Over the last couple of months, many of you have been asking questions about privacy, the EULA, and how Take-Two (T2) collects personal data and other information from KSP players. We hope this update provides some clarity for the community.
Kerbal Space Program runs on the Unity engine and uses Unity Analytics on PC. Unity Analytics collects gameplay data and certain personal data from players (IP address and device ID). The collected gameplay data includes data on modes, missions, and other usage stats that help us figure out where we can improve the gameplay experience, decide what sort of content to include, and make changes for future updates. For example, we might rebalance missions if we see a low completion rate and think it is too difficult. We learned that players weren’t playing many community-created Mission Builder missions, so we added mission sharing via the Steam Workshop. The personal data collected by Unity is anonymized before the gameplay data is sent to T2.
Unity Analytics directly collects some personal data on KSP, which you can read about here. We are releasing a version 1.4.5 update that, among other updates to the game, allows players to opt-out of Unity’s collection of personal data. The opt-out tool will be displayed at the main menu during the first time you play 1.4.5 and can be displayed again using a toggle in the settings menu. KSP: Enhanced Edition on console does not currently use Unity Analytics.
For a period of time, T2 used Red Shell in KSP to analyze the effectiveness of marketing campaigns. To do this, Red Shell collected IP addresses, device ID, and an in-game user ID to help T2 understand whether or where a KSP player saw an online ad for KSP. The personal data Red Shell collected was one-way hashed before sending the aggregated campaign analysis to T2 (you can find out more from Red Shell here). The Red Shell SDK was implemented in version 1.4 of KSP and, based on community feedback, removed in version 1.4.4. T2 instructed Red Shell to destroy all KSP data Red Shell has collected. Even if you are using a KSP version that still contains Red Shell, no data is being captured by Red Shell’s servers.
As some of you have correctly pointed out, KSP’s EULA is a blanket EULA for all T2 games. After T2 acquired KSP, T2 transitioned KSP to T2’s standard terms including its EULA, privacy policy and terms of service. T2’s EULA applies to its broad portfolio of games, covering various genres, platforms, and business models. At this time, T2 continues to collect only limited personal data for KSP—limited to the personal data that players provide directly through purchases from the KSP store and through signing up for the KSP forums and wiki. This is standard practice whenever you make an online store purchase or join an online forum.
We hope the above information provides some clarity about personal data and KSP. The KSP community is the reason why the game is as popular as it is today, and we strive to continue supporting you.
Kerbal Space Program 1.4.4 and Making History 1.3 is about to be launched!
This patch includes various improvements and bug fixes for both the base game and the Making History Expansion, as well as language corrections.
Additionally, this patch includes some new Steam features, including the full in-game integration of the Official KSP Steam Workshop hub, the implementation of Cloud Saves on Steam for both game saves and missions and an improved and expanded controller support via the Steam Controller framework. Click here to learn more about these features.
Check out this patch's Changelog for further details here.
Patch 1.4.4 is on its way and with it various improvements and fixes such as language corrections, FX improvements, and more! As part of our commitment to continue supporting and improving upon KSP, 1.4.4 will add some cool and previously unavailable Steam functionalities that will enhance the KSP experience to users of this platform.
For starters, we’ll be launching the Official KSP Steam Workshop hub, along with its full in-game integration. Since the conception of the Making History Expansion, we knew that mission-sharing was crucial for its success. Now, with the integration of this platform into the game, we are making it easier for creators and players to share Missions and Crafts without having to mess around with copying folders from other websites and putting them in the KSP folder tree. This feature will allow you to upload your creations to the hub directly from the game, as well as to subscribe to and vote for your favorite missions. Additionally, it gives us the ability to feature missions from the community and drive visibility to these creations. With patch 1.4.4, it will be more straightforward than ever to enjoy all the content made by the players for the players!
This patch also implements Cloud Saves on Steam for both game saves and missions. Once 1.4.4 is released, players will be able to access their save files and mission files from any computer by logging into their respective accounts.
