Jul 17, 2023

Update 1.38.256 - Clan Updates & Multiplayer

Demise of Nations - noblemaster

Grace Period: there is a 1 turn grace period for when someone joins a rated game when no rating points are assessed if the player is eliminated within that period.
Announcement Board: moved the announcement link data to a different table, so announcement will appear blank/different until everyone has the latest version.
Announcement for New Releases: the announcements for the latest update are now auto-generated for both the player and moderator walls.
Team Games: for fair-play, sending and requesting assets is not possible anymore across teams. You can only send assets to your team members (or receive from team members).
Clan Games: clan members are placed into the same team if they play a game with random join option.
Clan Games: clan members need to join the same team as their clan mates when going into a team game.
Clan Games: max. number of clan members for teams games needs to be equal or smaller to the average team size (fairplay).
Clan Owners: owners cannot expel or change privileges of other owners.
Clan Owners: owners can now leave the clans if there's another owner on the clan.
Clan Owners: owners cannot leave the clan if there are other players and there is no other owner. They need to designate another owner before leaving.
Clan Owners: owners leaving the clan and being the last members means the clan will get deleted after a confirmation.
Clan Member (or not): now also shown in friend's list.
Clan Member (or not): also showing for teams (e.g. moderators).
Clan Member (or not): also showing in search.
Teaming Flag: will be ignored & hidden if a player joins a clan. The regular clan rules will apply and the teaming flag will have no effect.
Fullscreen Mode: auto-fullscreen mode at startup when run via Steam (unless it's not the first time you run the game).
Sound FX: max. simultaneous sound FX increased to 64 (from 32) to make sure all relevant ones can be played.
Cutscene Music: the music volume for cutscenes can now be adjusted manually.
Audio Output: it's now possible to select the desired audio output channel in the game's settings, i.e. which speakers etc. (desktop only)!
Home Indicator: home indicator hidden be default on iOS.
Immersive Mode: immersive mode by default on Android.
Game Guide: ONLINE Policy section updated, explaining that you generally shouldn't buy accounts (you carry full responsibility and also should notify the moderators).
Settings: option to enable or disabled handicaps by default in newly created games (rather than manually adjusting them every time).
Settings: "Join Anytime" option in settings which determines the default for new games you create, i.e. if they are unlimited as to when other players can join.
Chat Bans: moderator accounts cannot be banned from the chat by regular players (e.g. that created a game).
Moderator Email: now available via the "Moderators" group profile!
Manual: In-Game FAQ updated to let everyone know that randomly banning players in the chat goes against the fair-play policy amongst other.
Manual: Clans playing team games should join the same team. Joining opposing teams on purpose will be appropriately handled by the moderators.
Language: latest translations added - Thanks :-D
UI: "Search Utility" popup now auto-focus the text cursor in the input field when the popup is opened.
UI: larger file selector.
Pending Translations (Moderators): original and translated messages can now be copied (via popup menu).
Moderation: password resets by moderators are now displayed in the moderator notifications (password is obviously not displayed).
Moderation: remark added to disabled accounts, i.e. the cannot login, but the login attempt will still show up in the logs.
Performance: speed update for misc. functions to reduce ANRs.
Maintenance: news DB & I/O removed as it isn't used anymore.
Maintenance: improved compression for main font file (about 35% smaller).
