We are honored to add TotalBiscuit to the roster of AirMech Pilots. He also earned a skin design through referrals, and he'll be picking his favorite mech once we exit beta, but for now we'll make due with his Tophat and beautiful chiseled face.

If you have been following TotalBiscuit's personal updates about his health, you're aware of his battle with colon cancer. He talks about it in detail here. He asked that we direct people to the Colon Cancer Alliance to learn more about what you can do for prevention and detection, or to make a donation.


This marks the first time we celebrate Oktoberfest in AirMech! The massive fair in Germany is now celebrated around the world in many different ways, but the most important thing about it is FUN! There's usually beer too, if your local laws are ok with that kind of thing. You'll find a nice selection of Oktoberfest themed treats to collect for a limited time.

We're also continuing our path of trying to get Gothic Variants of all the AirMech classes released as that's one of the most requested (and most purchased) skins. Gothic Osprey has landed, also giving our first "black" colored Osprey, quite a contrast to the typical skins for that mech!


This patch also includes new code for estimating connections to game servers. We've been focusing on this the past week, making as many changes as we could just on the server side of things, but the final pieces required some client changes. Then, after we're sure most of the clients have patched, we'll flip the final switch on the server and (fingers crossed) get much more accurate data for what player performance will be on servers, and everyone should have better games as a result.

We'll be reviewing data over the next week to see how these changes are working out. Nothing is ever finished in AirMech until it's working right, so hang in there while we work the bugs out. We are confident this is the right path, and we have more insight into the strange cases that would let some players sneak into games they shouldn't be in.

Definitely leave us feedback in the forums, and keep reading threads there for updates as we work on it!

• TotalBiscuit Pilot released (Legendary, Level 15)
  
• Oktoberfest event and content!
  
• Gothic Osprey released!
  
• extensive patch on matchmaking and server connectivity systems
  
• display historical latency data on the world map ui
  
• block players with no good server connectivity from entering online matches
  
• require player invites to share compatible server regions
  
• updating latency detection system for better
  
• add lagging player's name to game server 'waiting' message
  
• added new 'fun stat': Darkness
  
• new part Gothic Core (for collectors who have earned the Gothic Badge)
  
• added option to hide the in game orders menu
  
• automatic diamond roll when you are in game with gold vip status!

• fix (enable) vote kicking in custom games
  
• some adjustments to squad movement to reduce unit groups getting hung up/stuck
  
• no longer clear party chat history on each map change
  
• add messaging when linking an email account
  
• fixed "attach email" funtion, you can try again now

• AirMech turn rate while firing increased (kind of a big deal)
  
• Seeker missile lifetime decreased a bit
  
• Aegis fire rate increased by 50%
  
• Frank now has -6% Air Speed (not displaying right, but trust us)

You can also discuss this update in the official Carbon forums: http://airme.ch/p29207 (and yes you can log in with your Steam account)

We are honored to add TotalBiscuit to the roster of AirMech Pilots. He also earned a skin design through referrals, and he'll be picking his favorite mech once we exit beta, but for now we'll make due with his Tophat and beautiful chiseled face.

If you have been following TotalBiscuit's personal updates about his health, you're aware of his battle with colon cancer. He talks about it in detail here. He asked that we direct people to the Colon Cancer Alliance to learn more about what you can do for prevention and detection, or to make a donation.


This marks the first time we celebrate Oktoberfest in AirMech! The massive fair in Germany is now celebrated around the world in many different ways, but the most important thing about it is FUN! There's usually beer too, if your local laws are ok with that kind of thing. You'll find a nice selection of Oktoberfest themed treats to collect for a limited time.

We're also continuing our path of trying to get Gothic Variants of all the AirMech classes released as that's one of the most requested (and most purchased) skins. Gothic Osprey has landed, also giving our first "black" colored Osprey, quite a contrast to the typical skins for that mech!


This patch also includes new code for estimating connections to game servers. We've been focusing on this the past week, making as many changes as we could just on the server side of things, but the final pieces required some client changes. Then, after we're sure most of the clients have patched, we'll flip the final switch on the server and (fingers crossed) get much more accurate data for what player performance will be on servers, and everyone should have better games as a result.

