Major Update 0.0.3

Major Update 19 OCT 2024

This update features massive improvements to the "View Layer" of the game which is everything outside of game simulation logic (gameplay).  After showing the game to a few friends I realized that the game logic was essentially invisible and none of it was leaving an impression.  What was leaving an impression was how bland and unfinished it looked.  This prompted me to focus on things that the player would notice (View Layer).  Fortunately these features are easy as pie compared to programming the networked game logic.

Major Changes:

• SFX added for gaining possession, passing, shooting, bodychecking, ragdoll bounces, and more
• Ragdoll Physics:  Implemented a ragdoll solution using Ragdoll tool in Unity.  The ragdoll component is parented to the 2D skater object and so the design is to have the ragdoll fall vertically and, by default, move along with the 2D circle that represents the skater.  Forces are randomly applied to the ragdoll for dramatic effect
• Gameplay Programming:  Multiplayer gameplay logic finished for shooting, passing, poke checking, bodychecking,  knockdowns, and more.
• Online Matchmaking:  Automatically chooses the best server, randomly generated codes for names pending Steam and GooglePlay API integration.

The major priority in the upcoming weeks is the release to Seam followed by the Release to GooglePlay.  Polishing the game and providing the essential UX features is top priority.  Here are a few of those features:

• Integration with Steam and GooglePlay:  Using the respective APIs to connect the user's existing accounts to our service.  This will allow us to keep track of user stories long term and later give them access to leagues, rankings, and competitive play.
• UI Refinement:  Anything that doesn't need to be on the screen is gone.  The majority of the screen space is there for showing team and player customization.
• Gameplay:  Game timer, scorekeeping, face-offs, the basic game rules of hockey

It's exciting to see the game come together!  I'm looking forward to releasing the game publicly and opening the doors for fans to jump in and play.