Hello everyone.

We're working very hard on trying to fix the issues that some players have been having with Jalopy. Today, we're releasing another patch which we hopes eliminates some of the crashing players have had when trying to start a new game.

We've discovered that the "Skip Tutorial" option when starting a new game can cause some crashes. So we have had to make the tough decision to remove the skip tutorial option.

Please make sure that you have updated your graphics drivers and chosen the correct DirectX at launch.

• Removed skip tutorial as it was causing crashes on some machines

If you still suffer from any issues, please do let us know in the forums. If you have any crashes, contact us at support@excalibur-publishing.com with your dx diag, crash logs and let us know the directX version you were attempting to launch.

Hello everyone.

We're working very hard on trying to fix the issues that some players have been having with Jalopy. Today, we're releasing another patch which we hopes eliminates some of the crashing players have had when trying to start a new game.

We've discovered that the "Skip Tutorial" option when starting a new game can cause some crashes. So we have had to make the tough decision to remove the skip tutorial option.

Please make sure that you have updated your graphics drivers and chosen the correct DirectX at launch.

• Removed skip tutorial as it was causing crashes on some machines

If you still suffer from any issues, please do let us know in the forums. If you have any crashes, contact us at support@excalibur-publishing.com with your dx diag, crash logs and let us know the directX version you were attempting to launch.

Hi everyone,

We have a new update that has just gone live which makes some adjustments to the mirrors. If you are experiencing any crashes when loading a game or a save, please read below for details of a work around!

• Load Up the game
  
• Select Options
  
• Change the V Sync setting
  
• Save the settings
  
• Start game with any game mode of your choosing

The issue is V sync related and we need just a little bit more time to fix it. But please use this work around for now. You should only need to do this once. But if you ever experience any crashes, please do repeat the steps above.

ChangeLog below:

• Optimised mirrors to have a maximum draw distance
  
• Increased mirror resolution to 1028
  
• Capped fps at 120 for vSync off, and 60 for vSync on
  
• Fixed a few load hiccups

Hi everyone,

We have a new update that has just gone live which makes some adjustments to the mirrors. If you are experiencing any crashes when loading a game or a save, please read below for details of a work around!

• Load Up the game
  
• Select Options
  
• Change the V Sync setting
  
• Save the settings
  
• Start game with any game mode of your choosing

The issue is V sync related and we need just a little bit more time to fix it. But please use this work around for now. You should only need to do this once. But if you ever experience any crashes, please do repeat the steps above.

ChangeLog below:

• Optimised mirrors to have a maximum draw distance
  
• Increased mirror resolution to 1028
  
• Capped fps at 120 for vSync off, and 60 for vSync on
  
• Fixed a few load hiccups

Hello everyone,

Today we have just a small update to the game which we hope increases the games performance.

In our testing, we've seen a 20FPS increase within towns using a GTX970. Of course, with the large number of system set ups, results may differ and it is important to note that optimization is an ongoing process.

This update focuses on the lighting during the first route in Germany which has been the biggest hit in frame rate. So please do let us know what framerate you receive in this build.

• Optimised Germany Route lighting
  
• Optimised Market, Hotel, petrol station and Laika lighting
  
• Optimised German Town lighting
  
• Optimised starting area lighting

Hello everyone,

Today we have just a small update to the game which we hope increases the games performance.

In our testing, we've seen a 20FPS increase within towns using a GTX970. Of course, with the large number of system set ups, results may differ and it is important to note that optimization is an ongoing process.

This update focuses on the lighting during the first route in Germany which has been the biggest hit in frame rate. So please do let us know what framerate you receive in this build.

• Optimised Germany Route lighting
  
• Optimised Market, Hotel, petrol station and Laika lighting
  
• Optimised German Town lighting
  
• Optimised starting area lighting

Hello everyone,

Today we are releasing a new update to Jalopy which adds a new region to drive your Laika 601 deluxe and also adds some new features and bug fixes. First I’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of the public beta branch and has reported any bugs or issues, this type of feedback has really helped us make sure that the build is good to go once it releases to everyone.
So what’s in the new update? I’ll detail some of the core changes below but a compiled changelog will be at the very bottom of this announcement.

