Greetings Galactic Survivalists!

Today we have a very special update for you all!

As part of our upcoming Alpha Release, we have been hard at work preparing Empyrion to work with the latest and greatest in Windows Operating Systems: Windows 95!

Empyrion really looks beautiful in 256 colour technology! Convince yourself.

Omicron looks really nice at this time of year:


Akua also looks very inviting:




Features:
- 256 Colours
- 4 MB Video Memory
- High Resolution 1024x768 Graphics
- Optimised for CRT Monitors and the Latest Pentium I Processors

We hope you will enjoy this amazing new feature and have fun running Empyrion on all your latest Windows 95 systems!

Cheers

Eleon Dev Team

EDIT (April 2, 2016): In case you have already prepared your old PC to get it in shape for Emyprion, we have to disappoint you - it was only an April Fools' Day prank ;-)

Greetings Galactic Survivalists!

Today we have a very special update for you all!

As part of our upcoming Alpha Release, we have been hard at work preparing Empyrion to work with the latest and greatest in Windows Operating Systems: Windows 95!

Empyrion really looks beautiful in 256 colour technology! Convince yourself.

Omicron looks really nice at this time of year:


Akua also looks very inviting:




Features:
- 256 Colours
- 4 MB Video Memory
- High Resolution 1024x768 Graphics
- Optimised for CRT Monitors and the Latest Pentium I Processors

We hope you will enjoy this amazing new feature and have fun running Empyrion on all your latest Windows 95 systems!

Cheers

Eleon Dev Team

EDIT (April 2, 2016): In case you have already prepared your old PC to get it in shape for Emyprion, we have to disappoint you - it was only an April Fools' Day prank ;-)

Hi guys,

We decided to release another small patch (PA 5.4.3) for the current Pre-Alpha before releasing the Alpha version of Empyrion. We fixed the problem that CV/HV/SV could fly through each other in Multiplayer, i.e., there was no collision between vessels.

Bug Fixes:
- Fixed problem in Multiplayer that CV/HV/SV could fly through each other


Alpha Preview:
We would like to show you some screenshots of the new temperate planet that will be integrated in the upcoming Alpha version:





The new handheld chainsaw:


Finally, the new HUD of the remote controller player drone:


Stay tuned for a more detailed blog about the new structural integrity.

Cheers

Eleon Dev Team

Hi guys,

We decided to release another small patch (PA 5.4.3) for the current Pre-Alpha before releasing the Alpha version of Empyrion. We fixed the problem that CV/HV/SV could fly through each other in Multiplayer, i.e., there was no collision between vessels.

Bug Fixes:
- Fixed problem in Multiplayer that CV/HV/SV could fly through each other


Alpha Preview:
We would like to show you some screenshots of the new temperate planet that will be integrated in the upcoming Alpha version:





The new handheld chainsaw:


Finally, the new HUD of the remote controller player drone:


Stay tuned for a more detailed blog about the new structural integrity.

Cheers

Eleon Dev Team

Hi Galactic Survivalists!

As promised, today we will reveal the list of features that will make it into the upcoming Alpha Release.

Main Features
- Added structural integrity SI (only for bases at the moment): buildings will collapse if not supported correctly
- Added basic tutorial system (PDA)
- Added dense grass and large decorations (trees, large rocks, underwater deco, etc) viewable from far away (trees can be harvested for wood logs)
- Added possibility to completely configure a planet by yourself (terrain, textures, deco, NPCs, etc)
- New block rotation system that shows rotation axis
- New block shape management system:
- craft basic block and choose from block shapes via selection menu (RMB when block group is selected in toolbar)
- Shift + RMB now removes block in Creative mode
- Added more materials: wood, concrete (wood logs, wood planks, cement) and hardened steel (replacing the armored blocks)
- Added player drone to facilitate building

