Update on Progress

[Nori]

I think I will go with Steve's 'Conventional(+)' start suggestion where I go conventional but than add just Trans Newtonian Technology through SpaceMaster.

Isn't that just a standard TN start with no RP allocated?

I believe you would start with conventional industry though... So gotta convert it.

[Garfunkel]

Guys, use this thread: http://aurora2.pentarch.org/index.php?topic=10523.0 for the HYPE spam, please.

[Tree]

I think I will go with Steve's 'Conventional(+)' start suggestion where I go conventional but than add just Trans Newtonian Technology through SpaceMaster.

Isn't that just a standard TN start with no RP allocated?

No, if you start as conventional and give yourself only the TN tech, you'll still have conventional industry that you'll need to convert, and you'll have to research basic techs like 10cm laser focal size or nuclear thermal engine which you would get for free on a 0 RP TN start. Also though you can just not use it or ignore the limit, a TN start gives you build points to spend in the "Create Racial Order of Battle" window.

[amram]

That makes sense, forgot about the conventional industry.  It has been a while since I did a conventional start.

Also, didn't realise there were a couple free handouts for tech on a TN start.

[Tikigod]

Been a bit quiet since the obfuscation update 2 days ago, hope all is going OK Steve.

[Steve Walmsley (OP)]

Been a bit quiet since the obfuscation update 2 days ago, hope all is going OK Steve.

Yes, just busy with my day job at the moment. Lawyers and regulators and tax, oh my!

I'm doing a little during the day (the advantage of working from home) and some work in the evenings before wine is consumed at dinner . However, the weekends are the main time for work, especially now when I don't have to go out

Most of the hard work is done now. Install is working. Obfuscation is working at first glance and Diplomacy is very close to done. I am going to take the opportunity to fight the mass battle that is coming, as that is ideal for testing. Then I will start a new game in an installed, obfuscated version and play the first year or two. If all that goes well, I can release.

[Tikigod]

Been a bit quiet since the obfuscation update 2 days ago, hope all is going OK Steve.

Yes, just busy with my day job at the moment. Lawyers and regulators and tax, oh my!

I'm doing a little during the day (the advantage of working from home) and some work in the evenings before wine is consumed at dinner . However, the weekends are the main time for work, especially now when I don't have to go out

Most of the hard work is done now. Install is working. Obfuscation is working at first glance and Diplomacy is very close to done. I am going to take the opportunity to fight the mass battle that is coming, as that is ideal for testing. Then I will start a new game in an installed, obfuscated version and play the first year or two. If all that goes well, I can release.

Sounding good albeit rather manic.

[Father Tim]

The end of March is in sight!

[chrislocke2000]

 I am going to take the opportunity to fight the mass battle that is coming, as that is ideal for testing.

Whilst I'm hugely looking forward to getting a chance to play the game, I'm also very interested to hearing how that battle plays out!

[Steve Walmsley (OP)]

The end of March is in sight!

While I missed the date, in retrospect I think it was a good idea to aim for it. I definitely focused more on delivery with the hard date in sight. Of course, the situation is different now as I am not going to spending time in the motorhome in the near future so the immediate time pressure was removed. Without the lock down, I probably would have released a week or two sooner without the line-by-line review and then regretted it. I know it is going to be a week or two late, but I do think the delay is well worth it.

[sloanjh]

The end of March is in sight!

While I missed the date, in retrospect I think it was a good idea to aim for it. I definitely focused more on delivery with the hard date in sight. Of course, the situation is different now as I am not going to spending time in the motorhome in the near future so the immediate time pressure was removed. Without the lock down, I probably would have released a week or two sooner without the line-by-line review and then regretted it. I know it is going to be a week or two late, but I do think the delay is well worth it.

Absolutely!!!  I'm actually surprised/impressed (in a good way) that you're hitting the date so closely.  This is the same way I try to schedule projects at work - set an aggressive release date that could conceivably be hit, with the full knowledge that there's a good chance that the date will slip.  It's very difficult to generate the same sense of urgency that forces working through the "20" of the 80/20 rule without a concrete release date looming.

John

[Jovus]

I think in professional software development missing the date by a week or two is already rather rare and noteworthy. Missing the date by a week or two for a hobby project, plus with large life changes to deal with at the same time (working from home is no joke), is amazing.

[MarcAFK]

A major studio would have just let it release with completely broken Diplomacy with the option that maybe down the line they'll patch to look less broken but without taking the time to actually fix it.

[snapto]

I think I speak for many of the Lurkers out there like myself when I say we really appreciate all the hard work you've put into this project and your willingness to share the fruits of your labors. I'm really looking forward to release WHENEVER that may be. Just don't burn yourself out getting to the finish line - there's bound to be bugs after all 

[Gyrfalcon]

A major studio would have just let it release with completely broken Diplomacy with the option that maybe down the line they'll patch to look less broken but without taking the time to actually fix it.

No no, you miss the insanity genius of modern day publishing: Diplomacy would have been released as a DLC option for $9.99.