[h3]The first major update, Strange Encounters, is well underway![/h3] Here's a bit of insight into what we've been working on and what to expect for our next update! [h3]Base Defense[/h3] When we started this update we knew we wanted to focus on fleshing out the base defense aspects. As we began work on this we quickly realized there was more to be done than what we originally envisioned. The tech tree is receiving a major extension to accommodate a full array of new technologies and production materials for base defense. We're saving a closer look for our upcoming 0.3 preview but here's a quick sneak peak at the Manufacturer; a brand new fabricator focused on creating various ammunitions... [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//44253482/2d98799ded3178fc04049c1a82ad9ec8e22aa669.gif[/img] [h3]Feature Pivot[/h3] Originally, we were planning to introduce Character Cosmetics with 3.0. After laying out a lot of the groundwork for them it became clear over time that other changes would be much more relevant and impactful to the focal mechanics that this update is built around. So, for Strange Encounters we have pivoted to improving many other aspects of the current game rather than introducing yet another unfinished system (this will give us the space to give the cosmetics system a more polished and robust implementation too). Changes that we are bringing instead include some much needed improvements to the map and other systems that we honestly don't think this update could have done without. We will shed some more light on some of this with our update preview in just a few weeks! [h3]Expanding the Team[/h3] If we've seemed a little extra busy lately it is because we have also been busy improving our Team! Game development requires many things outside of work on the actual game... such as hiring people to help! We have spent some time going through over 120 candidates for a Social Media Manager / Community Manager role and have found somebody who we think is going to really help us with AutoForge's development and the community. This is [b]HUGE[/b] for us as it will free both of us up from a lot of things we have been juggling, so we can instead continue to focus on the things we do best, like the art and code! This doesn't mean we'll be going anywhere though, rather we're bringing somebody with much needed experience and time to assist in the areas we are lacking. Thanks for keeping up with us and your continued support! For now, it's back to the Forge! [h3]Stay tuned for the Strange Encounters Update Preview in just a few short weeks![/h3]