Development Diary: Brewing Excitement in SL Colonies

Developers Corner
1

From the Desks of Temujin Calidius and Drakkhis

Hello, SL Colonies Community!

We’re excited to share a sneak peek into the ongoing development of our Brewery System, particularly the much-anticipated Mash Tun update. This diary entry is a glimpse into the collaborative efforts of our team, showcasing the dedication behind enhancing your gaming experience.

The Mash Tun Update: A Closer Look

The Mash Tun, a critical component of our Brewery System, is undergoing significant updates to enhance realism and player interaction. Our recent conversation, between myself, Temujin Calidius, and our developer, Drakkhis, delved into the intricacies of these improvements.

Key Highlights:

  • Stages of Brewing: The update involves four main stages – mashing, fermenting, distilling, and aging, each with its unique station, allowing players to craft their brews with greater depth and realism.
  • Enhanced Interactivity: Players can now interact with each stage, adding specific ingredients to influence the outcome of their brews. This includes the introduction of new brewing enzymes and an update to our database to include stats like starch content in foods.
  • New Features: We’re introducing a bottling station where players can customize their bottles, from cork designs to label personalization. Plus, we’re adding a variety of barrel types to the carpentry, allowing for different wood types to affect the brew’s stats.

Troubleshooting and Refinements:

Our chat transcript reveals the meticulous process of troubleshooting and refining the system. From addressing capitalization issues in ingredient names to enhancing the user interface, every detail is being fine-tuned. We’re also implementing a new warning message system and fixing minor bugs to ensure a seamless brewing experience.

Upcoming Plans:

  • Update Rollout: We’re exploring the best methods to roll out these updates, ensuring all players can easily access the new features.
  • Safety and Efficiency: The safety and efficiency of the update process are paramount. We’re working on a new Update Station to facilitate a smooth transition to the updated system.

Community Engagement:

As always, your feedback is invaluable. We encourage you to share your thoughts on these updates. Plus, stay tuned for a patron-exclusive video showcasing the new Mash Tun process – a testament to our commitment to community engagement and transparency.

Final Thoughts:

The journey of enhancing SL Colonies is an ongoing adventure, filled with challenges and triumphs. Our conversation is just a small part of the larger narrative of our commitment to creating an immersive and enjoyable virtual world. We thank you for being part of this journey and look forward to bringing you more updates soon.

If you haven’t already, check out this initial post we made a while back about what we plan for the Brewery System as a whole:

I endeavour to post more frequent updates for the community and will make it a point to post more of these snippets of diary entries for you all to enjoy reading.

Happy Brewing, Temujin Calidius & Drakkhis

2

Hello, SL Colonies Community!

We’re back with another exciting update from the world of SL Colonies, where our brewing system is undergoing some revolutionary changes. Here’s a glimpse into our latest developments and the thought process behind them.

The Fermenter: A New Brewing Experience

We’re thrilled to introduce the Fermenter, a key component in our enhanced brewing process. This new feature is set to elevate the brewing experience, offering more depth and interactivity.

  • Dynamic Fermentation: Watch as your brew transforms, with the ability to pause and taste at any stage. This adds a layer of strategy and skill, as you balance the perfect alcohol content without over-fermenting.
  • Innovative HUD: We’ve developed a new HUD for the Fermenter, showcasing the brewing process in real-time. It’s designed to be intuitive and informative, giving you all the necessary stats at a glance.

Balancing Gameplay and Realism

Our conversation delved into the intricacies of brewing, discussing how different stages like mashing, fermenting, and distilling will require varying levels of skill and knowledge. We’re ensuring that each stage is accessible yet challenging, providing a fulfilling experience for both new and seasoned brewers.

  • Level Requirements: We’ve thoughtfully considered the level requirements for each brewing stage. For instance, mashing and juicing are entry-level activities, while fermenting and distilling are more advanced, requiring higher skill levels.
  • Stat Balancing: The brewing process in SL Colonies is a delicate balance. Over-fermenting can increase sickness stats, while perfecting your brew enhances its quality. This adds a layer of strategy and depth to the brewing experience.

Upcoming Features and Enhancements

  • Aging and Bottling: We’re excited about the aging barrels, which will truly age over time, and the new bottling station, allowing for greater customization and presentation of your brews.
  • Continuous Improvement: We’re constantly refining and updating our systems. For example, we’ve recently fixed a loophole in the new updater, enhancing the overall user experience.

