Hey Haunters! It’s time for some spooky updates! After months of hard work, I am excited to roll out the latest changes to enhance your haunted house experience! PLEASE NOTE: Some of the new features and gameplay elements are still in development and a work in progress. Previous save games may not work correctly with new builds, use those at your own risk. As with any update, please use the Steam Forums or Discord Channel to provide feedback or report additional bugs.

🔍 Major Changes: Gameplay Balance Shift
Old Balance: 90% Tower Defense | 10% Management
New Balance: 60% Tower Defense | 40% Management
This update introduces a wealth of new management features while keeping Sandbox/Creative modes untouched.

🚀 Future Plans
We’ll be gathering player feedback to refine the game further, fix any bugs, and polish existing features.

💰 Price Increase Notice
Heads up! Due to the increased content and development efforts, a slight price increase will happen soon. Now's your chance to snag Horror Tycoon at the current price (USD $14.99) the new price (USD $17.99 will go in effect in 2025)!

🛠️ New Features & Improvements
Power Management

Off the Grid Power Supply:
Manage power for your attractions, with requirements displayed on item cards.

Fuel Management: Generators require fuel, which can be added manually or via a mechanic.

Upgrading Generators: Reduces refueling duration and cost without increasing power output.
Breakdowns & Repairs

Item Breakdowns:
Electrical and motorized items can now break down.
Repairs: Replacements require parts; repairs can be handled by you or hired mechanics.

Peculiar Parts Store:
Purchase Replacement Parts: Acquire parts for broken items, with stock varying based on suppliers.
Mechanics Office

Hire Mechanics: Assist with repairs and refueling.
Prioritize Tasks: Choose between repairs or refueling for mechanics.

Customer Service Office:
Mini Game Challenge: Negotiate payouts and generate passive income through customer service events.

😱 New Fear Meter & First-Person Mode
Fear Meter: A new HUD feature enhancing guest interaction. - WORK IN PROGRESS -
Ultimate Abilities: Triggered when the fear meter is full, unleashing terrifying effects on guests. - WORK IN PROGRESS -

Abilities Include - WORK IN PROGRESS-:
Inferno: Ignites all guests, causing damage over time.
Electro Shock: Electrocutes guests, inflicting damage over time.
Cold Wave: Freezes guests, slowing them and causing damage.
Let’s Make a Deal: Steals wallets from guests for a cash boost.
Heart-O-Tack: Causes immediate heart attacks, resulting in guest deaths.
Blood Bath: Makes guests bleed uncontrollably, causing damage over time.

First-Person Mode Scares:
Guest Camera Mode: Scare guests directly in first person.
Scare Stamina Bar: Depletes with each scare and recharges over time.
Tactical Scares: Use scares wisely to maximize effectiveness and impact.

⚙️ Gameplay Enhancements
Sinister Trap Re-Design: New soul meter replaces traps, allowing powerful abilities when filled.
Ultimate Abilities Include: Inferno, Electrocution, Cold Wave, Let’s Make a Deal, Heart-O-Tack, Blood Bath.

📈 Quality of Life Improvements
Fixed Build Window Issue: Move items without reopening the build window after a countdown.
Visual & Audio Effects: Enhanced upgrading experience for a more immersive feel.
Height Lock Key [X]: Lock item height for consistent placement.
Multi-Level Building: Now possible, still in progress for further improvements.

🐞 Bug Fixes & Minor Changes
UI Improvements: Resolved issues with power indicators, item cards, and selection buttons.
New Scare Traps: Blood Boil and Witches Cauldron added to your arsenal.
Item Rotations: Improved control over item placement for better customization.
First-Person Mode Improvements: Removed single-story roof and fixed level fall-through issues.
Stability Fixes: General bug fixes and improved level design for a smoother experience.
Added Items: New coffins (Wooden with/without lids, Concrete with/without lids) for more decor options.
Wall Adjustments: Walls can now be raised and lowered for easier layout management.
Game Progression Fix: Resolved an issue where stuck guests prevented game progression after the final wave.
FPS Scare Mode Fix: Ensured manual scaring is only possible in Guest Cam mode.
Poster Flicker Fix: Fixed flickering issues with missing posters in Z space.
Tooltip Fixes: Phobias now show correctly in item tooltips without duplication.
Construction Mode Visibility Fix: Filters for floors and walls now consistently visible in construction mode.
Blood Boil Trap Adjustment: This trap can now be raised or lowered by players.
Sandbox Mode Fix: Service items and employees can no longer be placed in sandbox mode, which doesn't require power generators.
Decor Prop Fix: The fireplace prop is now unlocked from the start.
Placement Guide Fix: The guide box is now visible when placing certain items.
Power Supply Fix: Ensured power supplies are inactive when turned off.
Breakdown Fix: Fixed an issue where items could still break down while OFF.
Finance Screen Update: Added an advertising & marketing campaign feature to generate Fear reputation every 30 seconds at a cost.
Pathfinding Improvements: Enhanced the Body Cleanup Service’s pathfinding and collision issues.
Wall Filter Update: New filter for construction items, including accessories for trusses and supports.
Body Parts Adjustment: Body parts will no longer spawn under floors.

