4/7/23 Variations Update and Numbering Clarification

4/7/23

Variations Update:

I have received feedback that the game was too hard to learn (the multiple methods of swapping being particularly tough), so I added a variation to make the game simpler by taking out EITHER the 1-for-2 or 2-for-1 switch.

I would also like to clarify how the updates will be numbered, as I left some things out in my previous post. You can consider this the official documentation for update numbering. This will be in effect until I post another devlog that says otherwise.

Main Game Updates:

Whole numbers (e.g. 1.0, 2.0, 3.0, etc.) are major reworks, sequels, or otherwise very important updates. These will often branch off from the main game and be another game entirely. Consider this the equivalent of a VIP (Variation in Production) in music.

Tenths decimal places (e.g. 1.1, 1.2, 1.3) are main updates. These add a significant amount of material, but not so much that the game is fundamentally different.

Hundredths decimal places (e.g. 1.11, 1.12, 1.13) are small patches. These are only in place for QoL changes, bug fixes, or reworks of experimental features.

Updates that end in an odd number are experimental and likely untested. Updates that end in an even number have been thoroughly tested. This is why you may see a large time gap in between, say, 1.1 and 1.2, but a small time gap in between 1.2 and 1.3. This odd/even system does not apply for patches. The reason for this weird system is that I want to spend half the time simply sharing my untested ideas and working out the kinks during the 1.1x, 1.3x etc. updates and half the time deciding which features to keep in the 1.2x, 1.4x etc. updates.

Variations Updates:

Variations updates start counting up at 100.00 rather than 1.00. Other than that, the system is exactly the same as the main game updates.

Today, 100.01 was released. It is a small change to the main game that I am sure I will keep. This is in contrast to the main game, where I am still not sure if I want to keep multiple piles as a main game feature, so that is experimental (in 1.1) for now.

-slvrfshston