Hello all,

Today we're announcing a revised roadmap for Flashing Lights! Our game has always been deeply influenced by community feedback, and that hasn't changed.

We've heard you loud and clear: we need to focus on bug fixes and optimisation. Our plan for this month has changed to accommodate this: Steam achievements will still arrive this month, but the rest of our time will be focused on multiplayer bug fixes and optimisation. The September, November and January updates remain unchanged.



July
Steam achievements
Multiplayer bug fixes
Optimisation

September
Mission editor

November
K9 for police and rescue

January 2024
NPC backup for singleplayer

Please note that we've made the decision to remove from the roadmap the day/night cycle and weather, plus reputation points unlock system, which were previously announced for July. However, we're still committed to adding them at some point in the future!

And to be crystal clear, all of the content listed on the roadmap will be released as free updates.

We can't wait to get these fixes and improvements out to you all!

Thanks,
The Flashing Lights Team

- Using "Move to stretcher" option in med bag with car having no stretcher could break the interaction with patient leaving mission unable to finish
- Pickup truck brake light hovering for civilian role
- Pickup truck interior updated for civilian role
- Pickup truck bed cap door now opens
- Pickup truck tale gate open animation

We're excited to announce that the Pickup Truck Triple Pack DLC is now available for purchase!

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2449260

Expand your police, fire and EMS garages with the Flashing Lights Pickup Truck Triple Pack!

Included in the Pickup Truck Triple Pack:

• Police Pickup Truck
  - Sheriff livery
  - Black and white livery
  - White livery
  - Unmarked black livery
  
• EMS Pickup Truck
  
• Fire Pickup Truck

Plus, venture into the sandbox mode in-game to access a bonus vehicle: the civilian pickup truck!




While we're delighted to launch this new vehicle pack, we remain focused on free updates for Flashing Lights including bug fixes, optimisation and game improvements.

We have just pushed an update to the public branch which includes multiple bug fixes and introduces cloud save support. Thanks to all of you who jumped onto the unstable branch to test the patch previously!

New
- Moved stats and vehicle saves out of Registry files
- Steam Cloud save support for stats and vehicle setups (Stats.save1)
- Added Mod.io texture modding support for the Pickup Truck DLC for police, fire, EMS and civilian role

Fixes
- NPC vehicle traffic multiplayer position de-sync
- NPC vehicle traffic spawn could get stuck and fail to spawn new cars
- MDT "Scan vehicle in front" got stuck when scanning parked cars
- "Disable All Mods" function fixed to delete mods save file (Mods.save0)
- Client player cars could spawn with angled front wheels making them desync when steering animations is applied
- Adjusted traffic advisor for SUV "FEX"
- Portable ladder adjustment's mode input loop fixed

*Save system migration may wipe previously used vehicles setups and assigned mods!

For any of you who tested the unstable version of this update (Build 150623-3) and wish to revert to your old save (vehicle configs/patterns) and trigger the automatic save file copy to the new file location, please follow these steps:
- Exit game
- Delete the new save file which was generated when playing previous Unstable branch
- Copy this in Windows Explorer address field
%AppData%\..\LocalLow\NilsJakrins\FlashingLights
- Select and delete save file "Stats.save1" (Warning: it will also delete any progress made since last Unstable)
- Run the game as normal for auto-save transfer to happen and new file will be generated in save location


There's lots more to come for Flashing Lights! Alongside lots of bug fixes, optimisation and game improvements, we're also working on some exciting new features.

Hello all,

Thank you so much for all of your support since our v1.0 launch! There is still a long road ahead with plenty of content still to come. Today we’re excited to tell you what we’re up to, which includes…

Pickup Truck Triple Pack DLC launching on 22 June ($2.99/£2.99)

Cloud saves and bug fix update now available on the unstable branch

Updated roadmap announced


We are excited to announce that we’re releasing our first DLC for Flashing Lights on 22 June. This will feature pickup trucks for Police, Fire and EMS along with a selection of liveries. Plus, venture into the sandbox mode in-game to access a bonus vehicle: the civilian pickup truck. You’ll be able to pick up the DLC for $2.99/£2.99.