We'll be reviewing data over the next week to see how these changes are working out. Nothing is ever finished in AirMech until it's working right, so hang in there while we work the bugs out. We are confident this is the right path, and we have more insight into the strange cases that would let some players sneak into games they shouldn't be in.

Definitely leave us feedback in the forums, and keep reading threads there for updates as we work on it!

• TotalBiscuit Pilot released (Legendary, Level 15)
  
• Oktoberfest event and content!
  
• Gothic Osprey released!
  
• extensive patch on matchmaking and server connectivity systems
  
• display historical latency data on the world map ui
  
• block players with no good server connectivity from entering online matches
  
• require player invites to share compatible server regions
  
• updating latency detection system for better
  
• add lagging player's name to game server 'waiting' message
  
• added new 'fun stat': Darkness
  
• new part Gothic Core (for collectors who have earned the Gothic Badge)
  
• added option to hide the in game orders menu
  
• automatic diamond roll when you are in game with gold vip status!

• fix (enable) vote kicking in custom games
  
• some adjustments to squad movement to reduce unit groups getting hung up/stuck
  
• no longer clear party chat history on each map change
  
• add messaging when linking an email account
  
• fixed "attach email" funtion, you can try again now

• AirMech turn rate while firing increased (kind of a big deal)
  
• Seeker missile lifetime decreased a bit
  
• Aegis fire rate increased by 50%
  
• Frank now has -6% Air Speed (not displaying right, but trust us)

You can also discuss this update in the official Carbon forums: http://airme.ch/p29207 (and yes you can log in with your Steam account)

You might have heard we launched AirMech on Xbox 360 recently--the launch went amazingly smooth! With that out of the way, we really wanted to merge the new Matchmaking systems into PC (called Party2) which changes a whole bunch of things. We intended to do that before launching Xbox, but it was just too much work at the time.

As the PC version was always intended to be the main version of the game with all the latest features and content, it became super important to finish moving the one system that was more advanced on Xbox back to PC, so from here we can go forward with the latest and greatest code.

This is the first of a series of patches, and the focus is mainly to test the new Matchmaking. If you haven't been following the Canary updates, here's a summary:

• To make a Party, first pick the game type in the Play menu, then Invite players into the empty slots. If you don't invite anyone, it will find others for you.
  
• Your Party will stay together after you finish a game! You'll be placed back in a lobby after you win or lose a match.
  
• There are no Party leaders--if you don't like someone in your Party, you should leave and create a new Lobby
  
• If all humans on one side of a match leave, the game will end! This is something we really wanted for a long time.
  
• To change your loadout in the Lobby, right or left click your own name
  
• To change modes (parts/units/etc) right click the AirMech image
  
• To change bot difficulty, click the bot "name" at the top (Solo 1v1 doesn't have this, but will be fixed next patch)
  
• Ignore the prompts for gamepad and click the Queue and Ready buttons as needed. Queue means "get in the matchmaking line" and once all players are found you will be give the option to Ready up

We aren't sure how bug-free the new systems are, but that's what Beta is for. Definitely give us feedback about what is working, what need improving, anything you want in the forums. We really didn't want to continue fixing the old broken system of Party1, so now that we have moved to Party2 we are much more open to expanding and improving it.

Updates:

• Updates to AI behaviors for Survival modes with some tweaks to later waves
  
• Added two unit wide formations to unit group movement!
  
• Gothic Saucer has been added (and on sale for a limited time)
  
• Moon Festival Cards are dropping, and all 4 can be crafted into a Mooncake Box using the Nanoforge
  
• Moon Rabbit and Mooncake are available for a limited time
  
• Part points have been increased for mk1->mk4 parts, from +1 to +2 per rarity level
  
• Updated some of the secure points for Twin Peaks and Salt
  
• Play Menu and Matchmaking UI have been updated
  
• Main Menu music will now cycle through 4 different songs from the FLA original soundtrack!
  