Those who want to watch the update in action check out the video below, scroll further down and we’ll detail what each of the mechanics do in more detail

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOMoACw8NfQ

The next stop in our pilgrimage! The coastal region of Yugoslavia features some stunning horizon vistas and winding roads.





The digital dash display is just one of three new major upgrades that can be bought from the Laika dealership. This piece of tech will provide a visual display on your dashboard to alert you of any issues with the engine, oil levels and tyre durability.



The tool rack contains three items, the car jack, a spanner and a crowbar. Installing this upgrade means that there will be a dedicated space for all three of these items without compromising any of the available space in your trunk. The spanner included in the tool rack can be used to repair engine components. The level of damage that the spanner can repair is based around the level of the tool kit itself.



The final upgrade is the Light rack. Installing this will allow for better visibility at night by providing a more powerful beam of light.



Jeremy, who has composed all tracks in the game has added a further two new tracks titled; “Harmonikatalas” and “Krugovi”. Accompanying these new tracks is a visual update to the radio itself.



One of the major requests from players has been to add support for controllers. The xbox 360 controller can now be used for all areas of the game. Those awaiting for wheel support however, this is the first step towards achieving that goal. We’re still looking into it and will have more news to share later.



Express yourself with the car horn, someone cut you up? BEEEEEEEP! In a stale mate for the last parking spot? BEEEEEEEP!



On your journey, you’ll secure several boxes. Unfortunately unpacking those from the car and handing each item one by one to the cashier can be quite a tedious process. But with the new-fangled basket technology you can place a larger amount of items in the basket and then bulk sell everything by handing the basket straight to the cashier!



While there are still plenty of other changes (See the changelog below) the last major addition is the Home storage. This an area inside your home garage which will allow you to store car components and paints. You’ll need to buy some boxes first, and then when you travel home (via the pause menu or the map), place the items straight into the boxes and it will save the items placed inside the crates when you save and quit the game.



So there we are, The Yugoslavia update is now live! We hope that you enjoy exploring the new area and the new features of the game. Once again, thank you to everyone who participated in the public beta and posted any issues.

We uploaded multiple builds over the past few weeks on the public beta branch and below is a document of all the changes and additions during this time.

• Allowed Vsync option to be used again (please note this has caused serious issues for some card users, use with caution)
  
• Fixed reverse pad issue

• Fixed Jack popping out of inventory
  
• Fixed issue with double clicking hotel bed causing the game to soft lock
  
• Change tool rack flavour text to read more concise
  
• Can no longer sell the tool rack items
  
• Prevented being able to pick up the same item twice
  
• Fixed "glow in the dark" maps
  
• Fixed 360 pad not working in the tutorial
  
• Remapped brake to Left Bumper Button to prevent car braking while using stuff on the dash
  
• Items in hand now sway when using pad input
  
• Lowered polycount of towns, optimising rendering somewhat (more to do on this throughout development).
  
• Fixed skiddding audio in light rain
  
• Shop keepers now remember when it's your first time entering a shop
  
• Fixed crates loading half their size
  
• Fixed issue with not being able to refill water tank with saved water
  
• Can now refill water tanks outside of the engine
  
• Bottled Water price now based on amount of water in the bottle
  
• Fuel cans value now based on amount of fuel they come filled with
  
• Can now mix oil into Fuel Cans (oil increases oil mix, fuel decreases)
  
• Advanced saving implemented
  The amount of water in bottles is now saved and loaded correctly - Fuel cans now save the amount of fuel in them - Oil Bottles now save the amount of oil they contain - Fuel can oil mix now saves - Engine Component stored in inventory now save condition value - Batterys in inventory now save their charge amount - Water tanks in inventory now save their water level
  
• Fixed issue with colliders not activating correctly when dropping items (most notable with trying to pick up baskets)
  
• Fixed issue with fuel lids not closing after refueling the portable fuel canister
  
• Fixed issue with tool rack car jack placement helper not stopping rendering when returning to the tool rack
  
• Fixed issue with not being able to pay fine at the border crossings
  
• Added condition which prevents players from passage if they cannot afford the border fine (also means that the bug with being stuck at the border if you don't have enough money is now fixed)
  
• Fixed issue with wallet making the boot / trunk inventory slot 1 become unoccupied

• Fixed issue with level 2 and 3 tool racks not loading
  
• Added a new loading screen
  
• Moved game loading to a separate and lower priority thread, but unity still has bottle neck issues with loading which I'm not able to access, so some momentary hitches during loading screen still occur.
  
