Vidiot_X

Hi, Update site background with two ships from the game, one with laser fire and both with plasma thrust. Check it out. - http://www.phoenixusc.com/ - Rich -

Hi, I have accomplished quite a bit since my last post. Phoenix is now know as Phoenix Universe of Space Combat or just Phoenix USC. I have worked up a client launch application and added many new features such as in game windows/HUD, GUI and much more. I will release the last alpha sometime next month and then the 'Beta' testing begins. I have also made this a donation project so the game client, server and map editor will all be FREE to play and use. Phoenix also has a new domain at http://www.phoenixusc.com which is under construction but please check it out and let me know what you think. You can also follow Phoenix USC's progress on Facebook, Google+, Twitter or by RSS Feed, all the links are at the bottom of the page. But you can always find me here too. So things are starting to gel and I cant wait to release the map editor and server so you can get started making way cool maps. I'm working on this project almost everyday now so progress should be quickening. - Rich -

Phoenix USC has a domain and host! I have a domain setup at www.phoenixusc.com that should be up and running in 24-48 hours, yea! Edit - Already up. wow @Cheese I'll hit him up what zone does he hang in?

Hi, Working with Blender. http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/test2/images/slipstream.png Once I figure out how everything works in Blender I will add some cool images of the actual ships in the game to the webpages. I will also update the ship images in the game so that they more detailed and awesome. The same technique can be used for the walls and other the elements in the game. @Lone Outlaw I think I like the way it is for now. - Rich -

Hi, I have setup an RSS Feed, Twitter, Facebook, G+ and a blog and all are linked at the bottom of the page ( http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/test2/ ). So while maintaining all that is a bitch it's the way things work now a days and should help to promote Phoenix USC. Also changed the server and editor images. Next up, the Phoenix USC and Gallery pages. - Rich -

Thanks. More to follow.

Hi, I worked out a new design complete with slide show. It looks much better I think. http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/test2/ - Rich -

@Cheese I may instead display an image/link in the CLA news feed to remind users to donate. It's less invasive and gets the job done. If you have a link to XHTML/CSS template that you like let me know. Edit - This one looks cool - http://www.openwebdesign.org/viewdesign.phtml?id=6369&referer=%2Fmost_popular.phtml This site has lots of free templates. - Rich -

Hi, I'm working on a proper website design for Phoenix that you can checkout here: http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/test/ EDIT- This one is better I think. http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/test2/ I just have the main page up right now but you can see what I have in mind. On the development front I have most of the GUI elements (list box, slider, text field, etc) finished which will work for the client as well as the client launch application (CLA). The CLA is coming along and I should have a test version of it up soon for Windows and possibly Linux. The client and server will also be available to test in a month or so and will be the last alpha test before beta. I have also decided to make this a donation project. After considering revenue for a bit I decided that the donation path fits the best. This means that the server, client and editor will be available for free and those that donate will bypass a nag screen for donation. I think that should fit well with the community we have now. If this game ever gets really successful I can always revisit the revenue issue as the game system supports ads and other revenue paths. But again for now it's all free and will always be free to play. I will also try to work as closely as I can with the subspace.co community and maintain a presence here ( as long as they let me ). So next month should be busy with a CLA to test and the last alpha test of the server and client. - Rich -

Aww, all better now. Rocking it oldschool.

Hi, I've got the zone server list working well. Slider works and will auto update player count and server ping. The listing breaks down to 'Ping | Player Count | Zone Name'. A server listed will also change button text color to reflect status (Ping -red not connected, Yellow high ping, green low ping). I may add a sort button for ping, player count and Zone name. - Rich - http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/cla_4.jpg

Hi, I would have to agree that there are a lot of IPad's and Android tablets out there, definitely worth designing for it now. I've added a 'news feed' to the launch application that will download a file and display it as news when the application first opens. This will allow users to see events, new zones, new version downloads and more right from the launch application. I've also whipped up my own markup script so text and images can be placed and colored as well as font size and font type (bold, italic). This is something I've always wanted in Continuum and may be a way to slip in advertizing for revenue. The button and layout is similar to a web page as each time you click on a button it will bring up the corresponding information and interface gadgets on the right (where the news is displayed). This should make it easy to use on a PC or a touch-pad device. Happy Hollidays - Rich - http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/cla_3.jpg

Looking better. http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/client_launch_app_3.png

Hi, One other consideration in designing this launch application is touchscreen devices. I have them firmly in my mind when designing the layout. The buttons for example are large enough and react similar to a touchscreen setup. Since I am custom writing all the code for Phoenix's internal windows, buttons and interface devices, flexibility is ensured and cross platform compatibility is greatly increased. This allows me to support many types of display and input devices (touchscreen or XBOX controller). So, the upshot here is that skinning the application will have to address the limitations and differences in touchscreen and other input devices, unless skins are broken into platforms which I dislike. - Rich -