• Simple has been updated with some new art assets and renamed “Dust”
  
• Fixers can now have orders assigned to them
  
• Autobuilder (if enabled) will now build abilities as well as units
  
• Add faction name to in game UI when teammate is in a common faction - drives new stats!
  
• Increase view distance when in free-cam mode

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug on Spiral where the Striker could get out of the level
  
• Fixed a bug where the chat window would go offscreen while in spectate mode
  
• Fixing an issue with sonyas sliding long distances when placed next to units
  
• Fix Saucer deathray damage when paused
  
• Fixed issues with secure locations on some outposts on Salt
  
• Fixed messaging on mail send failures due to mail banned accounts
  
• Fixed chat issues with embedded links
  
• Some fixes to replay playback
  
• bugfix so recently destroyed airmechs don't 'block' additional shots
  
• some fixes to position reconciliation (position snapping) of your AirMech in online games

Balance Changes:

• Turn off AirMech collision damage against fences

You might have heard we launched AirMech on Xbox 360 recently--the launch went amazingly smooth! With that out of the way, we really wanted to merge the new Matchmaking systems into PC (called Party2) which changes a whole bunch of things. We intended to do that before launching Xbox, but it was just too much work at the time.

As the PC version was always intended to be the main version of the game with all the latest features and content, it became super important to finish moving the one system that was more advanced on Xbox back to PC, so from here we can go forward with the latest and greatest code.

This is the first of a series of patches, and the focus is mainly to test the new Matchmaking. If you haven't been following the Canary updates, here's a summary:

• To make a Party, first pick the game type in the Play menu, then Invite players into the empty slots. If you don't invite anyone, it will find others for you.
  
• Your Party will stay together after you finish a game! You'll be placed back in a lobby after you win or lose a match.
  
• There are no Party leaders--if you don't like someone in your Party, you should leave and create a new Lobby
  
• If all humans on one side of a match leave, the game will end! This is something we really wanted for a long time.
  
• To change your loadout in the Lobby, right or left click your own name
  
• To change modes (parts/units/etc) right click the AirMech image
  
• To change bot difficulty, click the bot "name" at the top (Solo 1v1 doesn't have this, but will be fixed next patch)
  
• Ignore the prompts for gamepad and click the Queue and Ready buttons as needed. Queue means "get in the matchmaking line" and once all players are found you will be give the option to Ready up

We aren't sure how bug-free the new systems are, but that's what Beta is for. Definitely give us feedback about what is working, what need improving, anything you want in the forums. We really didn't want to continue fixing the old broken system of Party1, so now that we have moved to Party2 we are much more open to expanding and improving it.

Updates:

• Updates to AI behaviors for Survival modes with some tweaks to later waves
  
• Added two unit wide formations to unit group movement!
  
• Gothic Saucer has been added (and on sale for a limited time)
  
• Moon Festival Cards are dropping, and all 4 can be crafted into a Mooncake Box using the Nanoforge
  
• Moon Rabbit and Mooncake are available for a limited time
  
• Part points have been increased for mk1->mk4 parts, from +1 to +2 per rarity level
  
• Updated some of the secure points for Twin Peaks and Salt
  
• Play Menu and Matchmaking UI have been updated
  
• Main Menu music will now cycle through 4 different songs from the FLA original soundtrack!
  
• Simple has been updated with some new art assets and renamed “Dust”
  
• Fixers can now have orders assigned to them
  
• Autobuilder (if enabled) will now build abilities as well as units
  
• Add faction name to in game UI when teammate is in a common faction - drives new stats!
  
