100 machines running nicely
1000 machines running nicely
10000 machines running nicely
The live demo version (16) is at step 1. Soon a closed playtest-branch will have an alpha version of step 2.
Due to the nature of the factory builder game genre, there is nothing more discouraging than your hardware starting to struggle to run the factory. This is why the goal was always to support high numbers of machines.
The physics based system where each machine is a physical entity that can be bumped, landed, moved, rotated, gravitated and radiated, introduces new challenges to the optimization - but none of it is unheard of.
The first optimization run is encouraging.
Between now and EA, numerous new machines and world features will be introduced to be exploited. While the test branch has been on a quiet period due to onboarding and UX updates, this starts to shift in the very near future as the rest of the content execution climbs up on the priority list.
A tested version of the optimization will eventually go live to demo, too - since the demo does not currently have a limit for machine counts, and the world does allow medium sized builds, the update will be essential for some pioneers. The updates will not break savegames - this principle is valued all the way to early access.
For early access build, the step 3 is considered the minimum requirement.
The onboarding of new players will keep being improved - plans for visual clarity tweaking and more game modes are in the works. These will likely go live on demo, also.
Strategic map is vital. You can only fit so many machines in the regular world view. The strategic map allows you to see your entire play area - your machines, their locations and symbols and statuses - but also asteroid streams, gravity bodies, and other celestial entities.
Manage the machines
Manage long range logistics (railgun artillery)
Have a clear view of your surroundings
Find asteroid streams, moons and other structures
Plan
The map can only become more useful, as it gets more features.
Add build plans
Copy/Paste plans
Give commands / move fleets (fleets help you move larger machine counts simultanously)
Help with megastructures
And more
Ps. ASEMA has also hit a new milestone with wishlists. Thank you all for the support and interest towards the game. Don't hesitate to join the Discord, if more detailed daily devlogging and discussion interests you -or if you are experiencing problems with the game.