• Rebuilt how windscreen visual damage works, so should be a more reliable indicator of car overall damage
  
• Fixed car tipping over (for reals this time, I think)
  
• Added collisions to gate cars at scrapyards
  
• Cleaned up the visuals of scrapyards slightly to make it easier to spot scrapped components
  
• Added bulk selling when using the shopping baskets at the checkout counter
  
• Fixed shopping basket weight being applied to car weight when out of the car
  
• Added touched up loading art from Gunstone Build 0.612
  
• Fixed CSFR Map Yugoslavia error - Fixed floating puddle in CSFR
  
• Removed doppler effect which distorted audio playback
  
• Added pause option to allow hiding cursor
  
• Fixed issue with R joystick look not working for brand new players
  
• Uncle no longer flips car during tutorial
  
• Fixed some shopping basket clipping issues
  
• Fixed shops breaking if trying to sell an item with a value of 0
  
• Added bulk selling when using the shopping baskets at the checkout counter (you can now use a bucket filled with goods and the cashier will sort them all for you)
  
• Fixed issue with level 2 and 3 tool racks not loading

• Fixed car jack save issue
  
• Esc can now close map book again
  
• Added 2 new tracks by Jeremy; Harmonikatalas & Krugovi
  
• Fixed repeating popping tyre audio
  
• Fixed issue with storage price costing twice as much as it should
  
• Picking up the gas/petrol can no longer forces it to hand 1
  
• storage space no longer saves after storage, this is to prevent a money exploit
  
• Fixed audio option in main menu reading video

• Fixed issue with gate not opening at shopes
  
• Fixed issue with unpaid car jacks becoming stuck under the car
  
• Cleaned up interactions with car jacks staying after driving away
  
• Fixed crash on load issue

• Added Yugoslavia
  
• Magazines now zoom out correctly if picked up while zoomed in
  
• Refactored how fuel, electric, oil and water are now ready by the car
  
• Replaced Laika bonnet sigil
  
• Added car horn
  
• Added digital dash upgrade
  
• Added home storage
  
• Handbrake now sets engine torque / current speed to 0
  
• Reverse audio now fixed
  
• Fixed exploit of being able to climb over petrol station counter
  
• Added correct animated flags to border crossings
  
• Correct banned goods on border sign when Loading into a town
  
• Fixed car topping over issue
  
• Fuel cans will now span in shops empty
  
• Fixed issue with oil adding 2 charges if tanks was in engine
  
• Fixed issue with Laika Catalogue UI chaing colour after using paint menu
  
• Added working mirrors (turn them off/on in settings menu)
  
• Components now lose value based on their condition
  
• Fixed component price not showing on the UI Notepad
  
• Fixed Save corruption issue caused by newspapers + paper cups
  
• Can no longer put the wallet or passport in the trunk (boot) This would cause save corruption errors
  
• Rebuilt collision interaction to allow multiple collisions on single object
  
• Beside alarm clock can now be set to silent (press button in to turn off alarm for next time you wake)

• Added Digital Dash Display upgrade
  
• Added Tool Rack Upgrade
  - Level 1 (first purchase) allows repairing components up to 33% of their max durability
  - Level 2 (second purchase) allows repairing components up to 66% of their max durability
  - Level 3 (third purchase) allows repairing components up to 100% of their max durability
  
• Also contains a crowbar and a carjack
  
• Added Light Rack upgrade
  
• Added Baskets which allow players to place items into and carry (items in the basket will also be saved correctly)
  
• Fixed issue with front license plate vanishing
  
• Added 360 pad input support for walking and driving (first iteration)
  
• Added Antialiasing
  
• Changed main menu cursor to finger, so it is more apparent
  
• Cleaned up finger UI
  
• Lightened the blacks in the game as they were really hard to read on most monitors
  