• Increase view distance when in free-cam mode

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug on Spiral where the Striker could get out of the level
  
• Fixed a bug where the chat window would go offscreen while in spectate mode
  
• Fixing an issue with sonyas sliding long distances when placed next to units
  
• Fix Saucer deathray damage when paused
  
• Fixed issues with secure locations on some outposts on Salt
  
• Fixed messaging on mail send failures due to mail banned accounts
  
• Fixed chat issues with embedded links
  
• Some fixes to replay playback
  
• bugfix so recently destroyed airmechs don't 'block' additional shots
  
• some fixes to position reconciliation (position snapping) of your AirMech in online games

Balance Changes:

• Turn off AirMech collision damage against fences

Beta Bundle is back! After much discussion and negotiation, we have settled on the contents and price to re-release the Beta Bundle for players as we near the end of Beta. All existing owners get free upgrades to the new content, including the amazingly awesome Beta Striker, the second generation of the Alpha Striker. The price is high, at $75, but was arrived at by looking at the price of the Beta Bomber on the Player Market for completed sales. It's average price would be over $45 USD, so adding a second exclusive variant, actually makes this a great deal. And it can only go up in value from here.

Balance! We've been saving up a lot of balance changes for after the tournament, along with a number of changes to attempt to make the game more accessible for new players. Something that might give an initial shock is the reduction of movement speeds in the air. We need to slow these down to give us the headroom to increase lag tolerance. Proportionally, they should all be the same as they were before, and some of the carry speeds should be a bit better.

Pay close attention to the global changes to AirMechs below. They have always had a reduction in damage vs units to balance them out a bit, and we're reducing this value which will make them a lot more deadly vs units. There will be a domino effect here, changing the survivability of almost every unit vs AirMechs. The auto-repair changes are also quite drastic, so make sure you try it out.

• Beta Bundle released! Needs to be purchased ingame.
  
• Alpha Bundle owners receive special pricing for the Beta Bundle!
  
• Beta Striker awarded to existing Beta Bundle owners on login
  
• Wooden Zeppelin is the newest Diamond VIP bonus reward

All AirMechs

• Lunchboxes on Outposts now are a shield like the Fortress (should work better)
  
• remove auto-repair when moving/firing
  
• 100% increase to auto-repair rate (after 3 seconds of not moving/firing)
  
• note that auto-repair rate is doubled in ground mode (always been this way)
  
• reduce all air movement speeds by 10%
  
• tweaked carry values for heavy loads to reflect new movement speed
  
• increase damage vs units by 30%
  
• decrease recharge rate over Outposts by 8%
  
• increase turning responsiveness of various AirMechs

Bomber

• increase Air DPS by 4%
  
• increase Melee DPS by 20% (Melee does not get the +30% buff)
  
• increase Armor by 7%
  
• decrease Fuel use for Bombs by 30%

Neo

• increase Air DPS by 7%

Angel

• Increase transform to air speed by 10%
  
• Increase pistol Piercing damage by 10%

Units

• Assassin Melee Damage increased by 33%
  
• Assassin Build Time reduced by 33%
  
• Assassin Movement Speed increased by 11%
  
• Joker HP decreased by 4%
  
• Joker Piercing Damage increased to 20 from 5
  
• Joker DPS reduced by 25%
  
• Zipper Piercing Damage doubled
  
• Tango Piercing Damage doubled
  
• Jackal Piercing Damage increased by 17%
  
• Longhorn/Gemini/Goliath/Devastator Movement Speed decreased by 22%
  
• Longhorn/Gemini turret rotation speed reduced by 22%
  
• Goliath/Devastator turret rotation speed reduced by 17%
  
• Grinder rear weak spot added (it is a tank after all)
  
• Dinger HP increased 33%
  
• Bucky Accuracy increased 33%
  
• Seeker missile damage reduced 9%
  
• Seeker and T99 missile lifetime reduced 6%
  
• T45 Build Time reduced by 25%
  
• T45 Build Cost reduced 17%
  
• T45 HP reduced 17%
  
• VaultBox HP increased 50%
  
• Bombs Build Time increased 14%
  
• Bombs Cost increased 9%
  
• Bombs Carry Weight reduced by 30%
  
• Bombs Damage reduced by 7%
  
• Bombs Upkeep increased to 1 (from 0)

Outposts

• recharge rate decreased (last patch)
  
• energy capacity increased (last patch)
  
• Armor increased to 50 from 35

Beta Bundle is back! After much discussion and negotiation, we have settled on the contents and price to re-release the Beta Bundle for players as we near the end of Beta. All existing owners get free upgrades to the new content, including the amazingly awesome Beta Striker, the second generation of the Alpha Striker. The price is high, at $75, but was arrived at by looking at the price of the Beta Bomber on the Player Market for completed sales. It's average price would be over $45 USD, so adding a second exclusive variant, actually makes this a great deal. And it can only go up in value from here.

