Status Update 12/13/2017

Hello Everyone, Over the past three weeks we have finished most of the work on optimizing performance and reducing overhead for AI navigation and decision support. Additionally, we have implemented several new behaviors to NPCs as well as support for allowing NPCs, such as hunters and detonators, to utilize new weaponry. Detonators will now be able to be modified with support for increased yield explosives and directional shaped charges, while hunters can now be fitted with procedurally created, or player made, weaponry. Additionally, player controlled enemies are now capable of utilizing more advanced protocols, such as defending harvesters or providing fire support to the player. Currently, we are in the process of applying functionality to the dozens of new player and NPC modifications created for the new modular component system, mentioned in the last status report. While the majority of assets have been modeled and textured, we now need to implement behavior and characteristics for these items. Once this system is finished and implemented, we will still need to perform some in-house testing prior to releasing the new build, so as much as we are working towards it, it is unlikely that we will be able to release the next patch before the new year. I would like to thank everyone for their continued support and wish everyone a happy holiday season! Best, -Touz