• New radio model
  
• New Bonnet lever model, bonnet moved out further to be more apparent
  
• Lightened Ambient lighting levels for all conditions to make game brighter
  
• Removed page zooming from user manual
  
• Returned street lighting to Towns
  
• Pathfinding now initiates a rescan on dropping the car down with the car jack, this should prevent the uncle getting stuck during the tutorial
  
• Added Menu support for 360 controller
  
• Fixed issue with being able to take keys out of ignition while engine is on
  
• Fixed home storage issues

• Fixed screen res issues defaulting to 0x0
  
• Main Menu book can now be closed with pad input B or Esc key
  
• Fixed issue with Main Menu book being closed before fully opened yet text still appearing
  
• Added functionality for using sliders with pad input
  
• Reset the position of Back and Accept on Main Menu Options screen

• Cancel transaction lever now takes into account items in inventories and hands
  
• Fixed an issue with pump not returning to fuel pump
  
• Fixed crate locks not rotating with wooden boxes

• Further fixes relating to the above

Hello everyone,

Today we are releasing a new update to Jalopy which adds a new region to drive your Laika 601 deluxe and also adds some new features and bug fixes. First I’d like to thank everyone who has been a part of the public beta branch and has reported any bugs or issues, this type of feedback has really helped us make sure that the build is good to go once it releases to everyone.
So what’s in the new update? I’ll detail some of the core changes below but a compiled changelog will be at the very bottom of this announcement.

Those who want to watch the update in action check out the video below, scroll further down and we’ll detail what each of the mechanics do in more detail

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nOMoACw8NfQ

The next stop in our pilgrimage! The coastal region of Yugoslavia features some stunning horizon vistas and winding roads.





The digital dash display is just one of three new major upgrades that can be bought from the Laika dealership. This piece of tech will provide a visual display on your dashboard to alert you of any issues with the engine, oil levels and tyre durability.



The tool rack contains three items, the car jack, a spanner and a crowbar. Installing this upgrade means that there will be a dedicated space for all three of these items without compromising any of the available space in your trunk. The spanner included in the tool rack can be used to repair engine components. The level of damage that the spanner can repair is based around the level of the tool kit itself.



The final upgrade is the Light rack. Installing this will allow for better visibility at night by providing a more powerful beam of light.



Jeremy, who has composed all tracks in the game has added a further two new tracks titled; “Harmonikatalas” and “Krugovi”. Accompanying these new tracks is a visual update to the radio itself.



One of the major requests from players has been to add support for controllers. The xbox 360 controller can now be used for all areas of the game. Those awaiting for wheel support however, this is the first step towards achieving that goal. We’re still looking into it and will have more news to share later.



Express yourself with the car horn, someone cut you up? BEEEEEEEP! In a stale mate for the last parking spot? BEEEEEEEP!



On your journey, you’ll secure several boxes. Unfortunately unpacking those from the car and handing each item one by one to the cashier can be quite a tedious process. But with the new-fangled basket technology you can place a larger amount of items in the basket and then bulk sell everything by handing the basket straight to the cashier!



While there are still plenty of other changes (See the changelog below) the last major addition is the Home storage. This an area inside your home garage which will allow you to store car components and paints. You’ll need to buy some boxes first, and then when you travel home (via the pause menu or the map), place the items straight into the boxes and it will save the items placed inside the crates when you save and quit the game.



So there we are, The Yugoslavia update is now live! We hope that you enjoy exploring the new area and the new features of the game. Once again, thank you to everyone who participated in the public beta and posted any issues.

We uploaded multiple builds over the past few weeks on the public beta branch and below is a document of all the changes and additions during this time.

• Allowed Vsync option to be used again (please note this has caused serious issues for some card users, use with caution)
  
• Fixed reverse pad issue

• Fixed Jack popping out of inventory
  
• Fixed issue with double clicking hotel bed causing the game to soft lock
  
• Change tool rack flavour text to read more concise
  
• Can no longer sell the tool rack items
  
• Prevented being able to pick up the same item twice
  
• Fixed "glow in the dark" maps
  
• Fixed 360 pad not working in the tutorial
  
• Remapped brake to Left Bumper Button to prevent car braking while using stuff on the dash
  
• Items in hand now sway when using pad input
  
• Lowered polycount of towns, optimising rendering somewhat (more to do on this throughout development).
  