Make sure to check out the DLC and add it to your Steam wishlist:

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2449260/


We are implementing Steam Cloud Save features, allowing your vehicle setups and rep points to be transferred easily between devices. If you play on multiple PCs or devices this should be useful for you!

We also have a bunch of bug fixes for you as well, which will continue to be a main focus going forward.

You can access this update now via the unstable branch - See the full patch notes at the end of this announcement

To access the unstable branch you can do the following:

- Load up Steam and head to your library

- Right click on Flashing Lights and then select "Properties"

- Head to the Beta tab and in the drop down select "unstable_test_branch" (no password needed)

- This will then download the new update for you


You’re also probably wondering what is still to come for Flashing Lights.

Over the coming months we have some big updates coming alongside our work on bug fixes and optimisation.

July sees the release of Steam Achievements, the day/night cycle and the reputation unlock system which will add a more satisfying sense of progression to the game.


We are working on a previously unannounced update for September which features a mission editor, allowing players to create and share their own missions through Mod.io.


November will see the completion of the K9 update, adding a faithful companion to help on rescue missions and hunting down suspects.


NPC Backup will be introduced to help in single-player, to aid you in callouts and bring more life to Flashing Lights.




New
- Moved stats and vehicle saves out of Registry files
- Steam Cloud save support for stats and vehicle setups (Stats.save1)

Fixes
- NPC vehicle traffic multiplayer position de-sync
- NPC vehicle traffic spawn could get stuck and fail to spawn new cars
- MDT "Scan vehicle in front" got stuck when scanning parked cars
- "Disable All Mods" function fixed to delete mods save file (Mods.save0)
- Client player cars could spawn with angled front wheels making them desync when steering animations is applied
- Adjusted traffic advisor for SUV "FEX"
- Portable ladder adjustment's mode input loop fixed

*Save system migration may wipe previously used vehicles setups and assigned mods!

Thanks,

The Flashing Lights Team

Fixes

• Multiplayer kick/ban/unban functions could affect wrong players
  
• Multiplayer chat fade fix, could get stuck on screen
  
• Sometimes couldn't interact with NPC after asking them to get out of car in traffic stops
  
• Button prompts (F8) missing Tow controls
  
• In mission "Motor Vehicle Collision" [id: 3000] could interact with patient without opening the door with Spreaders

Fixes for mission "Officer Needs Assistance" [id: 1010]

• NPC police car driver texture fix
  
• Removed MDT scan result for NPC police car
  
• Removed ability to perform traffic stop on the NPC police car
  
• No longer can tow the NPC police car

Fixes

Multiplayer join list no longer reset slider to top on lobby updates
Screen resolution resets on each game start
Player stumbling on curbs while running

Thank you, Flashing Lights community, we couldn’t do it without you!

So many of you have supported us since the very beginning and trusted us to create the game you wanted. We could not have got this far without you. We are not done yet, but today represents an important step in the journey.

In many ways todays update is no different from the other 61 updates we have made since launch, because we know there are still so many features you want to see, so many improvements yet to make.

Nils has some big plans ahead. But going to 1.0 gives us the opportunity to look at how far we have come, take stock, and plan what we want to do next.

Since launch we have:
• Added countless new missions, and mission system. Making traffic stops and callouts more interesting and varied.
• New NPC’s and NPC traffic so the game world feels more alive.
• Many New Vehicles including SUVs, Fire Trucks and Ambulances and the Tow Truck.
• The Computer Database System, so you can investigate drivers in traffic stops.
• Customisable Lights and Sirens.
• A complete redesign and expansion of the city.
• Fire Spreading to add complexity to fire fighting.
• Redesigned Triage/Patient systems.
• Mod Support
• Playable Civilians and other features for the Role Playing community.
• Plus Weapons and Battering rams.
Nils has been very busy.


