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{{Revision|1=WIP. Written from memory, so facts may need confirmation.<br>- [[User:Deantwo|Deantwo]] ([[User_talk:Deantwo|talk]]) 15:38, 3 January 2017 (MST)}}
{{HistoricalEvent
{{HistoricalEvent
|Name = Spacecraft Update
|Name = Spacecraft Update
|Picture = C_Spacecraft.png
|Picture = C_Spacecraft.png
|Date = 2016-11-07
|Date = 2016-11-07
|DateEnd = 2017-??-??
|DateEnd = Ongoing
}}
}}
The '''spacecraft update''' (also known as the ''designer update'') was a complete overhaul of [[spacecraft]] and their designers.
It had been in a planning stage for a very long time before the development started on 2016-11-07.[http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8864] Mentions of a "spacecraft facelift" can be found in archives as far back as 2013 and earlier.[https://web.archive.org/web/20130727045450/http://www.hazeron.com/update.html#:~:text=Spacecraft%20design%20and%20modeling%20will%20undergo%20a%20considerable%20facelift]
One of the reasons given for the overhaul was due to the old spacecraft and designer code becoming unmaintainable.


The "spacecraft update" had been in planning stage for a very long time before the development started 2017-11-07.[http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8864]
The new designer is a simplified 3D modelling environment. The new designs can have almost any shape and look desired. Anything from exterior to interior to furniture is defined purely by the player.


The new designer is a simplified 3D modeling environment. The new designs can have almost any shape and look desired. Anything from exterior to interior to furniture is defined purely by the player.
As of 2023, [[Haxus]] has stated the new designers are "barely functional" and intends to resume work on them at some point.[https://hazeron.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=3014&pid=11342#pid11342]
 
This was later expanded to buildings in the [[Building Update]].


===Old Spacecraft Designs===
===Old Spacecraft Designs===
The current plan is to keep the old [[spacecraft]] alongside the new spacecraft designs, until the new designs can do everything (and more) that the old designs can.
In 2018, the [[Spacecraft_Design/OldVersion|old designer]] was completely removed from the game[https://hazeron.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=152&pid=568:~:text=at%C2%A0building%20target.-,Old%20Designer%20Nerf,-It%20is%20time#:~:text=at%C2%A0building%20target.-,Old%20Designer%20Nerf,-It%20is%20time]. This caused player backlash as some felt the new designer was in an unfinished state and was not ready to replace the old one at that point. See [[#Controversy|controversy]] for more information.


===Old OpenCASCADE Designer Attempt===
===Old OpenCASCADE Designer Attempt===
There was an earlier attempt at a new designer using ''OpenCASCADE'' back in 2014.[http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6915] But this was scrapped as it was too complicated to use.[http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7029&p=79616#p79616]
There was an earlier attempt at a new designer using ''OpenCASCADE'' back in 2014.[https://web.archive.org/web/20140730222314/https://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=6915] However, this was scrapped as it was too complicated to use.[http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=7029&p=79616#p79616]
 
==Controversy==
Many players have voiced criticism of the new system. Some feel the time and knowledge requirement to design ships had become prohibitive - such as creating a door requiring creating a jig object, intersecting it between two walls, cutting, texturing the faces, setting up collision, walk paths, and more - compared to the two clicks of the old designer. A new-style spacecraft could easily take hundreds of hours to design. In addition, the functionality of the ship was separated from the physical design, instead having all subsystems be tuned using abstract volume sliders based on total hull volume. Thus, some feel it is disconnected from the game world. Many of the old designer's restrictions and limits were removed, causing players to find it less "gamey" and more CAD-like, further worsened by the complexity of the new designer.
 
As a side effect of the lack of prefab parts and designer constraints, there is severe style inconsistency with cities easily becoming visually messy unless the player takes steps to ensure they only use consistent blueprints. Some have even argued that this has resulted in the game looking worse than it did previously with the old system.
 
As another result of the designer's complexity and the lack of limitations, it is common to see spacecraft interiors that consist entirely of a single cubic room with all control stations and service panels, with the rest of the ship being empty space. During the [[MMO]], design exploits in PvP were greatly intensified due to the lack of designer constraints. Interiors in building designs are also rare, due to the difficulty of adding them. Further, it is also common to see many different player empires use the same set of building and spacecraft designs available on the Steam Workshop - as using existing blueprints is a way to avoid using the designers and many wish to do so. Ironically, it could be argued that the new system has killed player creativity more than the limited system.
 
For further information on the confusion caused by the new designer's integration with buildings, see [[Building_Update#Controversy]].
 
Some have argued that a core part of the Hazeron experience is being able to make your own unique spacecraft designs without difficulty. This has resulted in the developer recommendation to use others' designs being described as a "band-aid solution".[https://steamcommunity.com/app/2239520/discussions/0/4199112089436080452/#:~:text=stop%20using%20a-,band%2Daid%20solution,-to%20a%20bigger][https://store.steampowered.com/app/2239520/Hazeron_Starship/#:~:text=the%20Steam%20Workshop.-,Not%20everyone,-is%20a%203D]
 
In addition, the new designer was initially released at a point where it was barely functional. This led players to feel as if it was not fit for purpose, and this was intensified when the old designers were removed in 2018. The new designer had received minimal functionality and usability improvements in that time, and this is ongoing to this day. [[Haxus]] has recently stated that he still considers it "barely functional" and intends to continue work on it at some point in the future.[https://hazeron.com/mybb/showthread.php?tid=3014&pid=11342#pid11342]
 
Many players have since suggested that the old designer should have been improved upon, instead of a new one entirely. Suggestions of reverting to the old system are also frequent. Many players, such as members of [[Stellar Syndicate]], have even claimed that the designer caused a massive drop in game interest, with some even quitting the game entirely as a result.[https://steamcommunity.com/app/2239520/discussions/0/4030222382921511350/?ctp=3#c4129304393550886235][https://steamcommunity.com/app/2239520/discussions/0/4030222382921511350/?ctp=3#c4129304393550084597]
 
The new system has been the source of many community arguments. It is common to see returning players check in to ask if the old system has been restored, and new players also frequently voice complaints about the new system.[https://steamcommunity.com/app/2239520/discussions/0/4042608589472959412/#:~:text=the%20designer%20needs%20to%20be%20overhauled][https://steamcommunity.com/app/2239520/discussions/0/4199112089436080452/]


==Changes==
==Changes==
* [[Spacecraft]]
* [[Spacecraft]]
* [[Spacecraft Design]]
* [[Spacecraft Design]]
* [[Buildings]]
* [[Building Design]]


===Links===
===Links===
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8864 2016-11-07 Update Status Only]<br>Development start.
Note: Links are dead due to the old [[forum]] disappearing.
======Development start======
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8864 2016-11-07 Update Status Only]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8870 2016-11-11 Update - Designer Screen Shots]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8870 2016-11-11 Update - Designer Screen Shots]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8882 Update 2016-11-19 Designer Status]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8882 Update 2016-11-19 Designer Status]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8893 2016-12-03 Designer Status w/Pics]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8893 2016-12-03 Designer Status w/Pics]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8906 2016-12-10 Designer Status w/Ships]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8906 2016-12-10 Designer Status w/Ships]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8918 Update 2016-12-19 Designer Alpha]<br>The alpha release.
======Designer release======
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8918 Update 2016-12-19 Designer Alpha]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8926 Update 2016-12-22]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8926 Update 2016-12-22]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8934 Update 2017-01-02 Designer Textures]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8942 Update 2017-01-09 Designer Paths, Modules]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8944 Update 2017-01-11 Celarius' Ship Design]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8948 Update 2017-01-17 Design Analysis]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8954 Update 2017-01-24 Design Online, Library and Exchange]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8959 Status Report 2017-01-30]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8970 Update 2017-02-07 Designer Saga Continues]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8979 Update 2017-02-10]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9007 Update 2017-02-22]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9011 Update 2017-02-23]
======Manufacture-able in-game release======
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9016 Update Update 2017-02-28 Spacecraft Factory]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9021 Update 2017-03-03 Designer]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9026 Update 2017-03-04 Finalize and Manufacture]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9039 Update 2017-03-09 FTL Drive and Warp Drives]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9069 Update 2017-03-31 Designer]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9077 2017-04-07 Doors and Turbo Lifts]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9081 2017-04-14 Pirates and Turbo Lifts]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9083 2017-04-17 Designer]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9091 2017-04-21 Space Vehicle Launch and Recovery Systems]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9103 2017-04-27 Sync, Space Rockets, Autoparking]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9111 2017-05-05 Access Policy]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9130 2017-05-12 Designer Preview]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9157 2017-06-09 Integrated Control Stations]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9161 2017-06-16 Integrated Stations and Turrets]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9164 2017-06-21 Turrets]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9167 2017-07-05 Turrets]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9170 2017-07-07 Guard Posts and Sick Bay]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9172 2017-07-14 Status Displays, Service Panels, and Lights]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9175 2017-07-21 Surface Effects]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9180 2017-07-29 Light Bug and Servers]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9183 2017-07-31 Crash Rendering New Designs]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9185 2017-08-03 Room Lighting and Door Access]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9187 2017-08-04 Lighting and Textures]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9188 2017-08-05 Server SQL Transaction Failures]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9194 Update 2017-08-10 Bug Fixes and Loose Ends]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=8726 2016-08-11 Windows 32 bit SoH is Back]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9197 2017-08-18 Vehicle Transporters and Module Install]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9202 2017-08-24 Cryo Berths, Door Locks, Air Pressure]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9208 2017-08-31 Refit and Restricted Areas]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9212 2017-09-07 Blinking Objects, Spacecraft Service and Network]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9453 2018-01-24 Custom Textures, Bugs]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9481 2018-02-22 Power, Transporter Places, Nav HUD]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9491 2018-03-05 Black Hole, Tractor Beam, Vehicle Transporter]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9516 2018-03-23 Designer Station]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9518 2018-03-29 Door Animation]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9520 2018-03-30 Ramp, Vehicle Launcher, Broken Doors, Turbo Lifts]
=====Tutorial Videos=====
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9247 2017-10-04 Designer Tutorial Video]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9255 2017-10-06 Texturing, Turret, Interior Door Videos]
* [http://hazeron.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=125&t=9260 2017-10-09 More Videos]


[[Category:History]]
[[Category:History]]
[[Category:Development]]
[[Category:Universe_4]]
[[Category:Universe_5]]
[[Category:Universe_5]]
[[Category:Universe_6]]
[[Category:Universe_7]]

Latest revision as of 11:40, 6 April 2024

Historical Event
Spacecraft Update
C_Spacecraft.png
Start Date
2016-11-07
End Date
Ongoing

The spacecraft update (also known as the designer update) was a complete overhaul of spacecraft and their designers.

It had been in a planning stage for a very long time before the development started on 2016-11-07.[1] Mentions of a "spacecraft facelift" can be found in archives as far back as 2013 and earlier.[2]

One of the reasons given for the overhaul was due to the old spacecraft and designer code becoming unmaintainable.

The new designer is a simplified 3D modelling environment. The new designs can have almost any shape and look desired. Anything from exterior to interior to furniture is defined purely by the player.

As of 2023, Haxus has stated the new designers are "barely functional" and intends to resume work on them at some point.[3]

This was later expanded to buildings in the Building Update.

Old Spacecraft Designs

In 2018, the old designer was completely removed from the game[4]. This caused player backlash as some felt the new designer was in an unfinished state and was not ready to replace the old one at that point. See controversy for more information.

Old OpenCASCADE Designer Attempt

There was an earlier attempt at a new designer using OpenCASCADE back in 2014.[5] However, this was scrapped as it was too complicated to use.[6]

Controversy

Many players have voiced criticism of the new system. Some feel the time and knowledge requirement to design ships had become prohibitive - such as creating a door requiring creating a jig object, intersecting it between two walls, cutting, texturing the faces, setting up collision, walk paths, and more - compared to the two clicks of the old designer. A new-style spacecraft could easily take hundreds of hours to design. In addition, the functionality of the ship was separated from the physical design, instead having all subsystems be tuned using abstract volume sliders based on total hull volume. Thus, some feel it is disconnected from the game world. Many of the old designer's restrictions and limits were removed, causing players to find it less "gamey" and more CAD-like, further worsened by the complexity of the new designer.

As a side effect of the lack of prefab parts and designer constraints, there is severe style inconsistency with cities easily becoming visually messy unless the player takes steps to ensure they only use consistent blueprints. Some have even argued that this has resulted in the game looking worse than it did previously with the old system.

As another result of the designer's complexity and the lack of limitations, it is common to see spacecraft interiors that consist entirely of a single cubic room with all control stations and service panels, with the rest of the ship being empty space. During the MMO, design exploits in PvP were greatly intensified due to the lack of designer constraints. Interiors in building designs are also rare, due to the difficulty of adding them. Further, it is also common to see many different player empires use the same set of building and spacecraft designs available on the Steam Workshop - as using existing blueprints is a way to avoid using the designers and many wish to do so. Ironically, it could be argued that the new system has killed player creativity more than the limited system.

For further information on the confusion caused by the new designer's integration with buildings, see Building_Update#Controversy.

Some have argued that a core part of the Hazeron experience is being able to make your own unique spacecraft designs without difficulty. This has resulted in the developer recommendation to use others' designs being described as a "band-aid solution".[7][8]

In addition, the new designer was initially released at a point where it was barely functional. This led players to feel as if it was not fit for purpose, and this was intensified when the old designers were removed in 2018. The new designer had received minimal functionality and usability improvements in that time, and this is ongoing to this day. Haxus has recently stated that he still considers it "barely functional" and intends to continue work on it at some point in the future.[9]

Many players have since suggested that the old designer should have been improved upon, instead of a new one entirely. Suggestions of reverting to the old system are also frequent. Many players, such as members of Stellar Syndicate, have even claimed that the designer caused a massive drop in game interest, with some even quitting the game entirely as a result.[10][11]

The new system has been the source of many community arguments. It is common to see returning players check in to ask if the old system has been restored, and new players also frequently voice complaints about the new system.[12][13]

Changes

Links

Note: Links are dead due to the old forum disappearing.

Development start
Designer release
Manufacture-able in-game release
Tutorial Videos