Individualization for Building
- New block customization: any side of a block can be colored / textured individually
- New color and paint system:
- 31 colors available from new color tool menu
- all 3d models are colorable (cockpit, turrets, thrusters, generators, deco blocks and other devices)
- New system to apply textures / symbols / letters to each side of a block individually
- Added a first set of textures, letters, numbers and symbols

Gameplay
- Added "Spawn at home base": For example, you can tag your CV in Orbit, any Base or Space Station and respawn on this CV/Base when you die on a planet. (only one Home base can be tagged at any time)
- Clone Chamber has been added to set a definite Home-Base spawn point (Without a Clone Chamber you will spawn in a random location close to your home-base tagged base or vessel)
- Added auto-grouping feature in Control Panel
- Improvements to space map: other faction's icons are no longer displayed except they are near the player (before everything was seen on space map)
- Improvements to all maps: own objects (private or faction) are now colored greenish
- ALT now toggles a free-move camera
- Added filter (text area) and entity type filter-toggles (SV,HV,CV,BA, ALL) to constructor windows
- Turrets can now be activated/deactivated in control panel
- Founder/Admin of a faction can now set a structure of this faction back to Public/Private
- New rotation tool: allows to rotate blocks after placement

Blueprints
- Blueprint menu now also shows blueprints with forbidden blocks (with red color and a hint), not allowed to put in factory or publish (Alien Core and any Monster-Spawner)
- BP placement: Added possibility to move BPs vertically with Page up/down
- Changed: blueprints now spawn without damage
- Workshop: Published (or updated) items are now automatically tagged according to their structure type (e.g. "Hover Vessel")
- Blueprint now saves the control panel grouping info

Console Commands & Server
- Activated console to enter many commands for singleplayer (godmode, teleport, item menu etc)
- Added many new server commands (similar to singleplayer) and a new permission group (Gamemaster)
- Added customizable, periodic auto-shutdown of playfield servers + server message (configured in dedicated.yaml)
- Server messages are now colored to easily see them
- Added saw attachment for HV and chainsaw for player

Blocks & Crafting
- Re-enabled Alien Container and Alien Core for use in Creative Menu
- Added Spawner blocks to Creative menu
- Added new block shape: Inverted Corner Thin
- Added new railing blocks
- Changed Starter Block Base to “Core only”
- Added water jug (produced by Water Generator)
- Water generator can now be crafted in Survival Constructor

World
- Added new temperate planet Oscutune
- Added many new POIs (thanks to Dead8Eye)
- Added Talon Guardian NPC (no loot yet)
- Added ambient sounds according to the biome a player is in (e.g. on Akua: forest, water, open plains, mountains)
- Spawning of NPCs now depend on biomes (e.g. on Akua: Woodwalker in forest, Slime at water, etc)
- Tweaked loot of many NPCs

Major Visual Improvements:
- Atmospheric scattering
- New water shader (edge blending for water shores, refractions, waves, etc)
- New underwater view
- New water droplet effect when leaving water
- More details are shown when close to objects (also terrain)

Tweaks - Gameplay:
- Backpack is now visible 500m on map (before 50m)
- Control Panel now shows damage for all units (not only for essentials as before)
- Increased speed of Ion Cannon shots by 30%
- SV/HV/CV does not allow to fire any more if not powered
- Better planet map preview

Tweaks - Visual & Audio:
- Updated many models (all handheld weapons, many devices, deco objects etc) to PBR shader
- Replaced truss and walkway blocks with new models
- Updated basic hull texture (less dark panel lines)
- Tweaked muzzle fire of laser pistol/rifle to blue/red
- Added new volumetric laser shot effect to Laser Rifle and Pistol
- Improved effect when drilling
- Tweaked terrain textures on Alien planet and moon
- Added new lava shader + lava fog and improved under-lava shader
- Added ground fog and fireflies on Masperon
- Tweaked many terrains (especially Omicron and Masperon
- Added bullet impact effects on water
- Sound tweaks:
- lower sound volume when drilling
- Slightly reduced distance at which sound from devices is heard (02/water generator, gravity generator, generator)
- Updated sound for drill
- Exchanged model of survival constructor
- Improved texture on non-illuminated stairs
- Better smoke on destroyed enemy drone
- Tweaked terrain textures to make resource veins better visible

And what about bug fixes? We are still in the midst of working on them. We'll add a condensed list when we have finished this phase of the Alpha preparations!