Hi, I must like retro. I've added a 'listbox' style button list for servers. Working well. Lots more to add and tweak but coming together. - Rich - http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/client_launch_app_2.png

Hi, I will probably use a text file that can be edited to adjust layout, similar as you describe above. But for now I'm just going to get it working. Here is a little video that shows the button action. I'm feeling out the layout, but I'm thinking the right side will hold all the interface gadgets making it easy to use. For example clicking on Zone Servers will bring up the zone server list and supporting controls. BTW the ship names are just in place to test. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PIMSuwFR3Y

I believe I will. I can make the buttons skinable as I already use an image for the buttons, I just overlay text on them. The background can be changed as well as the logo (I've been meaning to update logo). I suppose I could include a layout file that can be changed to rearrange the position and size of the buttons, ship view and zone list. This should be enough to customize it. It's a little slow going as I'm having to write all of the interface code (buttons, windows and more) to be cross platform compatible, but it's worth it. - Rich -

Hi, Working on a client launch app that will function similar to Continuum's. I had to write my own button code as this is needed anyway for the Phoenix client window system and better cross platform compatibility. Here is an image of my progress. I'll be placing a zone server list on the right side and spinning images of the ships where the two arrow buttons are. More to come. - Rich - http://www.phoenix.subspace.co/client_launch_app.png

OMG. Let me read this all.

Hi, In addition to 'supporting' revenue I'm interested in where to market Phoenix. If you have any good sources let me know. With all the different platforms marketing is much more fragmented then it used to be and thus a bit harder. @Avast Noted. option 2 seems interesting. - Rich -

I'm inclined to agree. A fee for the server and world/map editor would be a good way to gain revenue and limit a plethora of bad maps as well as control misuse. Couple that with user donations and it could work. I would have to agree with DAV that selling advanced weapons or other goodies gives an unfair advantage to those with cash. In the case of Battlefield Hero's this really just rubbed me the wrong way. Although they do have a server program that I might look at just to see how they did it. The bottom line is free to play. That is really the only way I can see developing a large base of users over time. It really is a question of what method works to acquire revenue to sustain development and support. - Rich -

@ZIGNotZag Yes, and that's why I'm asking about it. I have know idea what Cosmic Rifts story is. Maybe you could fill me in. I am almost in beta and your right now is the time to work this out. Really, I am only looking to make the project self sufficient. There are alternatives to the above model. Donations is one path which I prefer because it's less invasive to a user. KickStarter might be away to clearly define the project goals, costs and donation goal. But all that requires a buzz around a project that just is not there yet with Phoenix IMHO. Perhaps getting users involved in beta (where gaming happens) would generate enough interest to fund the project, not sure. But after a project gets funded in such a way solicitation for continued donations has to happen as well for continued support. Anyway, I think I'll muse this over some Turkey. - Rich -

Hi aesop, Thanks. I should first state that Phoenix will be free to play. With that said maintaining and supporting this game over time would be a lot easier with a source of revenue. I'm open to ideas and the one you suggest is cool. I think it is also used in Battlefield Hero's and other games. I really have been busy designing Phoenix and I have kinda delayed dealing with the subject of revenue. Here at subspace.co I have enjoyed support at no charge and I really want to include input from them and the community in whatever revenue model that may be used. The sense I have so far is make it free to play and as open as possible. So what do you out there in the community think? What is acceptable and what is not? I would hope that we can get a consensus on a way forward for revenue that gives me a path to improve and build a better game with as broad a reach as possible. That of course requires resources in the way of development software, hardware and network delivery. For example developing for Mac OSX requires compiling on a Mac hardware, Android and IOS (IPAD) also requires hardware for those platforms. So there are costs involved. Even developing for Linux has got me wanting to setup a stand alone Linux system instead of duel booting as I do now (frustrating at times to test and dev). I am sure many can understand the need for revenue as it provides a basis for further development and support. So I am open to suggestions.

Hi, I have Phoenix compiling on Linux and it's looking good for a Phoenix release on Linux ( http://phoenix.subsp...oenix_linux.png ). I will be splitting off setup and other tasks onto a launch application similar to Continuum. Collision has greatly improved and a lot of little fixes. Adding in encryption. Currently working on the map editor and getting it ready for it's alpha release. - Rich -

It does. On Linux it really depends on your video driver. The performance you will get running Phoenix will depend on how good the video driver support is. - Rich -