Balance! We've been saving up a lot of balance changes for after the tournament, along with a number of changes to attempt to make the game more accessible for new players. Something that might give an initial shock is the reduction of movement speeds in the air. We need to slow these down to give us the headroom to increase lag tolerance. Proportionally, they should all be the same as they were before, and some of the carry speeds should be a bit better.

Pay close attention to the global changes to AirMechs below. They have always had a reduction in damage vs units to balance them out a bit, and we're reducing this value which will make them a lot more deadly vs units. There will be a domino effect here, changing the survivability of almost every unit vs AirMechs. The auto-repair changes are also quite drastic, so make sure you try it out.

• Beta Bundle released! Needs to be purchased ingame.
  
• Alpha Bundle owners receive special pricing for the Beta Bundle!
  
• Beta Striker awarded to existing Beta Bundle owners on login
  
• Wooden Zeppelin is the newest Diamond VIP bonus reward

All AirMechs

• Lunchboxes on Outposts now are a shield like the Fortress (should work better)
  
• remove auto-repair when moving/firing
  
• 100% increase to auto-repair rate (after 3 seconds of not moving/firing)
  
• note that auto-repair rate is doubled in ground mode (always been this way)
  
• reduce all air movement speeds by 10%
  
• tweaked carry values for heavy loads to reflect new movement speed
  
• increase damage vs units by 30%
  
• decrease recharge rate over Outposts by 8%
  
• increase turning responsiveness of various AirMechs

Bomber

• increase Air DPS by 4%
  
• increase Melee DPS by 20% (Melee does not get the +30% buff)
  
• increase Armor by 7%
  
• decrease Fuel use for Bombs by 30%

Neo

• increase Air DPS by 7%

Angel

• Increase transform to air speed by 10%
  
• Increase pistol Piercing damage by 10%

Units

• Assassin Melee Damage increased by 33%
  
• Assassin Build Time reduced by 33%
  
• Assassin Movement Speed increased by 11%
  
• Joker HP decreased by 4%
  
• Joker Piercing Damage increased to 20 from 5
  
• Joker DPS reduced by 25%
  
• Zipper Piercing Damage doubled
  
• Tango Piercing Damage doubled
  
• Jackal Piercing Damage increased by 17%
  
• Longhorn/Gemini/Goliath/Devastator Movement Speed decreased by 22%
  
• Longhorn/Gemini turret rotation speed reduced by 22%
  
• Goliath/Devastator turret rotation speed reduced by 17%
  
• Grinder rear weak spot added (it is a tank after all)
  
• Dinger HP increased 33%
  
• Bucky Accuracy increased 33%
  
• Seeker missile damage reduced 9%
  
• Seeker and T99 missile lifetime reduced 6%
  
• T45 Build Time reduced by 25%
  
• T45 Build Cost reduced 17%
  
• T45 HP reduced 17%
  
• VaultBox HP increased 50%
  
• Bombs Build Time increased 14%
  
• Bombs Cost increased 9%
  
• Bombs Carry Weight reduced by 30%
  
• Bombs Damage reduced by 7%
  
• Bombs Upkeep increased to 1 (from 0)

Outposts

• recharge rate decreased (last patch)
  
• energy capacity increased (last patch)
  
• Armor increased to 50 from 35

You've got mail! Or is it AirMail? Either way, we're happy to introduce our latest "we never thought we'd add something like this when we started" feature--ingame mail. I'd consider the mail system very "alpha" because it hasn't been tested much, but I expect after getting it in players' hands we will quickly see what needs to be done to finish it off.