🙏 Thank You!
I appreciate your ongoing support and feedback. Dive into the new update, explore the exciting management features, and let me know what you think!

Happy Haunting! 🕷️

Greetings Haunters,
First, thank you for your continued support as I continue to develop this game, I am looking forward to hearing your feedback on the new changes and new ways to play Horror Tycoon!

My initial concept for the game was always a combination of 2 genres I love, Tower Defense and Tycoon/Management. I know a lot of players wanted more of the latter so this will be an exciting change to the game.

Speaking of new things...
Horror Tycoon is still being worked on and some big changes are coming to the core gameplay loop in Q1 of 2024. I originally had planned for this update to be ready before the end of the year, however, was unable to reach that deadline, but, I have been hard at work over the past few months implementing new systems and functionality to make the gameplay more exciting and interesting.

Note these changes do not affect Sandbox/Creative mode :)

What to expect in the coming weeks:

This new update will break any existing saves as there are a lot of new variables and data that is saved so be advised if you are attempting to load a save and it crashes... this is most likely the reason.

The experimental branch on Steam will receive a preview of this next update for you to test and provide feedback on if you wish to do so. Once testing has been completed and any major bugs squashed the update will roll out to the public version of the game. If you want to try the experimental build when it is live, Right click on Horror Tycoon in your steam library then access the Beta's tab to find Beta Participation and select Experimental. Steam will then download and update your game to the experimental version, and to opt-out just do the same as before but select none as the beta option.

Now, onto the fun stuff!

NEW Power Management system - Install generators/batteries to keep your off-the-grid haunts up and running. Items that require power will have a power level indicator of the minimum power needed for the item to run so you will need to plan accordingly to ensure you have enough resources to keep expanding your build.

NEW Refueling System - Most of the generators will require fuel so you will need to refuel, but as you are well aware fuel is expensive so you will need to manage your finances to ensure you have enough for the equipment, fuel and potential repairs! Refueling can be done via first person or regular top down view, if your fuel runs out attractions will turn off and each one will need to be turned back on to ensure you can scare your guests!

NEW Breakdown system - Items that require power or have moving parts will breakdown randomly over time, the chances can of course be reduced by upgrading your traps, however, even at max level it wont completely stop them from breaking down over time.

NEW Repair system - When your item breaks down you will need to ensure you have the correct parts in stock, if you do, you can easily repair an item in either first person mode or the normal top down view via the UI.

NEW Parts Store - There are hundreds of components, circuits, motors, gears etc... you will need to find the correct part, purchase it, and once you have all parts needed... install them to repair your item. You can find the parts needed on the backside of any item card in the build menu.

There will also be some new scare traps, decor, secrets to uncover and construction items added in this update as well but primarily this update is focusing on the Tycoon / Management aspect of the game with even more depth to come later this year.

Even more new and exciting things are coming!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday with family and friends and bring in the new year safely and with excitement for new experiences in 2024!

Happy New Year,
Casey
Owner - Smidge Games LLC

👻 Attention, Haunters! 👻

Even in its early access phase, this game is nothing short of a heart-pounding adventure, and guess what? We're in the running for a prestigious Steam Award! 🏆 But we need your help to make it happen!

Picture this: a passion project that has haunted my dreams since childhood, evolving from backyard haunted mazes to a full-blown gaming sensation! Now, I'm calling upon all you brave souls to rally behind Horror Tycoon and cast your vote in the Labor of Love category. 🎮🌟

Your support means the world to me. Together, let's turn this labor of love into an award-winning masterpiece! Thank you for your spine-tingling enthusiasm and unwavering dedication. Let the haunting games begin! 💀✨ #HorrorTycoon #GamerSpirit #LaborOfLoveChampion

Greetings, Haunters!

Casey here, the solo developer behind Horror Tycoon, and I wanted to provide you with an update on the games current development as well as the plans for the remainder of 2023 into 2024!

