🚀🌌 Hello, Universe Architects! 🌌🚀 We’ve been busy at work these past few weeks. 2 weeks ago, we gave a sneak peek of the Beyond Episode 18 and an in-depth look at the Metabit tuning in our team livestream. In case you missed it, you can check out the livestream on our YouTube channel: [url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_52cwT_C5E]link[/url] As a followup from the stream, we want to highlight the importance of the [b]Metabit tuning[/b] 🔧 and its future impact on the game. We agree that in its current form it is painfully slow, but it is also temporary. Only 2 iterations have passed and the 3rd iteration is still in the works. As more iterations are released, the Metabit tuning will progressively improve to properly reflect both seasoned and new players' progressions. We want to ensure that there is always something to accomplish with current and future content. This is the foundation that needs to be built before Civilization 🏛️ and eventually Astronomy updates ☄️ can be released. These are some of the changes that have been made in the 2nd tuning iteration: [url=https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ntumFbhpy4j6gtybpnKGSBgtLirBmeHAQUsqVSNj8PM/edit?usp=sharing]link[/url] 📝 With the Beyond, we will be releasing content one episode/rank at a time starting with Episode 18. We will traverse the stars and learn more of our galactic neighbors outside of Alpha Centauri. We wanted to expand the 3D garden to be as accurate as possible in terms of scale and position based on realistic known models. We were able to solve a technical problem in order to zoom out even further in the 3D garden, but it took 8 months of development to resolve ⏳. [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//34010837/3a7a66234a08d6bba8c6b5e4b70d563215d9796d.gif[/img] Episode 18’s tree was designed based on the [b]Hertzsprung diagram[/b], where we changed the order at which the stars get unlocked. In the diagram below, cooler and dimmer stars displayed on the right are red, while bigger and brighter stars to the left are whiter and blue. These stars are categorized based on their mass and the amount of energy they emit. Our new trait cards follow the progression of a star from the moment they are born to the moment when they no longer have the energy to burn. There will also be two new constellations coming out. Can you guess which ones? Hint: you can find out in the livestream, along with a new Darwinium code. It's time to get [b]SIRIUS[/b]! 🌌💫 [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//34010837/c59a42b9ed35391d7d2b8535c377ea4bfdf384c6.png[/img] As Beyond Episode 18 nears completion, we have made a number of changes to the game in anticipation for its release. In the next production build, players will notice that there is a new location for the Beyond in the Main Simulation. The Beyond will be accessible after unlocking the Moon 🌕 in the beginning of the game. The special tapping animation that plays while unlocking the Beyond has also been updated. We hope you check it out 👀! [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//34010837/0e4b0d4b6b1178d565633bd8f8737f481d5a7d97.png[/img] We have also been exploring our branding for marketing. We've been experimenting with a more sci-fi look as we move away from our known solar system 🚀. At first, we wanted to title our episodes with X such as Beyond X18 but we found that it might be too confusing to read. Now we're taking the 'E' from episode and turning it into Beyond E18. Nothing has been finalized yet as we are still exploring our options but let us know what you think. Should we have gone with X instead of E, or is E the clear winner? [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//34010837/0f4ea82468c88e242d2fac6bcbb6f2a061a62da0.png[/img] We are aware of the production version overwriting the save files of the beta version in Google Play, and we are working on a solution 💼. In the meantime, we highly recommend beta testers to uncheck the auto update option for Cell to Singularity to prevent the production build from overwriting their beta save files. [img]https://clan.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/images//34010837/d3888225d2a6362377e733d6a91653aabf0cee00.png[/img] We also want to take this time to stress how vital our beta testers' contributions are for improving the game. We really appreciate all participation in the beta as we work towards making the game as enjoyable as possible together. The primary goal for the beta is to identify bugs and feedback before the game gets released to the public. However, we do want to remind our players who participate in our betas that these builds are not bug free as they are meant for testing. As a result, we have multiple warnings upon agreeing to be part of the beta that your save file and progression will be affected. As we are testing the next Beyond episodes, there will be times where we will reset everyone’s progress to the end of the last rank to test the next episode’s content. We appreciate and thank all of our players who choose to participate in our betas! We are always looking for more people to join, so for those who are interested please apply below: 👇 [u][b]HOW TO JOIN BETA[/b][/u] 💼 Android: fill out this form: [url=https://forms.gle/dK5qCcmHaJguNGNm9]https://forms.gle/dK5qCcmHaJguNGNm9[/url], and wait until you get an email with the next steps (might take a week) iOS: follow this link: [url=https://testflight.apple.com/join/RD9jGH9S]https://testflight.apple.com/join/RD9jGH9S[/url] Steam: On the Steam C2S main page go to Properties -> Betas -> Enter beta access code "cellsalphatest" and click "Check Code". As always, we truly appreciate and thank you all for your feedback. We may be slow, but we do listen. Very soon, we will announce the launch date for the release of the Beyond Episode 18. Keep an eye out for it 👀! In the meantime, stay cellular! – The Cells team