Maintenance: WebGL's gdx-teavm updated to 1.0.0-b5 (teavm 0.9.0-dev-4).
Maintenance: WebSockets updated to Draft 6455.
Maintenance: Jetty updated to 9.4.51.
Maintenance: Steam SDK updated to 1.57.
Maintenance: steamworks4j library update to 1.10.0-SNAPSHOT (latest 2023-06-04).
Maintenance: using getAuthTicketForWebApi() for login on Steam.
Maintenance: Droid login functionality upgraded from 20.4.0 to 20.5.0.
Maintenance: Droid AppCompat version updated to 1.6.1 (from 1.2.0).
Maintenance: Google Play Billing library upgraded to 6.0.0 (from 5.0.0).
Maintenance: disabling registration on server during automated lab-tests (e.g. Firebase).
Maintenance: compiling to Java 8 (on Desktop) using Java 17 (updated obfuscation).
Maintenance: i18n-parser updated to 3.0.0 (from 2.1-SNAPSHOT).
Maintenance: update for development and test mode functionality (code clarity & customization).
Maintenance: getdown deployment speed up by uplading a zipped file (instead of many single files).
Maintenance: GeoIP database updated (latest version).
Maintenance: improved logging when there is a library linkage problem (e.g. JARs missing or wrong).
Maintenance: libGDX backend updated to version 1.12.0 (from 1.11.0).
Maintenance: updated LWJGL library from 3.3.2 (from 3.3.1).
Maintenance: minimum iOS version now 11.0 (no support for older versions due to missing support by Apple).
Maintenance: iOS binaries now all 64bit (32bit support dropped by Apple).
Bugfix: fixing vulnerability for Google Play login. See https://www.cybersecurity-help.cz/vdb/SB2022061720
Bugfix: high-precision calculations in shader to prevent blurry font rendering.
Bugfix: improved handling when a music file is not found (we check for file beforehand).
Bugfix: selecting monospaced font keeps the text monospaced (e.g. admin terminal).
Bugfix: platforms without monospaced font would show monospaced text blank (instead of the default font).
Bugfix: when being in a game and opening another game, the previous "Nation Information" popup window stay on the screen.
Bugfix: threading update for screenshot taking (prevents ANRs).
Bugfix: cutting long country names in statistics (so they don't overflow to next line).
Bugfix: Permissions fix for latest Android SDK version 33 (should now be able to select images).
Bugfix: players already in a clan cannot create a new clan (they will need to leave their current clan first).
Bugfix: iOS Apps were not running on Mac OS X Silicon (M1, M2 etc.). Search path for libraries updated.
Bugfix: also keeping track if failed login attempts via provider, i.e. when no username/password but platform-based login was used (fail after 3 attempts).
Bugfix: earlier check making sure banned accounts don't enter matchmaker games (failed too late).
Bugfix: improved audio on desktop (should not stop anymore).
Bugfix: stereo audio on desktop can now be played on mono output devices.
Bugfix: Cron scheduler wasn't working properly during winter-summer time switches.
Bugfix Crashes: re-try starting the application with OpenGL ES 2.0 ANGLE ON or OFF (if the other method fails and the application crashes).
Bugfix Crashes: making sure the game doesn't crash if the game had an old icon-array but new code (array out of index exception).
Bugfix Crashes: game would crash on Droid when the achievements client couldn't be initialized at startup.
Bugfix Crashes: making sure we don't open the user popup if there is no logged-in user.
Bugfix Crashes: when tournament advancement status could not be determined, i.e. 'null'.
Bugfix Crashes: when the monospaced font could not be loaded (continuing without).
Bugfix Crashes: removed "installscript_osx.vdf" from the Steam binary because it has become obsolete and some stuff was causing problems on Mac OS M1/M2 (symlink)!
Bugfix Crashes: Universal Binaries for Mac OS should now work on both AMD64 and ARM64 (M1, M2) architectures.
Bugfix Crashes: when exiting the application and disposing observers which haven't been registered yet.

