Aug 4, 2023

Optimisation and Bug Fix Update Now Available for Community Testing

Flashing Lights - Police, Firefighting, Emergency Services (EMS) Simulator - James Clements

Hello all,

Nils has been hard at work improving optimisation and performance (especially in multiplayer) and fixing bugs. The update is now available on the unstable branch, and we want as many of you as possible to play it and let us know how you get on!

With this update we have seen improvements in frame rate in multiplayer, especially in lobbies with larger player counts and especially for mid to high end PCs. Please do jump in and play the new update and let us know how your performance is! As always, we will be reading all of your comments on this announcement, on the Steam forums, our Discord, social media etc.

How to access the unstable branch and play the new update:
- 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

Full Patch Notes

Fixes
- Multiplayer player character, vehicle and NPC position and rotation optimizations
- Multiplayer client vehicles optimized
- Other player vehicle doors could be open while closed on their screen
- Other player vehicle wheels merging up in car body
- Various optimizations for single player
- Anisotropic level adjustments for all textures to improve texture quality, specially for different view angles
- Removed radio chatter for pickup trucks except the police

What's Next?

While adding new content is of course important, it's vital that we continue to improve the quality of the game as is. With this in mind, we have put all content updates on hold temporarily. We will be getting feedback from you on today's optimisation and bug fixing update and continuing to work on improving the game for the coming weeks.

We are still fully committed to adding the new content which was previously announced (Mission editor, K9 for police and rescue and NPC backup for singleplayer), it'll just be at a later date. Watch out for news soon on an updated roadmap where we'll let you know when we expect these updates to be released!

Thanks,
The Flashing Lights Team

Aug 4, 2023

Keybindings patch (beta) just landed!

Brewpub Simulator - מרים

Happy International Beer Day, Brewers! Hope you have the time to celebrate the best day of the year 🍺 And of course, we’re celebrating too, with a new patch!

We have introduced the keybindings you have been waiting for. From now on, you will be able to set key assignments to your liking. We are aware that there are a few bugs along with the keybindings remapping system, but we were very anxious to bring it to you as soon as possible. While you enjoy the new patch, we are brewing fixes of known issues in the keybindings system for the next upcoming patch.

Problems we are aware of

After changing the keybind for inventory, you can still only open the inventory with I
After changing keybindings, some characters do not display correctly in the UI, white squares are displayed instead or incorrect keybind is shown
Additional macro keys available on keyboards and mouses can’t be used to change keybindings

Besides adding keybindings, we also fixed a few bugs. Full patch notes below.

Patch Notes

The items will no longer fall underground. For sure.
Items will no longer bug after glasses break.
The game will now recognize a big pot being put on a hob in the tutorial.
You can now buy pub extensions without problems.
Other minor fixes.

If any of the fixed issues continue to occur, please try starting a new game. If the errors persist, please report them to us so we can fix them!

Report the bug through this form: https://mov.gs/support/
Include your PC specification: CPU, GPU, RAM
If you encountered a crash, include a crash log from this folder: C:\Users\Username\AppData\LocalLow\Star Drifters\Brewpub Simulator - simply zip up the whole Brewpub Simulator folder and attach the compressed file to your message

Let us know how you celebrate the Beer Day and don’t forget to brew your own in-game!

Aug 4, 2023

SCUM - Hotfix 0.9.101.72873

SCUM - Beda

A smokin' hot hotfix is out, along with some important announcements that you don't want to miss. Check it out below!

Fixed an edge-case visual issue with the flamethrower going through walls
Fixed collision on Bunker entrance
Fixed various character creation and plastic surgery issues
Fixed "damage to vehicles" and "damage to bases" custom zone settings not working as intended
Fixed a server crash related to switchboards

Removed Snipers, LMGs and Grenade launchers from the Weapons store in Samobor (they can only be found in abandoned bunkers and with the trader)
Added collisions to prevent players from hiding under the stairs
Re-arranged boxes at the bottom of the stairs to prevent Mr. Brenner from getting stuck
Buffed INT upgrade chance per medical skill

No skill-> Success rate 12.5%
Basic skill -> Success rate 25%
Medium skill -> Success rate 50%
Advanced - > Success rate 75%
Given all players another free plastic surgery
Lowered the noise level of all Rags and Rag stripes

For all the server owners and admins out there, you might have noticed a few changes after the latest update when you opened SCUM's "Server settings". Read about the changes and what they do, below:

[General]
scum.LogoutTimerInBunker=30000.000000 (default value)

[World]
scum.AbandonedBunkerCommotionThreshold=-1.000000 (default value)
scum.AbandonedBunkerCommotionThresholdPerPlayerExtra=-1.000000 (default value)
scum.AbandonedBunkerEnemyActivationThreshold=-1.000000 (default value)
scum.AbandonedBunkerEnemyActivationThresholdPerPlayerExtra=-1.000000 (default value)

scum.LogoutTimerInBunker - Refers to how long the player will stay on the server after he is logged out in the abandoned bunkers.