There are some rules for mail however. Due to the risk of people abusing the mail system, non-VIPs are only allow to send mail to people on their friends list. We made it cost 10 Kudos to send a message, and 10 Diamonds per attachment. We'll watch the behavior of players and tweak this up or down as needed. As long as you have Silver VIP status you can send mail to anyone, but abuse of the mail system will result in your ability to send mail being cancelled. Players will always be able to receive mail, just not send it.

For our American players, Happy Independence Day! We've turned on our "Liberty" exclusive items, including the Liberty Paladin. He's also backed up by the new Camo Paladin skin which is part of the Military set and has teamcolor support!

Someone ask for new Parts? We have just the thing for you! In preparation for raising the level cap for AirMechs, we're adding some rare parts. These will generally have the "Mk2" distinction, though as we add more we may revise how we present it. Feedback welcome!

Updates:

• New Feature: In-Game Mail System for sending and receiving messages between players
  
• New Angel Quests: "Spotter", "Hunter", and "Kentucky Windage"
  
• Auto builder will now not build units if the player is at 90% of their total Upkeep
  
• New Paladin Variant: Camo Paladin
  
• New Warthog Variant: Mecha Warthog
  
• New Parts: Heavily Armored Engine Mk2
  
• New Parts: Titanium Shield Mk2
  
• New Parts: Reprogrammer Mk2
  
• New Parts: Amplified Heal Beam Mk2
  
• New Parts: Agility Hand
  
• New Parts: Armored Hand
  
• Continued updates to the AI
  
• Adjust some of the drop tables
  
• Full Force Cards are no longer dropping (the item they will craft is being worked on and will arrive in a future patch)
  
• Greatest Matches Cards are now dropping
• created by ThyTombstone!

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug where AirMechs would sometimes get stuck when transforming on the ledges and scaffolding around the Thar and Rath main bases
  
• Fixed a bug where AirMechs would sometimes get stuck when transforming near the broken bunkers on Nesthorn
  
• Fixes some position reconciliation bugs in network games, and forced transforms to air on outpost and fortress corners
  
• Fixes bugs in the sound system causing sound clipping and playback problems
  
• Fixed a bug that doubled the effect of the Credits Earned stat modifier
  
• UPDATE: Fix a desync, this is why there's a second patch

Discuss this update on the Carbon forums: http://airme.ch/v27320

You've got mail! Or is it AirMail? Either way, we're happy to introduce our latest "we never thought we'd add something like this when we started" feature--ingame mail. I'd consider the mail system very "alpha" because it hasn't been tested much, but I expect after getting it in players' hands we will quickly see what needs to be done to finish it off.

There are some rules for mail however. Due to the risk of people abusing the mail system, non-VIPs are only allow to send mail to people on their friends list. We made it cost 10 Kudos to send a message, and 10 Diamonds per attachment. We'll watch the behavior of players and tweak this up or down as needed. As long as you have Silver VIP status you can send mail to anyone, but abuse of the mail system will result in your ability to send mail being cancelled. Players will always be able to receive mail, just not send it.

For our American players, Happy Independence Day! We've turned on our "Liberty" exclusive items, including the Liberty Paladin. He's also backed up by the new Camo Paladin skin which is part of the Military set and has teamcolor support!

Someone ask for new Parts? We have just the thing for you! In preparation for raising the level cap for AirMechs, we're adding some rare parts. These will generally have the "Mk2" distinction, though as we add more we may revise how we present it. Feedback welcome!

Updates:

• New Feature: In-Game Mail System for sending and receiving messages between players
  
• New Angel Quests: "Spotter", "Hunter", and "Kentucky Windage"
  
• Auto builder will now not build units if the player is at 90% of their total Upkeep
  
• New Paladin Variant: Camo Paladin
  
• New Warthog Variant: Mecha Warthog
  
• New Parts: Heavily Armored Engine Mk2
  
• New Parts: Titanium Shield Mk2
  
• New Parts: Reprogrammer Mk2
  
• New Parts: Amplified Heal Beam Mk2
  
• New Parts: Agility Hand
  
• New Parts: Armored Hand
  
• Continued updates to the AI
  
• Adjust some of the drop tables
  
• Full Force Cards are no longer dropping (the item they will craft is being worked on and will arrive in a future patch)
  
• Greatest Matches Cards are now dropping
• created by ThyTombstone!