Last but not least for 1.4.4, we’ve improved and expanded the controller support for the game via the Steam Controller framework. With the intention of closing the gap between the mapping found in the consoles’ Cursor Mode and the one currently supported in the PC game, we’ve carefully provided configurations and full support for DualShock 3, DualShock 4, Xbox 360, and Xbox One controllers, and added a new configuration for the Steam Controller and one for HOTAS-like joysticks. We also added a supplementary contextual controller set for EVA situations, in addition to the currently existing ones for the Menus, VAB/SPH commands, Flight Controls, Map, and Docking Mode. Click here to see the new controller layout.
We hope you enjoy these new features. Keep an eye out the patch’s release later this week, and stay tuned for more news and everything Kerbal via our official forums and our various social media channels.
Kerbal Space Program makes history today with the launch of its first expansion! Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion adds a wealth of new and exciting content to the game, including a robust Mission Builder that lets players create and share their own scenarios, and a History Pack containing missions inspired by historical moments in space exploration.
The Mission Builder is a new feature that puts the process of creating and editing missions in your hands with endless possibilities. You’ll be able to customize your own missions to include launches, landings, rescues, malfunctions, explosions, repairs, and much more. You can set unique victory conditions, add exciting challenges, and place unexpected obstacles to keep other players on their toes as they play through these complex missions. Challenge others to complete your missions by sharing them with the Kerbal Space Program community! The History Pack includes a variety of pre-made missions inspired by humankind’s own space exploration. Now you can spacewalk, pull off a crash landing, and attempt to recreate some of the most memorable moments inspired by historic events. All with our unique Kerbal twist, of course.
The expansion also includes a more than 70 new parts and astronaut suits inspired by the Space Race that you can use throughout Kerbal Space Program!
Additionally, we’ve kept our promise that all players who purchased the game through April 2013 will receive the expansion for free. To redeem the game http://store.steampowered.com[img and follow the instructions.
Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion is now available on Steam!
Kerbal Space Program makes history today with the launch of its first expansion! Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion adds a wealth of new and exciting content to the game, including a robust Mission Builder that lets players create and share their own scenarios, and a History Pack containing missions inspired by historical moments in space exploration.
The Mission Builder is a new feature that puts the process of creating and editing missions in your hands with endless possibilities. You’ll be able to customize your own missions to include launches, landings, rescues, malfunctions, explosions, repairs, and much more. You can set unique victory conditions, add exciting challenges, and place unexpected obstacles to keep other players on their toes as they play through these complex missions. Challenge others to complete your missions by sharing them with the Kerbal Space Program community! The History Pack includes a variety of pre-made missions inspired by humankind’s own space exploration. Now you can spacewalk, pull off a crash landing, and attempt to recreate some of the most memorable moments inspired by historic events. All with our unique Kerbal twist, of course.
The expansion also includes a more than 70 new parts and astronaut suits inspired by the Space Race that you can use throughout Kerbal Space Program!
Additionally, we’ve kept our promise that all players who purchased the game through April 2013 will receive the expansion for free. To redeem the game http://store.steampowered.com[img and follow the instructions.
Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion is now available on Steam!
Continuing the endeavor of bringing KSP to as many people as possible, we are proud and excited to announce the release of Kerbal Space Program 1.4: Away with Words MK-2!
The game has been fully localized in 4 additional languages: French, German, Italian and Portuguese-Brazilian. Texts, keyboard layouts, UI and textures were carefully localized to keep the essence of KSP in every language, so that even more players are able to enjoy the Kerbal experience in their native tongue.
But that is not all! Kerbal Space Program 1.4: Away with Words MK-2 includes a broad range of improvements and new content for everyone to enjoy! We have upgraded the game engine to Unity 2017.1.3p1 and with that comes various performance enhancements, and an upgrade to the Engine Particle System. Improvements to the UI and quality of life upgrades have also been packed into this update.
Here are some additional highlights:
Kerbal Personal Parachutes
Kerbals with level 3 and above experience now have fully steerable personal parachutes! A cool feature that will help to get your Kerbals out of tight situations or perform aerial acrobatics, it’s all up to you!
Variant Switcher
A number of parts have model and texture variations that you can switch during vessel construction. These variants can also be grouped in themes to apply across a whole vessel at once!
Prioritized Vessel Naming
With this new naming method, you can now attach naming information to command modules and vessel names will be updated based on the parts in each vessel. Now you can prename your CSM or burnback booster!
