v0.52 Release Delayed.
Added 2022-04-30 06:37:45 +0000 UTCWork continues on the Live2D version of Lab Rats 2. A few days ago I released a second short tech demo, and I had planned to have a very limited version of that same system integrated into LR2 in time for my normal release schedule. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like I'll be able to hit that timetable.
After the last demo I got a lot of useful feedback about the demo model, what people were interested in, and so on. One of the reasons for this delay is so that I can take time and make some targeted improvements to the rendering setup. Better support for small breasts was something that was mentioned multiple time, so I'm working on ways to improve that. I'm also working on improving resolution and experimenting with a tweaked file hierarchy for the Daz rendering outputs to see if it plays nicely with Live2D's file importing.
With a lot of work still to do and the lingering possibility of technical roadblocks I'm going to be conservative with the new schedule. The plan is to release v0.52 and the full Live2D display system (along with all clothing items, poses, patterns, etc.) as next month's update. During that month of development I will be releasing short tech demos to highlight new features and receive feedback.
I apologize for the delay, especially this late into month. The LR2 display system has been expanded gradually over a whole bunch of updates. Replacing it wholesale without cutting any features has turned out to be no small job!
Comments
It makes it easier to mod, animate, and upgrade in the future. So we can have stuff like greater facial variety because we don't need to make dozens of different poses for each varient.
IgnusObscuro
2022-05-14 10:41:43 +0000 UTCawesome! glad to see that system getting an upgrade and looking forward to new clothing options!
IX
2022-05-05 06:48:56 +0000 UTCIt also enables a bunch of new stuff. The amount it changes is more comparable to getting a new game engine practically.
Killer300
2022-05-05 01:09:09 +0000 UTCSo is the purpose of the Live2D purely to make the game more efficient? That alone is a great reason to do it, but I'm wondering if it's also being done to enable new functionality such as animation.
Apollo
2022-05-04 03:10:55 +0000 UTCHonestly I didn't expect it to be possible in one cycle, and that's no reflection on you. It's a big change to a fundamental aspect of the game. Do your best, I know you have the work ethic to see it through.
Dreamdayer
2022-05-03 11:38:34 +0000 UTCMight be cool if since you can have different sizes for chest, waist, and hips you had a measurement system to express that like you do with height. Also I appreciate all the hard work you're doing.
Gary Edwards
2022-05-02 06:06:17 +0000 UTCI agree. Better to delay the release (even by a month) and have a good game than rush it in order to respect the (somewhat artificial) release date and get a so-so game. Take the time to get it the way you want it. We (me and many of your supporters) will wait.
Espernihon
2022-05-01 17:35:34 +0000 UTCHello, if you revise the graphics, there is the possibility of not using mother and sister as separate pictures at the Insta-Pics event. I guess it's very involved, but when the two interact in a graphic. Scenes like this would add value to the game in my opinion. Have a nice day and thanks for the great work on the game
Jon Jonson
2022-05-01 11:51:37 +0000 UTCThis!
Colin T.
2022-05-01 05:53:36 +0000 UTCThough I understand why it can be important to maintain a development schedule (and why allowing the schedule to slip can rankle), in this particular case, I would encourage you to take the extra month for this patch. Ignoring the fact that you've rarely, if ever, missed a monthly update (something that I, personally, don't care much about, but a lot of people do), you are implementing a new system, and there are times when "When it's done," is the preferred schedule. We've all seen what happens when games are rushed or crunched; you get substandard deliverables. Speaking only for myself: I would far prefer a delayed, feature-complete implementation of Live2D, with most of the bugs ironed out, as opposed to a rushed release. In other words, I enthusiastically support this delay. Keep up the good work!
Eschew Shame
2022-05-01 03:54:38 +0000 UTCDo keep releasing demos, as it sounds like you're getting a lot of valuable feedback that way, and insuring that, whenever this version gets released, it's a massive improvement to LR2.
Killer300
2022-04-30 21:51:00 +0000 UTCThe fact that we get updates every month is astounding, especially when compared to other developers and their projects. Sounds like you're taking your time to do it right; this is why I continue contributing to your Patreon account. 😁
Drew
2022-04-30 17:44:33 +0000 UTCThe update sounds like a HUGE improvement and no doubt a ton of work. Looking forward to it!
NuTrix
2022-04-30 13:06:56 +0000 UTCWell, yes, now it’s clear why there is a delay, don’t worry, let everything go as it should...
NakedAlice
2022-04-30 09:24:02 +0000 UTC