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug where AirMechs would sometimes get stuck when transforming on the ledges and scaffolding around the Thar and Rath main bases
  
• Fixed a bug where AirMechs would sometimes get stuck when transforming near the broken bunkers on Nesthorn
  
• Fixes some position reconciliation bugs in network games, and forced transforms to air on outpost and fortress corners
  
• Fixes bugs in the sound system causing sound clipping and playback problems
  
• Fixed a bug that doubled the effect of the Credits Earned stat modifier
  
• UPDATE: Fix a desync, this is why there's a second patch

Discuss this update on the Carbon forums: http://airme.ch/v27320

NOTE: 2v2 Matchmaking has been removed temporarily to let people practice for the 3v3 Tournament: http://airme.ch/FullForceTouney 2v2 will be back after that, and you can still use Custom games if you really want to play 2v2.

Goliath is back, with friends! Due to changes to Outpost recharge, units with a ton of armor should be balanced more, so we can buff Goliath a bit to get it back in the sweet spot. We might balance it a bit more after going live, but the goal is we want to bring it back into everyone's loadout! To mark the event, we're introducing a very special unit variant: the Gothic Goliath! And if that's not enough, we're also rolling out Ultimate Goliath! We're very curious which one of these will be unlocked more--vote by unlocking! We'll make more Variants or Ultimates based on the results.

Did I mention we reworked Outpost recharging? We tore the system apart and are rebuilding it. The previous system was very simple, and didn't properly allow for differences in energy and health and it was in some ways easy to exploit, and frustratingly broken in others. We've put a new set of balance numbers in and we'll see how it affects both beginner play and high rank play and tune it live.

If you have been getting used to the improved AI, but annoyed about some of the dumb things it was doing, get ready for the next version of AI! Dan has been hard at work teaching them all kinds of new tricks. This is still an ongoing task, and every day we see new things happening with it. If you're a Prime owner, definitely play around with the difficulty settings to find your own sweet spot.

We have two new Pets designed by Black Diamond VIP members Nolij and HarL3quin. I think they turned out to be great additions. Note that there is no particular order we are working through the BDVIP list. It's a bit random based on what people have suggested that lines up with things we think won't be too hard to do. We're not playing favorites and will be getting to everyone, rest assured.

Did you know you can spectate games and still be in Global Chat? Well did you know that NOW you can also earn rewards and drops from spectating games? Players who spectate are 18% cooler than those who don't, and have whiter teeth, so we want to make sure everyone takes advantage of this special offer. There's even a Quest just for spectating! No seriously, you should spectate some more games. If you don't, boblan will know.

Updates:

• More updates to AI behaviors
  • significantly more difficult on Ruthless setting
• Sandrim has been updated with some new art props
  
• Spectators can now earn rewards for watching sessions
  
• New Quest: Watch and Learn, earned by spectation 3 matches
  
• New Guardian Unit: Blade Guardian
  • how come we didn't add this earlier?
• New Guardian Blaster Variant: Gothic Blaster
  • works the same, looks awesome
• New Ultimate Unit: Ultimate Goliath
  • let's just say it's pretty boss
• New Unit Variant: Gothic Goliath
  • functions like a Goliath, just looks way cooler
• New Head: Harlequin Head (designed by HarL3quin)
  
• New Pet: Book of Nolij (designed by Nolij)
  
• Limited Time Pet: Soccer Ball or Football, as some might know it as
  
• A Send Private Message option is now available for your friends when opening their Player Card

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug where some of the textures would get stretched out in Twin Peaks
  
• Fixed a bug that would cause the Paladin Hammer throw not to work correctly on Salt
  
• Fixed some bugs in the UI with long player names overlapping other names and icons

Balance Updates:

• Outpost energy drain/repair system has been reworked
  
• Goliath turret rotation speed increased by 20%
  
• Goliath movement speed increased 10%
  
• Goliath weight reduced by 100
  
• Goliath range increased 13%
  
• Devastator range increased 7%
  
• Longhorn and Gemini build time increased 10%
  
• Power Station recharge rates match other outposts while balance is being worked on

Known Issues:

• Quests that don't happen at the end of a game won't trigger. Complete any game, Challenge, or restart to be able to trigger them. (things like the Wishlist quest)

http://airme.ch/Patch27008

NOTE: 2v2 Matchmaking has been removed temporarily to let people practice for the 3v3 Tournament: http://airme.ch/FullForceTouney 2v2 will be back after that, and you can still use Custom games if you really want to play 2v2.

