https://www.ventdev.com/forums/ Fri, 01 May 2026 23:44:28 +0000 MyBB https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4780 Wed, 11 Feb 2026 16:31:59 -0500 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4780
I've released the first, and hopefully only, minor update for v2.6.0.0. There won't be any additional updates unless we run into major gameplay or crashing issues.

The next expected bugfix update will be either just before Milestone #7 or with v2.7.0.0.

There is a known exploit with marques and the stock system, I'll address it further in v2.7.0.0.

Here is what the update contains:
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing AI to rapidly expand factories... for free.
-Bugfix: Fixed loading chassis sliders file crash.
-Engine: Improved backwards compatibility with the chassis slider files.
-Bugfix: Fixed competition not appearing in list in the Mega Menu District Branch
-Bugfix: Fixed car type not appearing in competition list inside the Mega Menu District Branch
-Bugfix: Fixed DirectX9 issue with Wealth/Buyer Rating Report.
-Bugfix: Fixed crash in Showroom vehicle info page.
-Gameplay: Adjustment to AI new vehicle model design output.
-GUI: Fixed resizing issues in Outsourcing/Licensing window.
-Engine: Added default selection if assisted designer fails to select a component. This should mask a rare bug where the assisted designer doesn't pick something for some reason.]]>
I've released the first, and hopefully only, minor update for v2.6.0.0. There won't be any additional updates unless we run into major gameplay or crashing issues.

The next expected bugfix update will be either just before Milestone #7 or with v2.7.0.0.

There is a known exploit with marques and the stock system, I'll address it further in v2.7.0.0.

Here is what the update contains:
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing AI to rapidly expand factories... for free.
-Bugfix: Fixed loading chassis sliders file crash.
-Engine: Improved backwards compatibility with the chassis slider files.
-Bugfix: Fixed competition not appearing in list in the Mega Menu District Branch
-Bugfix: Fixed car type not appearing in competition list inside the Mega Menu District Branch
-Bugfix: Fixed DirectX9 issue with Wealth/Buyer Rating Report.
-Bugfix: Fixed crash in Showroom vehicle info page.
-Gameplay: Adjustment to AI new vehicle model design output.
-GUI: Fixed resizing issues in Outsourcing/Licensing window.
-Engine: Added default selection if assisted designer fails to select a component. This should mask a rare bug where the assisted designer doesn't pick something for some reason.]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4766 Tue, 27 Jan 2026 13:37:34 -0500 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4766 Classic GearCity

Greetings Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well. I have a small GearCity update for everyone to start the new year.


Change Log:

-Bugfix: Corrected some cities on the Base City Map which were using city population for the 2020 data, when previous years used metro population figures.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue where Aero Contract achievement did not trigger when signing civilian aircraft contracts.
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect number reporting in the Last Month Sales By Type table of the Vehicle Class Market Share report.
-Gameplay: Moved end war processing to end of turn phase. This should help with date alignment.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug which could allow the player to create ghost cars using the Mega Menu Districting system.
-Bugfix: Added missing transportation costs in City Sales Report profits calculation
-GUI: Made filter drop downs on World Map and Mega Menu mouse wheel scrollable.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue in Buyer Rating Report that caused AI company price calculations to be incorrect when certain player vehicle conditions are met.
-Bugfix: Fixed CEF Freezing on MacOS 12+ when clicking a vehicle review in the magazine.
-Bugfix: Fixed RnD trim development time exploit

-Mod Tools: Added additional error messages to Steamworks Uploader.
-Mod Tools: Settings Editor will now force transfer mod updates.
-Bugfix: Fixed crash when updating existing workshop item.


That's all I have for you this time around. I do not know when the next patch will be. It depends on your bug submissions; when I have enough of them, I’ll work on the next patch. So if you run into any issues, please report them on the forums or by email.

Thanks again,
Enjoy!


GearCity: 2nd Gear

The 6th Milestone is finally complete! This one took me quite a bit to do. I started in the end of September. So nearly 4 months. There was quite a few headaches along the way, but I think the game is a little more stable and has less bugs and balancing issues now. At least I hope it's a more solid release than v2.5.0.0.

We now have OpenGL3. I recommend folks switch to this renderer, as your video drivers probably support it better on modern hardware.

One thing I would like feedback on is difficulty. The starting game is probably a bit too difficult now in my opinion. I may need to make some adjustments. I was able to get a company off and going on normal. But I know how everything works.

Change Log:

-Gameplay: Sub-component balancing.
-Gameplay: New Production System balancing. Production amount should be lower now.
-Gameplay: Retooling costs balancing to make it more linear. Costs should be lower for smaller factories.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue that could allow negative production capacity.
-Bugfix: Fixed custom Racing GUI crash
-GUI: End Production no longer resets the modification panel back to the view panel.
-GUI: Vehicle Modification List now automatically scrolls to selected view vehicle vehicle.
-Gameplay: Production Quality now uses assigned production instead of total factory production.
-Bugfix: Fixed modification system unlocking when development time is longer than the lock.
-Bugfix: Fixed "View Design" sticking on in the View Parts window when changing the component via the upper menu.
-Bugfix: Fixed some modifications using the old modification system code.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue where Aero Contract achievement did not trigger when signing civilian aircraft contracts.
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect number reporting in the Last Month Sales By Type table of the Vehicle Class Market Share report.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug which could allow the player to create ghost cars using the Mega Menu Districting system.
-Bugfix: Added missing transportation costs in City Sales Report profits calculation
-Bugfix: Corrected some cities on the Base City Map which were using city population for the 2020 data, when previous years used metro population figures.
-Gameplay: Moved end war processing to end of turn phase. This should help with date alignment.
-Engine: Fixed several undefined behaviors using ubsans.
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect emissions values in showroom.
-Bugfix: Fixed showroom emissions UI overlapping.
-Bugfix: Fixed classic production system appearing when selecting a branch from a Mega Menu drop down while in Mega Menu Factories.
-Bugfix: Fixed Mega Menu Branch Vehicle Listing causing some models to incorrectly state they do not meet emissions or safety standards when using the Districting Filters.
-GUI: Made filter drop downs on World Map and Mega Menu mouse wheel scrollable.
-GUI: Removed Emissions and Safety Requirement info when these systems are not enabled.
-Bugfix: Fixed CEF Freezing on MacOS 12+ when clicking a vehicle review in the magazine.
-Gameplay: Balanced HP ratings in small engines.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue in Buyer Rating Report that caused AI company price calculations to be incorrect when certain player vehicle conditions are met.
-Gameplay: Rebalanced AI production systems so they meet production/factory demands.
-Bugfix: Fixed AI pricing bug which caused them to dump models for a low prices.
-Bugfix: Fixed Windows OpenGL Vram memory leak.
-Bounty #37 Fuel Price Directly Affects Vehicle Popularity
-Bounty #109 Weight Tweaks
-Bounty #219 Scroll Rounding
-Bounty #131 Revise Vehicle Unit Price Updates
-Bounty #338 Fill World New Game Option
-Bounty #115 Add Torque Limit To Gearbox
-Bounty #269 Engine Smoothness Combos
-Bounty #54 Spin-off Vehicle Type Restrictions
-Bounty #331 Assisted Development Pace Slider
-Bounty #129 Chassis Ratings Revision
-Bounty #86 Remove Year Based Size Limits
-Bounty #127 Too Many Rich People
-Bounty #146 Complete OpenGL 3 Support
-Bounty #183 Adjustable Margin For Auto-Sell
-Bounty #346 Retain Remaining End Turn Months
-Bounty #312 Disable SQLite Threadsafety

-Mod Tools: Fixed Settings Editor not launching on Linux and MacOS.
-Mod Tools: Added additional error messages to Steamworks Uploader.
-Mod Tools: Settings Editor will now force transfer mod updates.
-Bugfix: Fixed crash when updating existing workshop item.


Known Issues:
-Known Issue: If you have a higher GUI Scale set than your resolution supports, some UI elements will still use the high GUI Scale value. This is already the case in previous versions of the game. Please reset the GUI Scale in the in-game settings and restart the game. Alternatively, set the GUI Scale to 0% using the External Settings Editor, and then reset it in the in-game Settings.
-Known Issue: Recent changes to Windows 10+ DirectX9 implementation have broken the game when moving the game window to other monitors on multi-monitor setups. Use OpenGL or the External Settings Editor "Default Monitor" setting.

If you come across any issues with the game, please submit bugs. I prefer this on the forums with save games uploaded in a compressed format (zip, 7z, rar, anything). I also need long play save games on this new build for sub-component balancing. So, if you have any, please put them up on the forums.


Thanks again,
Enjoy!]]> Classic GearCity

Greetings Everyone,

I hope everyone is doing well. I have a small GearCity update for everyone to start the new year.


Change Log:

-Bugfix: Corrected some cities on the Base City Map which were using city population for the 2020 data, when previous years used metro population figures.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue where Aero Contract achievement did not trigger when signing civilian aircraft contracts.
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect number reporting in the Last Month Sales By Type table of the Vehicle Class Market Share report.
-Gameplay: Moved end war processing to end of turn phase. This should help with date alignment.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug which could allow the player to create ghost cars using the Mega Menu Districting system.
-Bugfix: Added missing transportation costs in City Sales Report profits calculation
-GUI: Made filter drop downs on World Map and Mega Menu mouse wheel scrollable.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue in Buyer Rating Report that caused AI company price calculations to be incorrect when certain player vehicle conditions are met.
-Bugfix: Fixed CEF Freezing on MacOS 12+ when clicking a vehicle review in the magazine.
-Bugfix: Fixed RnD trim development time exploit

-Mod Tools: Added additional error messages to Steamworks Uploader.
-Mod Tools: Settings Editor will now force transfer mod updates.
-Bugfix: Fixed crash when updating existing workshop item.


That's all I have for you this time around. I do not know when the next patch will be. It depends on your bug submissions; when I have enough of them, I’ll work on the next patch. So if you run into any issues, please report them on the forums or by email.

Thanks again,
Enjoy!


GearCity: 2nd Gear

The 6th Milestone is finally complete! This one took me quite a bit to do. I started in the end of September. So nearly 4 months. There was quite a few headaches along the way, but I think the game is a little more stable and has less bugs and balancing issues now. At least I hope it's a more solid release than v2.5.0.0.

We now have OpenGL3. I recommend folks switch to this renderer, as your video drivers probably support it better on modern hardware.

One thing I would like feedback on is difficulty. The starting game is probably a bit too difficult now in my opinion. I may need to make some adjustments. I was able to get a company off and going on normal. But I know how everything works.

