What we're working on:
NPC Couriers - Target Date: 09/29/2014
NPC ships that specialize in delivering cargo. You'll see them fly all around the Core and outlying sectors. But they aren't doing this aimlessly. They're actually trading... really... in real time...
Cops
Anyone can be a cop in Epic Space. Simply respond to a distress call made by an Alliance Courier. Once arrived, you will receive one Merit whether the courier is intact or not. You can also escort a ship to it's destination. Simply ask the Courier where he's headed. We're not entirely sure how you could 'get there' in time (unless it's just pure luck), but we're working on that.
Robbers
Alliance Couriers currently do not respond to hails. If you want their cargo, you'll have to take it by force. But be warned, attacking a Alliance Courier will send out an automated distress call. This spans the entire universe, so be prepared for lots of human contacts.
Robbing Alliance Couriers does have an affect on the Economy, and it's apparently a lot of fun, even for the developers.
Ship Broadcasts
Instead of typing out a message in the local chat box (something that may be going away). You'll have a number of predefined broadcasts to send other ships in your view. We also want players to use this as a method to communicate with NPCs:
- Good Day!
- Affirmative!
- Negative!
- Mayday!
- Stop your ship!
- You will be fired upon!
- I Surrender!
New Steam Layout
We really like the changes Valve has made to Steam. Not only the updated branding, but the new 'Recommended' system is something we're all excited about. Hopefully if you see this game recommended to you, it's because you have a healthy interest in the genre, or simply have no taste at all.
Investor Questions
Ask a question in the comments below, we'll try to address it in the next Dev Diary if we like you enough.
- What's up with the forums? - They're being completely redesigned so that they integrate into the game. They'll be back shortly. In the meantime, you can still submit tech support tickets, the Wiki has instructions.
- What's the status on the Capital Ships expansion. - We're knee deep in this one. We're going to finalize War Games first, as it's a heck of a lot more fun with Capitals. We did A LOT of rushing pre-Early Access. No more of that! When this expansion is released it's because we think it's ready to generate fun, not just to meet a deadline -- *everyone rolls their eyes*.
