Empire Water Works Demo 20260624 is live

Hi all,

I hope you all had a great weekend!

As we roll into the new week, I wanted to drop another quick small update to the demo build, taking it to 20260624 (you can confirm from the main menu).

Here's the goodies that arrive with this update:

• Brand new demo on-boarding dialog box for new players! This 'welcome' dialog is now a lot 'cleaner' and succinct and also sports a brand set of 'presets' that players can quickly choose from:

  

  Note that players can still adjust the checkbox settings individually and also from the Game Options later on in-game from the Pause menu, but I hope this new dialog box will make the introduction process for new players much smoother!

  The 'balanced' preset is what the game is set to by default if you simply click 'OK' on this dialog without making changes, and this is also the preset that is chosen if you later click 'Set Defaults' from the Game Options dialog, too.

• Bug fix: Reservoir leaks could previously recur immediately in rare cases if they were repaired. I have now implemented a 'cool down' period after each reservoir is repaired, so there is no chance that a leak will occur immediately after a reservoir is repaired.

• FixedBug fixthe HP (high pressure) cylinder jacket interaction tool tip displayed "WARM" for the 35-60 C temp range, when it should show "COLD" - note this was only a labeling issue and didn't affect game play in any way, but it is now fixed!

• Bug fix: Whistle handle actuation sound effect volume did not respect the Master Audio slider level.

• FixedBug fixIf the Residential Reservoir had a "notable" leak (yellow leak), and the pressure was kept between 65-70 PSI, the leak would never be repaired. Fixed!

• Bug fix: Small-end connecting rod pivot point slight misalignment fix.

• AddedBug fixInteracting with the steam engine's regulator again whilst it is currently 'busy' processing a timed interaction (such as Shift+E or Shift+Q), could result in undesirable regulator setting behavior when the timed action eventually completes. Fixed by implementing an interaction 'lockout' which prevents new interact commands from being issued to the regulator until it has completed its current power change request.
• FixedBug fixBoiler collision needed some adjustment - it was previously possible for the player to clip through the boiler if they attempt to stand on it. Fixed.
• FixedBug fixBoiler brush would 'inherit' dirt and grime decals if dropped over them. Fixed.

• Bug fix: slowed player movement when not actually on a staircase (but just very near it) has been mitigated so it happens much less. Still not perfect, but it is better than before.

• QoL; this is more a 'balance' change, but if the 'Aggressive Reputation Loss' setting is set, the maximum rep loss that can occur is just 2 points now, and not 3 any longer. Rep loss in the game can be quite insidious and contracts can sometimes only reward a low amount of rep gain too, so I will continue to test and balance this.

Once again, thanks so much for your continued support! Please continue to provide feedback on any bugs/technical issues you notice with the demo build in this thread, so I can address appropriately.

Until next time, have fun!