Jul 17, 2023

Forza Motorsport’s New AI and Physics Make Every Race Competitive

Forza Motorsport - T10Yaachts

Forza Motorsport delivers clean, fun and competitive racing in both single-player and multiplayer. We’ve prioritized our development efforts on circuit racing with modern race cars and modern production cars. This focus impacts the entire game, from the cars and tracks we’ve included to, the new rendering features, physics, AI and gameplay experiences that we have built.

With that in mind, we want to let you know we will not have drag or drift game modes available at release. We will, however, have drag tires, as well as drift suspension, available as car upgrades and you can enjoy them in experiences like private Meetup lobbies.

Today on Forza Monthly, we took a deep dive into our all-new advanced AI opponents and tire physics, comparing the technologies in Forza Motorsport 7 to those players will experience this October 10 in Forza Motorsport. We also demonstrated these improvements through a series of in-development video clips.

How AI Drives Forza Motorsport

How do AI controlled cars get around a track in Forza Motorsport? There are two components at play; the AI controller and the driving line. The AI controller is how the game uses throttle, brake and steering inputs to move a car around the track. The driving line is the path that the AI controller follows.

To create AI opponents as fast as the fastest human drivers, we had to do it without any cheats, hacks, and rubber banding. These often cause racing incidents for players and unrealistic competition. We also needed to reduce aggressive driving behavior to ensure cleaner, more competitive racing. Therefore, in Forza Motorsport we have evolved the Drivatar system to use machine learning. It no longer replicates the driving behavior of your friends; however, it still pulls in their cars, drivers and customizations.

Our new AI controller has mastered every possible car and track combination with car upgrades and weather conditions factored in. New optimal driving lines define the desired path an AI car takes through the corner, ideal braking points, and target entry and exit speeds. The computer drives each track 26,000 times to achieve the fastest line through every layout! Just like actual players, the AI also uses a lot more of the track – pushing out to the track limits and even onto the curbs.

The new AI can make mistakes; however, these scenarios are not scripted. Instead, they will make natural mistakes like real humans do, such as braking too late and going wide or even off track. Players can scale the AI difficulty from 1-8 with 8 considered “unbeatable.” Everyone can learn from the skills and driving professionalism of the AI to find the best driving lines and braking points.

These AI opponents lead to clean, tight and thrilling racing in Forza Motorsport. We will continue to fine-tune and improve the AI behavior overtime based on our data and player feedback.

See You at the Starting Line

Forza Motorsport is coming October 10 to Xbox Series X|S consoles, Windows 10 and 11 PCs via the Microsoft Store and Steam, and Xbox Game Pass for console, PC and Cloud Gaming (Beta). Pre-order the Forza Motorsport Premium Edition and play the full game 5 days early. Here is where you can discover the included add-on packs and the other versions of the game available for pre-order.

Steam players, add Forza Motorsport to your wish list today] to be notified of when pre-orders are available for you.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/2440510/Forza_Motorsport/

There is so much more to share on our journey to launch. Future topics include Featured Multiplayer, wheel support and features, Free Play, PC features, Forza Race Regulations, additional car and track reveals, and more!

Jul 17, 2023

“RISE OF AI”！Enjoy the massive wave of updates！July 18 Major Updates

Extremely Realistic Siege Warfare Simulator - Neverland Entertainment

Hello Commanders!

In past months you all have been conquering a lot and acquire a long list of victories, now it is time to extend and update the war! Adding more ways and experiences there with the updates you will be able to explore and discover more possibilities, new soliders are waiting for your order, with new skills & weapons you will find more strategy ideas, customize a campaign now with the new AI and function supports, now in multiplayer games you could also chat with txt, live wars! And get ready for the bots attack! You will now be able to add bots to battle! And lots of new maps and optimizations! Ultimate wars and fun! Start it now! !

https://youtu.be/HQ3D_1ZW8_c

Special features from the latest update : AI in Sandbox and Play against Bots

- Now players can configure AI in Sandbox mode which would allow players create interesting levels/maps and wars with more logistic and more ways.

- In 13 maps, players will be able to add bots to war, like traditional RTS games, players now can try more strategy and ideas with opponent who would play with at anytime,

Level & Map Updates

New Update: Play against Bots. You can now engage in battles and experience the thrill of PvP gameplay against AI-controlled enemy teams. Challenge yourself in single-player encounters or team up with friends in online multiplayer matches to take on AI opponents together.
New Update: Resource Vehicle Capture.
New Update: 7 new Encounter Levels added.
New Update: 7 new Co-op maps added.
New Update: 14 new PVP maps added.