VAB - SPH editor switching
Switch between the VAB and SPH at will with this new feature!
New Parts!
3 brand new parts and replacements for a dozen existing parts, including the Mk 1-3 Pod!
We are excited for the 1.4 release and look forward to the launch of the Making History Expansion next week. For our mod creators, please note an additional update 1.4.1 will come alongside that release and will need to be integrated as well. The modding community is very important to the Kerbal Space Program team, and we continue to encourage and enable mods for KSP moving forward.
Kerbal Space Program 1.4: Away with words MK-II is now available on Steam and will soon be available on GOG and other third party resellers.
Continuing the endeavor of bringing KSP to as many people as possible, we are proud and excited to announce the release of Kerbal Space Program 1.4: Away with Words MK-2!
The game has been fully localized in 4 additional languages: French, German, Italian and Portuguese-Brazilian. Texts, keyboard layouts, UI and textures were carefully localized to keep the essence of KSP in every language, so that even more players are able to enjoy the Kerbal experience in their native tongue.
But that is not all! Kerbal Space Program 1.4: Away with Words MK-2 includes a broad range of improvements and new content for everyone to enjoy! We have upgraded the game engine to Unity 2017.1.3p1 and with that comes various performance enhancements, and an upgrade to the Engine Particle System. Improvements to the UI and quality of life upgrades have also been packed into this update.
Here are some additional highlights:
Kerbal Personal Parachutes
Kerbals with level 3 and above experience now have fully steerable personal parachutes! A cool feature that will help to get your Kerbals out of tight situations or perform aerial acrobatics, it’s all up to you!
Variant Switcher
A number of parts have model and texture variations that you can switch during vessel construction. These variants can also be grouped in themes to apply across a whole vessel at once!
Prioritized Vessel Naming
With this new naming method, you can now attach naming information to command modules and vessel names will be updated based on the parts in each vessel. Now you can prename your CSM or burnback booster!
VAB - SPH editor switching
Switch between the VAB and SPH at will with this new feature!
New Parts!
3 brand new parts and replacements for a dozen existing parts, including the Mk 1-3 Pod!
We are excited for the 1.4 release and look forward to the launch of the Making History Expansion next week. For our mod creators, please note an additional update 1.4.1 will come alongside that release and will need to be integrated as well. The modding community is very important to the Kerbal Space Program team, and we continue to encourage and enable mods for KSP moving forward.
Kerbal Space Program 1.4: Away with words MK-II is now available on Steam and will soon be available on GOG and other third party resellers.
Please note that the EULA for Kerbal Space Program will be changed on March 6, 2018. Please read this agreement in its entirety. You must agree with the terms of the EULA including the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to play Kerbal Space Program.
Please note that the EULA for Kerbal Space Program will be changed on March 6, 2018. Please read this agreement in its entirety. You must agree with the terms of the EULA including the Privacy Policy and Terms of Service to play Kerbal Space Program.
With over a year in the making, we are getting closer to bringing Kerbal Space Program towards its next leap forward. Today, we are proud and super excited to announce that Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion will be available for PC on March 13th, 2018.
Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion brings a lot of new and exciting content to KSP, including the powerful and intuitive Mission Builder, where you will have the tools to create and share your own scenarios with other players. We are also including the History Pack, a set of missions ready to be played immediately, inspired by historical moments in space exploration, and more.
The new Mission Builder puts the process of creating and editing missions in your hands with endless possibilities. You’ll be able to customize your own missions to include launches, landings, rescues, malfunctions, explosions, repairs, and much more. You can set unique victory conditions, add exciting challenges, and place unexpected obstacles to keep other players on their toes as they play through these complex missions. Challenge others to complete your missions by sharing them with the Kerbal Space Program community!
The History Pack includes a variety of pre-made missions inspired by humankind’s own space exploration. Now you can spacewalk, pull off a crash landing, and attempt to recreate some of the most memorable moments inspired by historic events. But with our unique Kerbal twist, of course.
The expansion also includes a bunch of new parts and astronaut suits inspired by the Space Race that you can use throughout Kerbal Space Program!
Stay tuned for more news and exciting updates about Kerbal Space Program: Making History Expansion.