Devlog [06.02.24]
Sindonic - Feb 6th 2024 07:40NEWS
Hello, Sprouts!
Hello, Sprouts!
We hope the year has started well for you all. We have a mix of progress, updates, and delays today. This update has a lot of important information, so please read it from start to finish. Let's get right into it.
General - Progress
We've hit the ground running! With most approvals now automated and the addition of statistics for approvals and declines, we're on a mission to improve clarity in our rules.
We're taking a targeted approach by isolating and identifying areas where rules might be unclear for all approvals and then working to improve them one at a time to reduce declines. We recognize declines are the most unpleasant part of an ARPG, and we want to minimize this as much as possible. This process will be ongoing throughout the beginning of the year as we gear up for our annual review of the rules.
Art Progress - Progress
We're thrilled to share that our work on Fluffia Settlements is nearing completion, and we're making significant progress. We're in the finalization stages and can't wait to unveil the completed images very soon. As a sneak peek of our progress, here's a glimpse of where we are in the process. It's worth noting that all 16 settlements for Fluffia are at this same level of development, and they will be published together as a set. Stay tuned for more updates!
Programmer - Progress
Some of you may have noticed that some users encountered a security error when accessing the site in late January. We've been digging deep into the issue and pinpointed its source. Rest assured, we're taking all the necessary steps to fix it.
If you encounter this error, try whitelisting the website's URL in your device's security settings (like firewalls, browsers, and antivirus software).
Fixing this bug completely will take a bit of time. We'll keep you posted on our progress, and once everything's back to normal, we'll jump right back into development on achievements and the weekly game tasks, which are both consequently delayed because of the bug.
Weekly Game - Clarification
We apologize for not clearly stating that the Weekly Game was automated upon our return. It slipped through the cracks upon our return. We understand that this caused confusion and issues for users, and we sincerely apologize.
To make things right, we're awarding x500 GC and x1 Plushie Dustbunny Buntton as compensation to all users. You should see this already deposited into your account as of this update! Thank you for your patience and understanding as we continue to improve our systems!
The Weekly Game closes on its own! Users can submit artwork through the submission widget and have their rewards banked directly into their Character inventory upon approval by a mod.
In the future, the Weekly game will receive a soft close feature. This will prevent users from entering the game before the prizes are updated, ensuring they receive the correct rewards. Until this new feature is implemented, users should wait for the prizes in the reward section to be updated before submitting artwork.
Important Note: Currently, users must complete a background and include an NPC in the Weekly Prompt Activity until the system for optional tasks is completed.
Tokens - Clarification/Loophole - (Live)
In our last update, we forgot to clarify a fabulous loophole you all are welcome to take advantage of. Since we have transitioned to the automated token system, there is now a failsafe to prevent users from participating twice in the code. That failsafe is only active if you have submitted tokens through the widget. If users didn't initially use the widget to submit, they can technically resubmit all their tokens and get the bundles again. We cannot patch this out, and honestly, it is funnier for the users to be able to abuse it. So please feel free to resubmit your tokens. Enjoy!
2.1 Prohibited Content Update - (Live)
This rule has been updated to include protection for religion. This was mistakenly not included when the rules were improved.
Section 3: Character Ownership Etiquette Update - (Live)
Previously, section 3 referred to expectations of community conduct and Bagbean theme rules. This wasn't very clear, and Section 3 has been reorganized and is now exclusively about etiquette. Some portions of Section 3 have been cut out and reused in the new Section 9. We recommend re-reading both sections since so much has changed or moved.
New Rules Section - Section 9: Themes - (Live)
This update consists of two parts.
Firstly, we've created a new rules section exclusively focused on theme rules, aiming to provide users with comprehensive information on themes and our ruling process. By enhancing transparency, we aim to minimize declines and alleviate long-term confusion.
Secondly, as part of this update, we're modifying a rule for Tribal and Fauna Bagbeans that was previously restricting color morphs. Let's start with the basics. When a user redeems a Bagbean, our moderators research to ensure the chosen theme isn't already in use, trademarked, or copyrighted. They also check for alternate or common names, especially if the theme pertains to a living organism. For instance, if "Mountain Lion" is already a Bagbean theme, then "Cougar," "Puma," and "Panther" (other common names for the same species, "Puma Concolor") Can't be created.
Now, let's talk about color morphs. Previously, some pets were allowed to be themed albino, while others weren't. This distinction was subjective and restricted to only some pets. The previous ruling wouldn't have permitted morphs like Blue Merle Corgi or Brindle Corgi to both exist for Bagbeans if Corgi had already been made.
However, we've heard your feedback loud and clear. Many of you have compelling arguments for allowing albinism, leucism, melanism, and morphs as separate Bagbean Fauna themes. You've all expressed that the "pet" label is too subjective and that we should expand it wherever it can apply. This would allow themes like Golden Tiger, Coral Glow Python, Black Pastel Python, Albino Giraffe, Blue Merle Doxson, Tabby Mainecoon, Leopard Appaloosa, Paint Mustang, and many more!
After weighing the pros and cons, and considering that our systems are almost entirely automated, we've decided to make this long-requested change. So, as of this update, we're opening the gates and allowing any color morph as long as users can confirm the species produces these morphs and the morph isn't trademarked, copyrighted, or named with copyrighted words. We hope this update brings joy to the community. We've clarified and completely revised this rule, so check it out.
Tribals can now claim alternate names of species even if it is already made. For instance, if "Mountain Lion" is already a Bagbean theme, then "Cougar," "Puma," and "Panther" (other common names for the same species, "Puma Concolor") can be claimed by the Tribal Bagbeans.
5.2 Background with Depth Update - (Live)
We've given our background grading rules a significant makeover to ensure clarity and transparency for everyone. We've developed new references and implemented substantial changes impacting all users.
First, we've updated the rules so that extra characters, sidekicks, and companions now count as elements. Tools, weapons, and other handheld items also now count as elements.
We hope these changes will help reduce the number of declines users experience and make the whole process smoother for everyone.
5.6 Approvable Changes to Design Update - (Live)
There was an addition added to this rule to include that you can alter colors more if the light in the environment when lighting situations impacts the character's color significantly (night and sunset scenes.)
Section 5
DEV LOG
DEV LOG
Addition
Perk - Paw Mutation has been added to all Foolee and made a new perk upon creation.
Changes
Item - Old outdated item descriptions have been fixed on all sidekick items.
Item - Old outdated item descriptions have been fixed on all love items.
Rules - With the addition to rule Section 9: Themes, other sections have gotten new numbers:
9. Official Artist Relations → 10. Official Artist Relations
10. Disclaimer → 11. Disclaimer
11. User-Run Activity Rules → 12. User-Run Activity Rules
Bug
Some old items and gear were still set to duplicate by Duo. This has been fixed.
The Dev Log has spoken...