（General updates up-to-now review）

New units & advanced units

New Update: Basic unit added - Camel Rider.
Added advanced training unit: Heavy Infantry for Shieldmen.
Added advanced training unit: Heavy Armored Spearman for Spearman.
Added advanced training unit: Heavy Armored Flailman, and Vanguard.
Added advanced training unit: Elite Archer for Archer.
Added advanced training unit: Master Crossbowmen for Crossbowmen
Added advanced training unit: Heavy Armored Cavalry for Cavalry.
Added NPC - Training Officer, in Encounter and multiplayer games. You can train certain basic units into new advanced units at the Training Officer.
Added NPC - Slave Trader, in both single-player and multiplayer games. You can redeem defeated commanders through the Slave Trader.

New Items & Skills

Added construction item: Arrow Tower.
Added construction item: Temporary Shop. With the Temporary Shop, you can purchase supplies on the frontline during battles.
Added a series of construction items that can change the terrain environment during battles: Camp Gate, Advanced Barricade, Watchtower. Use these items flexibly to freely construct frontline in the game.
Added consumable item: Tonic Capsule. It resets the number of soldier skills and cooldown time.

System updates and game optimizations:

Updated the menu UI for unit upgrades, adding slots for active skills and the ability to adjust their order. You can adjust them to update the shortcut keys for skills.
Updated the menu UI for the item shop. Now units can purchase up to 4 active items, and you can change the shortcut keys for item usage by adjusting their order in the slots.
Added the advanced action F6 to demolish your own buildings.
Updated the control method for Cavalry Possession.
Added chat function in multiplayer games. Press the "Enter" key to bring up the chat window. Press "Enter" again when the text input is empty to close it.
Updated the tent recovery mechanism. If not all soldiers of a squad enter the tent and the squad chooses to leave the tent, the units that did not enter the tent will maintain their current state without recovery.
Modified the tent recovery mechanism when the commander dies. When entering the tent, the commander will be the last unit to revive. If the squad leave the tent early, the commander will not immediately revive.
Added a mechanism where the speed of siege equipment decreases when the number of operators is not enough.
Besides the gate itself, the frame of the gate can now also be destroyed. You can now shatter both the walls and the main gate.
Numerous UI adjustments to accommodate 21:9 displays.
Numerous updates to battle effects.
Numerous game values adjustments.
Many bugs have been fixed.

Sandbox mode feature updates:

New Update: Sandbox Manual. You can find it in the top left corner of the sandbox interface. We have provided some basic explanations of the sandbox's features.
New Update: AI configuration features. You can configure richer AI behaviors for computer-controlled units.
New Update: Scene Data features. This includes Points, Paths, and Supervising Zones. These are necessary map information for configuring AI and enemy generators.
New Update: Enemy generators and related features. You can continuously create enemies after the game starts using enemy generators.
New Update: Building events. You can trigger AI switches for computer-controlled units using building events or trigger enemy generators. For example, creating defensive units inside the castle when the player breaks down the main gate, or having patrol units counter-attack when the player mounts ladders on the castle walls.
New Update: Recruitable NPCs, Advanced Training NPCs, Merchant NPCs for the squads. You can use them in sandbox games and encounter battles or PvP battles with upgradable units.
New Update: Selection Mode. You can select all objects on the map in this mode, quickly view and edit their properties.
New Update: Map Information Display Filter. You can use this feature to hide certain scene objects that may distract your view. This feature is especially useful when the map content is complex.
New Update: Map Size Adjustment. You can conveniently modify the map size while editing the terrain.
Expanded the map size to 36x36 grids. This is a very large size, and in most cases, you won't need to create such a large map. Also, please note that excessively large map sizes can impose a heavier burden on your CPU during AI pathfinding.
New Update: Adjusting building health percentage feature. You can use this feature to utilize the damaged models of buildings.
Expanded the number of teams to 8.
Added a large number of terrain assets.
Added a large number of unit equipment assets.
Added experience drop and gold drop attributes to the unit editing feature. If you configure these attributes for a unit, the killing force will automatically receive gold and experience for leveling up when that unit is killed.
Polished many interactive processes.
Fixed numerous issues discovered during testing.