But first, let's address some news regarding Horror Tycoon's publisher. My partnership with Playway S.A. has come to an end, but fear not! The development of Horror Tycoon remains unaffected. I'm on a mission, dedicated to delivering a top notch haunted house building and management experience.

2023 was just the beginning! We've witnessed two major updates and over 10 patches, introducing an arsenal of new scare traps, decor items, gameplay mechanics, quality of life improvements and squashing over 200 bugs! The roadmap for 2024 promises even more heart-pounding updates, bringing you closer to the edge of your sanity.

• Power management
  Place down power supply items like generators and batteries to generate sufficient power to your haunted house interiors!
  
• Breakdowns
  • Items will now breakdown randomly over time, upgrading items will help to reduce the chance of a breakdown, but will not eliminate it.
    
  • Repairs will be needed. I wanted to provide a gameplay experience where the player can accomplish repairs in or out of the guest camera mode and make the first person mode 100% optional if the player does not enjoy the first person/guest mode experience.
    
  • Complete repairs yourself in first person/guest camera mode during an active wave
    
  • Wait for the wave to finish and complete the repair work via the item details UI.
    
  • Repairs will require parts to complete repairs. In a new mini game, you will need to shop and stock up on parts that your attractions need to operate successfully. These items will cost money so you will need to pay even closer attention to your cash spending.
• Scare your guests now in first person/guest camera mode
  Scare Stamina recharges over time so you will not be able to consistently scare a guest, however, using it strategically to do a final scare or 2 could make the difference of successfully completing the level or not.
  
• Lost Lands Amusement Park
  Build your haunt on a portion of the old abandoned dinosaur themed amusement park with new obstacles and challenges.
  
• We're going vertical!
  This is still a work in progress and will be further developed in 2024 but you will be able to create multi-story haunts.
  
• Quality of life improvements
  • Rotate items on all axis
    
  • Height lock toggle for keeping all items at the same height for vertical building
    
  • Outdoor decorating and more!
• Sinister traps re-worked from the ground up.
  Sinister Traps will operate more like Ultimate Abilities that will cost souls to use and should only be used in emergency situations where you need a lot of souls to complete a task or fill the devil's contract requirements.
  
• Franchise Rights
  • Earn more income by expanding your Horror Tycoon empire by selling franchise rights in a new regional map. These franchises will help generate income for you and while these are all "legitimate" as in no deal with the devil, there may be some gameplay mechanics that could cause some disasters at those locations and generate some emergency souls for your contract...but at what cost?! You will have to find out when this new feature is ready for you to explore!
    
  • Speaking of exploring, there will be even more to do in first person exploration mode and new secrets to uncover (if you choose to explore)

I've heard your feedback and am committed to infusing the game with new and creative tycoon gameplay elements.

Thank you, from the depths of my haunted house-loving heart, for your enduring support. Together, we're crafting the game of our nightmares, and I can't wait to see you on the other side.

Prepare yourselves, Haunters. The nightmare is just beginning.

[discord.gg]

Greetings Haunters,
A few fixes from the most recent update as well as some new content.

• Fixed a bug where guests would become scared prior to actually entering the trigger sphere.
  
• Added a new sneak peak at the new location coming in the next update: Lost Lands Amusement Park!
  
• Added a new song to the soundtrack.
  
• Fixed an issue where decor item Body Parts were falling through the floor.
  
• Fixed an issue where bones were also falling through floors.
  
• THE LAKE: Added Tiki Torches around the environment.
  
• THE LAKE: Fixed the level grid that was not aligned with the exit and entrance properly.
  
• Sky effects will now scale based on graphic settings. Lower settings will yield better performance.
  
• Fixed decor item Curtains that had an incorrect Phobia tag.
  
• Changed: Reduced the amount of damage and moved the trigger area of the Big Spider scare trap.
  
• Changed: Reduced the size of the trigger area for the Grandfather Clock and moved the trigger area to be more focused in front of the clock.
  
• Changed: Increased the trigger radisu for the blood bath. scare trap.
  
• Added: Water FX 1 - Shoots water up from below.

Greeting Haunters,

I have been working on the next update for several months. This update contains bug fixes, changes, a new level and additional new content added. Thank you again for your continued support while I develop and further improve the game. As previously stated there is still a long road ahead and I am happy you are here and coming along on this journey with me as I work towards the final release of the game (date TBA).

Here are the patch notes:

• Fixed an issue when loading a normal game, it would load in the sandbox version of the HUD.
  
• SANDBOX - fixed an issue when starting a new level, guests would automatically spawn into the level before pressing GO.
  
• Fixed an issue with the GO button still being enabled on the final wave.
  
• Fixed an issue when displaying tooltips they would sometimes be shown behind a widget and be impossible to read fully.
  
• Fixed an issue when hovering over the early access text, animations would not fade in or out correctly.
  
• Fixed Level selection screen so the level select button can not be spammed which caused an animation and sound effect glitch.
  
• Fixed an issue where players had to press the quick slot button twice for it to activate a player activated trap.
  
• Fixed the FX - Triggered Light to show no color on the lenses, however, when clicked on the light will turn on to see current light color.
  
• Fixed an issue where moving the scare item details panel was impossible.
  
• Fixed an issue where exiting the in-game menu would make the Quick Slot / User Activated traps button to be un-clickable.
  
• Fixed an issue where entering guest camera mode would leave existing guest camera locations visible in the world.
  
• Fixed text formatting issues in end of level stats.
  
• Fixed an issue when clicking on the test guest the guest would slow down.
  
• Fixed an issue where guests were taking too much damage and dying immediately.
  
• Fixed an issue when placing new items after one that can be raised or lowered, the new item regardless if it can be raised or lowered would remain at the same height as the item that was previously placed. Now, when placing multiple items of the same type, the height information will be remembered until a different / new item has been placed.
  
• Fixed an issue where the upgrade progress bar would not show the current upgrade amount correctly.
  
• Fixed an issue where players were unable to select a new level regardless of meeting the player level requirements.
  
• Fixed an issue where Test Guest would get scared by traps, they should no longer be scared by traps when walking through your haunt.
  
• Fixed an issue where the bloody floor decor item could not be selected.
  
• Fixed an issue where the police report (when a crime was detected) would not be able to be clicked on.
  
• Fixed an issue where if the player had 0 fear reputation but enough cash, items that cost 0 fear reputation were unable to be purchased.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Haunted House name would not show correctly on the police report.
  
• Fixed an issue when the timer reaches 0, guests spawn, however the timer does not restart nor did the wave count increase.
  
• THE FOREST - Fixed an issue where the camera was behaving oddly due to tree collisions.
  
• THE ABANDONED FACTORY - Fixed an issue where the police could not reach the haunt entrance.
  
• Fixed an issue where the players level and XP would not be displayed correctly in the next level.
  
• Fixed an issue where guests death particles would not be displayed. Different traps have different effect variations.
  
• Fixed an issue when on the Level Select screen where players were unable to return back to the Backyard Haunt.
  
• Fixed an issue where skeletons had the wrong material setting and would not react to lighting properly.
  
• Fear Reputation Icon no longer visible when playing in Sandbox mode.
  
• Fixed an issue when selecting an item that can be color changed, the changed values are not displayed correctly in the item details window.
  
• Fixed the flashlight sound fx for when turning on/off.
  
• Fixed an issue where selecting the Maybe a Slice of Pie food vendor was impossible.
  
• Fixed an issue where the player could travel through the Maybe a Slice of Pie food vendor when in Guest Camera mode.
  
• Fixed an issue where the top of the grandfather clock was missing.
  
• Fixed an issue when spawning Guest Camera it would sometimes get the player stuck after placing new items near the camera location, the guest camera will now always start at the original starting location to prevent this from happening.
  
• Fixed an issue where having the finance screen open would allow the player to open the main menu and still cause the menu to be visible.
  
• Fixed an issue where having the finance screen open the player could still potentially build items.
  
• Fixed an issue where the Test Guest would activate traps.
  
• Fixed an issue where the police office would receive decals when walking over blood stains.
  
• Fixed on end of level stats when player closes the stat window, player is now taken back to the level select menu.
  
• Fixed bones and teeth accumulated now carry over from level to level.
  
• Fixed a pathing issue related to the body disposal employee, still a work in progress but this should prevent him from getting stuck as often.
  
• Fixed an issue where the body disposal employee would make all guts/blood vanish upon overlap.
  
• Fixed an issue with the TUTORIAL that would not allow players to proceed if they did not have a Number pad keyboard. Additional key bindings have been added (PAGE UP / PAGE DOWN) for increasing / decreasing the grid size.
  
• Fixed an issue with death particles disappearing too quickly.
  
• Fixed an issue related to floor collisions.
  
• Fixed an issue if the player is in guest camera mode at the end of the level in a non-sandbox game, guest mode will now exit to ensure the end of level stats are displayed correctly.
  