Change Log:

-Gameplay: Sub-component balancing.
-Gameplay: New Production System balancing. Production amount should be lower now.
-Gameplay: Retooling costs balancing to make it more linear. Costs should be lower for smaller factories.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue that could allow negative production capacity.
-Bugfix: Fixed custom Racing GUI crash
-GUI: End Production no longer resets the modification panel back to the view panel.
-GUI: Vehicle Modification List now automatically scrolls to selected view vehicle vehicle.
-Gameplay: Production Quality now uses assigned production instead of total factory production.
-Bugfix: Fixed modification system unlocking when development time is longer than the lock.
-Bugfix: Fixed "View Design" sticking on in the View Parts window when changing the component via the upper menu.
-Bugfix: Fixed some modifications using the old modification system code.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue where Aero Contract achievement did not trigger when signing civilian aircraft contracts.
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect number reporting in the Last Month Sales By Type table of the Vehicle Class Market Share report.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug which could allow the player to create ghost cars using the Mega Menu Districting system.
-Bugfix: Added missing transportation costs in City Sales Report profits calculation
-Bugfix: Corrected some cities on the Base City Map which were using city population for the 2020 data, when previous years used metro population figures.
-Gameplay: Moved end war processing to end of turn phase. This should help with date alignment.
-Engine: Fixed several undefined behaviors using ubsans.
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect emissions values in showroom.
-Bugfix: Fixed showroom emissions UI overlapping.
-Bugfix: Fixed classic production system appearing when selecting a branch from a Mega Menu drop down while in Mega Menu Factories.
-Bugfix: Fixed Mega Menu Branch Vehicle Listing causing some models to incorrectly state they do not meet emissions or safety standards when using the Districting Filters.
-GUI: Made filter drop downs on World Map and Mega Menu mouse wheel scrollable.
-GUI: Removed Emissions and Safety Requirement info when these systems are not enabled.
-Bugfix: Fixed CEF Freezing on MacOS 12+ when clicking a vehicle review in the magazine.
-Gameplay: Balanced HP ratings in small engines.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue in Buyer Rating Report that caused AI company price calculations to be incorrect when certain player vehicle conditions are met.
-Gameplay: Rebalanced AI production systems so they meet production/factory demands.
-Bugfix: Fixed AI pricing bug which caused them to dump models for a low prices.
-Bugfix: Fixed Windows OpenGL Vram memory leak.
-Bounty #37 Fuel Price Directly Affects Vehicle Popularity
-Bounty #109 Weight Tweaks
-Bounty #219 Scroll Rounding
-Bounty #131 Revise Vehicle Unit Price Updates
-Bounty #338 Fill World New Game Option
-Bounty #115 Add Torque Limit To Gearbox
-Bounty #269 Engine Smoothness Combos
-Bounty #54 Spin-off Vehicle Type Restrictions
-Bounty #331 Assisted Development Pace Slider
-Bounty #129 Chassis Ratings Revision
-Bounty #86 Remove Year Based Size Limits
-Bounty #127 Too Many Rich People
-Bounty #146 Complete OpenGL 3 Support
-Bounty #183 Adjustable Margin For Auto-Sell
-Bounty #346 Retain Remaining End Turn Months
-Bounty #312 Disable SQLite Threadsafety

-Mod Tools: Fixed Settings Editor not launching on Linux and MacOS.
-Mod Tools: Added additional error messages to Steamworks Uploader.
-Mod Tools: Settings Editor will now force transfer mod updates.
-Bugfix: Fixed crash when updating existing workshop item.


Known Issues:
-Known Issue: If you have a higher GUI Scale set than your resolution supports, some UI elements will still use the high GUI Scale value. This is already the case in previous versions of the game. Please reset the GUI Scale in the in-game settings and restart the game. Alternatively, set the GUI Scale to 0% using the External Settings Editor, and then reset it in the in-game Settings.
-Known Issue: Recent changes to Windows 10+ DirectX9 implementation have broken the game when moving the game window to other monitors on multi-monitor setups. Use OpenGL or the External Settings Editor "Default Monitor" setting.

If you come across any issues with the game, please submit bugs. I prefer this on the forums with save games uploaded in a compressed format (zip, 7z, rar, anything). I also need long play save games on this new build for sub-component balancing. So, if you have any, please put them up on the forums.


Thanks again,
Enjoy!]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4727 Sat, 20 Sep 2025 12:22:08 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4727
Voting for FBS Milestone #6 ended.

We had 21 voters casting 1746 votes. Voting turnout is at 5.86% with 13.3% of voting points cast.

The voters funded 16 bounties out of 32 that received votes! Six bounties reached the bounty goal. The rest were funded by popular vote.

Here are the bounties for Milestone #6:


#37 Fuel Price Directly Affects Vehicle Popularity
#109 Weight Tweaks
#219 Scroll Rounding
#131 Revise Vehicle Unit Price Updates
#338 Fill World New Game Option
#115 Add Torque Limit To Gearbox
#269 Engine Smoothness Combos
#54 Spin-off Vehicle Type Restrictions
#331 Assisted Development Pace Slider
#129 Chassis Ratings Revision
#86 Remove Year Based Size Limits
#127 Too Many Rich People
#146 Complete OpenGL 3 Support
#183 Adjustable Margin For Auto-Sell
#346 Retain Remaining End Turn Months
#312 Disable SQLite Threadsafety

For full results:

https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/runningresul...sults.html

The voters have approved the Blue and Green rows. We will include these bounties in GearCity: 2nd Gear.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of bounties funded, approximately 8 times more than the system was designed to handle. I also have some bug fixing and balancing to do from the previous builds. This milestone will take some time to complete. The FBS will remain paused until one month after it is completed plus an additional 4 months (1 week per bounty). Expect fund raising to resume sometime next year, unless the artwork component comes back before then.]]>
Voting for FBS Milestone #6 ended.

We had 21 voters casting 1746 votes. Voting turnout is at 5.86% with 13.3% of voting points cast.

The voters funded 16 bounties out of 32 that received votes! Six bounties reached the bounty goal. The rest were funded by popular vote.

Here are the bounties for Milestone #6:


#37 Fuel Price Directly Affects Vehicle Popularity
#109 Weight Tweaks
#219 Scroll Rounding
#131 Revise Vehicle Unit Price Updates
#338 Fill World New Game Option
#115 Add Torque Limit To Gearbox
#269 Engine Smoothness Combos
#54 Spin-off Vehicle Type Restrictions
#331 Assisted Development Pace Slider
#129 Chassis Ratings Revision
#86 Remove Year Based Size Limits
#127 Too Many Rich People
#146 Complete OpenGL 3 Support
#183 Adjustable Margin For Auto-Sell
#346 Retain Remaining End Turn Months
#312 Disable SQLite Threadsafety

For full results:

https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/runningresul...sults.html

The voters have approved the Blue and Green rows. We will include these bounties in GearCity: 2nd Gear.

Unfortunately, there are a lot of bounties funded, approximately 8 times more than the system was designed to handle. I also have some bug fixing and balancing to do from the previous builds. This milestone will take some time to complete. The FBS will remain paused until one month after it is completed plus an additional 4 months (1 week per bounty). Expect fund raising to resume sometime next year, unless the artwork component comes back before then.]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4706 Fri, 05 Sep 2025 16:18:40 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4706
I'm happy to announce that the community has successfully financed Milestone #6 of the Feature Bounty System.
This milestone is the last milestone of the year, and I will pause FBS fundraising until sometime next year. I will determine the date after completing Milestone #6.

Voting will start Monday the 8th and last for 10 to 14 days. We have $3,778.94 worth of bounties to select.

The caucusing thread, where you should team up with other contributors and sway your peers to vote for what you want is here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4705

The following bounties are new for this milestone:
Voteable
[$300] #343 Randomized Max Sub-Component Values
[$250] #344 Fuel Price Map
[$750] #345 Save Custom Districts Externally
[$75] #346 Retain Remaining End Turn Months
[$1750] #347 Brake Specific Fuel Consumption
[$250] #348 Map Retains Zoom Levels and Position
[$1500] #350 Browserless Build

Semi-Restricted
[$2000] #349 Stock Indexes | Requires: #103, #14, #21, 2x TBA
[$1500] #351 Linux RISC-V | Requires #350
[$2500] #352 Windows 98 Port... No, I'm Serious | Requires #350
Some more restricted and semi-restricted bounties are likely to come this weekend.


The following bounties have moved from Semi-Restricted to Votable:
[$100] #109 | Weight Tweaks | Requires: #73
[$500] #184 | Improved Recall System | Requires: #68, #73
[$2000] #260 | Speed Regulation | Requires: #73
[$500] #94 | Sales Caching | Requires: #93
[$500] #262 | Safety Testing For Market Entry | Requires #73


The following bounties decreased thanks to increased requirements:
[$17000] #277 | Linux POWER Port | Requires: #350 -$3000
[$3000] #273 | NetBSD Port | Requires: #272, #350 -$2000
[$3000] #274 | OpenBSD Port | Requires: #272, #350 -$2000
[$3000] #275 | DragonflyBSD Port | Requires: #272, #350 -$2000

You can find votable bounties here https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=47 and https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=56

Alternatively you can find all bounties on our bounty page: https://ventdev.com/fbs/bounty_list.html

And a graphical listing of bounties here: https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/images/fbs_graph.svg

Please remember, we are unable to do any "Artwork Bounties" listed here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=48

Once again, I want to express my deep gratitude for your support!]]>
I'm happy to announce that the community has successfully financed Milestone #6 of the Feature Bounty System.
This milestone is the last milestone of the year, and I will pause FBS fundraising until sometime next year. I will determine the date after completing Milestone #6.

Voting will start Monday the 8th and last for 10 to 14 days. We have $3,778.94 worth of bounties to select.

The caucusing thread, where you should team up with other contributors and sway your peers to vote for what you want is here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4705

The following bounties are new for this milestone:
Voteable
[$300] #343 Randomized Max Sub-Component Values
[$250] #344 Fuel Price Map
[$750] #345 Save Custom Districts Externally
[$75] #346 Retain Remaining End Turn Months
[$1750] #347 Brake Specific Fuel Consumption
[$250] #348 Map Retains Zoom Levels and Position
[$1500] #350 Browserless Build

Semi-Restricted
[$2000] #349 Stock Indexes | Requires: #103, #14, #21, 2x TBA
[$1500] #351 Linux RISC-V | Requires #350
[$2500] #352 Windows 98 Port... No, I'm Serious | Requires #350
Some more restricted and semi-restricted bounties are likely to come this weekend.


