Hello and welcome to the June/July 2024 edition of the College Basketball Manager Newsletter! This will be a combined summer newsletter due to the time its taken to get the steam playtest ready to go to begin the closed beta.

The closed beta is ready for testing! If you are interested in participating in the playtest, shoot me an email at aaronatlunacien@gmail.com and I will send you a key directly!

The current playtest is for the demo version of the game. This means only one year is playable, the preseason is shorter, and users can't switch teams.

I'd love to get your feedback on how the game functions as a whole as well as how it works as a demo.

To give feedback, I've set up a discord channel. The invite link is here:

https://discord.gg/259kEQmbZW

Also feel free to just shoot me an email at aaronatlunacien@gmail.com.

In June, I was able to work on several things: I got recruiting to a good state that is ready for playtesting, I conquered the steam build upload system, and prepared the build to playtest a "demo" version. I think I can safely say we've moved from pre-alpha to alpha, and ready for playtesting!

Current Stage: Alpha
Game Simulation:

• 100% (ready for playtesting and future feature/QoL expansion)
  
• +5% since last update

Recruiting:

• 90%
  
• +15% in June (add in very important quality of life features, and added in recruiting action time cost)
  
• Currently working on sway mechanics (ability to change a recruit's mind about the importance of certain pitches)

Practice Planning:

• 100% (ready for playtesting and future feature/QoL expansion)

Game Planning:

• 100% (ready for playtesting and future feature/QoL expansion)
  
• +5% since last update

Staffing:

• 85% (AI teams will offer and receive applications for head coaches, but not support staff yet. Also need to add a UI for user coaches to receive offers and send applications)
  
• Playtesting is currently just for the demo version, where hiring/firing at year end isn't super important
  
• +5% since last update

Program Pitch Development:

• 100% (ready for playtesting and future feature/QoL expansion)
  
• +25% since last update

Here is the main overview screen where you can review your all of your target list of recruits:
One thing I have been working on lately has been making recruiting a tad easier to work with, by providing more information on the recruiting board screen without having to click into each individual recruit. So I have begun providing more information within each row: how far down/up your team is in interest, what your interest rank is, how many other teams have offered scholarships, and the ability to perform recruiting actions directly from the recruiting board.

Also implemented recently is "coach time" in which coaches have a total of 40 hours a week to conduct all of their activities (I'm sure IRL coaches work more than 40 hours a week during the season but I'm starting there for balance reasons). This coach time goes towards games, practices, and recruiting. So, for both quick actions and other actions conducted by clicking on a recruit, a specific coach will be selected to conduct that recruiting action.

As always, if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions, I'd love to here them! Just leave them here in the comments.

Thanks!

- Aaron

Now officially announcing: College Basketball Manager! In CBM, you’ll have control over every aspect of your college basketball program. Recruit the stars that fit your scheme, develop them how you see fit, implement a strong gameplan, and see your legacy grow as you win championships!

Steam Store page can be found here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2105120/College_Basketball_Manager

Embark on the ultimate college basketball coaching journey with College Basketball Manager. This groundbreaking management game allows you to take control of your favorite school's basketball program, whether you're starting small and aiming for the top or stepping into the shoes of your beloved college team to forge a legacy that spans decades. Merge the excitement of college basketball with strategic gameplay tailored to your coaching style. Recruit the next generation of basketball stars, guide your team to tournament glory, and shape your coaching legacy with critical decisions both on and off the virtual court. Manage practices, strategize gameplay, schedule games, run practices, and manage your staff to create a powerhouse. With extensive customization options, this is your chance to leave a lasting mark on the world of college basketball.

Key Features:

• Execute game plans through a dynamic simulation engine, boasting an array of offensive and defensive strategies.
  
• Recruit high school players to bolster your team, crafting compelling pitches to sway recruits and outmaneuver your rivals in recruiting battles.
  
• Develop your players both during the season and off to align with your playing style and gain a competitive edge.
  
• Level up your coaching skills.
  
• Comprehensive stat tracking for every player and team.
  
• Dive into team and league histories, past game results, awards, coaching careers, and records with just a click.

About Lunacien:
Hey, I’m Aaron. I’m a solo developer who has always dreamed of playing a new college hoops game with my family and friends, so I decided to make that dream become a reality by developing it myself. I’ve worked long and hard on this game, so I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

Twitter: @AaronLunacien
Email: aaronatlunacien@gmail.com
Mailing List: collegebasketballmanager.com/JoinBeta