We would like to thank you all for all supports since the game launch, we have been working a lot to keep updates to the game and we do have confidence the game will grow to one of the best warfare simulator game while with lots of funs and joys. Here is a glance of what we are currently working on with which we aiming to provide more and better experiences to the game. looking forwards to your feedback on reviews, discussions, and welcome to join our Discord channel!

Note: Please update your game to the latest version. Otherwise, players at different versions will NOT be able to see each other’s rooms in multiplayer mode.

Jul 17, 2023

The Phorus Go Up as well as the Incoming Intensity of Summer! Check It All Out!

Elsword - GM Raiden KOG

Heya adventurers! Summer is here and to celebrate, we've got a jam-packed week! First of all, you've got another chance to choose a different path - try something new for a change! Then, you can pile up cute Phorus as high as you can to get awesome rewards! And lastly, to prep you for our amazing summer updates, we've got the exciting Summer Pre-Event for you! And as always, don't forget to check out the fun things we have at the Item Mall!

Build a Phoru Tower Event

Play this fun mini game to get [Cobo] Special Gift Exchange Tickets! You can exchange it through Ariel for a plethora of rewards! Which includes potions, Shining Mystic Stones, Sage's Magic Stones, exclusive accessories, and so much more!

2023 Summer Pre-Event

Can you feel it? The summer is heating up! Join the event to get event exclusive rewards!

Login once this weekend to get a [Cobo] +10 Flames of Judgement - Demonic Weapon Cube! The character you use to open this cube will get the weapon that's right for them!
That's not all, you can complete the daily quests to get your hands on [Cobo] Pre-Event Preparation Coins to exchange for more rewards through Ariel!
Get rewards like potions, tickets, consumables, and you can even get a NEW pet!

Class Change Chance Event

Wanting to try out a new class? Here's your chance! When you login for 30 minutes you'll get a [Cobo] Class Change Select Cube where you can choose which Class Change Ticket is most suitable for your needs! And if you login for a total of 60 minutes you'll also get a [Cobo] Physical/Magical Mystic Stone Change Ticket!

Item Mall Goodies

Get ready to sport sweet summer dos with the newest Hair Color Palette: Sugar Rush! Get it this week and level up your look for a steaming summer!

Cloudless Skies, the heat of the sun, and catching beautiful tans! Summer is here and it's time to suit up and make waves! the Summer Getaway, ELS Beach Wear, and Core Black/Natural White Swimwear Costumes are back! Get 'em in time for the hot season!

That's all for now, folks~

See y'all in-game!

Jul 17, 2023

NOCTURNAL beta

BOOK OF HOURS - Arabella Dusk

"Write a truth in a book that no-one reads. Then drop dead. No-one knows what you wrote. Unless the truth is numen."

We've just emailed a bunch of new and existing testers to confirm the release of our final and most lore-heavy beta, NOCTURNAL. Unless we run into significant bugs we're not expecting, this beta will only run for one week (we'll remove access from everyone on Monday 24th July), and will be BOOK OF HOURS' last beta release. Get your early access while stocks last!

Having a beta build live is fantastic for catching issues but adds a support and development burden to us for the duration. So we want a short sharp pinch of testing to make sure the game's still holding up okay, then focused dev time in the run up to launch so we can get stuck into final content passes, technical optimisations and all the little baubles that make an inanimate fir tree you've stuck in a pot into a magical Christmas tree.

What's in NOCTURNAL?

LOADS. Everything but the underground 'Dawn' area is available to visit. Most of the content, grace notes, polish, bug fixing, achievements (!), most of the endings (just not the ones that need access to the underground caves)... you name it, there's probably some of it in there.

What happens next?

Well, the teeny LAUNCH will happen on LAUNCH DAY which as I'm sure you all know is THURSDAY 17th AUGUST. Did I mention I'd love you to burn this into your memories and those of everyone else you know? Thank you kindly.

I'll probably post a final update on game dev progress next week, when we hit our internal 'release candidate' milestone, and we'll have some pre-launch reveals over the course of the next month. For now, I leave you with news that we recently completed all our Numen cards - 'truths so powerful that they, tentatively, believe themselves' - and there is one I particularly want you to meet: