We’ve got a new build coming out next week, and while we’ll have some more complete release notes when it drops, I wanted to give you a quick run-down of what’s coming down the pipe.
First, you’ll notice a new matchmaking flow that’s designed to get more players into the action quickly, with less waiting around for matches to start. Unless you choose to create or join an existing custom match, you’ll be sent to a single “instant action” pub match with a rotating selection of maps. Instead of all Dunes, all the time, now you’re equally likely to get a good match going quickly on Water Hazard or Flayed. (And if you still want to stick with Dunes, just start a custom game!) There are some other flow changes — for instance, character customization now lives on the same three-panel page with class and ship loadouts (respectively, Look, Role, and Ship).
Second, new map! We’ll be debuting a new 1v1 map, Duel at Dawn. It takes place on the Dunes, but to avoid confusion, we’re not calling any more maps Dunes. On a related note, Scrap on the Dunes is being renamed to Desert Scrap.
Third, there are some big balance adjustments. The role of Gatlings and carronades has been switched, with Gatlings becoming primarily effective against hull armor but not balloons, and carronades more effective against balloons, but not hull armor. But the biggest change will be the removal of a bug we discovered that was causing projectile damage to be drastically reduced. Flaks, mortars, and Howitzers will all become significantly more powerful after this fix.
Fourth, a bunch of bugfixes. Most notably, we’ve tracked down one of the major causes of disconnects, which should drastically reduce connection problems.
In addition to those changes for the next build, we also have a bunch of big features in the works that should be ready to roll out in the next couple weeks, including a detailed stats screen and in-game friends list with options to add, join, and message friends. There’s also a new ship under construction that’s nearing completion. Once the paint dries and some finishing touches are applied, it’ll be ready to leave the shipyard and sail into battle…
Finally, in community news, I’d like to welcome our three newest Community Ambassadors to the fold: Imperator_RZ, MetaFive, and Keyvias. If you see them in game, be sure to stop and say hello (or blow them out of the sky, depending on what ship you’re on)!
So that’s pretty much what we’ve been working on lately. As you can see, there’s lots in store. Hope everyone has a good weekend, and we’ll see you in the skies!
