Hello again!

It's been about a month since my last update here. I expect to post at about this frequency until things get moving a bit faster (and more interesting). Right now, most of the focus is on core systems. I have implemented and re-implemented the market system and AI systems a couple times now, and I'm trying to dial in a system that scales with the plans for the DSE47.

The original implementation of both systems was fairly crude, but it served the purpose as a proof of concept. I was able to see the systems interacting and identify some core behaviors for each system. For example, the AI system consists mainly of tasks and goals. The NPCs establish a goal then calculate the tasks to achieve that goal. My first attempt at the system had me building many small, efficient tasks for each goal "recipe". For a small system, this is ok, but for a larger system, this will not scale. So, I'm pivoting toward a more generic implementation that can be thought of as a graph, sort of like a dependency tree, then calculating an optimal path along that graph.

Progress is going slower that I expected, but I've always had a tendency to be optimistic in my coding estimations. Additionally, I'm having to learn a lot of new skills, like graphic design, modelling, and other stuff. It's exciting to learn all these new skills, but it slows down my development velocity.

Hopefully you enjoy these updates. Let me know if there's anything else you'd like me to discuss.

Brandon

Hello ACEs!

Welcome to the inaugural development update for Deep Space Expedition 47. I'm looking forward to our journey together as we set out to establish colonies in deep space. I'm working on this game by myself, so while I will make regular update, it may take me a bit longer.

I would love to connect with you, so please visit the community pages and start some discussions. I will be working on setting up Discord as another way to stay in touch.

Brandon