I was wondering when the first "game" systems are going to be implemented. I'll admit, I haven't tested a build in quite a long time. I see cool stuff added like the new engine plumes, regolith lighting models and such... but without anything to *do* in the game, I don't really feel like checking them out. On the other hand, I think that with the technical foundation the game has received in the past (almost) two years, it should be fairly simple to lay down some basic game loops.
I'll be frank - considering the awesome technical velocity of the first couple of months, I'd have thought we'd be playing "something" by now. Certainly not anything resembling feature parity with KSP1, but building a simple rocket, launching it from the ground, landing a kitten on the moon and having an EVA? Sure.
It would just make sense financially too. I've contributed to the project (twice, once at the beginning, once for linux builds, in total more than a AAA title would cost) and probably will do so again, but at this point without any game in the app, I honestly wouldn't expect anyone to do so. Having an actual game to play, preferably with some semi-permanent progression, would make contributing so much more appealing.
Regarding the core values of the project, I'd say that the pillar of wonder has stood firmly and impressively for a long time now. Heck, I was impressed by the graphics since the early days. But wonder also stems from achievements - having done something, looking back and thinking - damn, did I really just do that? Did I bring a tiny furry bubble of life from a lush homeworld to this alien rock?
I'd love to play the game and watch it grow from the inside. By installing new builds and discovering stuff like - oooh, there's a cool new catstronaut complex now! Damn, there's a kitten stranded on Deimos, let's quickly mount a rescue mission! Wait, why is the tracking station picking up strange signals from the direction of Mars? Better check it out! So... invite us in, and open that bag of wonders, please
Don't get me wrong, technical excellence is an important virtue. But don't let it get in the way of the game.
I'll be frank - considering the awesome technical velocity of the first couple of months, I'd have thought we'd be playing "something" by now. Certainly not anything resembling feature parity with KSP1, but building a simple rocket, launching it from the ground, landing a kitten on the moon and having an EVA? Sure.
It would just make sense financially too. I've contributed to the project (twice, once at the beginning, once for linux builds, in total more than a AAA title would cost) and probably will do so again, but at this point without any game in the app, I honestly wouldn't expect anyone to do so. Having an actual game to play, preferably with some semi-permanent progression, would make contributing so much more appealing.
Regarding the core values of the project, I'd say that the pillar of wonder has stood firmly and impressively for a long time now. Heck, I was impressed by the graphics since the early days. But wonder also stems from achievements - having done something, looking back and thinking - damn, did I really just do that? Did I bring a tiny furry bubble of life from a lush homeworld to this alien rock?
I'd love to play the game and watch it grow from the inside. By installing new builds and discovering stuff like - oooh, there's a cool new catstronaut complex now! Damn, there's a kitten stranded on Deimos, let's quickly mount a rescue mission! Wait, why is the tracking station picking up strange signals from the direction of Mars? Better check it out! So... invite us in, and open that bag of wonders, please
Don't get me wrong, technical excellence is an important virtue. But don't let it get in the way of the game.