AbandonedBunkerCommotionThreshold - Base limit for the simulated loudness in order to start making noises by Razer in the closes vent.

AbandonedBunkerCommotionThresholdPerPlayerExtra - Addition for every player in the bunker.

AbandonedBunkerEnemyActivationThreshold - Threshold for Razers to spawn from the first vent.

AbandonedBunkerEnemyActivationThresholdPerPlayerExtra - Addition for every player in the bunker.

Now you can tweak your experience roaming the abandoned bunkers in every way you want!
Go crazy!

Usually, the hotfix would be over right about now but this isn't your typical hotfix. We have an announcement and a little something special for you guys so, keep reading below!

A lot of you have been requesting this for some time now and it's finally here! Official solo/duo servers!
For those who want to play as a lone wolf or team up with a single buddy they trust with their life, your wishes came true! These server act identical to official servers, meaning EVERYTHING is the same EXCEPT squad limiting. On "Solo/Duo servers", you can have only 1 squad member with you. On "Solo" servers, it's just you and The Island.

Here is a list of available solo/duo servers with their IP's:

SCUM Server Official #1 - Europe Solo/Duo
178.63.46.178:7062

SCUM Server Official #1 - Europe Solo
178.63.46.178:7082

SCUM Server Official #1 - US Central Solo/Duo
72.9.154.64:7042

SCUM Server Official 1 - US Central Solo
72.9.154.64:7062

We neglected to mention a couple of very important thing about the "Weapon skins DLC" and the "Weapon charms DLC". Unfortunately, that part was miscommunicated and we apologize for the confusion. Here goes:

Supporter pack 1 owners will receive -> 1 weapon skin pattern & 1 weapon charm (wire pattern and the BCU weapon charm)
Supporter pack 2 owners will receive -> 1 weapon skin pattern (psychedelic pattern)

IMPORTANT

If you don't own any of the supporter packs or DLCs, not to worry!
The "Solid color" paintjob (for every color of spray paint you can find) is available for FREE to everyone, so you can apply it to your guns and enjoy!

NO SUPPORTER PACK/ NO DLC OPTIONS FOR WEAPON SKINS

You can find ANY color of spray paint and paint your weapon in that specific solid color, as shown in the pictures below:

SUPPORTER PACK 1 OPTIONS FOR WEAPON SKINS

In addition to painting your weapon in a solid color, you can add the WIRE pattern to your paintjob also,
as shown in the pictures below:

Don't forget about the cool BCU weapon charm you also get with supporter pack 1

SUPPORTER PACK 2 OPTIONS FOR WEAPON SKINS

In addition to painting your weapon in a solid color, you can add the PSYCHEDELIC pattern to your paintjob also, as shown in the pictures below:

Once again, a mistake on our side for miscommunicating that part. We apologize for any confusion or inconvenience.

Aug 4, 2023

Jurassic World Evolution 2: Free Update 7 Highlight

Jurassic World Evolution 2 - Francesca Frontier

Hey Park Managers!

You might've seen some of our teasers over on our social channels by now, and we're sure you're hankering to see what's coming in Free Update 7...so that means it's time for our Free Update Highlight!

We've got a range of incredible additions coming your way in Update 7...shall we dive in?

Custom Challenge Mode

Whether you've finished up on your Jurassic difficulty Challenges, or are wanting to see whether your friends' park management skills are up to scratch, you'll be able to enjoy a brand new challenge with Custom Challenge Mode. From selecting the map and up to 3 objectives, to customising over 40 settings so your challenge is totally unique, you'll be able to create - and share - your very own Challenges. Each Challenge you create will generate its own unique share code, so you can send it to your friends or share it on your social channels.

We'll even be sharing some of our own custom challenges from some familiar faces on our channels in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out!

Lagoon Viewing Dome

With the incredible new species coming to your Lagoons in the Jurassic World Evolution 2: Prehistoric Marine Species Pack, we're offering your park guests a whole new way to observe them - with the Lagoon Viewing Dome! This brand new viewing area will function much like the Remote Viewing Galleries included in our previous update, and all Remote Viewing Entrances will also now be able to snap to the edges of your Lagoons, making your guests' experience even better! Lagoon Viewing Domes will offer a whole new underwater view for your guests, allowing them to see your marine species like never before.

