Devlog [09.01.23]

Sindonic - Sep 1st 2023 11:00

NEWS

Hello, Sprouts!

Now that Character Creation has been automated, we have taken the opportunity to evaluate what project to move on to. We have settled on Time Loot; this is a 30-day notice update for incoming changes to Time Loot - October 2023.

Context
Users should know this automation pass isn't our final vision for Time Loot or Time Plots. Currently, Time Loot is roughly semi-automated and then approved by a mod. Since we are still in Lore Backlog, we are not working on Time Plots or making new game features - so this round of automation is to make the process easier, not expand the game or improve the loot pools - that will be a later update. If something isn't mentioned here, then there is no change. For users who are unaware or do not know what Time Plots are, it is essentially an expanded version of the current Time Loot.

Changes
-A Moderator no longer approves Time Loot; users can collect their loot by clicking a button on their character's Masterlist.
-The art requirement has been removed. Because of this, we are retiring the Uber Paper and liquidating it into GC. This also means the number of possible containers users can receive is now the same for everyone.
-Currently, each Time activity can carry up to 4x fertilizers. This will stay, but once Loot is collected, it will consume x1 Fertilizer slot for all active Time Activities on the Masterlist. With this automation, users can now apply 1x Fertilizer to the character, which will simultaneously apply x1 Fertilizer to the Tree, Pool, and Flower. Users who intend to play with three characters need x3 Fertilizers each month. One for each of the three characters you can play time loot with. Users can play without the max x4 Fertilizers if they choose.
-Loot can now be collected at any point in the month.
-Magic Familiars now work for everyone who has them unlocked without the need of Artwork/Uber Paper.
-The activity can only be played by three characters in total each month (Users can no longer mix and match their character's Time Activities for more than x3 Griffians). The loot button will tell users how many times they have played in that given month out of three and how much time is left for the reset on the 1st.

To equalize the system when we release it - A character with fertilizer slots that vary in amount for the Tree, Pool, and Flower will be boosted to have equal slots. Users are welcome to take advantage of this.

We will create a new monthly Fertilizer game featuring Agnes, Bisque, and Famora's prompts to earn the three fertilizers needed to fill the consumed slots. This will be themed with prompts related to Time Activities and Tools. This game is unlocked by doing the Gardening/Fishing/Farming Trial. This game can be updated to give out other basic needs for Time Plots and users who don't want to use their GC to purchase items for the plots.
 
Pros of Change
-Magic Familiars now work without art for Time Loot.
- Activity is open all month.
- Activity shows a countdown for when it re-opens.
- No DeviantART comment.
- No Mod Approval.
-Costs less Fertilizers overall to max Time Activities.

Cons of Change
- x3 Fertilizers are consumed, and you need to do the monthly time supply game to get x3 Fertilizers if you do not want to buy them (this essentially replaces the time loot drawing).
- You can only use three characters and not mix & match up to 9 characters with various time activities unlocked.
- The Need now only gives the Need Gift. 
 
This estimates how this new game and Automated Time Loot will work; we will make a more detailed tutorial and information once it is live. Users should start saving any fertilizers they win in Treasure Hunt, Winning Flowers, and Containers from now on.

- Dev Team