materials less frequently.
Customers will no longer ask for alloys if you do not have a adv. smelter.
Optimization pass on Weapon racks.
Increased wall torch brightness.
Changes to a hidden quest.
Known Issues
PhysX crashes.
Memory leak crashes.
Patch 0.1.2.053
Hey Blacksmith's,
New update for the beta branch with more fixes, changes and additions. I apologize for the content draught. I will be mostly focusing on fixing bugs and adjusting current features so that the game feels and plays better.
This update is only on the Beta branch. If you would like to play on this version,
Right-Click on "My Little Blacksmith Shop" in your Steam Library.
Select Properties.
Click on the Betas Tab.
Click the drop-down menu and choose "alphatest". This will download the new update.
Click close.
Hope you all enjoy.
Patch Notes
Fixes
Fix issue with coins disappearing. Missing coins should also re-appear.
Fix issue with job crates disappearing when entering portals.
Cooled Ingots will no longer show a placement blueprint on the anvil. Only ingots that are heated. - Should help new players know when to place ingots on Anvil.
Fix issue where Shields were not toggling between “Drop to connect” and “hold E to connect”.
Fix issues where job board requests were not specifying whether a pickaxe was a one hand or two hand request.
Fix issue with the picture frame in sandbox mode not being moveable.
Fixed movement keybinding not taking effect when changed.
Fixed audio volume being changed when the menu is opened.
Fixed some typo's.
Fixed for modular shelves. They should also connect better.
Removed screenshot option from the bug submission form, which was possibly causing crashes for some players.
Fix to the job crate being stuck on the wagon after unlocking it.
Fixed potential issues with adding leather and metal parts to the armor workbench.
Removed blueprint visualization on armor workbench when holding a completed armor part.
Temp fix to Adventurer not going to the last two dungeons.
Changes/Additions
Shields and weapons will animate its disassembly.
Unlocked all crafting recipes in sandbox mode.
Auto-deposit coins will also deposit all customer received coins you haven’t collected.
Adventurer customers come at the lowest tier reputation to mix things up.
Unlocked all Metallurgy skills in Sandbox Mode.
Added help prompt for opening chests.
Added hidden clues for a puzzle.
Building highlights are only visible when your axe is equipped or when in building mode.
Shields can now be disassembled on the workbench.
Re-added some treasure chests not requiring crystals to unlock.
Re-arranged music to play certain tracks in certain areas.
Added visual fx to guide new players when creating weapons, shields and armor. Can be disabled in settings.
Adjusted Adventurer’s chance to bring home loot.
Re-added grass. It should now work with the Foliage settings.
Known Issues
PhysX crashes.
Memory leak crashes.
Patch 0.1.2.052
Hey Blacksmith's
Some more fixes on the beta branch.
Patch Notes
Second attempt at fixing the issue where shop items were not being deleted from NPC shops, causing them to be loaded in along with new stock spawned items.
Fix for some items loading back into a save game after being used/deleted.
Fix for language settings not saving.
Fix for error switching between equipped 2 hand hammers and lanterns.
Added schematics books and food items to delete list for the furnace.
Patch 0.1.2.051
Hey Blacksmith's
Just a small update to fix an issue with old items in shops not being removed, when the shop restocks.
This update is only on the Beta branch. If you would like to play on this version,
Right-Clicking on "My Little Blacksmith Shop" in your Steam Library. Select Properties. Click on the Betas Tab. Click the drop-down menu and choose "alphatest". This will download the new update. Click close.