Please remember that the current Alpha version will not only add big new features like structural integrity, new biome decorations, new painting & texturing possibilities, new block management and more, but also changes a lot of the invisible back end stuff needed to enable those features and – moreover – pave the way for the more demanding features like galaxy, shields, pole barrier removal, oxygenized rooms, custom textures, which will not make it in the Alpha but are planned for the upcoming and future development stages.

Finally, we would like to introduce the first iteration of “Structural Integrity for planetary bases”. A more detailed blog will follow soon.

So let’s crush some block, shall we? :D

https://youtu.be/HSD7ivXrLsM

Happy Easter!

Eleon Dev Team

P.S: Last but not least, the following video shows how easy it will be to color and texture blocks in the upcoming Alpha:
https://youtu.be/FmhZlfhQ-aw[/url[[/url]

Hi Galactic Survivalists!

As promised, today we will reveal the list of features that will make it into the upcoming Alpha Release.

Main Features
- Added structural integrity SI (only for bases at the moment): buildings will collapse if not supported correctly
- Added basic tutorial system (PDA)
- Added dense grass and large decorations (trees, large rocks, underwater deco, etc) viewable from far away (trees can be harvested for wood logs)
- Added possibility to completely configure a planet by yourself (terrain, textures, deco, NPCs, etc)
- New block rotation system that shows rotation axis
- New block shape management system:
- craft basic block and choose from block shapes via selection menu (RMB when block group is selected in toolbar)
- Shift + RMB now removes block in Creative mode
- Added more materials: wood, concrete (wood logs, wood planks, cement) and hardened steel (replacing the armored blocks)
- Added player drone to facilitate building

Individualization for Building
- New block customization: any side of a block can be colored / textured individually
- New color and paint system:
- 31 colors available from new color tool menu
- all 3d models are colorable (cockpit, turrets, thrusters, generators, deco blocks and other devices)
- New system to apply textures / symbols / letters to each side of a block individually
- Added a first set of textures, letters, numbers and symbols

Gameplay
- Added "Spawn at home base": For example, you can tag your CV in Orbit, any Base or Space Station and respawn on this CV/Base when you die on a planet. (only one Home base can be tagged at any time)
- Clone Chamber has been added to set a definite Home-Base spawn point (Without a Clone Chamber you will spawn in a random location close to your home-base tagged base or vessel)
- Added auto-grouping feature in Control Panel
- Improvements to space map: other faction's icons are no longer displayed except they are near the player (before everything was seen on space map)
- Improvements to all maps: own objects (private or faction) are now colored greenish
- ALT now toggles a free-move camera
- Added filter (text area) and entity type filter-toggles (SV,HV,CV,BA, ALL) to constructor windows
- Turrets can now be activated/deactivated in control panel
- Founder/Admin of a faction can now set a structure of this faction back to Public/Private
- New rotation tool: allows to rotate blocks after placement

Blueprints
- Blueprint menu now also shows blueprints with forbidden blocks (with red color and a hint), not allowed to put in factory or publish (Alien Core and any Monster-Spawner)
- BP placement: Added possibility to move BPs vertically with Page up/down
- Changed: blueprints now spawn without damage
- Workshop: Published (or updated) items are now automatically tagged according to their structure type (e.g. "Hover Vessel")
- Blueprint now saves the control panel grouping info

Console Commands & Server
- Activated console to enter many commands for singleplayer (godmode, teleport, item menu etc)
- Added many new server commands (similar to singleplayer) and a new permission group (Gamemaster)
- Added customizable, periodic auto-shutdown of playfield servers + server message (configured in dedicated.yaml)
- Server messages are now colored to easily see them
- Added saw attachment for HV and chainsaw for player