Skin and Dinosaur Favouriting

As of Update 7, we'll be introducing two new features to make it easier than ever before to both manage your favourite skins and variations, and keep an eye on your favourite species once they're in your park.

First up, you'll now be able to mark skin and pattern colour variants as favourites in the species viewer, allowing you a way to save the variations that you prefer in a simple, easy-to-see way. When you're in the Hatchery genome editing menu, you'll then be able to choose to only randomise your favourited colour variants, allowing you even more freedom over how your species look in your park!

You'll also now be able to favourite specific dinosaurs in your parks. This will allow you to receive notifications when those dinosaurs in particular are performing interesting behaviours, as well as placing a beacon at their current location so you can easily head to them. Your favourited dinosaurs will also appear with a green highlight on your map overview, so you can always check in on them when needed.

Placeable Ampitheatre

We're not in San Diego any more...Yep, that's right! With Update 7, you'll now be able to place the Ampitheatre in your Sandbox parks, as part of the Jurassic Park building style. We know this is something that's been highly requested, so we're very much looking forward to seeing what you do with this iconic building in your parks!

Dinosaur Guest Hostility

Want to make your prehistoric species a little more...free range? Now, with Update 7, you'll be able to! When starting a new Sandbox park, you'll be able to toggle 'Dinosaur Danger to Guests' on or off, or set it to 'Carnivores Only'. With this setting off, any prehistoric species not in enclosures won't attack or injure your guests, and your safety rating and incident prevention ratings won't be impacted, either. Nothing's safer than a dinosaur park!

Additional Sandbox Mode Settings

Dinosaur hostility isn't the only change we've got coming for Sandbox players in Update 7! You'll now be able to enjoy all maps in Sandbox Mode without having to meet their unlock requirements, so that all levels are available without requiring progression in other game modes.
You'll also find that you can now add cosmetic damage to your Sandbox buildings, without affecting gameplay. Found under the 'Demolish' menu option, you can choose to make your buildings look a little more worse-for-wear.

We hope you've enjoyed this highlight covering the new free update, Park Managers! Full patch notes on all the quality of life changes, as well as bug fixes will be available on 10 August.
Keep your eyes peeled to our forums and social channels for any and all updates, and add the Jurassic World Evolution 2: Prehistoric Marine Species Pack to your Steam Wishlist here.

Want to see the Free Update and the Jurassic World Evolution 2: Prehistoric Marine Species Pack in action before the launch? We'll be previewing all the newness on our next livestream, at 16:00 BST on 9 August, over on Twitch and YouTube!

What are you most excited for in the upcoming free update? Let us know in the comments below!
You can follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Tiktok and YouTube or join the discussions on our forums.

Aug 4, 2023

Conqueror’s Tales: The Real Onna-musha

Conqueror's Blade - Kaeden

Samurai are popular Japanese cultural figures, and the stories of bravery in which they take centre stage have influenced modern culture, even though the last ‘true’ samurai, Saigo Takamori, died in the 19th century. You may not know that women played their part in samurai culture, and they even inspired the Conqueror’s Blade Unit, the Onna-musha.

‘Onna-musha’ is a term meaning ‘female warriors’ and applied to many legendary women throughout Japanese history. Onna-musha were members of the bushi (warrior) class and were trained in swordsmanship to protect their property, family, and honour—-just like traditional male samurai.

Two of these onna-musha live on in legend: Tomoe Gozen and Komatsuhime.

Tomoe Gozen: The Hero of the Genpei War

Tomoe Gozen is a celebrated onna-musha. Tales of her heroism are included in the Japanese epic Tale of Heike and influenced the samurai who followed her. ‘Gozen’ is a title meaning ‘lady’, and this particular lady was proficient in swordsmanship, archery, and riding horses.

In the late-Heian Period (a civil conflict between the Minamoto and Taira clans), she served her daimyo Minamoto no Yoshinaka, a samurai lord, during the Genpei War as his first captain.

During the Genpei War, she commanded 300 samurai against 2,000 enemy soldiers of the rival Taira clan and won against seemingly unbeatable odds. Following this conflict, Tomoe Gozen took the head of Uchida Ieyoshi at the Battle of Awazu in 1184 AD, but ultimately Yoshinaka’s forces were defeated.

An illustration of Tomoe Gozen slaying Uchida Saburō Ieyoshi at the Battle of Awazu in 1184 by Ishikawa Toyonobu (1750 AD)

Komatsuhime: The Beauty and the Blade

Komatsuhime was another legendary onna-musha during the Sengoku and Edo periods. Komatsuhime is described as not only beautiful in appearance but exquisite with the blade. While she did not enter battle as Tomoe Gozen did, she is honoured as a samurai due to her involvement in Sanada clan affairs.

