[b]Hey there, travelers![/b] Welcome back to another exciting devlog! We wanted to take the release of our new closed demo as an opportunity to dive deeper into some of the new additions. Demo 2 has been distributed to our closed alpha group of Kickstarter backers along with select creators. Speaking of which, we [b]will be launching a public demo available to everyone soon[/b], so keep on reading to find out the when & how! In this devlog, we'll delve into two major additions that build upon our previous closed demo: the worker hiring system featuring Captain Mogumo and his ship, and the debut of the Farming System, where you can cultivate a variety of unique alien flora. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/b0478060fa5bc47d8acb1aeb2fbfcc2ab81ff619.jpg[/img] [h2]All Aboard Captain Mogumo's Ship[/h2] We've expanded the worker hiring process, and now, Captain Mogumo's trusty ship plays a pivotal role in bringing new recruits to your galactic doorstep. The ship arrives periodically, carrying a diverse cast of alien-y candidates originating from all kinds of different cosmic regions, all eager to join your hotel's staff. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/33ed7f15fa98fecc8d0767c86174006d61012b5f.jpg[/img] We want the players to be able to select perfect workers that complement the rest of their crew at a given time. [b]Each alien species boasts unique stats, skills, and traits[/b] that can significantly impact your hotel's operations. Remember, a well-balanced and skilled workforce is essential for a thriving hotel! [h2]Cultivating the Farming System[/h2] The Farming System is another exciting addition to the Hotel Galactic universe, and the newest Demo 2 features a small teaser of the grander whole. In the full game, you will be able to venture beyond the hotel walls and explore the [b]Farming Island[/b], a place with a rich history. Once a thriving hub of galactic agriculture, the island was tragically destroyed by the GPC. It’ll be up to you to restore it to its former glory, although you will receive help from various sources along the way! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/dced03eb322db42d5e91836ade12b61bf9d2c2fb.jpg[/img] You'll discover a variety of unique alien plants waiting to be cultivated. [b]These alien flora not only add a touch of extraterrestrial beauty to your island but also serve practical purposes.[/b] Some plants, like the Firefly Plant, may yield valuable fruit, perfect for afternoon desserts, while others, like the Scaldmint, provide edible leaves and tubers. [b]Each plant requires special care and attention.[/b] You'll need to water them, add soil, and even protect them from mystical creatures that may appear. As you progress, you'll unlock new farming technologies and expand your agricultural expertise, discovering even more exotic plant species and their unique properties. As of the current closed demo build, it features two different plants on top of the Plasma Fertilizer that you can use to boost your harvest. For the demo purposes, we placed a special small garden in the hotel’s backyard with two plant beddings ready to be used with Maklo’s guidance. [h2]Prioritize and Level Up Your Crew[/h2] With the new [b]Worker Priority panel[/b], you can now take full control of your staff's responsibilities. Assign specific tasks to your workers, prioritize their duties, or even disallow them from performing certain jobs. This feature gives you unprecedented control over your hotel's workflow and ensures that your employees are always focused on the most critical tasks. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/d3c4aeefd845f7d83025dc04a8f3fe5e74a3754f.png[/img] But that's not all! We've also introduced a [b]skill-leveling system for your workers.[/b] As they carry out various tasks and actions around the hotel, they'll gain experience and improve their skills. This means that over time, your staff will become more efficient and effective at their jobs, leading to a smoother and more profitable hotel operation. [h2]Equipment Bonanza[/h2] You can use your workers as tools to expand and improve your hotel, but do you know what can your workers use in turn? Actual tools! That’s right, each member of the Hotel Galactic family sports a [b]full inventory split into 5 main equipment categories.[/b] Those are as follows: [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/1a8fb21bda4d206e7b497c98db69a9c7888cd838.png[/img] Core equipment pieces that the player can craft and purchase from the merchant: [list] [*] [b]Outfit[/b] - [i]while all workers can perform all kinds of jobs, outfitting one in a job specific clothing will make them that much better at their tasks.[/i] [*] [b]Cargo[/b] - [i]all kinds of backpacks, baskets and carrier platforms used to increase a worker’s carrying capacity. [/i] [*] [b]Hand Tools[/b] - [i]crucial items that enable workers to perform tasks that they wouldn’t be able to otherwise. For example, to cut a tree you need an axe, and likewise to water a plant you ought to have a watering can in your inventory. Each worker has 4 slots for various hand tools that they can carry on them.[/i] [/list] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/ac1c63f1abc6be7dc1deb39e60e7b2ca87e57d4c.jpg[/img] And the two that can not be crafted by the player: [list] [*] [b]Hat[/b] - [i]unique artifacts that are received mostly from completing quests and VIP visits.[/i] [*] [b]Trophy[/b] - [i]another type of unique artifacts that can be found underground in the later stages of the game or through completing Act II and Act III story missions. But more on that some other time[/i] 😶‍🌫️ [/list] [h2]Research Tree[/h2] Research in Hotel Galactic is slightly different from what you’re used to seeing in most other colony sims / building games. Here it comes with the additional intricacy of having [b]five different resources[/b] used to unlock new tech. The research resource is called [b]Alien Goo™[/b] and it’s obtained by your guests releasing the so-called [i]happiness particles[/i] that are gathered and turned into different types of Alien Goo by an advanced machinery located in the hotel’s basement. The type (color) of the goo that you receive is based on the specific species of the given alien guest. This way you’ll get to [b]choose different research routes in each playthrough[/b] depending on the types of aliens that you want to cater to in that instance. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/0a311b65adcb102d1b6826a9569fcdf46e27505c.png[/img] Above you can see our finalized Research Tree screen along with some of the first era unlocks. For those with a keen eye, there are a few details to catch there 👀 [h2]Bonus Development Highlights[/h2] This time we’ve got a new (smaller) type of ship that will visit your island’s harbor pretty often, as well as some beautiful concept arts for the new type of room that we’re currently working on - the spa. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/7c018b7487f95a950c34dc023ccca8a905393259.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/7ba222252170cbb955a3d325cdc4267f50d3d6e3.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/28f8e14df88a32b81fe19ecf0c627604df3d4a62.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/15377d8114bf9efec0347c8d679282cfd7a8e080.jpg[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/64e7d58fe6066ff0f68e01dcefd28736f6706793.jpg[/img] [h2]Store Page Overhaul & Public Demo[/h2] Whew, that’s certainly a lot! With so many changes, it’s only natural that our Steam page needed an overhaul to stay up-to-date with the game’s development. So we did just that! If you haven’t had the chance yet, [b]look through all the new screenshots[/b] as there’s a lot of little gameplay details to be found for those with a keen eye. We also went ahead and updated the description, teasing the story a bit more, which will be the main topic of the next devlog. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/45053719/aefb0ee3b2d58804da6fb6fc3a97e67d84dd3d87.jpg[/img] As for the big announcement: with the help and feedback of our Kickstarter backers, we’re polishing the build up and [b]preparing for March, when we plan to release Hotel Galactic’s demo into the wide public.[/b] We're constantly working to improve and expand Hotel Galactic, and we can't wait to share more updates with you in the future. Your feedback is invaluable, so please continue to share your thoughts and suggestions. And don't forget to [b]wishlist the game[/b] and join our community as we embark on this cosmic journey together! [i]Thank you, Ancient Forge[/i]