Blocks & Crafting
- Re-enabled Alien Container and Alien Core for use in Creative Menu
- Added Spawner blocks to Creative menu
- Added new block shape: Inverted Corner Thin
- Added new railing blocks
- Changed Starter Block Base to “Core only”
- Added water jug (produced by Water Generator)
- Water generator can now be crafted in Survival Constructor

World
- Added new temperate planet Oscutune
- Added many new POIs (thanks to Dead8Eye)
- Added Talon Guardian NPC (no loot yet)
- Added ambient sounds according to the biome a player is in (e.g. on Akua: forest, water, open plains, mountains)
- Spawning of NPCs now depend on biomes (e.g. on Akua: Woodwalker in forest, Slime at water, etc)
- Tweaked loot of many NPCs

Major Visual Improvements:
- Atmospheric scattering
- New water shader (edge blending for water shores, refractions, waves, etc)
- New underwater view
- New water droplet effect when leaving water
- More details are shown when close to objects (also terrain)

Tweaks - Gameplay:
- Backpack is now visible 500m on map (before 50m)
- Control Panel now shows damage for all units (not only for essentials as before)
- Increased speed of Ion Cannon shots by 30%
- SV/HV/CV does not allow to fire any more if not powered
- Better planet map preview

Tweaks - Visual & Audio:
- Updated many models (all handheld weapons, many devices, deco objects etc) to PBR shader
- Replaced truss and walkway blocks with new models
- Updated basic hull texture (less dark panel lines)
- Tweaked muzzle fire of laser pistol/rifle to blue/red
- Added new volumetric laser shot effect to Laser Rifle and Pistol
- Improved effect when drilling
- Tweaked terrain textures on Alien planet and moon
- Added new lava shader + lava fog and improved under-lava shader
- Added ground fog and fireflies on Masperon
- Tweaked many terrains (especially Omicron and Masperon
- Added bullet impact effects on water
- Sound tweaks:
- lower sound volume when drilling
- Slightly reduced distance at which sound from devices is heard (02/water generator, gravity generator, generator)
- Updated sound for drill
- Exchanged model of survival constructor
- Improved texture on non-illuminated stairs
- Better smoke on destroyed enemy drone
- Tweaked terrain textures to make resource veins better visible

And what about bug fixes? We are still in the midst of working on them. We'll add a condensed list when we have finished this phase of the Alpha preparations!

Please remember that the current Alpha version will not only add big new features like structural integrity, new biome decorations, new painting & texturing possibilities, new block management and more, but also changes a lot of the invisible back end stuff needed to enable those features and – moreover – pave the way for the more demanding features like galaxy, shields, pole barrier removal, oxygenized rooms, custom textures, which will not make it in the Alpha but are planned for the upcoming and future development stages.

Finally, we would like to introduce the first iteration of “Structural Integrity for planetary bases”. A more detailed blog will follow soon.

So let’s crush some block, shall we? :D

https://youtu.be/HSD7ivXrLsM

Happy Easter!

Eleon Dev Team

P.S: Last but not least, the following video shows how easy it will be to color and texture blocks in the upcoming Alpha:
https://youtu.be/FmhZlfhQ-aw[/url[[/url]

Hi Galactic Survivalists,

Today we are very excited to announce the release date of the Alpha:

April 8, 2016

For those of you who do not own a copy of Empyrion by now, this might also be a great chance to get yourself a key (or two) as we will slightly increase the price point shortly after the Alpha release.

We are very hard at work, finalizing the new content - and because we were overwhelmed (in a positive manner) by all of your questions, we decided to reveal the complete list of Alpha features very soon!

Stay tuned for more updates

Empyrion Dev Team

Hi Galactic Survivalists,

Today we are very excited to announce the release date of the Alpha:

April 8, 2016

For those of you who do not own a copy of Empyrion by now, this might also be a great chance to get yourself a key (or two) as we will slightly increase the price point shortly after the Alpha release.

