Wordabeasts
Patch Notes - 1.2.0a
This update should fix some inconsistencies with music and narration volume across the game.
As usual, drop us a line if you see or hear anything else wonky out there!
(Except the screeching noises from the vehicle engines - those are normal)
Update 1.2 - Jungle Streamin'
Welcome Back, Verbal Adventurers!
We're splashing back in with our biggest update yet.
This update should make remote-streaming Wordabeasts easier than ever! We've introduced features to assist in coordinating remote sessions, keeping streams family-friendly, and ensuring the games are fun for all involved. And if streaming isn't your thing, we've also added over 100 new words to freshen things up a bit!
Let's quickly dive into a few of these changes and see how they can help you keep your streams running as smooth as Eric's silky narration (Okay fine, even smoother )
New Options
We'll start out on the new gameplay options menu, complete with a variety of fancy gadgets.
Most of these settings are pretty self-explanatory, but let's dig deeper just to see how they can help you run a perfect stream.
Room Code Hiding
Room code hiding is our most requested addition, and now it's just a click away.
Pro tip: combine this with the new copy feature (or press "C" while on the menu) to send the code directly to your clipboard, and then on to your chosen audience members without ever having to reveal it on your video stream.
Moderation
Moderator Mode is another feature we're personally very excited for.
Enabling this option will generate a 4 character room code (displayed on this menu). By joining wab.run with that room code, you'll be shown the Moderation view page, and get the opportunity to censor each player's clue submissions as they come in.
Censoring can be done/undone as much as you need to waffle on the decision, up until the point of that clue being shown in the next round - so make sure you're quick on the ball as the submission period is wrapping up.
Twitch Integration
Twitch integration should help keep your participants accountable. All Wordabeasts participants can log into Twitch for any game by clicking the twitch icon in the bottom left of wab.run; Clicking it again will toggle the setting on and off as you decide to play in different games.
All players can still pick their display name for the safari, but hovering over their reticules on the menu will reveal their true identities. (You can also always see both names on the moderation page)
This setting on the game options menu will make Twitch a mandatory connection for any joining players.
If Twitch is required for your rooms, you can also enter any particular troublemakers onto the Block List and prevent them from joining the current expedition. (Although banned accounts typically become an escalating arms race, so we recommend amicably working through your differences before hitting this point)
Audience Features
And to wrap up this highlight reel, we've expanded our camp with a state-of-the-art communications tent, ready for everyone to join in the fun.
When enabled, anyone can join a full or mid-hunt safari via the current room code to become an active audience hunter. Audience members don't affect player scores, but they do compete against each other to take home honorable spots on the credits page. See your name up in lights! (And your guesses on embarrassingly incorrect words)
Other Misc Changes
The Extended Timers option adds roughly 15 seconds to each of the guessing rounds. This update also adds the clue word on participants' phone UI, but this extra time can still come in handy for a stream with just a bit too much latency for the normal time limits.
Enable "Host Starts Game" to control the game flow from your computer - no more of this "first person in the safari gets to call the shots" trash. Just press Enter to launch your expedition
New Words, Monsters, and More!
We've added new critters, new menus, new easter eggs, and most importantly - over 100 new words!
So take up your various wacky weaponry once again, and take to the jungles in search of the most dangerous game! (words)
Full Change List:
- Audience Mode - Audience members get to vote on clues, and compete amongst each other (final winner only declared when 2+ audience members are present)
- Hidden Room Codes - Click to hide/show the Safari code, then distribute it to the players you choose.
- Moderation - Moderate answers as they're submitted, censoring anything breaking the rules or in poor taste
- Twitch Integration - Any players can now log in with their associated Twitch account to join the hunt. As the host, you can require players to use Twitch logins
- Block List - ban any particular twitch usernames from joining (when Twitch accounts are required)
- Extended Hunt Timers- Countdown timers can now be lengthened, allowing plenty of time to overcome that stream lag
- Start Game From Host - Keyboard/mouse input starts and chooses game replays
- Duplicate word prevention - Prevents clue word from showing up in guessable words
- Copy Room Code to clipboard button (and hotkey "C")
- Copy Mod Room Code with hotkey "M"
- Show clue word on wab.run screen (users can still play even if walking out of the room briefly, or stream is lagging)
- Support for Ultrawide displays (Functional - not pretty)
- Improved audio/visual settings and support
- Room code params - use the URL param "room" if you want to autopopulate a roomcode. This is useful for sending a one-click link to the audience. (ie "wab.run?room=abcd")
- Fixed volume issues in various places
- Fixed default volume settings
- Better Menu navigation
- Better in-game pause menus (all clickable)
- Dozens of small bug fixes and performance issues
- 106 brand new words
- 1 new beast
- A bounty of new voicelines
- and a plethora of new easter eggs to be found ;)
Tuning up the Safari Engines! (Patch 1.0.2)
Patch Notes:
- Fixed major bug with too many concurrent games (expanded our purple Jeep fleet)
- Major performance increases and tweaks (Don't let stuttery framerates get in the way of the hunt!)
- Minor modifications to the word list to remove nearly impossible ones (looking at you, "word")
Most importantly, however, we shifted aside all the overgrowth and got our dev processes back up and running!We've got a whole slew of new features coming down the pipe, including better streaming and audience features, so keep your radios tuned in the coming weeks.
We woke up the Narrator (Update 1.0.1)
Months of voice training, hundreds of throat lozenges, and a harrowing kidnapping didn't prepare our narrator to avoid sleeping through the first expeditions leaving camp. We just learned you all have been venturing through those harrowing jungles without guidance!
But never fear! He's back and roaring to get out in the wild, puns at the ready! This patch will turn all game narration and instructions back on.
We've also installed mosquito netting in all safari vehicles to clean up a few of the bugs hanging around.
(If you decide you miss the quiet tranquility of the jungle, feel free to toggle the Narrator switch in the settings menu)
Q&A
In case the store page isn't clear enough, this post will try provide an overview of any issues.
Common Questions
Can I play by myself?
Nope. Wordabeasts needs at least 3 players to begin. It's a competitive party game, guessing your own clues is less fun than it may sound.
Do I need a phone?
Yes! Well, no. Each player will need something with an internet browser. A phone, tablet, laptop, smart fridge... anything that can navigate to wab.run will work fine. (But phones are most common)
How do people join my game?
After starting up the game, you'll see a four character room code in the bottom left of your screen. All players can go to wab.run and input that room code there. From that point you'll be prompted to enter your name and select a color before being added to the safari!
How do I play?
When the game starts, all players will have a set of two words delivered to their devices. All you have to do is look at the words you receive and secretly come up with a one-word clue to give those words away. After everyone has submitted their clues or time runs out, the guessing round will begin. One at a time, each player's clue will appear on screen alongside a bunch of guessable words. You have to decide which of these words the clue-giver was attempting to describe.
Just one word for the clue?
One word.
Can I squish two words together?
One. Word.
What about if I...?
ONE. WORD.
This narrator is...questionable. Can I silence him?
Totally feel ya. Some days we don't wanna listen to Eric either. Go to the settings on the main menu and toggle the narrator switch for a pun-free adventure!
Further Help
If you need more specific advice, or find any issues with the game, feel free to start a thread in the discussion group! That's what they're here for. Or if your request is more personal, send us an email at support@logiraffe.com