We have completely updated all of the menus to improve usability and introduced mouse navigation. This has been a highly requested update.



We are implementing some tutorials to help new players get started.



You’ll also find visual upgrades to Beach Town, adding new props, buildings, piers, and lifeguard lookout posts! This adds more life to areas of the world for players to explore.





We know this is something you are all excited about. We will be adding K9 Units to Police and Fire departments, aiding you in rescue missions and a variety of police actions and callouts. We’ll also be adding additional vehicles so your 4-legged friend can ride along.


A day/night cycle and weather systems are in progress. These systems will add depth and reality to the Flashing Lights universe.

For all you lone rangers who need some support, we’ve got your back. AI backup is under development.


Additional Fixes, Callouts and Optimisation.

As mentioned, this is Nils dream, and he still has big plans ahead. Yes there will bug fixes, optimisations, and more callouts added. But we also have some exciting community lead features coming your way.

If you want to be part of the community that helps shape the development, then join us on Discord.
Thank you for all your continued feedback and support.

As exciting as this next step is, remember 1.0 is just the beginning. For new players, now is a great time to join our community, for everyone else, thanks again for your support. You make this possible, and we look forward to sharing the future updates with you all.




New
- Main Menu visual update and cursor navigation added
- Ingame Role, Character and Escape menus updated
- Multiplayer Commands menu updated (Mute, Kick, Ban, Unban)
- Beach Town updated
- Added player spawn points to City East departments
- Added NPCs at police and fire departments and EMS clinics
- Added more destructable props at Cod Town and Beach Town (Box Piles and Outdoor Furniture)
- Parked cars added to Beach Town and Cod Town (with violations: Blocking Hydrants and No Parking)
- When creating server now has option to set it Continuous or not, if set OFF server shuts down after host leaves the game
- Bad word and weblink filter added to text chat and server/player names

Tutorials
- Button prompts on screen, toggle on/off with F8
- Tutorials added for Police, Fire and EMS. It pops up when selected role has less than 250 Reputation Points or can be found at Esc menu under Tutorials

Missions
- Shoplifting [id 1000] and Armed Robbery [id 1001] moved to buildings with interiors across the map
- Diner locations added to call "Structure Fire with Possible Entrapment [id 2003]"
- Spread callouts across the map, affected calls:
Person with Gun [id 1002],
Suspicious Activity [id 1005],
Reported intoxicated persons [id 1006],
Arsonist [id 1013],
Vehicle blocking driveway or access [id 1015],
Dumpster Fire [id 2001],
Vehicle Fire [id 2002],
Motor Vehicle Collision [id 3000],
Hit and Run [id 3002]

Changes
- MDT now can be open/closed with Left Shift, Cursor on/off with Left Alt
- Updated MDT on-screen visual look
- Changed the input for ladder control's mouse on/off to the new default Left Alt

Fixes
- Speed zone registration updated for traffic NPCs
- Speeding tickets didn't show area speed for multiplayer clients
- Texture mods loading fixed for rescue trucks
- NPC traffic still reacting to lights and sirens when player had them turned off
- EMS player falling through floor when pushing stretcher in city police station
- Fixed some floating buildings in City and City Marina
- Some environment objects optimized (electricity poles, fences)
- Updated crown vic type car's speeds and engine sound
- Loud engine noises when open Vehicle Menu
- Leaving multiplayer game could show broken lobby texts
- After trying to join banned game, the menu could get stuck

Launching in June 2018 Flashing Lights represented the dream of one developer to create their perfect emergency services game. It turns out lots of other players shared that dream, and 5 years on we are still overwhelmed by the love and support our growing community has for Flashing Lights.

The current version of the game is unrecognisable from the version launched into early access, but we know we still have a lot of work left to do. You have so much feedback and so many features you want to see, and Nils shares your passion.

However, 5 years is a long time to be in early access, so we have decided to make the next update 1.0.


We have completely updated all of the menus to improve usability and introduced mouse navigation. This has been a highly requested update.