Goliath is back, with friends! Due to changes to Outpost recharge, units with a ton of armor should be balanced more, so we can buff Goliath a bit to get it back in the sweet spot. We might balance it a bit more after going live, but the goal is we want to bring it back into everyone's loadout! To mark the event, we're introducing a very special unit variant: the Gothic Goliath! And if that's not enough, we're also rolling out Ultimate Goliath! We're very curious which one of these will be unlocked more--vote by unlocking! We'll make more Variants or Ultimates based on the results.

Did I mention we reworked Outpost recharging? We tore the system apart and are rebuilding it. The previous system was very simple, and didn't properly allow for differences in energy and health and it was in some ways easy to exploit, and frustratingly broken in others. We've put a new set of balance numbers in and we'll see how it affects both beginner play and high rank play and tune it live.

If you have been getting used to the improved AI, but annoyed about some of the dumb things it was doing, get ready for the next version of AI! Dan has been hard at work teaching them all kinds of new tricks. This is still an ongoing task, and every day we see new things happening with it. If you're a Prime owner, definitely play around with the difficulty settings to find your own sweet spot.

We have two new Pets designed by Black Diamond VIP members Nolij and HarL3quin. I think they turned out to be great additions. Note that there is no particular order we are working through the BDVIP list. It's a bit random based on what people have suggested that lines up with things we think won't be too hard to do. We're not playing favorites and will be getting to everyone, rest assured.

Did you know you can spectate games and still be in Global Chat? Well did you know that NOW you can also earn rewards and drops from spectating games? Players who spectate are 18% cooler than those who don't, and have whiter teeth, so we want to make sure everyone takes advantage of this special offer. There's even a Quest just for spectating! No seriously, you should spectate some more games. If you don't, boblan will know.

Updates:

• More updates to AI behaviors
  • significantly more difficult on Ruthless setting
• Sandrim has been updated with some new art props
  
• Spectators can now earn rewards for watching sessions
  
• New Quest: Watch and Learn, earned by spectation 3 matches
  
• New Guardian Unit: Blade Guardian
  • how come we didn't add this earlier?
• New Guardian Blaster Variant: Gothic Blaster
  • works the same, looks awesome
• New Ultimate Unit: Ultimate Goliath
  • let's just say it's pretty boss
• New Unit Variant: Gothic Goliath
  • functions like a Goliath, just looks way cooler
• New Head: Harlequin Head (designed by HarL3quin)
  
• New Pet: Book of Nolij (designed by Nolij)
  
• Limited Time Pet: Soccer Ball or Football, as some might know it as
  
• A Send Private Message option is now available for your friends when opening their Player Card

Bug Fixes:

• Fixed a bug where some of the textures would get stretched out in Twin Peaks
  
• Fixed a bug that would cause the Paladin Hammer throw not to work correctly on Salt
  
• Fixed some bugs in the UI with long player names overlapping other names and icons

Balance Updates:

• Outpost energy drain/repair system has been reworked
  
• Goliath turret rotation speed increased by 20%
  
• Goliath movement speed increased 10%
  
• Goliath weight reduced by 100
  
• Goliath range increased 13%
  
• Devastator range increased 7%
  
• Longhorn and Gemini build time increased 10%
  
• Power Station recharge rates match other outposts while balance is being worked on

Known Issues:

• Quests that don't happen at the end of a game won't trigger. Complete any game, Challenge, or restart to be able to trigger them. (things like the Wishlist quest)

http://airme.ch/Patch27008