Hey all,

We've been hard at work over the last few weeks ironing out bugs that have been found in playtesting, cleaning up the graphics and effects, optimizing the code, and when they can, working on some new content! A lot of the FX have seen updates, tweaks, and reworks to make them less resource intensive and to improve visual clarity. Similar changes have taken place with lighting and shadows. On the backend, much has been rewritten into C++, which has helped the game to run more smoothly. Many of the bugs that were previously present have been patched, and work is continuously being put in to squash whatever bugs remain, and to get us to a bug-free state. Last, we've got a new map being worked on, and a couple new game mechanics that come with! No spoilers yet, but we'll have more word for you on that in a couple weeks. Thank you to those who have helped playtest! Your input has been and continues to be invaluable.

We look forward with anticipation and eagerness to the full release,

- The Solar Showdown Development Team

Hello All!

With the end of the semester, much of our team has parted ways, going on to jobs, new coursework, and internships across the country. Those of us who are still here are working hard to prepare Solar Showdown for entry into various competitions this summer. The first comes up this June, shortly after which we plan on releasing the game for all to play. Until then, we plan on doing more playtesting as we push out balance tweaks, bug fixes, and a graphical update or two.

Playtesting was recently added to our store page, and 16 of you registered to help us. We have no way to tell who you are, but we love you and appreciate your willingness to help. Unforunately, due to the constraints of the competitions and the desires of the department, we are reverting to using the Steam Key format for playtesting, as they provide more control. With a key, we knopw who is participating, as well as having an easier time setting expectations and making clear restrictions on what playtesters allowed to do with the game and key. We hope that those who were interested before will still be willing to help us now! If anyone reading this is interested in helping us to playtest over these next couple weeks, please approach anyone you know who is working on the game and ask them to get a key for you. We look forward to your feedback as we work to make Solar Showdown truly great!

- The Solar Showdown Development Team