We are implementing some tutorials to help new players get started.



You’ll also find visual upgrades to Beach Town, adding new props, buildings, piers, and lifeguard lookout posts! This adds more life to areas of the world for players to explore.




Can’t wait for us to make 1.0 live? You can get the latest version early by signing up to the unstable branch by doing the following.
- Load up Steam and head to your library
- Right click on Flashing Lights and then select "Properties"
- Head to the Beta tab and in the drop down select "unstable_test_branch" (no password needed)
- This will then download the new update for you

That said, we know there are many more fixes and features that you all want to see. We know we are not done so think of 1.0 as just the beginning. We thank you for your continued support and can’t wait to share our future updates with you all.



We know this is something you are all excited about. We will be adding K9 Units to Police and Fire departments, aiding you in rescue missions and a variety of police actions and callouts. We’ll also be adding additional vehicles so your 4-legged friend can ride along.


A day/night cycle and weather systems are in progress. These systems will add depth and reality to the Flashing Lights universe.

For all you lone rangers who need some support, we’ve got your back. AI backup is under development.


Additional Fixes, Callouts and Optimisation.

If you want to be part of the community that helps shape the development, then join us on Discord.
Thank you for all your continued feedback and support.

We couldn’t do it without you!

Remember 1.0 is just the beginning.


New
- Main Menu visual update and cursor navigation added
- Ingame Role, Character and Escape menus updated
- Multiplayer Commands menu updated (Mute, Kick, Ban, Unban)
- Beach Town updated
- Added player spawn points to City East departments
- Added NPCs at police and fire departments and EMS clinics
- Added more destructable props at Cod Town and Beach Town (Box Piles and Outdoor Furniture)
- Parked cars added to Beach Town and Cod Town (with violations: Blocking Hydrants and No Parking)
- When creating server now has option to set it Continuous or not, if set OFF server shuts down after host leaves the game
- Bad word and weblink filter added to text chat and server/player names

Tutorials
- Button prompts on screen, toggle on/off with F8
- Tutorials added for Police, Fire and EMS. It pops up when selected role has less than 250 Reputation Points or can be found at Esc menu under Tutorials

Missions
- Shoplifting [id 1000] and Armed Robbery [id 1001] moved to buildings with interiors across the map
- Diner locations added to call "Structure Fire with Possible Entrapment [id 2003]"
- Spread callouts across the map, affected calls:
Person with Gun [id 1002],
Suspicious Activity [id 1005],
Reported intoxicated persons [id 1006],
Arsonist [id 1013],
Vehicle blocking driveway or access [id 1015],
Dumpster Fire [id 2001],
Vehicle Fire [id 2002],
Motor Vehicle Collision [id 3000],
Hit and Run [id 3002]

Changes
- MDT now can be open/closed with Left Shift, Cursor on/off with Left Alt
- Updated MDT on-screen visual look
- Changed the input for ladder control's mouse on/off to the new default Left Alt

Fixes
- Speed zone registration updated for traffic NPCs
- Speeding tickets didn't show area speed for multiplayer clients
- Texture mods loading fixed for rescue trucks
- NPC traffic still reacting to lights and sirens when player had them turned off
- EMS player falling through floor when pushing stretcher in city police station
- Fixed some floating buildings in City and City Marina
- Some environment objects optimized (electricity poles, fences)
- Updated crown vic type car's speeds and engine sound
- Loud engine noises when open Vehicle Menu
- Leaving multiplayer game could show broken lobby texts
- After trying to join banned game, the menu could get stuck

A small hotfix which addresses some issues which were introduced in the most recent update

Fixes
- Bringing suspects to police station made them appear under ground
- Mission "Road blocked" [ID:2004] fixed
- AI request EMS pickup fixed for EMS missions
- Increased AI chase car's speed
- Mod.io browser update, fixing UI bugs

Small hotfix release for MacOs version of Flashing Lights
Fixing Port area missing materials and terrain adjustments