A small teaser for the next version

April 26
It has been a while since the last proper status update on the next version. I have posted some info in the forums, but no pics or detailed info - until now!

The image shows one of the new machines almost finished. It is a fully functional mobile crane with 8-wheel steering, telescoping arm and extending and individually adjustable support legs. The hoist wire is realistically simulated, as is the forces on the wire and the result they have on the arm and crane as a whole. So, for example, if you lift something heavy you really want to make sure that you have the support legs positioned correctly and that you don't extend the crane too far or make any unwise movements, otherwise it may tip over - exactly like in real life.

Oh, and you can lift everything that is not fixed. Other vehicles and props such as containers and other things can be moved around freely!

What else have we done in the past month or so? Well, the ground deformation system is up and running. You will be able to dig anywhere in the scene and leave permanent holes, ditches and mounds. The new deformable terrain system is in fact more optimized than the current one, meaning that we can afford to plant many more trees, buildings and other nice things in the scene while getting better performance - so the new scene is much more populated and realistic.

We are currently implementing the last bit on the mission system. So perhaps I can get into that and the other machines in the next update... In the meantime, visit us in the forums and say hi!