We are very hard at work, finalizing the new content - and because we were overwhelmed (in a positive manner) by all of your questions, we decided to reveal the complete list of Alpha features very soon!

Stay tuned for more updates

Empyrion Dev Team

Dear Survivalists,

Today we would like to shed some light on the new Admin and Gamemaster tools, followed by a short video tour of some of the new ambient sounds and a description of our new creature spawning system.

Disclaimer: If you are an admin or want to play a survival game in a more “creative” matter with more tools at your hand even in survival mode, then read on! If you are not interested in those little helpers at all, scroll down and enjoy the new ambient sounds, as the new console commands are not active by default! (More gameplay updates will follow soon!)

New Console Commands

This is not only an update for server owners and those who manage them – this is a partial rework of the games approach towards “creative mode with survival aspects”! Said that, all of the features mentioned in this blog are available for dedicated server admins (and their crew) as well as for any solo survivor, wanting to play a Singleplayer game the creative way!

A special note for Singleplayer: Please keep in mind that some of the features might dramatically influence your gameplay experience, as they will allow you to use shortcuts and workarounds and may be considered as “allowed cheats”. They are not active by default and need to be activated manually! So if you want to have the pure and immersive gameplay experience…it is your choice to just not use them ;-)

First Things first: Unlike in Singleplayer mode (Creative and Survival), the console commands mentioned below are not available for EVERYONE on a server, but only for Admins (all of the features), Moderators (some of the features) and Gamemasters (a subset of the features).
As the permission roles are not yet set in stone, we are open to your feedback which of the following permission we should add to what role!

That’s what you will be able to do, when playing as an Admin with all console commands activated:
- Standard stuff like kick and ban (and unban of course)
- Speed up or slow down time
- Teleport on the planetary map
- Teleport from planet to space and vice versa
- Teleport between the sectors without having to use a warpdrive
- Instant-Spawn NPCs and other enemies (very early approach)
- Add Vessels, bases and players to any faction (even if you are not the owner)
- Destroy any vessel or base
- Activate an ID Overlay to identify the ID of a vessel or base (needed for the destroy command)
- Activate the Creative-Item Menu (All blocks are available and do not cost any resources)
- Godmode (Permanent-Fly, No Health/Food/O2 drain, Clip through solid ground and structures)
- Raise your personal player level
- Make a player admin, Gamemaster or moderator via console

Please remember: the list of console commands is the current internal state of possibilities for an admin, NOT for players on a server!
About teleporting: If you are sitting in a vessel, the whole vessel will be teleported with you! If you are in a base, the base will of course not be teleported!

Important Info about Factions

For the Alpha, we have now added the possibility for any faction owner to change vessels or bases back to private or make them public without using a console command. You do not need to have admin permissions on a server to manage your faction that way! The console command for factions is just a helper for Admins and Gamemasters, helping other faction players.

More Info about Structures for Server Owners

If you are a Server Owner or you have access to the folders of your server savegame, you might be interested in the following: we are planning to add an “info file” to each and every folder of vessels and bases, showing who owns it, which faction it belongs and other details that might be useful.
This way you will be able to identify lost, broken or accidentally removed structures with ease and – if needed – you will be able to resurrect them via another console command!
Enough of the tech stuff!

New Ambient Sounds and Creature Spawning

We are now able to divide a planet into different biomes which allows us to play different ambient sounds according to the biome you are currently in (e.g. lake shore, forest, open plains, mountains etc).

Check out the first set of new ambient sounds:

https://youtu.be/j9EByOaZmDI

But this is not all. We are now also able to control the appearance of creatures according to the biome. For example, these new creatures will only appear in dense forests:



While the dinosaurs will only be found in open areas:



On desert planets, these arachnids will appear mostly around large rocks:



And on alien planets, different creatures will populate forests



and open plains:



Last but not least, we want to present you our old friends who played a role in the Announcement Trailer from Sept 2014. They will be back in the Alpha:



These are only the first steps in creating planets with diverse biomes.