The following bounties have moved from Semi-Restricted to Votable:
[$100] #109 | Weight Tweaks | Requires: #73
[$500] #184 | Improved Recall System | Requires: #68, #73
[$2000] #260 | Speed Regulation | Requires: #73
[$500] #94 | Sales Caching | Requires: #93
[$500] #262 | Safety Testing For Market Entry | Requires #73


The following bounties decreased thanks to increased requirements:
[$17000] #277 | Linux POWER Port | Requires: #350 -$3000
[$3000] #273 | NetBSD Port | Requires: #272, #350 -$2000
[$3000] #274 | OpenBSD Port | Requires: #272, #350 -$2000
[$3000] #275 | DragonflyBSD Port | Requires: #272, #350 -$2000

You can find votable bounties here https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=47 and https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=56

Alternatively you can find all bounties on our bounty page: https://ventdev.com/fbs/bounty_list.html

And a graphical listing of bounties here: https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/images/fbs_graph.svg

Please remember, we are unable to do any "Artwork Bounties" listed here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=48

Once again, I want to express my deep gratitude for your support!]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4682 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 11:40:36 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4682 Classic GearCity

Greetings Everyone,

I just released the first update of the year. It's a small update this time.
We've got six bug fixes and one settings-related feature.

Change Log:
-Bugfix: Fixed possible bug in Stock Reports where Branch Dealerships can get excess commas.
-Bugfix: Stopped player from being able to make Marques without a name.
-Bugfix: Possible Fix to Duplicate Car of the Year win showing up in memos.
-Bugfix: Fixed an issue where users were unable to disable Pension Payment Schedule report using the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed Quarterly and Annual reports not properly toggling on and off in the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed "District Sales Report" checkbox not working in the Report Settings System.
-Engine: Limit GUI Scale for low resolutions.
-Translations: Updated translation files.

There are also two known issues that were caught in testing, but they were not big enough issues to trigger rebuilds and they have easy workarounds:
-Known Issue: If you have a higher GUI Scale set than your resolution supports, some UI elements will still use the high GUI Scale value. This is already the case in previous versions of the game. Please reset the GUI Scale in the in-game settings and restart the game. Alternatively, set the GUI Scale to 0% using the External Settings Editor, and then reset it in the in-game Settings.
-Known Issue: Recent changes to Windows 10+ DirectX9 implementation have broken rendering of background objects when moving the game window to other monitors on multi-monitor setups. Use OpenGL or move the game window to the monitor you wish to use when you're at the Menu Screen or using the External Settings Editor "Default Monitor" setting.

That's all I have for you this time around. I do not know when the next patch will be. It depends on your bug submissions; when I have enough of them, I’ll work on the next patch. So if you run into any issues, please report them on the forums or by email.

Thanks again,
Enjoy!


GearCity: 2nd Gear

Greetings everyone,

I spent nearly the entire month of June working on the latest update patch. I'm pleased to report that it's good to go.
Fundraising is currently active. I will update the monthly numbers and release the FBS update tomorrow. It looks like fundraising is going at a rapid pace, so the next milestone will be hit in a few months. In the meantime, I will now resume working on AeroMogul unless a major issue with GC:2G comes up.

Version 2.5.0.2 comes with 27 bugfixes, 3 GUI changes, 10 Gameplay changes, 1 Engine change for Windows users, and 1 Engine change for everyone. We also have 2 known issues.
I've downgraded Ogre (rendering engine) to version 1.12 on Windows. This is a temporary change to fix VRam leaks in OpenGL2. When we get new renderers, we'll revert back to Ogre 1.14.

-Bugfix: Fixed issue with City Sales Report that caused digit grouping commas in text.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with Component Skills not becoming active when multiple components share the same unlock years.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with Gears and Gearboxes not getting proper skill updates.
-Bugfix: Fixed minor UI issue that did not change unlock year green when the year is the same as the unlock year.
-GUI: The Component Research window no longer shows component skill Budget UI when the component is not unlocked.
-Bugfix: Fixed Buffer Overflow in line retooling costs when factory value exceeds 4.5 Billion.
-Gameplay: Increased Line retooling costs baseline and decreased factory value effect on price by 75%.
-Bugfix: Fixed Research Budget Lock not working
-Bugfix: Fixed Research Budget Text overflowing the allotted UI space.
-Bugfix: Fixed Database issue in Check Components and Remove code.
-Bugfix: Fixed Chassis Design Requirement value issue.
-Bugfix: Fixed Engine Smoothness value in Buyer Rating Report.
-GUI: Electric Engines no longer show Emissions Design Windows/Sliders
-Bugfix: Fixed Hybrid type not showing beside Fuel Type
-Bugfix: Fixed exploit that allowed player to modify parts after they have been modified.
-Bugfix: Fixed number appearing in Branch Mega Menu where car model should appear.
-Bugfix: Fixed missing car model in Mega Menu side panel.
-Bugfix: Added additional code to ensure removal of AI discontinued, sold out, designs from production.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing "Show Discontinued Vehicles" to not work in the RnD View window.
-Bugfix: Fixed Safety Regulation Memo popping up when city's regulatory agency changes, before the agency has a safety regulation.
-Bugfix: Fixed exploit in backorder system that could cause unlimited backorders.
-Bugfix: Possible Fix to Duplicate Car of the Year win showing up in memos.
-Bugfix: Fixed issues with achievements that required components.
-Bugfix: Fixed possible bug in Stock Reports where Branch Dealerships can get excess commas.
-Bugfix: Stopped player from being able to make Marques without a name.
-Bugfix: Fixed Clicking the sort combobox in the RnD View Window caused the modification window to open.
-GUI: Added Line Retooling Costs Estimates to Factory Upgrade Panel.
-Bugfix: Fixed an issue where users were unable to disable Pension Payment Schedule report using the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed Quarterly and Annual reports not properly toggling on and off in the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed "District Sales Report" checkbox not working in the Report Settings System.
-Engine: Limit GUI Scale for low resolutions.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Double Wishbone, -15.6% to final braking, -14.3% to final comfort, -11.1% to final performance values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Multilinked Suspension, -18.8% to final design value.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Gasoline, +31.1% to starting power, +11.8% to starting RPM values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, E85, +6.7% to starting power, -2.9% to final power, +5.3% to starting RPM values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, DOHC, +6.25% to starting RPM value.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, SOHC, +6.9% to starting RPM value.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Superchargers, +13.6% to starting power, +7.7% to starting fuel economy values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Turbochargers, +7.6% to starting power, +2.65% to final power values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Variable Geometry, +6.8% to starting power, +1.25% to final power values
-Bugfix: Fixed in-game Borderless Window settings toggle.
-Engine: Downgraded OGRE in Windows from 1.14.3 to 1.12.13. Linux and MacOS remain on 1.14.

Known Issues:
-Known Issue: If you have a higher GUI Scale set than your resolution supports, some UI elements will still use the high GUI Scale value. This is already the case in previous versions of the game. Please reset the GUI Scale in the in-game settings and restart the game. Alternatively, set the GUI Scale to 0% using the External Settings Editor, and then reset it in the in-game Settings.
-Known Issue: Recent changes to Windows 10+ DirectX9 implementation have broken the game when moving the game window to other monitors on multi-monitor setups. Use OpenGL or the External Settings Editor "Default Monitor" setting.

If you come across any issues with the game, please submit bugs. I prefer this on the forums with save games uploaded in a compressed format (zip, 7z, rar, anything). I also need long play save games on this new build for sub-component balancing. So, if you have any, please put them up on the forums.


Thanks again,
Enjoy!]]> Classic GearCity

Greetings Everyone,

I just released the first update of the year. It's a small update this time.
We've got six bug fixes and one settings-related feature.

Change Log:
-Bugfix: Fixed possible bug in Stock Reports where Branch Dealerships can get excess commas.
-Bugfix: Stopped player from being able to make Marques without a name.
-Bugfix: Possible Fix to Duplicate Car of the Year win showing up in memos.
-Bugfix: Fixed an issue where users were unable to disable Pension Payment Schedule report using the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed Quarterly and Annual reports not properly toggling on and off in the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed "District Sales Report" checkbox not working in the Report Settings System.
-Engine: Limit GUI Scale for low resolutions.
-Translations: Updated translation files.

There are also two known issues that were caught in testing, but they were not big enough issues to trigger rebuilds and they have easy workarounds:
-Known Issue: If you have a higher GUI Scale set than your resolution supports, some UI elements will still use the high GUI Scale value. This is already the case in previous versions of the game. Please reset the GUI Scale in the in-game settings and restart the game. Alternatively, set the GUI Scale to 0% using the External Settings Editor, and then reset it in the in-game Settings.
-Known Issue: Recent changes to Windows 10+ DirectX9 implementation have broken rendering of background objects when moving the game window to other monitors on multi-monitor setups. Use OpenGL or move the game window to the monitor you wish to use when you're at the Menu Screen or using the External Settings Editor "Default Monitor" setting.

That's all I have for you this time around. I do not know when the next patch will be. It depends on your bug submissions; when I have enough of them, I’ll work on the next patch. So if you run into any issues, please report them on the forums or by email.

Thanks again,
Enjoy!


GearCity: 2nd Gear

Greetings everyone,

I spent nearly the entire month of June working on the latest update patch. I'm pleased to report that it's good to go.
Fundraising is currently active. I will update the monthly numbers and release the FBS update tomorrow. It looks like fundraising is going at a rapid pace, so the next milestone will be hit in a few months. In the meantime, I will now resume working on AeroMogul unless a major issue with GC:2G comes up.

Version 2.5.0.2 comes with 27 bugfixes, 3 GUI changes, 10 Gameplay changes, 1 Engine change for Windows users, and 1 Engine change for everyone. We also have 2 known issues.
I've downgraded Ogre (rendering engine) to version 1.12 on Windows. This is a temporary change to fix VRam leaks in OpenGL2. When we get new renderers, we'll revert back to Ogre 1.14.

-Bugfix: Fixed issue with City Sales Report that caused digit grouping commas in text.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with Component Skills not becoming active when multiple components share the same unlock years.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with Gears and Gearboxes not getting proper skill updates.
-Bugfix: Fixed minor UI issue that did not change unlock year green when the year is the same as the unlock year.
-GUI: The Component Research window no longer shows component skill Budget UI when the component is not unlocked.
-Bugfix: Fixed Buffer Overflow in line retooling costs when factory value exceeds 4.5 Billion.
-Gameplay: Increased Line retooling costs baseline and decreased factory value effect on price by 75%.
-Bugfix: Fixed Research Budget Lock not working
-Bugfix: Fixed Research Budget Text overflowing the allotted UI space.
-Bugfix: Fixed Database issue in Check Components and Remove code.
-Bugfix: Fixed Chassis Design Requirement value issue.
-Bugfix: Fixed Engine Smoothness value in Buyer Rating Report.
-GUI: Electric Engines no longer show Emissions Design Windows/Sliders
-Bugfix: Fixed Hybrid type not showing beside Fuel Type
-Bugfix: Fixed exploit that allowed player to modify parts after they have been modified.
-Bugfix: Fixed number appearing in Branch Mega Menu where car model should appear.
-Bugfix: Fixed missing car model in Mega Menu side panel.
-Bugfix: Added additional code to ensure removal of AI discontinued, sold out, designs from production.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing "Show Discontinued Vehicles" to not work in the RnD View window.
-Bugfix: Fixed Safety Regulation Memo popping up when city's regulatory agency changes, before the agency has a safety regulation.
-Bugfix: Fixed exploit in backorder system that could cause unlimited backorders.
-Bugfix: Possible Fix to Duplicate Car of the Year win showing up in memos.
-Bugfix: Fixed issues with achievements that required components.
-Bugfix: Fixed possible bug in Stock Reports where Branch Dealerships can get excess commas.
-Bugfix: Stopped player from being able to make Marques without a name.
-Bugfix: Fixed Clicking the sort combobox in the RnD View Window caused the modification window to open.
-GUI: Added Line Retooling Costs Estimates to Factory Upgrade Panel.
-Bugfix: Fixed an issue where users were unable to disable Pension Payment Schedule report using the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed Quarterly and Annual reports not properly toggling on and off in the Report Settings System.
-Bugfix: Fixed "District Sales Report" checkbox not working in the Report Settings System.
-Engine: Limit GUI Scale for low resolutions.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Double Wishbone, -15.6% to final braking, -14.3% to final comfort, -11.1% to final performance values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Multilinked Suspension, -18.8% to final design value.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Gasoline, +31.1% to starting power, +11.8% to starting RPM values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, E85, +6.7% to starting power, -2.9% to final power, +5.3% to starting RPM values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, DOHC, +6.25% to starting RPM value.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, SOHC, +6.9% to starting RPM value.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Superchargers, +13.6% to starting power, +7.7% to starting fuel economy values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Turbochargers, +7.6% to starting power, +2.65% to final power values.
-Gameplay: Subcomponent Balancing, Variable Geometry, +6.8% to starting power, +1.25% to final power values
-Bugfix: Fixed in-game Borderless Window settings toggle.
-Engine: Downgraded OGRE in Windows from 1.14.3 to 1.12.13. Linux and MacOS remain on 1.14.

Known Issues:
-Known Issue: If you have a higher GUI Scale set than your resolution supports, some UI elements will still use the high GUI Scale value. This is already the case in previous versions of the game. Please reset the GUI Scale in the in-game settings and restart the game. Alternatively, set the GUI Scale to 0% using the External Settings Editor, and then reset it in the in-game Settings.
-Known Issue: Recent changes to Windows 10+ DirectX9 implementation have broken the game when moving the game window to other monitors on multi-monitor setups. Use OpenGL or the External Settings Editor "Default Monitor" setting.

If you come across any issues with the game, please submit bugs. I prefer this on the forums with save games uploaded in a compressed format (zip, 7z, rar, anything). I also need long play save games on this new build for sub-component balancing. So, if you have any, please put them up on the forums.


Thanks again,
Enjoy!]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4672 Sun, 01 Jun 2025 02:34:51 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4672
This month’s FBS update is free for non-contributors to access, so I don’t need to make multiple news posts. We’ll return to our normal contributor-only FBS posts after this one.

FBS News

FBS fundraising has resumed, and both Patreon and PayPal contributions are open once again. Milestone #6’s goal is $2500. There is a small chance that Serhiy will resume work during this milestone. If he cannot complete the previously contracted art before we hit the goal, I will add $500 to the milestone from the remaining $1500 owed for the missed Milestone #2 art bounty. I will process the points and current funds in a few days.

We will have another pause when Milestone #6 is funded. This pause lasts 4 months after we release the milestone and complete any major bug-fix update.



GearCity: 2nd Gear

It’s now June 1st. Work will resume on GearCity and GearCity: 2nd Gear. My plans are to get both GearCity 2.0.0.14 and GearCity: 2nd Gear 2.5.0.2 done before we finish fundraising for the next milestone. Ideally, I can get both done before the end of the month.

However, that might be a stretch.

If you have not submitted bugs you’ve found, please do so now. Ideally, provide a zipped save file, either via the forums or by email. Even if it is an issue you can see in a couple of turns, it saves me a significant amount of time in finding and fixing issues. Remember, I am short on time. The more time I have to write code, the more stuff gets completed. So any help in this respect is appreciated.



AeroMogul

I skipped the monthly AeroMogul news to focus on working on the game, as my deadline to start GC work was quickly approaching. While I didn’t get nearly as much done as I wanted, I’m happy to report that I finally got the load game system up and running well enough to continue with the next set of client upgrades. Sadly, it was almost June when that happened. So, that was the last major thing I improved on the client side.


After pushing the server/logic/economics engine far ahead of the client, I started working through the client to catch it up. I started working right to left in the World Map UI. Most of this UI was written nearly 2 years ago. So, it was in need of major updates. When I reached the Save Game Menu, I noticed there was no function to load games while you’re in the game. This started me down a month-long rabbit hole where I had to work on making sure save games save properly, compress correctly, load reliably, and stream data from the compressed files. It continued with Multiplayer admin rights, making sure single players have those rights, and then coming up with a meta file format so players can load old saves using the same save name as the most current save with that name.

It turned into much more than just adding a table and a few buttons.

But it’s done.


  Load_Game.PNG (Size: 374.36 KB / Downloads: 496)

The UI can use a little more work. I will probably replace the dropdown with a button to show a hidden sub-menu containing a list of old saves. I think that approach will be cleaner, especially if you have many saves.


Anyway, I had a few free days after finishing that. I spent the remaining few days doing minor bug fixes in the Main Menu and the World Map. In fact, I cleaned up all of the little issues I knew about on the Main Menu and Right Menu system.

With work resuming on GC, AeroMogul will have to be put on the back burner until I get the aforementioned updates out. I hope that I can get them out soon so I can jump back into AM before I have to start working on the next GC: 2G milestone. In the worst-case scenario, we have a 4-month FBS pause coming after I finish Milestone #6 for GC: 2G. This will allow me to focus on AM more.

On the data front, we are now up to 15 fictional aircraft models with 99 sub-variants. This completes the pre-merger aircraft set of one fictional aircraft manufacturer. Though, because of licensing, there is more than one aircraft manufacturer of these 99 models. There are currently 11 fictional engine families with 72 variants. Between aircraft and engine manufacturers, there are currently 16 in the game (they share the same file). But only one is complete.

I must stress “fictional,” based on a previous conversation I had on here. Data is not copyrightable in any major Berne Convention nation that I know of. However, names of products and companies are protected under trademark law in the United States, and in the EU. It doesn’t matter if it is a digital representation of a real-world product. Any representation of real-world trademarks would violate those trademarks, even if the owner has no desire to make their products in video games. That’s why GearCity and games like Grand Theft Auto use only fictional companies. (The exception is if you made something totally different from their trademark. For example, you could make a dental floss company called Boeing. You could make a video game about a lovable furry cat named Boeing. But you can’t make toy airplanes or digital airplanes in a game and call them “Boeing.”)

Thus, AeroMogul has fictional companies and fictional models that require a lot of labor for data entry… Similar to GearCity, which had a lot of fictional companies that required a lot of research for their data entry...

Since I have been working on the aircraft data, we still only have airport data for 3 countries completed. (Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria.) I will start on Argentina in a few days.


On the NPC/Player avatar front, we’re now at 313 age-progressed profiles that cover most ethnic groups found in Afghanistan. Albania is approximately 80% done. The goal is to have around 8500 age-progressed avatars.

I’ll continue working on these data sets even while handling GC/GC:2G. I am able to do most of this on my cyberdeck when I cannot be on my workstation.


General News

As mentioned a few times in April and May, we had to move servers. Our previous server rent was increased nearly 200%, and I thought that was a bit much for the hardware, so we left that host after 9 years of service. I’m happy to report, I finished moving to our new server in May. The new server costs 100% more than the previous one, but its features should improve redundancy and better serve everyone.

For the hardware/IT nerds around, we moved from a:
• Intel 2x L5420, 8GB RAM, 1x 512GB HDD, 1 IP (with 3 neighbors on the /29 (Nearest 5 IPs) blacklisted by email providers). On the software side, a typical FAMP (FreeBSD, Apache, Mysql, Php) + email setup on top of UFS
To:
• Intel Xeon E3-1270v1, 16GB RAM, 2x 256GB SSD, /29 (all clean IPs). On the software side, FAMP + email setup on top of mirrored ZFS on root.

With the mirrored ZFS on root, a drive failure likely won’t result in data loss. Because all file servers here at VENT are FreeBSD with ZFS, backups are significantly easier now via ZFS Snapshot and ZFS Send compared to our old backup solutions.

Because of the extra IPs, I was able to set up all services in FreeBSD jails. These are akin to containers in Linux land. So, should the need arise for us to move to a new server or split services, it’s just a matter of copying the jails folder to get the entire system up. This approach reduces migration time from days to hours. It’s also a solid infrastructure plan for when AeroMogul multiplayer rolls out, especially if I run any persistently hosted games. In this setup, lobby or game deployment would be pretty fast.

Owning a clean /29 block of IPs should help resolve ongoing email deliverability issues. I also took the opportunity to pipe PHP mail through our SMTP server. Between these two changes, hopefully email deliverability will improve. We’ll see.]]>
This month’s FBS update is free for non-contributors to access, so I don’t need to make multiple news posts. We’ll return to our normal contributor-only FBS posts after this one.

FBS News

FBS fundraising has resumed, and both Patreon and PayPal contributions are open once again. Milestone #6’s goal is $2500. There is a small chance that Serhiy will resume work during this milestone. If he cannot complete the previously contracted art before we hit the goal, I will add $500 to the milestone from the remaining $1500 owed for the missed Milestone #2 art bounty. I will process the points and current funds in a few days.

We will have another pause when Milestone #6 is funded. This pause lasts 4 months after we release the milestone and complete any major bug-fix update.



GearCity: 2nd Gear

It’s now June 1st. Work will resume on GearCity and GearCity: 2nd Gear. My plans are to get both GearCity 2.0.0.14 and GearCity: 2nd Gear 2.5.0.2 done before we finish fundraising for the next milestone. Ideally, I can get both done before the end of the month.

However, that might be a stretch.

If you have not submitted bugs you’ve found, please do so now. Ideally, provide a zipped save file, either via the forums or by email. Even if it is an issue you can see in a couple of turns, it saves me a significant amount of time in finding and fixing issues. Remember, I am short on time. The more time I have to write code, the more stuff gets completed. So any help in this respect is appreciated.



AeroMogul

I skipped the monthly AeroMogul news to focus on working on the game, as my deadline to start GC work was quickly approaching. While I didn’t get nearly as much done as I wanted, I’m happy to report that I finally got the load game system up and running well enough to continue with the next set of client upgrades. Sadly, it was almost June when that happened. So, that was the last major thing I improved on the client side.


After pushing the server/logic/economics engine far ahead of the client, I started working through the client to catch it up. I started working right to left in the World Map UI. Most of this UI was written nearly 2 years ago. So, it was in need of major updates. When I reached the Save Game Menu, I noticed there was no function to load games while you’re in the game. This started me down a month-long rabbit hole where I had to work on making sure save games save properly, compress correctly, load reliably, and stream data from the compressed files. It continued with Multiplayer admin rights, making sure single players have those rights, and then coming up with a meta file format so players can load old saves using the same save name as the most current save with that name.

It turned into much more than just adding a table and a few buttons.

But it’s done.


  Load_Game.PNG (Size: 374.36 KB / Downloads: 496)

The UI can use a little more work. I will probably replace the dropdown with a button to show a hidden sub-menu containing a list of old saves. I think that approach will be cleaner, especially if you have many saves.


Anyway, I had a few free days after finishing that. I spent the remaining few days doing minor bug fixes in the Main Menu and the World Map. In fact, I cleaned up all of the little issues I knew about on the Main Menu and Right Menu system.

With work resuming on GC, AeroMogul will have to be put on the back burner until I get the aforementioned updates out. I hope that I can get them out soon so I can jump back into AM before I have to start working on the next GC: 2G milestone. In the worst-case scenario, we have a 4-month FBS pause coming after I finish Milestone #6 for GC: 2G. This will allow me to focus on AM more.

On the data front, we are now up to 15 fictional aircraft models with 99 sub-variants. This completes the pre-merger aircraft set of one fictional aircraft manufacturer. Though, because of licensing, there is more than one aircraft manufacturer of these 99 models. There are currently 11 fictional engine families with 72 variants. Between aircraft and engine manufacturers, there are currently 16 in the game (they share the same file). But only one is complete.

I must stress “fictional,” based on a previous conversation I had on here. Data is not copyrightable in any major Berne Convention nation that I know of. However, names of products and companies are protected under trademark law in the United States, and in the EU. It doesn’t matter if it is a digital representation of a real-world product. Any representation of real-world trademarks would violate those trademarks, even if the owner has no desire to make their products in video games. That’s why GearCity and games like Grand Theft Auto use only fictional companies. (The exception is if you made something totally different from their trademark. For example, you could make a dental floss company called Boeing. You could make a video game about a lovable furry cat named Boeing. But you can’t make toy airplanes or digital airplanes in a game and call them “Boeing.”)

Thus, AeroMogul has fictional companies and fictional models that require a lot of labor for data entry… Similar to GearCity, which had a lot of fictional companies that required a lot of research for their data entry...

Since I have been working on the aircraft data, we still only have airport data for 3 countries completed. (Afghanistan, Albania, and Algeria.) I will start on Argentina in a few days.


On the NPC/Player avatar front, we’re now at 313 age-progressed profiles that cover most ethnic groups found in Afghanistan. Albania is approximately 80% done. The goal is to have around 8500 age-progressed avatars.

I’ll continue working on these data sets even while handling GC/GC:2G. I am able to do most of this on my cyberdeck when I cannot be on my workstation.


General News

As mentioned a few times in April and May, we had to move servers. Our previous server rent was increased nearly 200%, and I thought that was a bit much for the hardware, so we left that host after 9 years of service. I’m happy to report, I finished moving to our new server in May. The new server costs 100% more than the previous one, but its features should improve redundancy and better serve everyone.

For the hardware/IT nerds around, we moved from a:
• Intel 2x L5420, 8GB RAM, 1x 512GB HDD, 1 IP (with 3 neighbors on the /29 (Nearest 5 IPs) blacklisted by email providers). On the software side, a typical FAMP (FreeBSD, Apache, Mysql, Php) + email setup on top of UFS
To:
• Intel Xeon E3-1270v1, 16GB RAM, 2x 256GB SSD, /29 (all clean IPs). On the software side, FAMP + email setup on top of mirrored ZFS on root.

With the mirrored ZFS on root, a drive failure likely won’t result in data loss. Because all file servers here at VENT are FreeBSD with ZFS, backups are significantly easier now via ZFS Snapshot and ZFS Send compared to our old backup solutions.

Because of the extra IPs, I was able to set up all services in FreeBSD jails. These are akin to containers in Linux land. So, should the need arise for us to move to a new server or split services, it’s just a matter of copying the jails folder to get the entire system up. This approach reduces migration time from days to hours. It’s also a solid infrastructure plan for when AeroMogul multiplayer rolls out, especially if I run any persistently hosted games. In this setup, lobby or game deployment would be pretty fast.

Owning a clean /29 block of IPs should help resolve ongoing email deliverability issues. I also took the opportunity to pipe PHP mail through our SMTP server. Between these two changes, hopefully email deliverability will improve. We’ll see.]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4638 Fri, 10 Jan 2025 09:46:46 -0500 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4638
After roughly two and a quarter months, version 2.5.0.0 is complete with all Milestone #5 bounties included.

This was not a difficult milestone, but many bounties required balancing and data entry. I am still not 100% pleased with the sub-component value ranges in the middle years, and the safety requirements might be too high in some places. I expect another pass addressing balancing issues before I work on Milestone #6. I'll likely set up a save game uploader when my new file server goes live and request longer playthroughs to help in this effort.

I expect this to be a somewhat buggy and unbalanced release. Unless there is something super breaking, I will likely wait a couple of months before rebalancing.

Finally, as many of you know, I have paused the FBS system. It will reopen in June. I'll be working on AeroMogul exclusively (outside of the aforementioned likely bug-fix patch) until that month.

Now, let's look at what's in v2.5.0.0:

-Gameplay: #97 Remove Relative Ratings - Rewrote any weighted ratings based on sub-component selection.
-Gameplay: #324 Auto-Financing Unlock Memo - Player now gets a memo when the Vehicle Financing option is available.
-Gameplay: #59 Sub-Component Rating Range - Sub-components now have a starting and max ratings value. The sub-component's ratings will linearly grow or fall over their life based on these values. The player's skill level in the sub-component will add a bonus to the rating ranges. These values may need better balancing.
-Gameplay: #166 Hybrids Sub-Component - Several hybrid systems have been added to the game. You'll find them in the engine designer. We are currently using programmer art. The rating values may need additional balancing.
-Gameplay: #126 Backorder System - Approximately 80% of missing sales now go into the Backorder system. Backorders are counted to the demand every month. However, some unfilled orders will drop off every month if unfilled. Changes in prices and increased competition can also cause backorders to be canceled. This system removes most of the buyer recycling code in the buyer calculations.
-Gameplay: #339 Bottom Bar Accounting Profit - On the right side of the bottom panel, you'll find a button that will let you cycle between showing clash flow, accounting profits, or cash flow and accounting profits. The game remembers the selection in the save game.
-Gameplay: #73 Safety Regulations - Like the emissions systems, designs must meet a minimum safety rating. If your vehicle does not meet this rating, you won't be allowed to sell it in that country. Currently, the game only has 2 safety standards, the FMVSS (United States, Canada) and the UN+EU standard. This means that some countries on the non-EU spec of the UN standard or have their own standards may have higher requirements than they should have. We'll have additional standards in another bounty.
-Gameplay: #80 Remove Two Buyer Rating Penalties - Removed the low slider penalty and the old design penalty.
-Engine: #93 Buyer Rating Caching - This reduced v2.4.0.2 turn times by 6-7%. Reduction remained the same with the new v2.5.0.0 features.
-Engine: #315 Speed Up Hash Maps - This reduced v2.4.0.2 turn times by 3.5%. Reduction remained the same with the new v2.5.0.0 features.
-Bugfix: Fixed showroom tutorial playing if you do not interact with the tutorial popup menu.
-Bugfix: Fixed world map view competition lists skipping two entries when using keyboard navigation
-Gameplay: Rebalanced wealth demographic costs and effects based on a possible exploit.
-Bugfix: Strictest Emissions Report ratings should say N/A instead of 999999.
-Bugfix: Removed unused button in Factory Platform Limit screen.
-Gameplay: Increased AI's models by making the AI a little smarter when it has open production capacity but no spare platform space.]]>
After roughly two and a quarter months, version 2.5.0.0 is complete with all Milestone #5 bounties included.

This was not a difficult milestone, but many bounties required balancing and data entry. I am still not 100% pleased with the sub-component value ranges in the middle years, and the safety requirements might be too high in some places. I expect another pass addressing balancing issues before I work on Milestone #6. I'll likely set up a save game uploader when my new file server goes live and request longer playthroughs to help in this effort.

I expect this to be a somewhat buggy and unbalanced release. Unless there is something super breaking, I will likely wait a couple of months before rebalancing.

Finally, as many of you know, I have paused the FBS system. It will reopen in June. I'll be working on AeroMogul exclusively (outside of the aforementioned likely bug-fix patch) until that month.

Now, let's look at what's in v2.5.0.0:

-Gameplay: #97 Remove Relative Ratings - Rewrote any weighted ratings based on sub-component selection.
-Gameplay: #324 Auto-Financing Unlock Memo - Player now gets a memo when the Vehicle Financing option is available.
-Gameplay: #59 Sub-Component Rating Range - Sub-components now have a starting and max ratings value. The sub-component's ratings will linearly grow or fall over their life based on these values. The player's skill level in the sub-component will add a bonus to the rating ranges. These values may need better balancing.
-Gameplay: #166 Hybrids Sub-Component - Several hybrid systems have been added to the game. You'll find them in the engine designer. We are currently using programmer art. The rating values may need additional balancing.
-Gameplay: #126 Backorder System - Approximately 80% of missing sales now go into the Backorder system. Backorders are counted to the demand every month. However, some unfilled orders will drop off every month if unfilled. Changes in prices and increased competition can also cause backorders to be canceled. This system removes most of the buyer recycling code in the buyer calculations.
-Gameplay: #339 Bottom Bar Accounting Profit - On the right side of the bottom panel, you'll find a button that will let you cycle between showing clash flow, accounting profits, or cash flow and accounting profits. The game remembers the selection in the save game.
-Gameplay: #73 Safety Regulations - Like the emissions systems, designs must meet a minimum safety rating. If your vehicle does not meet this rating, you won't be allowed to sell it in that country. Currently, the game only has 2 safety standards, the FMVSS (United States, Canada) and the UN+EU standard. This means that some countries on the non-EU spec of the UN standard or have their own standards may have higher requirements than they should have. We'll have additional standards in another bounty.
-Gameplay: #80 Remove Two Buyer Rating Penalties - Removed the low slider penalty and the old design penalty.
-Engine: #93 Buyer Rating Caching - This reduced v2.4.0.2 turn times by 6-7%. Reduction remained the same with the new v2.5.0.0 features.
-Engine: #315 Speed Up Hash Maps - This reduced v2.4.0.2 turn times by 3.5%. Reduction remained the same with the new v2.5.0.0 features.
-Bugfix: Fixed showroom tutorial playing if you do not interact with the tutorial popup menu.
-Bugfix: Fixed world map view competition lists skipping two entries when using keyboard navigation
-Gameplay: Rebalanced wealth demographic costs and effects based on a possible exploit.
-Bugfix: Strictest Emissions Report ratings should say N/A instead of 999999.
-Bugfix: Removed unused button in Factory Platform Limit screen.
-Gameplay: Increased AI's models by making the AI a little smarter when it has open production capacity but no spare platform space.]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4627 Wed, 16 Oct 2024 12:11:32 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4627
Voting for FBS Milestone #5 ended.

We had 20 voters casting 1359 votes. Voting turnout is at 5.9%.

The voters funded 10 bounties out of 26 that received votes! Two bounties reached the bounty goal. The other rest were funded by popular vote. One bounty was a big-ticket item (over $1000), and three of the bounties are discounted from my labor rate estimates.

Here are the bounties for Milestone #5:

#97 Remove Relative Ratings
#324 Auto-Financing Unlock Memo
#59 Sub-Component Rating Range
#166 Hybrids Sub-Component
#126 Backorder System
#339 Bottom Bar Accounting Profit
#73 Safety Regulations
#80 Remove Two Buyer Rating Penalties
#93 Buyer Rating Caching
#315 Speed Up Hash Maps

For full results:

https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/runningresul...sults.html

The voters have approved the Blue and Green rows. We will include these bounties in GearCity: 2nd Gear.

Because of the amount of bounties funded, this milestone could take some time to complete. As mentioned several times over the last few months, the FBS fundraising is temporarily paused to allow me to catch up on AeroMogul. I suspect I will reopen the system for another milestone in the late spring or early summer 2025. I will give an exact date sometime around new years.]]>
Voting for FBS Milestone #5 ended.

We had 20 voters casting 1359 votes. Voting turnout is at 5.9%.

The voters funded 10 bounties out of 26 that received votes! Two bounties reached the bounty goal. The other rest were funded by popular vote. One bounty was a big-ticket item (over $1000), and three of the bounties are discounted from my labor rate estimates.

Here are the bounties for Milestone #5:

#97 Remove Relative Ratings
#324 Auto-Financing Unlock Memo
#59 Sub-Component Rating Range
#166 Hybrids Sub-Component
#126 Backorder System
#339 Bottom Bar Accounting Profit
#73 Safety Regulations
#80 Remove Two Buyer Rating Penalties
#93 Buyer Rating Caching
#315 Speed Up Hash Maps

For full results:

https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/runningresul...sults.html

The voters have approved the Blue and Green rows. We will include these bounties in GearCity: 2nd Gear.

Because of the amount of bounties funded, this milestone could take some time to complete. As mentioned several times over the last few months, the FBS fundraising is temporarily paused to allow me to catch up on AeroMogul. I suspect I will reopen the system for another milestone in the late spring or early summer 2025. I will give an exact date sometime around new years.]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4625 Mon, 14 Oct 2024 13:06:55 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4625
A decent sized bug fix patch today that addresses some long standing and recent issues with the game.

In Windows, you should see improvements to alt-tabbing support in DirectX9. I was able to get the OpenGL2 memory leak resolved in my test program. But upon testing the full game for release the issue remained. This issue will require more investigation.

In Linux, the sound system's double free on exit was fixed. This fix was also extended to MacOS, but there is additional issues there with CEF that was not addressed.

Finally, I addressed several issues in the new game systems.

Change Log:
-Engine: Upgraded Windows to Ogre14.3. This resolved Windows OpenGL2 memory leak in test program, but not the full game. More investigations will be required.
-Engine: Changed DX9 initialization and made some adjustments to returning from DX9 lost state code.
-Bugfix: Fixed possible over production in the Mk2 District Production system to hopefully fix possible negative production. -Bugfix: Fixed possible over production when redesigning factories smaller.
-Bugfix: Fixed non ascii language font not scaling in language settings.
-Engine: Fixed double free issue in sound system when exiting the game on Unix's (Linux, Mac). Mac still has an exit crash related to CEF.
-Bugfix: Fixed ability to open production system of an under construction factory in the Mega Menu.
-Bugfix: Fixed Phone Contract Menu saying "Too wide" instead of "Too tall".
-GUI: If "Show Only Active" is uncheck, vehicle modification will show discontinued vehicles in modifier list.
-GUI: Modification Window now closes when making new generator or trim of a car.
-GUI: Modification Window lists now update when making new generation vehicle or trim.
-Bugfix: Fixed potential bug that prevented new generation from being made because of "duplicate name"]]>
A decent sized bug fix patch today that addresses some long standing and recent issues with the game.

In Windows, you should see improvements to alt-tabbing support in DirectX9. I was able to get the OpenGL2 memory leak resolved in my test program. But upon testing the full game for release the issue remained. This issue will require more investigation.

In Linux, the sound system's double free on exit was fixed. This fix was also extended to MacOS, but there is additional issues there with CEF that was not addressed.

Finally, I addressed several issues in the new game systems.

Change Log:
-Engine: Upgraded Windows to Ogre14.3. This resolved Windows OpenGL2 memory leak in test program, but not the full game. More investigations will be required.
-Engine: Changed DX9 initialization and made some adjustments to returning from DX9 lost state code.
-Bugfix: Fixed possible over production in the Mk2 District Production system to hopefully fix possible negative production. -Bugfix: Fixed possible over production when redesigning factories smaller.
-Bugfix: Fixed non ascii language font not scaling in language settings.
-Engine: Fixed double free issue in sound system when exiting the game on Unix's (Linux, Mac). Mac still has an exit crash related to CEF.
-Bugfix: Fixed ability to open production system of an under construction factory in the Mega Menu.
-Bugfix: Fixed Phone Contract Menu saying "Too wide" instead of "Too tall".
-GUI: If "Show Only Active" is uncheck, vehicle modification will show discontinued vehicles in modifier list.
-GUI: Modification Window now closes when making new generator or trim of a car.
-GUI: Modification Window lists now update when making new generation vehicle or trim.
-Bugfix: Fixed potential bug that prevented new generation from being made because of "duplicate name"]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4621 Thu, 03 Oct 2024 10:37:47 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4621
I'm happy to announce that the community has successfully financed Milestone #5 of the Feature Bounty System.

This milestone is the last milestone of the year, and I will pause FBS fundraising until sometime next year. I will determine the date after completing Milestone #5.

Voting will start tomorrow, Friday the 4th, and last until Tuesday the 15th. You can find the voting thread here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4622

The caucusing thread, where you should team up with other contributors and sway your peers to vote for what you want is here: https://ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4620

You can find votable bounties here https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=47 and https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=56
Alternatively you can find all bounties on our bounty page: https://ventdev.com/fbs/bounty_list.html
And a graphical listing of bounties here: https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/images/fbs_graph.svg

Please remember, we are unable to do any "Artwork Bounties" listed here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=48

Finally, here is a list of new bounties added to the system for this milestone:
[$700] #339 Bottom Bar Accounting Profit
[$1800] #340 Marque Revenues Report
[$300] #341 Adjustable Neuron Processing Penalty
[$1000] #342 Implement New Production System on World Map District System
[$750] #001 FBS Voting Website
[$3500] #1220 | Rickshaw: Passenger
[$3500] #1221 | Rickshaw: Truck
[$3500] #1222 | Rickshaw: Van


Once again, I want to express my deep gratitude for your support!]]>
I'm happy to announce that the community has successfully financed Milestone #5 of the Feature Bounty System.

This milestone is the last milestone of the year, and I will pause FBS fundraising until sometime next year. I will determine the date after completing Milestone #5.

Voting will start tomorrow, Friday the 4th, and last until Tuesday the 15th. You can find the voting thread here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4622

The caucusing thread, where you should team up with other contributors and sway your peers to vote for what you want is here: https://ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4620

You can find votable bounties here https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=47 and https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=56
Alternatively you can find all bounties on our bounty page: https://ventdev.com/fbs/bounty_list.html
And a graphical listing of bounties here: https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/images/fbs_graph.svg

Please remember, we are unable to do any "Artwork Bounties" listed here: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?fid=48

Finally, here is a list of new bounties added to the system for this milestone:
[$700] #339 Bottom Bar Accounting Profit
[$1800] #340 Marque Revenues Report
[$300] #341 Adjustable Neuron Processing Penalty
[$1000] #342 Implement New Production System on World Map District System
[$750] #001 FBS Voting Website
[$3500] #1220 | Rickshaw: Passenger
[$3500] #1221 | Rickshaw: Truck
[$3500] #1222 | Rickshaw: Van


Once again, I want to express my deep gratitude for your support!]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4607 Sat, 21 Sep 2024 12:51:48 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4607
Dual bug fix updates this weekend. First, Classic GearCity received update v2.0.0.13. This is a small update that contains fixes for a pair of exploits, edge cases, a medium-sized bug, and a few little bugs.

GearCity: 2nd Gear received a much bigger update. It addresses several issues with the new systems added with the last update. It also has a few downstream fixes from Classic GC.

With GearCity: 2nd Gear Milestone #5 approaching in a few days, I plan on working on some engine issues that came from our engine library upgrades from Milestone #3. There are also several long-time micro issues with the game which have been sitting on my to-do list for years. If time permits, I'll address those.

I plan to complete GearCity: 2nd Gear Milestone #5, then pause GC work and the FBS system for a few months while I work on AeroMogul exclusively. How long of a pause depends on how long it takes to complete Milestone #5. But I figure it won't be until Spring/Summer of next year before we're fundraising again.

I think in the long term, until Serhey can regularly produce artwork for GC again, I will limit the FBS to 1 Big Milestone per year. As it is now, it is taking away too much of my time from working on AeroMogul. That is my tentative plan anyway. We'll see when we get there.

GearCity v2.0.0.13 Change Log
-Bugfix: Fixed Stock window not showing contract and other secondary revenues streams.
-Bugfix: Fixed autotools exploit that could cause fractional sales prices below $1, thus breaking AI.
-GUI: Synced rating star values between rooms.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug that did not transfer stocks when companies consolidate.
-Bugfix: Fixed possible stuck RnD skills when skill level drops below 0.25.
-Gameplay: Decreased Dealership subsidy amount after several uses.
-Gameplay: AI now does dealership subsidy on normal, hard, and nightmare mode.
-Bugfix: Fixed Global Fuel Price issue that causes the display of incorrect transportation costs values on the first turn.
-Bugfix: Jitter Charts OSX 2.0.0.12 (City Sales, small window)
-Media: Removed Classic Territory on OSX to prevent crash.
-Bugfix: Fixed Gearbox Prototype Selection text not resetting after player clears it.


GearCity: 2nd Gear v2.4.0.1 Change Log
-Bugfix: Fixed Stock window not showing contract and other secondary revenues streams.
-Bugfix: Fixed autotools exploit that could cause fractional sales prices below $1, thus breaking AI.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug that did not transfer stocks when companies consolidate.
-GUI: Fixed switched individual skills for Gearbox and Gears.
-Bugfix: Fixed database error with Can't Lose/Infinite Money setting
-Bugfix: Fixed AI Companies not creating factories when they have no factories in the new factory system.
-GUI: Add Max production to the reports when mk2 factories is enabled.
-Gameplay: Decreased Dealership subsidy amount after several uses.
-Gameplay: AI now does dealership subsidy on normal, hard, and nightmare mode.
-Bugfix: Fixed reducing District Production in the Mk2 Production System
-Bugfix: Fixed mk2 Factory Production Sort Order
-Bugfix: Prevent opening mk2 production window when player has no designs
-Bugfix: Fixed Global Fuel Price issue that causes the display of incorrect transportation costs values on the first turn.
-Bugfix: Jitter Charts OSX 2.0.0.12 (City Sales, small window)
-Content: Renamed pre-1918 Russia to Russian Empire
-GUI: Fixed Chassis Design UI labels causing duplicate Maximum Chassis Width Sliders.
-GUI: Fixed UI clipping of engine sizes in the designer.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing engine height slider not to work.
-Bugfix: Fixed UI issue causing empty restart production screen
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing engines not to fit when engine height and chassis supported heights match.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with post 1950s mk2 factories being significantly smaller.
-Gameplay: Reduced max mk2 production capacity. I will probably do some more tweaking in the future.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with broken height values when licenses/outsourcing/sharing components.
-GUI: Default engine height to the same slider positions as length and width (I need to do chassis supported height this way too.)
-Gameplay: Made adjustments to mk2 factory upgrade values. This may need more adjustments.
-Bugfix: Fixed issues with vehicle research team values not being displayed
-GUI: Fixed issue causing the display of replacement options when Mk2 factories are enabled.
-Bugfix: Fixed issues that caused AI to reset mk2 production, such as ordering more units from them, which causes the AI not to produce vehicles anymore.
-Bugfix: Fixed display issue with production lines in the classic production system.
-Bugfix: Possible bug fix for possible negative production values in the mk2 system. If you're able to get negative values, please let me know how!]]>
Dual bug fix updates this weekend. First, Classic GearCity received update v2.0.0.13. This is a small update that contains fixes for a pair of exploits, edge cases, a medium-sized bug, and a few little bugs.

GearCity: 2nd Gear received a much bigger update. It addresses several issues with the new systems added with the last update. It also has a few downstream fixes from Classic GC.

With GearCity: 2nd Gear Milestone #5 approaching in a few days, I plan on working on some engine issues that came from our engine library upgrades from Milestone #3. There are also several long-time micro issues with the game which have been sitting on my to-do list for years. If time permits, I'll address those.

I plan to complete GearCity: 2nd Gear Milestone #5, then pause GC work and the FBS system for a few months while I work on AeroMogul exclusively. How long of a pause depends on how long it takes to complete Milestone #5. But I figure it won't be until Spring/Summer of next year before we're fundraising again.

I think in the long term, until Serhey can regularly produce artwork for GC again, I will limit the FBS to 1 Big Milestone per year. As it is now, it is taking away too much of my time from working on AeroMogul. That is my tentative plan anyway. We'll see when we get there.

GearCity v2.0.0.13 Change Log
-Bugfix: Fixed Stock window not showing contract and other secondary revenues streams.
-Bugfix: Fixed autotools exploit that could cause fractional sales prices below $1, thus breaking AI.
-GUI: Synced rating star values between rooms.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug that did not transfer stocks when companies consolidate.
-Bugfix: Fixed possible stuck RnD skills when skill level drops below 0.25.
-Gameplay: Decreased Dealership subsidy amount after several uses.
-Gameplay: AI now does dealership subsidy on normal, hard, and nightmare mode.
-Bugfix: Fixed Global Fuel Price issue that causes the display of incorrect transportation costs values on the first turn.
-Bugfix: Jitter Charts OSX 2.0.0.12 (City Sales, small window)
-Media: Removed Classic Territory on OSX to prevent crash.
-Bugfix: Fixed Gearbox Prototype Selection text not resetting after player clears it.


GearCity: 2nd Gear v2.4.0.1 Change Log
-Bugfix: Fixed Stock window not showing contract and other secondary revenues streams.
-Bugfix: Fixed autotools exploit that could cause fractional sales prices below $1, thus breaking AI.
-Bugfix: Fixed bug that did not transfer stocks when companies consolidate.
-GUI: Fixed switched individual skills for Gearbox and Gears.
-Bugfix: Fixed database error with Can't Lose/Infinite Money setting
-Bugfix: Fixed AI Companies not creating factories when they have no factories in the new factory system.
-GUI: Add Max production to the reports when mk2 factories is enabled.
-Gameplay: Decreased Dealership subsidy amount after several uses.
-Gameplay: AI now does dealership subsidy on normal, hard, and nightmare mode.
-Bugfix: Fixed reducing District Production in the Mk2 Production System
-Bugfix: Fixed mk2 Factory Production Sort Order
-Bugfix: Prevent opening mk2 production window when player has no designs
-Bugfix: Fixed Global Fuel Price issue that causes the display of incorrect transportation costs values on the first turn.
-Bugfix: Jitter Charts OSX 2.0.0.12 (City Sales, small window)
-Content: Renamed pre-1918 Russia to Russian Empire
-GUI: Fixed Chassis Design UI labels causing duplicate Maximum Chassis Width Sliders.
-GUI: Fixed UI clipping of engine sizes in the designer.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing engine height slider not to work.
-Bugfix: Fixed UI issue causing empty restart production screen
-Bugfix: Fixed issue causing engines not to fit when engine height and chassis supported heights match.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with post 1950s mk2 factories being significantly smaller.
-Gameplay: Reduced max mk2 production capacity. I will probably do some more tweaking in the future.
-Bugfix: Fixed issue with broken height values when licenses/outsourcing/sharing components.
-GUI: Default engine height to the same slider positions as length and width (I need to do chassis supported height this way too.)
-Gameplay: Made adjustments to mk2 factory upgrade values. This may need more adjustments.
-Bugfix: Fixed issues with vehicle research team values not being displayed
-GUI: Fixed issue causing the display of replacement options when Mk2 factories are enabled.
-Bugfix: Fixed issues that caused AI to reset mk2 production, such as ordering more units from them, which causes the AI not to produce vehicles anymore.
-Bugfix: Fixed display issue with production lines in the classic production system.
-Bugfix: Possible bug fix for possible negative production values in the mk2 system. If you're able to get negative values, please let me know how!]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4585 Fri, 23 Aug 2024 10:53:55 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4585
I'll be working on AeroMogul until the community funds Milestone #5. After that, I will temporarily pause FBS fundraising during Milestone #5 and a few additional months to devote more time to AeroMogul.

There are 4 major changes to the game. I'll cover a few of them here:

1) The RnD Components Modification window has been merged into the View window. Use the RnD View window to access these features. (Including for vehicles, although the Vehicle Modification Window was not merged in this change.)

2): Engine Heights.

Engines now have a height spec.

  EngineHeight.png (Size: 1.58 MB / Downloads: 1240)

Chassis now have a maximum supported engine height.

  ChassisEngineSupportedHeight.png (Size: 1.59 MB / Downloads: 823)

The Engine Height must be smaller than the Chassis' Maximum Supported Engine Height for the designs to work together.


3) Research teams have been redesigned to show individual components. I also added an individual sub-component skill system.


  Research.png (Size: 1.36 MB / Downloads: 985)


4) We redesigned the factory system.

You can use the old factory system under the new game settings, Options 1:

  ClassicProductionSwitch.png (Size: 2.15 MB / Downloads: 931)

You now must assign a maximum number of units a factory can produce. Changes to this value will require a retooling time and price.

  FactorySet.png (Size: 2.35 MB / Downloads: 952)

While the factory is retooling, no vehicles are produced on this line.

  FactoryChangeTime.png (Size: 2.27 MB / Downloads: 827)

Let's say you make a new car design and tool the line to a maximum of 100 units. Then you set the production to 50 units. You sell all 50 units you produce and have 20 missing sales. You can increase production to 70 units with no additional costs or time. Let's say you open a new branch. Now your demand is 130 units. You can only increase production to 100 units. Any more than this and you will have to retool the production lines. You retool the production lines to hand 150 units. It takes 4 months and costs a few thousand dollars. During those 4 months, you will produce 0 vehicles from this line. After the 4 months, you can produce up to 150 units.


To aid players in adjusting production levels, an Auto Adjust system has been implemented in place of the old Auto Production system.


  AutoAdjust.png (Size: 2.14 MB / Downloads: 793)

This system can not change the maximum production amount. It also can't look ahead and know exactly how many units you need. What it does is add previous demand with missing sales to come up with the number of units it needs to produce. So, some months it may overproduce, and some months it may underproduce. The AI is using this exact system to manage its production.


The District Factory system is disabled on the world map with the new production system. (Specifically because of designing new factories.) However, district factory management does work in the MegaMenu.

I think that covers most of the major changes in Milestone #4! Enjoy!]]>
I'll be working on AeroMogul until the community funds Milestone #5. After that, I will temporarily pause FBS fundraising during Milestone #5 and a few additional months to devote more time to AeroMogul.

There are 4 major changes to the game. I'll cover a few of them here:

1) The RnD Components Modification window has been merged into the View window. Use the RnD View window to access these features. (Including for vehicles, although the Vehicle Modification Window was not merged in this change.)

2): Engine Heights.

Engines now have a height spec.

  EngineHeight.png (Size: 1.58 MB / Downloads: 1240)

Chassis now have a maximum supported engine height.

  ChassisEngineSupportedHeight.png (Size: 1.59 MB / Downloads: 823)

The Engine Height must be smaller than the Chassis' Maximum Supported Engine Height for the designs to work together.


3) Research teams have been redesigned to show individual components. I also added an individual sub-component skill system.


  Research.png (Size: 1.36 MB / Downloads: 985)


4) We redesigned the factory system.

You can use the old factory system under the new game settings, Options 1:

  ClassicProductionSwitch.png (Size: 2.15 MB / Downloads: 931)

You now must assign a maximum number of units a factory can produce. Changes to this value will require a retooling time and price.

  FactorySet.png (Size: 2.35 MB / Downloads: 952)

While the factory is retooling, no vehicles are produced on this line.