• Fixed skiddding audio in light rain
  
• Shop keepers now remember when it's your first time entering a shop
  
• Fixed crates loading half their size
  
• Fixed issue with not being able to refill water tank with saved water
  
• Can now refill water tanks outside of the engine
  
• Bottled Water price now based on amount of water in the bottle
  
• Fuel cans value now based on amount of fuel they come filled with
  
• Can now mix oil into Fuel Cans (oil increases oil mix, fuel decreases)
  
• Advanced saving implemented
  The amount of water in bottles is now saved and loaded correctly - Fuel cans now save the amount of fuel in them - Oil Bottles now save the amount of oil they contain - Fuel can oil mix now saves - Engine Component stored in inventory now save condition value - Batterys in inventory now save their charge amount - Water tanks in inventory now save their water level
  
• Fixed issue with colliders not activating correctly when dropping items (most notable with trying to pick up baskets)
  
• Fixed issue with fuel lids not closing after refueling the portable fuel canister
  
• Fixed issue with tool rack car jack placement helper not stopping rendering when returning to the tool rack
  
• Fixed issue with not being able to pay fine at the border crossings
  
• Added condition which prevents players from passage if they cannot afford the border fine (also means that the bug with being stuck at the border if you don't have enough money is now fixed)
  
• Fixed issue with wallet making the boot / trunk inventory slot 1 become unoccupied

• Fixed issue with level 2 and 3 tool racks not loading
  
• Added a new loading screen
  
• Moved game loading to a separate and lower priority thread, but unity still has bottle neck issues with loading which I'm not able to access, so some momentary hitches during loading screen still occur.
  
• Rebuilt how windscreen visual damage works, so should be a more reliable indicator of car overall damage
  
• Fixed car tipping over (for reals this time, I think)
  
• Added collisions to gate cars at scrapyards
  
• Cleaned up the visuals of scrapyards slightly to make it easier to spot scrapped components
  
• Added bulk selling when using the shopping baskets at the checkout counter
  
• Fixed shopping basket weight being applied to car weight when out of the car
  
• Added touched up loading art from Gunstone Build 0.612
  
• Fixed CSFR Map Yugoslavia error - Fixed floating puddle in CSFR
  
• Removed doppler effect which distorted audio playback
  
• Added pause option to allow hiding cursor
  
• Fixed issue with R joystick look not working for brand new players
  
• Uncle no longer flips car during tutorial
  
• Fixed some shopping basket clipping issues
  
• Fixed shops breaking if trying to sell an item with a value of 0
  
• Added bulk selling when using the shopping baskets at the checkout counter (you can now use a bucket filled with goods and the cashier will sort them all for you)
  
• Fixed issue with level 2 and 3 tool racks not loading

• Fixed car jack save issue
  
• Esc can now close map book again
  
• Added 2 new tracks by Jeremy; Harmonikatalas & Krugovi
  
• Fixed repeating popping tyre audio
  
• Fixed issue with storage price costing twice as much as it should
  
• Picking up the gas/petrol can no longer forces it to hand 1
  
• storage space no longer saves after storage, this is to prevent a money exploit
  
• Fixed audio option in main menu reading video

• Fixed issue with gate not opening at shopes
  
• Fixed issue with unpaid car jacks becoming stuck under the car
  
• Cleaned up interactions with car jacks staying after driving away
  
• Fixed crash on load issue

• Added Yugoslavia
  
• Magazines now zoom out correctly if picked up while zoomed in
  
• Refactored how fuel, electric, oil and water are now ready by the car
  
• Replaced Laika bonnet sigil
  
• Added car horn
  
• Added digital dash upgrade
  
• Added home storage
  
• Handbrake now sets engine torque / current speed to 0
  
• Reverse audio now fixed
  
• Fixed exploit of being able to climb over petrol station counter
  
• Added correct animated flags to border crossings
  
• Correct banned goods on border sign when Loading into a town
  
• Fixed car topping over issue
  
• Fuel cans will now span in shops empty
  
• Fixed issue with oil adding 2 charges if tanks was in engine
  
• Fixed issue with Laika Catalogue UI chaing colour after using paint menu
  
• Added working mirrors (turn them off/on in settings menu)
  
