Prague indie developer Keen Software House released a series of updates for their outer-space sandbox PC game, Space Engineers, all across the span of around one month. The set of updates includes enhancements to gameplay, improved game features, and dedicated server support for the early access game, played by nearly a million users worldwide.
Space Engineers involves players creating and maintaining their own space stations and spaceships. The game claims the title of “4th Best Indie Game of 2013” from Indie DB. It is currently still holding a spot as one of the top overall sellers in Steam.
CEO of Keen Software House, Marek Rosa, said the purpose of the update stems from a communal root.
A great Steam Early Access game must deliver on its promises to the community – the gamers who have taken the risk of buying into your vision – by continually growing and improving with new features, expansion of gameplay, and more.
The updates have granted the game with dedicated servers, which lets third parties host the game for a better connection. Factions are a part of the new enhancements, and relations between factions –such as ‘hostile’ or ‘ally’– are factored. Factions can also determine ownership of blocks. On the topic of blocks: they can now be merged if they are the same size. Ships merged with stations become stations, and stations can be converted into ships, although not without the potential loss of blocks.
Other aspects of building are effected by the updates. Steering wheels can be added into built vehicles, and wheel controls are available. Battery Blocks are added to store generated energy. Pistons are introduced to the game to further advance the potential capabilities of machinery.
Hacking and breaching are also tweaked. When a player attempts to seize a hostile block, they must replace the computers within said block. Multiple antennas can now be used to increase reach of broadcasting. Finally, spectator mode is enabled, allowing players to watch other players for enjoyment or knowledge of the game.
The single or multiplayer Space Engineers can be found at its very own website or on Steam, at a price of $19.99 USD.