  FactoryChangeTime.png (Size: 2.27 MB / Downloads: 827)

Let's say you make a new car design and tool the line to a maximum of 100 units. Then you set the production to 50 units. You sell all 50 units you produce and have 20 missing sales. You can increase production to 70 units with no additional costs or time. Let's say you open a new branch. Now your demand is 130 units. You can only increase production to 100 units. Any more than this and you will have to retool the production lines. You retool the production lines to hand 150 units. It takes 4 months and costs a few thousand dollars. During those 4 months, you will produce 0 vehicles from this line. After the 4 months, you can produce up to 150 units.


To aid players in adjusting production levels, an Auto Adjust system has been implemented in place of the old Auto Production system.


  AutoAdjust.png (Size: 2.14 MB / Downloads: 793)

This system can not change the maximum production amount. It also can't look ahead and know exactly how many units you need. What it does is add previous demand with missing sales to come up with the number of units it needs to produce. So, some months it may overproduce, and some months it may underproduce. The AI is using this exact system to manage its production.


The District Factory system is disabled on the world map with the new production system. (Specifically because of designing new factories.) However, district factory management does work in the MegaMenu.

I think that covers most of the major changes in Milestone #4! Enjoy!]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4584 Sat, 17 Aug 2024 14:10:25 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4584
Thanks!]]>
Thanks!]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4572 Wed, 22 May 2024 13:16:14 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4572
Voting for FBS Milestone #4 ended. The website is updated, but I will wait until the start of the month to update your voting points.

We had 24 voters casting 739 votes. At one point, we had over 900 votes cast, but some people wisely clawed back their votes when their bounties had no chance of winning. Votes cast all their votes on the forums, no votes were cast on Patreon. So, there are no more excuses for non-forum member Patreon subscribers. Voting turnout is at 8.4%.

The voters funded six bounties out of 34 that received votes! One bounty was funded by reaching the bounty goal. The other five were funded by popular vote. One bounty was a big-ticket item (over $1000), and five of the six bounties were discounted from my labor rate estimates.

Without further ado, funded bounties for Milestone #4:

Settings Localization
Complete Factory And Production Redesign
Individual Sub-component Skills/Research
Engine Height
Increase Dimension Sliders Effect
Merge RnD View and Modify Windows

For full results:

https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/runningresul...sults.html

The voters have approved the Blue and Green rows. We will include these bounties in GearCity: 2nd Gear.

I expect this milestone to take a while. The Complete Factory And Production Redesign is a two-month ticket alone. And my time is tight for the next couple of months as it is summer break for school kids. I should still be able to get it done before the next milestone, but AeroMogul development will probably suffer. If that is the case, I will likely limit the FBS in some fashion next year. We'll have a poll about it when the time comes.

With that said, we are ready to start fundraising for Milestone #5. Our milestone goal is $2500. As with this milestone, we still have issues with our art pipeline out of Ukraine. So, if Serhiy hasn’t completed the Milestone #2 artwork by Milestone #5, I’ll add a bonus of $1000 to the Milestone funds. This will continue until someone completes the artwork, or I have paid off Milestone #2’s debt.]]>
Voting for FBS Milestone #4 ended. The website is updated, but I will wait until the start of the month to update your voting points.

We had 24 voters casting 739 votes. At one point, we had over 900 votes cast, but some people wisely clawed back their votes when their bounties had no chance of winning. Votes cast all their votes on the forums, no votes were cast on Patreon. So, there are no more excuses for non-forum member Patreon subscribers. Voting turnout is at 8.4%.

The voters funded six bounties out of 34 that received votes! One bounty was funded by reaching the bounty goal. The other five were funded by popular vote. One bounty was a big-ticket item (over $1000), and five of the six bounties were discounted from my labor rate estimates.

Without further ado, funded bounties for Milestone #4:

Settings Localization
Complete Factory And Production Redesign
Individual Sub-component Skills/Research
Engine Height
Increase Dimension Sliders Effect
Merge RnD View and Modify Windows

For full results:

https://www.ventdev.com/fbs/runningresul...sults.html

The voters have approved the Blue and Green rows. We will include these bounties in GearCity: 2nd Gear.

I expect this milestone to take a while. The Complete Factory And Production Redesign is a two-month ticket alone. And my time is tight for the next couple of months as it is summer break for school kids. I should still be able to get it done before the next milestone, but AeroMogul development will probably suffer. If that is the case, I will likely limit the FBS in some fashion next year. We'll have a poll about it when the time comes.

With that said, we are ready to start fundraising for Milestone #5. Our milestone goal is $2500. As with this milestone, we still have issues with our art pipeline out of Ukraine. So, if Serhiy hasn’t completed the Milestone #2 artwork by Milestone #5, I’ll add a bonus of $1000 to the Milestone funds. This will continue until someone completes the artwork, or I have paid off Milestone #2’s debt.]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4569 Sat, 11 May 2024 16:12:19 -0400 Eric.B]]> https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4569
GearCity and GearCity: 2nd Gear is getting bugfix updates today. GearCity's update focuses on a few smaller bugs and two crash bugs. Whereas GearCity: 2nd Gear is getting a larger update that addresses several issues. These include fixes to DirectX9's performance, two crash bugs, loading maps other than Base City Map, balance and bug fixes to limitless ratings, and many more. I think this update should stabilize 2nd Gear's Milestone #3 features, thus making it a good version to play while work starts on v2.4.0.0.

Voting for Milestone #4 is active if you have voting points: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4568
If you would like to learn more about the Feature Bounty System and how to access it: https://www.ventdev.com/fbs

Known issues:
-GearCity 2nd Gear OSX and Linux Video Settings Editor does not work.
-Possible Jittering Charts reported in small report windows, this is likely caused by CEF updates.
-Classic Map crashes on OSX, this map was removed from Linux. I will probably just remove it from OSX too.



GearCity v2.0.0.12 Change Log:
-Bugfix: Fixed in-game borderless window button
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect year being shown on World Map Competition Graphs the first month of the year.
-Bugfix: Fixed unlocked components disappearing after skill point drop from spinoffs.
-GUI: Fixed Outsourcing/Licensing sorted list not displaying in user unit selection
-GUI: Switched English translation of 'Ease' to smoothness to keep text same.
-Bugfix: Fixed misaligned Branch Operations Report Tables
-Bugfix: Removed Old School Territory Map From Linux Builds (Crash Prone)
-Bugfix: Fixed Drag placement crash
-ContentUpdated Translations



GearCity: 2nd Gear Change Log:
-GUI: Fixed Displayed Component ID instead of Name
-GUI: Fixed Displayed Vehicle Type IDs instead of Name
-Bugfix: AI Not licensing out chassis designs
-Bugfix: Random text appearing in View Part restart engine production screen
-GUI: Fixed List Alphabetization in Branch Distribution
-Bugfix: Fixed Chassis Strength/Comfort Slider Issues
-Bugfix: Fixed dead Marques Appearing on Prestige/Image Report
-Bugfix: Fixed Autofinancing Exploit
-Bugfix: Drag placement crash
-GUI: Fixed Outsourcing/Licensing sorted list not displaying in user unit selection
-Bugfix: Fixed broken right mouse button move in Linux
-Engine: Reverse libsteam.so to old version for regular GearCity on FBS linux build.
-Bugfix: Fixed modification system limiting ratings to 100
-Bugfix: Fixed loading Classic map.
-Bugfix: Fixed loading Europe Test map.
-Bugfix: Fixed loading Territory Maps.
-Bugfix: Remove Old School Territory Map from Linux, crash prone.
-Bugfix: Fixed double count of some auto financing payments.
-Bugfix: Fixed limitless Design Skill breaking Design Unit Costs, Emissions, torque, and a few other design specs.
-Bugfix: Fixed in-game borderless window button for Windows
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect year being shown on World Map Competition Graphs the first month of the year.
-Bugfix: Fixed unlocked components disappearing after skill point drop from spinoffs.]]>
GearCity and GearCity: 2nd Gear is getting bugfix updates today. GearCity's update focuses on a few smaller bugs and two crash bugs. Whereas GearCity: 2nd Gear is getting a larger update that addresses several issues. These include fixes to DirectX9's performance, two crash bugs, loading maps other than Base City Map, balance and bug fixes to limitless ratings, and many more. I think this update should stabilize 2nd Gear's Milestone #3 features, thus making it a good version to play while work starts on v2.4.0.0.

Voting for Milestone #4 is active if you have voting points: https://www.ventdev.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=4568
If you would like to learn more about the Feature Bounty System and how to access it: https://www.ventdev.com/fbs

Known issues:
-GearCity 2nd Gear OSX and Linux Video Settings Editor does not work.
-Possible Jittering Charts reported in small report windows, this is likely caused by CEF updates.
-Classic Map crashes on OSX, this map was removed from Linux. I will probably just remove it from OSX too.



GearCity v2.0.0.12 Change Log:
-Bugfix: Fixed in-game borderless window button
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect year being shown on World Map Competition Graphs the first month of the year.
-Bugfix: Fixed unlocked components disappearing after skill point drop from spinoffs.
-GUI: Fixed Outsourcing/Licensing sorted list not displaying in user unit selection
-GUI: Switched English translation of 'Ease' to smoothness to keep text same.
-Bugfix: Fixed misaligned Branch Operations Report Tables
-Bugfix: Removed Old School Territory Map From Linux Builds (Crash Prone)
-Bugfix: Fixed Drag placement crash
-ContentUpdated Translations



GearCity: 2nd Gear Change Log:
-GUI: Fixed Displayed Component ID instead of Name
-GUI: Fixed Displayed Vehicle Type IDs instead of Name
-Bugfix: AI Not licensing out chassis designs
-Bugfix: Random text appearing in View Part restart engine production screen
-GUI: Fixed List Alphabetization in Branch Distribution
-Bugfix: Fixed Chassis Strength/Comfort Slider Issues
-Bugfix: Fixed dead Marques Appearing on Prestige/Image Report
-Bugfix: Fixed Autofinancing Exploit
-Bugfix: Drag placement crash
-GUI: Fixed Outsourcing/Licensing sorted list not displaying in user unit selection
-Bugfix: Fixed broken right mouse button move in Linux
-Engine: Reverse libsteam.so to old version for regular GearCity on FBS linux build.
-Bugfix: Fixed modification system limiting ratings to 100
-Bugfix: Fixed loading Classic map.
-Bugfix: Fixed loading Europe Test map.
-Bugfix: Fixed loading Territory Maps.
-Bugfix: Remove Old School Territory Map from Linux, crash prone.
-Bugfix: Fixed double count of some auto financing payments.
-Bugfix: Fixed limitless Design Skill breaking Design Unit Costs, Emissions, torque, and a few other design specs.
-Bugfix: Fixed in-game borderless window button for Windows
-Bugfix: Fixed incorrect year being shown on World Map Competition Graphs the first month of the year.
-Bugfix: Fixed unlocked components disappearing after skill point drop from spinoffs.]]>