We are looking forward to your feedback

Yours
Empyrion Dev Team

Dear Survivalists,

Today we would like to shed some light on the new Admin and Gamemaster tools, followed by a short video tour of some of the new ambient sounds and a description of our new creature spawning system.

Disclaimer: If you are an admin or want to play a survival game in a more “creative” matter with more tools at your hand even in survival mode, then read on! If you are not interested in those little helpers at all, scroll down and enjoy the new ambient sounds, as the new console commands are not active by default! (More gameplay updates will follow soon!)

New Console Commands

This is not only an update for server owners and those who manage them – this is a partial rework of the games approach towards “creative mode with survival aspects”! Said that, all of the features mentioned in this blog are available for dedicated server admins (and their crew) as well as for any solo survivor, wanting to play a Singleplayer game the creative way!

A special note for Singleplayer: Please keep in mind that some of the features might dramatically influence your gameplay experience, as they will allow you to use shortcuts and workarounds and may be considered as “allowed cheats”. They are not active by default and need to be activated manually! So if you want to have the pure and immersive gameplay experience…it is your choice to just not use them ;-)

First Things first: Unlike in Singleplayer mode (Creative and Survival), the console commands mentioned below are not available for EVERYONE on a server, but only for Admins (all of the features), Moderators (some of the features) and Gamemasters (a subset of the features).
As the permission roles are not yet set in stone, we are open to your feedback which of the following permission we should add to what role!

That’s what you will be able to do, when playing as an Admin with all console commands activated:
- Standard stuff like kick and ban (and unban of course)
- Speed up or slow down time
- Teleport on the planetary map
- Teleport from planet to space and vice versa
- Teleport between the sectors without having to use a warpdrive
- Instant-Spawn NPCs and other enemies (very early approach)
- Add Vessels, bases and players to any faction (even if you are not the owner)
- Destroy any vessel or base
- Activate an ID Overlay to identify the ID of a vessel or base (needed for the destroy command)
- Activate the Creative-Item Menu (All blocks are available and do not cost any resources)
- Godmode (Permanent-Fly, No Health/Food/O2 drain, Clip through solid ground and structures)
- Raise your personal player level
- Make a player admin, Gamemaster or moderator via console

Please remember: the list of console commands is the current internal state of possibilities for an admin, NOT for players on a server!
About teleporting: If you are sitting in a vessel, the whole vessel will be teleported with you! If you are in a base, the base will of course not be teleported!

Important Info about Factions

For the Alpha, we have now added the possibility for any faction owner to change vessels or bases back to private or make them public without using a console command. You do not need to have admin permissions on a server to manage your faction that way! The console command for factions is just a helper for Admins and Gamemasters, helping other faction players.

More Info about Structures for Server Owners

If you are a Server Owner or you have access to the folders of your server savegame, you might be interested in the following: we are planning to add an “info file” to each and every folder of vessels and bases, showing who owns it, which faction it belongs and other details that might be useful.
This way you will be able to identify lost, broken or accidentally removed structures with ease and – if needed – you will be able to resurrect them via another console command!
Enough of the tech stuff!

New Ambient Sounds and Creature Spawning

We are now able to divide a planet into different biomes which allows us to play different ambient sounds according to the biome you are currently in (e.g. lake shore, forest, open plains, mountains etc).

Check out the first set of new ambient sounds:

https://youtu.be/j9EByOaZmDI

But this is not all. We are now also able to control the appearance of creatures according to the biome. For example, these new creatures will only appear in dense forests:



While the dinosaurs will only be found in open areas:



On desert planets, these arachnids will appear mostly around large rocks:



And on alien planets, different creatures will populate forests



and open plains:



Last but not least, we want to present you our old friends who played a role in the Announcement Trailer from Sept 2014. They will be back in the Alpha:



These are only the first steps in creating planets with diverse biomes.

We are looking forward to your feedback

Yours
Empyrion Dev Team