• Components now lose value based on their condition
  
• Fixed component price not showing on the UI Notepad
  
• Fixed Save corruption issue caused by newspapers + paper cups
  
• Can no longer put the wallet or passport in the trunk (boot) This would cause save corruption errors
  
• Rebuilt collision interaction to allow multiple collisions on single object
  
• Beside alarm clock can now be set to silent (press button in to turn off alarm for next time you wake)

• Added Digital Dash Display upgrade
  
• Added Tool Rack Upgrade
  - Level 1 (first purchase) allows repairing components up to 33% of their max durability
  - Level 2 (second purchase) allows repairing components up to 66% of their max durability
  - Level 3 (third purchase) allows repairing components up to 100% of their max durability
  
• Also contains a crowbar and a carjack
  
• Added Light Rack upgrade
  
• Added Baskets which allow players to place items into and carry (items in the basket will also be saved correctly)
  
• Fixed issue with front license plate vanishing
  
• Added 360 pad input support for walking and driving (first iteration)
  
• Added Antialiasing
  
• Changed main menu cursor to finger, so it is more apparent
  
• Cleaned up finger UI
  
• Lightened the blacks in the game as they were really hard to read on most monitors
  
• New radio model
  
• New Bonnet lever model, bonnet moved out further to be more apparent
  
• Lightened Ambient lighting levels for all conditions to make game brighter
  
• Removed page zooming from user manual
  
• Returned street lighting to Towns
  
• Pathfinding now initiates a rescan on dropping the car down with the car jack, this should prevent the uncle getting stuck during the tutorial
  
• Added Menu support for 360 controller
  
• Fixed issue with being able to take keys out of ignition while engine is on
  
• Fixed home storage issues

• Fixed screen res issues defaulting to 0x0
  
• Main Menu book can now be closed with pad input B or Esc key
  
• Fixed issue with Main Menu book being closed before fully opened yet text still appearing
  
• Added functionality for using sliders with pad input
  
• Reset the position of Back and Accept on Main Menu Options screen

• Cancel transaction lever now takes into account items in inventories and hands
  
• Fixed an issue with pump not returning to fuel pump
  
• Fixed crate locks not rotating with wooden boxes

• Further fixes relating to the above

Hello everyone! Today there’s a new build in the beta branch for Jalopy. Details on how to access this branch will be at the bottom of this announcement.

• Fixed issue with level 2 and 3 tool racks not loading
• Added a new loading screen
• Moved game loading to a separate and lower priority thread, but unity still has bottle neck issues with loading which I'm not able to access, so some momentary hitches during loading screen still occur.
• Rebuilt how windscreen visual damage works, so should be a more reliable indicator of car overall damage
• Fixed car tipping over (for reals this time, I think)
• Added collisions to gate cars at scrapyards
• Cleaned up the visuals of scrapyards slightly to make it easier to spot scrapped components
• Fixed some shopping basket clipping issues
• Fixed shops breaking if trying to sell an item with a value of 0
• Added bulk selling when using the shopping baskets at the checkout counter
• Fixed shopping basket weight being applied to car weight when out of the car
• Added touched up loading art from Gunstone Build 0.612
• Fixed CSFR Map Yugoslavia error - Fixed floating puddle in CSFR
• Removed doppler effect which distorted audio playback
• Added pause option to allow hiding cursor
• Fixed issue with R joystick look not working for brand new players
• Uncle no longer flips car during tutorial
• Fixed some shopping basket clipping issues
• Fixed shops breaking if trying to sell an item with a value of 0
• Added bulk selling when using the shopping baskets at the checkout counter (you can now use a bucket filled with goods and the cashier will sort them all for you)
• Fixed shopping basket weight being applied to car weight when out of the car
• Fixed issue with level 2 and 3 tool racks not loading

• We recommend playing through the tutorial with the mouse and keyboard. There is a small hiccup in the game when using a 360 controller that can halt progress through the tutorial
• Some issues when trying to reverse on an xbox 360 controller when completely stationary. If the car is in any sort of movement though, the player can reverse.

If you have any issues, do let us know in the forums.

To access the beta branch, right click on Jalopy in your game library, select properties. In the window select the Beta tab and click on the drop down box to select “Public beta”.