Update on the next build

In a previous post, I outlined some plans for the next build and a rough time frame for when we expect to have it ready. In short, the goal was to ship the new physics-based dragon, a few customization options and possibly some simple battles and destruction before summer.

We've now decided to push this until after we have bought (or not bought) the license for the new physics engine we are currently evaluating, for several reasons. First, we are not allowed to actually ship a build that includes the new engine while we are still in the evaluation period, so we'd have to basically work with two versions of the game simultaneously. Second, two key members will be gone for an extended period around the original time frame, which would complicate the launch. And third, it would allow us to include additional features that improve the experience a lot, especially for battles.

I can't say for sure how long it would take to get the funds for the license if we do end up getting the grant we applied for, and how long the process of getting the license is after it has been paid for, and how long after that the new version is ready to launch, but what I can say is that the evaluation period ends in mid June, and this is also around the time the grant result should be in (assuming no delays, which is a big assumption given their track record). So the next version would be some time in July at the earliest, and the exact date will be decided after we have acquired the license.

That's a bit later than you may have hoped for, but on the other hand with this additional time we're going bigger and hope to include early versions of 4 core features (full physics dragon, dragon customization, battles, destruction), a dragon saddle, a new player model (possibly male/female option too), and more. I can't promise we manage to get all of that ready in time since it's a crazy amount of stuff for just a few months, but it's what we're aiming for at least!