Amongst the major performance improvements in the recent 1.1 patch, we’ve noted some emergent issues with the new Unity update (and potential crossover with Nvidia drivers and SteamVR itself), so we are going to shelve this latest update into our beta branch until we get more feedback.
If you're interested in trying it, please feel free to give it a shot and offer us feedback on the user forums.
Thanks as always for your incredible support and feedback!
To access the v1.1 Beta build
Right-click the game in your library, then go to properties. The game's properties dialog will pop up, now click over to the 'BETAS' tab. There is a dropdown box here that says 'v1.1beta'. Click on this and the beta will be queued for download. To revert back to the default branch, select 'NONE - Opt out of all beta programs'.
Call of the Starseed - Patch v1.1 Beta Notes
-----------------------------------
-General performance enhancements using Unity 5.4.0b17 ( native OpenVR )
-Rebaked lighting to fix some visual issues
-Better OC bake for tighter geo culling
-Fixed performance issues with realtime GI in credits
-Fixed broken level transitions that were loading asynchronously ( also should load faster )
-Fixed broken level transitions if tracking was lost or player escaped elevator bounds
-Added ability to use either controller for engaging blink system
-Optimized visible bounds that were being processed outside of frustum
-Removed redundant checks in blink system
-Fixed hands not being able to pick up items
-Fixed reset checkpoint not working in the Professor's elevator control room
-Reduced performance hitches from spammed error messages
-Fixed elevator events not firing in certain cases
-Added intensity fadeout on flares to fix popping
-Fixed blink destination cursor to fix popping
-Optimized some lights in beach
-Fixed blink mode settings not saving
-Fixed issues with other quality settings not reverting properly
-Introduced a minor lighting issue near the end of the Lab, this is out of our control until the next Unity update unfortunately.
-Added reset checkpoint in tent in case of tracking loss during sleep
-Added head stability check in output log ( NOTE: Upon saving a checkpoint and going into the next level, the screen will remain dark until you keep your HMD steady. This is so you'll be
aligned to the view we'd like you to first see )
-Prebaked collision meshes for faster loading
-Removed spamming error msgs after opening beacon case
-Optimized some interactions for stability
-Prevented some random popups from showing
-Professor should not be offset while throwing fuses in certain cases
-Improved door interactions that were difficult to open
V1.0.2 Update is Live!
Improved performance on the beach
Flattened out beach walking planes (where possible)
Reconfigured beach balcony to avoid unnecessary height variations
Rotational/Positional interactions refined
Fixed: Circuit board parts disappearing in backpack, blocking progress
Fixed: Held lantern detaches violently/disappears on blink
Fixed: Beacon cage door remains locked after completing Lab puzzle. We’ve had a lot of trouble reproducing this on our end, but we believe it is now fixed. Please let us know if you run into this again.
This patch contains a number of changes to the beach that attempt to reduce the height changes that are causing discomfort for some. Please note that it doesn’t flatten out all of the vertical variation in the game, because that would be impossible without completely redesigning the environments. We have taken the feedback to heart though, and will be working on an optional system for EP2 (which will likely also be rolled back into EP1) that would attempt to fix the issue on a deeper level.
Thanks to all our wonderful fans for the feedback since launch. We are listening and channeling it directly into making EP2 a better game in every way. We’re also planning on more regular patching now that this one is out the door, so if you’re still experiencing issues, rest assured that we’re working on them.
Thank you so much for your support. We’re thrilled to be on this crazy journey with all of you, and so stoked that you like this weird world we’re creating. Call of the Starseed took you down the rabbit hole. Heart of the Emberstone will show you just how deep it goes...
The Cloudhead Team
V1.0.1 Patch Released!
-Added check for GTX 970 GPUs to be forced to "Low Quality" initially ( can change in Graphics Options )
Please note that if you experience some intermittent popping even on "Low Quality" preset, temporarily try turning off Camera for Chaperone use in SteamVR dashboard settings
-Fixed flame prefabs not flickering properly
-Switched shadow resolution from medium to high
-Reduced GC Alloc from some constraint lerping
Inside Studio Look: This is Real!
Just wanted to thank HTC for visiting our small studio and chatting about the game. Thought you would want to take a look :)
https://youtu.be/zsLP_aOjUoo
UploadVR Gives The Gallery 9/10
Terrific review from UploadVR!
"One of the most immersive and polished VR experiences available for any platform."--UploadVR http://uploadvr.com/the-gallery-call-of-the-starseed-review-unravel-the-mystery/
Welcome to the Adventure!
It's been a wild, wonderful, exhilarating journey getting to this moment. VR is about to be unleashed upon the world and the Cloudhead team feels incredibly honoured to be a part of it. We want to thank all of you in advance for joining us at the birth of this important new medium, and the launch of our first title, The Gallery - Episode 1: Call of the Starseed.
We've poured our hearts and souls into this experience, and we hope it'll leave you with a lasting impression. One that not only shows the vast potential of VR, but also draws on favourite stories from the past. A familiar adventure experienced in an entirely new way... That's where we're aiming, and from the bottom of our hearts we thank you for coming along.
VR development is a labyrinth of glorious wonders and tricky new challenges, so we encourage you to join us on the forums and tell us what you think worked, what didn't, and what you'd like to see as we continue to tell the story of The Gallery in the years to come.