  
  CHANGES
  
  
• SANDBOX - No longer requires a body disposal employee to be hired.
  
• SANDBOX - Finance Button has been disabled
  
• Changed the fear reputation meter look/feel, let me know if you like version 1 or version 2 better on discord.
  
• Traffic in levels has been placed in the repair shop until it is more stable. Police however will still arrive when conditions are met.
  
• The Body Disposal employee now has glowing eyes to show possession.
  
• Changed grass floor tile, removed tall grass to allow player more flexibility for their design.
  
• Tile Flooring can now have it's color changed.
  
• Body Disposal employee will now wait several seconds to clean an area before moving to the garbage bin.
  
• Body guts now has additional particles when cleaning.
  
• Disposal employee cleaning animation not yet implemented.
  
• When in Guest Camera mode holding the LEFT SHIFT key will allow the player to sprint.
  
• Buildable area grids now reflect the actual buildable area shape.
  
• Updated end of level stats close window button style art
  
• THE FOREST - Reduced the amount of waves, increased the amount of souls required.
  
• THE FOREST - Increased level brightness.
  
• SANDBOX - Timer is no longer visible as the player can summon guests whenever they want.
  
• Reduced the amount of damage the barrel crash scare trap caused.
  
• Added the input shortcut to Increase grid/rotation size by pressing the "PAGE UP", "]" or "NUM +" key.
  
• Added the input shortcut to Decrease grid/rotation size by pressing the "PAGE DOWN", "[", "NUM -" Key.
  
• Updated and replaced some UI placeholder artwork.0
  
• When upgrading an item, the upgrade level decal will be shown while the item is selected, once unselected, the decal will not be visible.
  
• ADDED visibility to toggle the current level of all upgraded items to be displayed by pressing SHIFT+U and press SHIFT+U again to hide the upgrade decal.
  
• Game Success / Fail checks in a non-sandbox game will now see if the player has any bodies remaining that need to be disposed of and will check to see if their are any more guests spawned on the map before proceeding to a level pass/fail. The countdown timer on the final wave does not need to reach 0 any longer.
  
• When guests are at their maximum scare amount, but not scared to death, they will walk twice as fast to get to the exit.
  
• Wooden Floor 1, 2 & 3 are color changeable.
  
  
  New Content
  
  
• Added Body Disposal Employee Animations: Cleaning & Throwing Away.
  
• Added new scare trap: Big Spider
  
• Added new audio for Big Spider
  
• Added new scare trap: Insect Eggs
  
• New Scare Trap Added: Grandfather Clock
  
• New Audio added for Grandfather Clock.
  
• Added 5 new animal fur rugs.
  
• Added custom texture wall. This feature is still in development.
  
• Added new location: The Lake
  
• Added new decor items: Long Railing, Long Railing - Broken, Railing, Railing - Broken

https://steamproxy.net/steamstore/app/1506680/Horror_Tycoon/

While you’re checking out all the amazing games taking part in the event, our friends from El Dorado: The Golden City Builder are also taking part in this unique event. 🗿 Amazing game taking place on the ancient Yucatan Peninsula that brings you back to the times, when Gods held people’s lives in their hands.

https://steamproxy.net/steamstore/app/1451470/El_Dorado_The_Golden_City_Builder/


If you’d like to give us your suggestions and feedback after the gameplay, please join our discord where we await all of you and gladly answer all the questions❣️

[discord.gg]Have fun!
Horror Tycoon Team

- Fixed an issue where guests would not leave the attraction after exiting on the Abandoned Schoolhouse map.

Beginning today players can enter the spring contest for a chance to win a $25 Steam Gift Card + Your name or username included in the game as a guest & your build featured in a future game trailer.


1. Pick any level and any game mode (Sandbox or Story Mode)

2. Design and Build your best haunted house.

3. Use at least 3 of the new items included in the Major Update One update in your build. 4. Take an in-game screenshot by pressing F12 and then submit your screenshot entry via Discord[discord.gg] in the #screenshots channel.

Rules:
Void where prohibited.
Only 1 contest entry may be submitted per Steam user. Winner is decided by community voting via Discord. In the event of a tie, the developer 3pmusic will determine the winner. Contest is open from 4/11/2023 - 5/12/2023. 1 Winner will receive a Steam gift card valued at $25 USD that will be sent electronically to a valid steam user account. Name submission for in game guest naming must not be offensive. The developer has discretion to in-validate any entry that is inappropriate or does not comply with Steam or Discord terms of service.