Dear Stormworkers,

This week's minor update brings a new type of laser sensor!

The laser point sensor will detect a laser light within it's vision upto 2000m away. There is also a new laser beacon component that emits a detectable light on the component. The new sensor acts like a camera, sensitive only to specifically laser light. It will output if a laser is detected, and the XY position of the point most central to it's field of vision.

This new component will help players build AI systems, helping accurately position and coordinate drones, create laser guided missile behavior, or other such systems.

The full patch notes can be found below.

Much Love <3

The Stormworks Developers



v0.7.6

Fix - fix crash when respawning while in sharks mouth
Fix - fixed crash when vehicle microprocessor was damaged

v0.7.7

Feature - new component - laser point sensor. Detects laser light points and outputs their position within it's field of view, with same light wavelength
Feature - new component - laser beacon. Creates a laser type light at it's position, with wavelength
Feature - added light wavelength to laser distance sensor
Feature - vehicles with keep-active block now load when game loads, missions can now tag vehicles as keep-active
Feature - animals now produce water foam and spray
Fix - AMD graphics no longer crash when returning to main menu
Fix - camera meshes appear correctly when flipped
Fix - distance sensor no longer collides with characters
Fix - cameras now render water correctly when inside vehicle compartment
Fix - resolved issue where could not sometimes select an object in the mission editor
Fix - advanced wheels no longer require physics collision to activate
Fix- increased medium and gimbal camera max zoom, made zoom characteristics the same for both cameras

Dear Stormworkers,

This week's minor update brings a new type of distance sensor!

The laser distance sensor will detect the distance to an object that it is pointing at and has an increased range of 2000m. It projects a visible beam to make it easier to distinguish where the sensor is hitting, and has a selectable infrared mode so that the beam is only visible to IR cameras.

The full patch notes can be found below.

Much Love <3

The Stormworks Developers



v0.7.4

Fix - Fixed sealed compartments not working on static vehicles
Fix - Fixed player sensor not working correctly on static vehicles
Fix - Fixed map not rendering in lua scripts
Fix - Fixed fps issues following v0.7.3

v0.7.5

Feature - Added laser distance sensor (visible laser, can be set to IR mode, range of 2000m)

Fix - Fixed microcontroller slider property value resetting when returning to the microcontroller editor
Fix - Added localisation support for all tech tree research items
Fix - Fixed crash in microcontroller editor when undoing placement of currently selected component
Fix - Fixed gimbal camera position when flipped
Fix - Clamped gimbal camera pitch rotation so it can't look inside itself
Fix - Fixed all cameras being able to see through walls when placed against them
Fix - Fixed crash caused by attempting to render text using drawTextBox in lua script when box is too small for a single character to fit
Fix - Fixed vehicle damage not correctly damaging surfaces of microcontrollers
Fix - Additive part of lights render correctly when set to infrared mode
Fix - Fixed total rotation output of pivots losing accuracy after rotating many times

v0.7.2

Fix - Fixed gimbal camera render position
Fix - Updated some component descriptions

v0.7.3

Feature - Added more information to script help tab about touchscreens (with example) and available lua functions
Feature - Added several global functions to the lua API (pairs, ipairs, next, tostring, tonumber)
Feature - Updated mission editor objective UI with new multiline editboxes to make it easier to add long descriptions to objectives

Fix - Fixed editor arrows for gimbal camera not rendering in the correct place
Fix - Monitors now show an error if you try to use input/output functions outside onTick or screen functions outside onDraw to make it clearer that this doesn't work
Fix - Fixed monitors not rendering text on MacOS
Fix - Rotors lose their RPS when folded
Fix - Fixed monitors rendering their screen incorrectly when flipped
Fix - Fixed completed research not being synced for clients when joining a multiplayer game
Fix - Fixed gimbal camera not rendering the correct colour when it's the only component on a body
Fix - Particles no longer appear to face the wrong direction when a camera is active
Fix - Fixed first monitor sometimes failing to render static when several are active with no signal
Fix - Limited max force of water jets
Fix - Flipped gimbal camera axis polarity

Dear Stormworkers,

Major update #6 has arrived!


The most highly-requested Stormworks features are finally here. Place cameras on your vehicles for remote operation, surveillance and night-vision capabilities. Use monitors to display video feeds, status information, heads-up-displays and scriptable touchscreen interfaces.




