[h2]Big Ambitions EA 0.6: Factories[/h2] Hi there! As we approach the release of 0.6, we're excited to share our latest experimental build with you. The team has been working tirelessly to bring you a bunch of new features and improvements. Dive in and help us test and refine this exciting new update! Due to some unforeseen setbacks with the factory it has taken us a bit longer than we anticipated. We're committed to quality and didn't want to release a feature we weren't completely satisfied with. Now, we're excited to finally bring you factories to Big Ambitions, enabling you to produce all the products available from our wholesale importers. The complete patch notes will be released when EA 0.6 is ready for its full release, but for now, here is a summary of the bigger changes in EA 0.6. [quote=Hovgaard Games][b][u]Please notice:[/u] This version is unstable, unoptimized and might contain game-breaking bugs which may destroy your savegame. The branch will be updated frequently as we squeeze bugs. Any progress/savegame will be lost once this testing period is over. This is an opportunity to help us find bugs and get some early insight into the development of our next update. The experimental/preview version of the game is not simply a way to play the new update earlier. Please don't leave us negative reviews based on your experience with the experimental branch, thank you! ❤️[/b] [/quote] [hr][/hr] [u][h2]Factories[/h2][/u] It is time to take your business to the next level. We’re adding factories that let you produce most of the products available from the wholesale importers. From simple hot dogs to flashy jewellery to high tech smart watches. Most of the machines are ready to use, but we are still wrapping up the last ones. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/9d41b8c832221f6fb56d91755706db0a337b4dbf.jpg[/img] [u][h2]New Pier Area[/h2][/u] To accommodate for the new factory feature we have added a whole new pier area. Here you can import raw goods for the factories in order to get your production up and running. The beautiful pier houses three new purchasing sites: [list] [*] Pier 6 for food [*] Pier 7 for materials [*] Pier 8 for drinks [/list] You’re free to take a stroll around the pier; while most things work, the area is still a work in progress. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/811b1e1e951db1c5fb591d2bea2cccce43d5ce4d.jpg[/img] [u][h2]Interior Design[/h2][/u] Get ready for a complete overhaul of our Interior Designer feature! We've listened to your feedback and we have streamlined the design process with an intuitive "mode" switch and a handy tools bar. Finding the right tools are now easier than ever—right at your fingertips. Dive into a smoother, more enjoyable designing experience in our latest update! Try holding “shift” while selecting the floor or wall and see just one of the improvements we have made to the design process. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/ece737bfecf656577ef2654397192a08d30fbf0a.png[/img] [u][h2]Moving Service[/h2][/u] Outgrown your current space? No problem! Say goodbye to manually packing and moving items with hand trucks. The moving company fully automates the process, making your transition to a larger or different building seamless and hassle-free. What are you waiting for? Come on down to Manhattan Movers! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/e9df16561e473a38a52d4eaa22752fe910659c60.png[/img] [u][h2]Indoor Delivery Spots[/h2][/u] When you enter your apartment or business, you will now see that it has undergone renovation. All rentable spaces now have a designated delivery spot for you to receive any kind of wares directly into your home or business. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/bfd2ef2e2e6a2633d0d68ea09d94d40b434a8446.png[/img] [u][h2]Overlay and UI Improvements[/h2][/u] We've streamlined our overlays and popups for a cleaner, less intrusive experience. Now, only the most essential information is displayed, including employee names right at their desks for easier management. Plus, we've resolved the issues with popups triggered by keyboard commands or player proximity, ensuring a more cohesive and consistent UI as our game grows in complexity. Enjoy a more intuitive experience with these quality-of-life upgrades! [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/dedbccbf050cc476c860873c0ad4a0f630907723.jpg[/img] [u][h2]Visual Improvements[/h2][/u] We have been working on improving the visuals and performance of the game. This has