Komatsuhime’s father was a celebrated general by the name of Honda Tadakatsu, who served the overlord Tokugawa Ieyasu (thanks to this unerring loyalty, Komatsuhime was eventually adopted by Ieyasu as his own daughter). Komatsuhime and her father witnessed the military might of the Sanada during the Battle of Ueda. This led to Komatsuhime’s marriage to the son of the lord of the Sanada clan—Sanada Nobuyuki.

Some time later, conflict arose within the complicated family as Komatsuhime’s husband, Nobuyuki, decided to cast his lot with a rival clan—the Tokugawa. Nobuyuki’s father and leader of the Sanada clan, Masayuki, stopped by Numata Castle to see his grandchildren during this turmoil. He was met with Komatsuhime in full battle armour, telling him, “since we have parted ways in this conflict, though you are my father-in-law I cannot allow you into this castle”. However, as a true honourable onna-musha, Komatsuhime brought her children to see Masayuki at a nearby temple to which he was exiled, honouring his wish.

Admired as a good and noble wife, and an opinionated and confident onna-musha, Komatsuhime is still revered to this day.

A portrait of Komatsuhime from the Edo Period
Want to learn more about the Japanese culture that inspired Conqueror’s Blade: Sengoku? Check out our Conqueror’s Tales on Miyamoto Musashi, the Life of a Samurai, and Japanese Dragons.

Aug 4, 2023

Development Status #56

Tank Squad - Goozy

Dear Tankers,

Welcome to our 56th Development Status. You can see what we were working on in two weeks!

Devlog #3

Feel free to checkout our last devlog covering new development updates.

Gun sights & range adjustments

We did a little research on the optics used on specific vehicles such as the Tiger I. In this case, a binocular telescope is the TZF 9 b. We have added an adjustable range sighting setting for AP (Pzgr. 39 APCBC) and HE (Sprgr. 45) controlled by pressing Left Alt + Mouse Scroll Wheel.

By default the field of view is set to 25 degrees as it is in real TZF 9 b. For the purposes of the game, at this point in Tiger I there is the possibility to change field of view by zoom adjustment from 25 to 5 degrees. Before the changes, the adjustment was from 60 to 5 degrees - not very realistic.

Vector aiming mode

We have added an option to change the way of aiming. By default, the movement of the turret is possible by free movement of the mouse. The new mode allows you to control the turret only by pressing and holding the button - in this case Right Mouse Button and giving the direction of the vector visualized through an arrow.

The length of the line corresponds to a greater range of motion, while the arrowhead corresponds to the direction of motion. This way allows more accurate aiming. The choice of aiming method is available in the game options depending on what you like.

Injury & wounds effects

This week we added wounds visible on characters after receiving injuries. Blood traces are visible on uniforms, equipment and body parts. In addition to this, after receiving a large amount of damage, for example, after being shot with HE, the character will fall to pieces.

T-70 interior update

Recently, we have also started work on the interior of the Soviet T-70 light tank. Despite its smaller size compared to the size of KV-1 or T-34, it doesn’t mean that it’s less work :) The high-poly model is still in the modeling phase, so the renders show the current progress of the interior.

Update on first two missions from campaign

We have completely redesigned the mission's design and environment regarding the defense/counterattack of a fortified farmstead. It closely resembles the Soviet fortifications of that time. The main challenge that arose while devising the concept was the terrain configuration for artillery units, which hindered their effective long-range artillery fire.

In comparison to missions set in open steppes, here, there are numerous houses, roads, fences, and forests, which, on one hand, diversify the map itself, and on the other, create obstacles that obscure enemies. As a result, all mobile units, such as infantry and tanks, will be more responsive to player actions and will attempt to surprise the player if they choose to maneuver between buildings.

Due to the large scale of the map, we endeavored to diversify the landscapes, making them stunning from every angle. From flower-filled fields to picturesque forests.

Radial menu (work in progress)

A mockup is being created for the design of the circular menu available in the game. Currently, during missions we can call for air support (offmap support) in the form of artillery or close air support, e.g. JU-87 – if it is available, of course. For this purpose, the radial menu option is ideal. Below is an example of how it can look like. It is a work in progress so not yet the final version.

In addition to these uses, there are more, such as the ability to choose the style of formation in a squad or reporting messages to the rest of the units. What do you think, what other similar UI elements / mechanics would you see in the game?

Thank you and have a good one!
DeGenerals