Composite data can now be transmitted wirelessly between vehicles using multiple sizes of antennas. Send video feeds over long distances to create and control drones and ROVs, and use the new "Keep Active" block to keep your vehicles persistent in the world even when you travel away from them.




The script editor and simple Lua API give you even more power over your vehicle's design and behaviour. Write functions to draw text and shapes to monitors on your vehicle, replicate real-world flight systems, and perform complex logic calculations.



We've been looking forward to this update for a long time and had a lot of fun implementing these features. Thanks to all of the great community members who have contributed to this update in one way or another, and we hope the wait has been worth it for all of you that have been requesting these components since the Alpha days. If you find any bugs or have suggestions for future expansions to these new components, let us know on the Stormworks issue tracker or by joining us on Discord.

Full patch notes for this update can be found below.

Looking to the future, we would like to announce that our next major update will largely focus on optimisation and performance improvements. This comes up a lot on the forums and was the second most requested feature in our community poll back in March. We've been planning this update for a while and have some good ideas of ways we can greatly improve performance for all players across a range of hardware, particularly when spawning large vehicles. We'll share more details of this update and the improvements it will bring as we make progress.

Much Love <3

The Stormworkers Developers



v0.7.1

Feature - Added 3 camera components (small, medium and gimbal)

• Medium camera has zoom and night vision
  
• Gimbal camera can be rotated without needing to attach to pivots (similar to spotlights)

Feature - Added infrared mode to light components
Feature - Added 4 monitor components to view camera and video feeds

• Monitors have a composite output with touchscreen data to detect when and where a player is pressing the screen

Feature - Added 2 hud components (small monitors that are transparent)
Feature - New microcontroller components

• Lua scripting components
  
• Video switchbox
  
• Text property (allows players to enter custom text that can be used inside a lua script)

Feature - Lua script editor

• Accessible from the property menu of the lua script microcontroller component
  
• Allows custom scripted tick and draw logic
  
• Simple API that lets you output draw commands to a video link for custom rendering, including drawing lines, basic shapes, text and the world map
  
• Scripts have a composite logic input/output for reading and writing data to the regular logic system
  
• Script editor includes syntax highlighting, a button to check your script compiles and a help tab with some information about available functions
  
• Monitors that are connected to lua scripts will show error messages if the script fails to execute for easier debugging

Feature - New video logic type used for transferring camera and video feeds between components

• Video logic can be chained through several scripts to layer many draw commands together, making it possible to build self-contained UI microcontrollers

Feature - Added 4 radio antenna sizes

• Larger antennas have higher range (up to 40km)
  
• Antennas can send and recieve composite data on a set channel
  
• Antennas have jiggle physics
  
• Radio signal is reduced when travelling through water

Feature - Added 2 video radio components (transmitter and reciever)

• Similar to radio antennas, but they transmit a video signal
  
• Quality of video signal will degrade over long distances

Feature - Added "Keep Active" block (a special component that will keep islands/objects/vehicles around it loaded, allowing it to stay spawned in the world at all times)
Feature - New research in career mode for unlocking camera and radio equipiment
Feature - Train junction signals can be switched by broadcasting an on signal on radio channel 440

Fix - Fixed advanced wheels not rotating freely when connected to torque
Fix - Added tyre pressure slider to advanced wheels to mitigate bouncing issues on light vehicles
Fix - Added track tension slider to tank track wheels
Fix - General fixes and improvements to the torque and grip mechanics of advanced wheels and tank tracks
Fix - Vehicles with advanced wheels no longer roll forwards/backwards on flat ground
Fix - Advanced wheels no longer cause anti-gravity vehicles when placed on their side
Fix - Logic nodes across disconnected vehicle bodies are removed when spawning vehicle ("magic" logic connections will now need to use radio signals)
Fix - Improved folding rotor feature (rotors render in folded position when physics has been disabled by interacting with the rotor head)
Fix - Advanced mode components no longer unlock in normal mode when completing research and vice versa
Fix - Minor improvements to SSAO shader
Fix - Fixed island state not saving (lights, doors etc.)

Predator drone with control terminal by MrNJersey

Dear Stormworkers,

As a reminder, this Wednesday 15th May, we are releasing Major Update #6, including cameras, monitors, data and video transmission, and more.

We are really excited to share this update. The new components and features unlock a lot of new game-play and possibilities in your creations, from camera controlled vehicles, to advanced computing systems and intelligent logic.


CH-146 with gimbal camera by MrNJersey

The new camera optics allow you to see further, magnified, and in infrared night vision.


Cockpit HUD with systems computer by WhiteNoise

The new screens allow video and UI feeds, to efficiently provide information to the player.


Signal triangulation and UI system by Tajin

The new lua scripting functionality allows programming of UI and complex systems.

Please join us on Discord, and chat about Stormworks and the new update in anticipation of the launch on Wednesday, and start working on your remotely operated vehicles, ready to plug in the cameras, screens, logic and radio equipment as the new components go live.

https://discord.gg/stormworks

Much love,

The Stormworks Developers

Dear Stormworkers,

The next major update is coming on Wednesday 15th May at 16:30 UTC.

On the discord feature poll, you asked us for cameras, monitors, and radio equipment, these were the highest voted features. Over the last 6 weeks we have been hard at work adding these new features to the game.

And then, we added some more stuff too, such as lua programming blocks, custom screen UI rendering, and night vision.

Here are the details:



Cameras and Monitors

New camera and monitor blocks allow the player to view video feeds in game. Monitors display a video feed, allowing new control station and cockpit designs.



Night Vision

Infrared mode on cameras allow camera vision in low light conditions. Extended vision is possible through the use of IR band point and spot lights.



Radio Transmission

Data can now be transmitted over the air for connecting logic and remote control between separate vehicles. 6 new antennas allow data transmission over different ranges for composite signals and video.



Lua Programming

A new microprocessor block allows injecting lua scripts into your microprocessors. This allows for programs to be built within the logic units. The lua interface can output to a composite signal, and also add UI to a video signal for rendering overlays over video.

We can't wait to share this update with you on the launch of Major Update #6. Thank you to all who have provided your thoughts and feedback and helped make this update happen.

We are just adding the finishing touches. There is no minor update this week or next week as we complete this update.

Much love <3

The Stormworks Developers

Dear Stormworkers,

This week's minor update adds new components for building tracked vehicles!

Three sizes of caterpillar tracks are now available. The tracks are modular and can be built to any convex shape and size by placing the various track wheels in line with each other. Drive wheels can then be used to rotate all wheels that are linked by a single track.

These wheels provide greater grip, making them ideal for off-road and large vehicles. They also open up a whole new category of vehicle types for you to experiment with!

This week's patch also includes several fixes, including some balance changes to the career research system in response to your feedback over the past week. See below for the full changelog.

Special thanks to MrNJersey for providing this week's awesome announcement gif.

Much Love <3

The Stormworks Developers



v0.6.21

Feature - Added modular tank track components (3 sizes of drive wheels and 3 sizes of regular wheels)

Fix - Rebalanced costs of several tech tree research items
Fix - Research view no longer hidden when "infinite stock" is enabled
Fix - Research view hidden when "unlock all components" is enabled
Fix - Missions no longer reward RP when "unlock all components" is enabled
Fix - Fixed research time not updating for host in multiplayer
Fix - Added confirmation dialog when beginning research
Fix - Fixed fans and underwater propellers having toggleable physics

Dear Stormworkers,

This week's minor update brings a new progression system to career mode!

We have completely overhauled the way you unlock new component blueprints in career mode. Missions now reward "research points" which can be used to research new technologies, which in turn will unlock new components. A new tab has been added to the map screen where you can view available technologies, explore the tech tree, choose what path to go down and begin researching. You now have more control over how your inventory expands, adding a deeper level of strategy to career mode.

We will be balancing these new features in the next few patches based on your feedback, so if you find any bugs or have any suggestions remember to leave a card on our issue tracker website. The issue tracker can be accessed using the buttons in-game on the main menu and pause menu. We look forward to hearing your feedback!

The full changelog for this patch can be found below.

Have a great bank holiday, Easter and weekend <3

The Stormworks Developers



v0.6.19

Feature - New career mode progression system
- Missions reward "research points" instead of blueprints
- Research technologies to get new blueprints
- Blueprints have been put into a tech tree, with different paths to follow depending on how you want to progress
- Added research tab to map where you can view tech and begin research
Feature - Rotor blades can be toggled on/off by interacting with the rotor head

Fix - Fixed undo in microcontroller editor causing a crash if then copying a selection
Fix - Rebalanced advanced wheel friction multipliers

v0.6.20

Fix - Resolved crash when creating new game from previous patch

Dear Stormworkers,

This week's minor update brings new ways to detect players inside your vehicles!

A new player sensor component has been added that outputs a signal when a player or NPC are within range. This makes it much easier to build automatic doors and kill switches to deactivate your vehicle when you leave the controls.

We have also added logic outputs to all existing seat and bed components so you can detect whether or not they are currently occupied by a character, making it possible to close a cockpit canopy or start an engine when you get into your pilot seat.

As always, this patch includes many fixes, the full list of which can be found in the changelog below.

Work is currently underway on some exciting big features for the next major update. We're looking forward to teasing some details of what to expect in this update, and will be sharing more information in the coming weeks.

Have a great weekend <3

The Stormworks Developers



v0.6.18

Feature - Added Player Sensor component (detects players/NPCs within a set radius)
Feature - Added "Occupied" logic node to all seats (outputs an on signal if someone is sat in the seat)
Feature - Added crude oil purchase locations to the Arctic

Fix - Fixed small window components having some incorrect/missing placement surfaces
Fix - Trailing spaces are stripped from save file names
Fix - Fixed clutch transmission being dependent on electrical charge
Fix - Fixed clock hands not rendering when flipped
Fix - Wind sensor has correct rendering in logic mode
Fix - Wheels and spotlight can no longer turn infinitely beyond their range of motion
Fix - Fixed paint buttons in vehicle editor not always correctly showing the current selected paint mode
Fix - Fixed crash when removing a mission that is still spawning
Fix - Fixed occasional crash when some objects are removed from the world
Fix - Fixed crash when grouping components by name in inventory with a non-default language selected
Fix - Multiple minor text/spelling corrections
Fix - Fixed workshop upload screen not being localised when using a non-default language
Fix - Measurement labels show when erasing components in the vehicle editor
Fix - Improved some trainline segment tile boundaries to be less wonky
Fix - Fixed logic nodes on microcontrollers not rendering when copied with selection grid
Fix - Fixed flare lights not disappearing when despawning a mission
Fix - Fixed electric links not being removed when deleting electric cable component

Dear Stormworkers,

This week's minor update includes new spotlight and window parts for small vehicles!

After last week's wheel update we have seen some fantastic cars, jeeps and trucks being built by the community. This week we have added two small spotlights that fit a lot better with the scale of these land vehicles, making it much easier to build functional headlights and compact search lights. A full-block variant and a smaller mounted variant are available.

We have also added 3 more window components that should make it easier to fill gaps on small vehicles where the existing window components are too large.

This update also includes many fixes, the full list of which can be found in the changelog below.

Much Love <3

The Stormworks Developers



v0.6.16

Feature - Added 2 small spotlight components
Feature - Added 3 new small window components

Fix - General performance improvements
Fix - Fixed autosave saving tile data for ocean tiles causing several thousand files to be saved
Fix - Autosave file writing split into smaller chunks to reduce slowdown during autosave for some players
Fix - Wheels now have correct buoyancy data
Fix - Fixed teleporting vehicle back to the workbench not working if the vehicle is despawned
Fix - Fixed tyres on smallest wheels spinning when stationary
Fix - Reduced size of tyre smoke particle effect
Fix - Fixed jump/land sound effects playing when player is seated or on a ladder
Fix - Fixed wheel brakes causing vehicles to bounce from side to side
Fix - Fixed crash when wheels collide with players and other wheels
Fix - Fixed unnecessarily large forces being applied by tyres to dynamic objects when driving over them
Fix - Increased mass of suspension versions of wheels to account for them having suspension
Fix - Fixed colouring of wheel editor arrow mesh
Fix - Fixed misaligned surfaces on 7 and 9 sized wheel bases
Fix - Corrected placement of editor arrow meshes for non-suspension wheels
Fix - Removed biome-based tyre friction and grip, now constant throughout the world
Fix - Renamed tyre types to make it clearer that each has a different grip level
Fix - Added error message when starting the game if PC has below the minimum recommended amount of ram
Fix - Fixed crash when parsing vehicles when vehicle state file is missing
Fix - Fixed occasional crash when despawning a carried object
Fix - Added localisation strings for component property text
Fix - Fixed occasional crash when despawning vehicles with custom sealed doors

v0.6.17

Fix - Fixed vehicle desync in multiplayer
Fix - Fixed fuel tanks not having fuel in multiplayer