resulted in some spectacular lighting improvements. Here is a highlight of the most noticeable changes: [list] [*] Improves "time of the day" feeling with a rotating sun. [*] Moonlight shadows [*] Improves exterior and interior lighting [*] Each district has a different atmosphere with their own effects such as fog [*] Added more trash and dirt to the streets [/list] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/c96de3c6e2a83d911629f3f5edf8d67e264e6d29.png[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/ac1085593f295c17dc5ba3afe099b843cf45b36e.png[/img] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/df358080e38dbbce3bdfc1e6144a21eb3dfd5e5f.png[/img] [u][h2]Task Management Overhaul[/h2][/u] Previously, changing an employee's status or settings could erase their associated tasks and information. Now, we've tied tasks to the HQ, not individuals. Whether an employee leaves or changes roles, no data is lost—tasks automatically reassign or stay pending. Plus, you can now easily transfer task information when relocating, ensuring seamless operations. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/ac4feab2fed1f303be478b666b362aa789ad95d9.png[/img] [u][h2]Help Page Updates[/h2][/u] The F1 help menu will now feature a search feature as well as the option to go back and forth between pages. [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/1d5d9f8a0183ed7a7380881fa6fa0961b88441c9.png[/img] [u][h2]Quality of life improvements & Bugs[/h2][/u] There are so many bug fixes, improvements and balancing we have knocked out of the park for this update. A full list will be provided for the release, but here are some of the quality of life changes you can expect. [list] [*] Fixed so that the paper bag is discarded after consuming the last item in it [*] Changed the “store is dirty” alert to turn off at 80% clean instead of 90% [*] Updated some of the wording of messages to make things easier to understand [*] When watching tv, the player now looks for a nearby chair/sofa to sit down, opening the entertainment overlay [*] Updated the wording of the Logistics Manager popup to make it more clear [*] Removed theft from order-based businesses [*] Start repeating PA contract. Now you can set up a contract in advance [*] Added a “Are you sure” confirmation option before shutting down a business [*] The button for ending a call has now changed to make it clearer if you are canceling the order or ending the call [*] Balanced the hairdresser [/list] [quote=Hovgaard Games][b][u]Please notice:[/u] This version is unstable, unoptimized and might contain game-breaking bugs which may destroy your savegame. The branch will be updated frequently as we squeeze bugs. Any progress/savegame will be lost once this testing period is over. This is an opportunity to help us find bugs and get some early insight into the development of our next update. The experimental/preview version of the game is not simply a way to play the new update earlier. Please don't leave us negative reviews based on your experience with the experimental branch, thank you! ❤️[/b] [/quote] [h3]Here's how to access the branch:[/h3] [b]Reminder: Experimental Branch saves are not compatible with the full release[/b] You will be rolled back to your EA 0.5 savegame when EA 0.6 is fully released. [list] [*] Right-click Big Ambitions on Steam [*] Select Properties [*] Select Betas [*] From the dropdown menu, choose "experimental - Use at own risk - Unstable!" [/list] [img]{STEAM_CLAN_IMAGE}/40572925/8d2d6f2175c34e000d6706740f6d07bc802305ae.gif[/img] [h1]Good luck![/h1] [h3][b]Remember to submit Bug Reports![/b][/h3] If you see something weird while in-game, be sure to [b]hit F2 to submit a bug report[/b] so we can fix it! Any information on what you did before the bug occured are greatly appreciated. If you have additional information to contribute, or need a response, the best option is to create a thread on [url=https://steamcommunity.com/app/1331550/discussions/]Steam[/url], [url=https://www.reddit.com/r/bigambitions/]Reddit[/url], [url=https://forum.bigambitionsgame.com/]Big Ambitions Forums[/url], or our [url=https://discord.gg/hovgaardgames]Discord[/url], then mention that thread in the Bug Report, so I know it's yours and can reply to you! As always, huge thanks to all of you for the support you give. Every comment, bug report, feedback and words of encouragement means the world to us. You make this whole thing possible. So from the bottom of our hearts, thank you! ~ Hovgaard Games and the entire Big Ambitions team!