Community Engagement and Sneak Peeks

We’ve been sharing sneak peeks and updates with our patrons and community, keeping everyone involved in the development process. Your feedback is invaluable, and we’re always listening to ensure SL Colonies remains a collaborative and evolving world.

Looking Ahead

As we continue to develop and refine the Brewery System, we’re excited to see how our community embraces these changes. Stay tuned for more updates and keep brewing!

Happy Brewing, Temujin Calidius & Drakkhis

3

Greetings, SL Colonies Community!

We’ve had some exciting developments in our brewery system, and I’m thrilled to share these updates with you. Drakkhis and I have been working tirelessly to bring more realism and depth to your brewing experience in Second Life.

New Additions and Changes:

  • Barreling and Bottling Stations: We will introduce two new products – a barreling and a bottling station. Now, you can put in your finished product, set your designs in the HUDs, and output your barrels and bottles as virtual items with a rezzable option.
  • Experience Reminder: We’re planning to add a local chat reminder to the region server about adding the ‘SL Colonies’ Experience, as it’s a frequent query from users.
  • Agave and Agave Syrup: Drakkhis has added agave as a new crop and created an agave syrup recipe for the flour mill, enhancing our ingredient list.
  • New Yeast Varieties: We’ve expanded our yeast options for fermenting, now including Beer Yeast, Wine Yeast, Sake Yeast, Spirit Yeast, and Ancient Yeast, each with specific levels and specialties. This will significantly impact the maximum alcohol output based on your choice.

Technical Enhancements:

  • Fermentation Process: We’re changing the sugar-to-alcohol conversion ratio to make it more realistic. The new formula will allow us to use a standard brewing calculation, making the process more authentic for brewers.
  • Hydrometer Integration: A significant update is the inclusion of an actual hydrometer on the fermenter, displaying the Original Gravity instead of just the sugar level and potential max alcohol.

Community Contributions:

  • A big shout out to Elisefarmgirl for her Barley Malt recipe. We’ve adopted it as an official recipe and credited her with 250 CXP as a thank you. We encourage community members to submit their recipes – if we adopt them officially, we’ll reward you similarly!

Looking Ahead:

  • We’re contemplating adding a new station for creating malts from barley, corn, wheat, etc. We’d love to hear your thoughts on whether you’d prefer a dedicated station for crafting your own malts.

Stay tuned for more updates, and thank you for being a part of the SL Colonies journey!

4

In our latest development discussions, we’ve been exploring innovative ideas to enhance the SL Colonies experience. Here’s a glimpse into what we’ve been working on:

  1. Rezzable Items: We’re considering new ways to interact with items like barrels and bottles. The idea is to allow players to display their collections or sell portions in taverns, adding a new layer of realism and engagement.
  2. Tool Integration: We’re experimenting with integrating tools for rezzing items, aiming to streamline the process and make it more user-friendly.
  3. Bottle Service Concept: We discussed the possibility of using bottles as service tools, allowing players to serve drinks in a more interactive manner.
  4. Marketplace Listings: We’re working on differentiating items like barrels and bottles in the marketplace. This involves appending identifiers like (keg) or (btl) to item names for clarity.
  5. Database Management: We’re cautious about allowing duplicate names for items to prevent spoofing and maintain system integrity.
  6. Cooking Station Issues: We’re addressing some technical issues with the cooking station to ensure smooth operation.
  7. New Item Development: The focus is on creating meshes for bottles and ensuring they accept uniform texture formats for labels.
  8. Packaging Options: We’re considering offering creators the flexibility to sell liquid contents with or without packaging, and the possibility of trading unrezzed versions for portions.
  9. Duplicate Name Challenges: We’re testing the feasibility of having duplicate names for different item types in the system.
  10. Interactive Brewing Experience: We’re continuously refining the brewing process, aiming to make it as realistic and engaging as possible for our players.

Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to innovate and enhance the SL Colonies experience. For detailed transcripts and insider discussions, become a ‘Master Builder’ level Patron and gain access to our exclusive #Devs Discord channel.

5

Hello, SL Colonies Community!

We’re back with another exciting update from our development desks! As we continue to innovate and expand the SL Colonies experience, we’re thrilled to share the latest developments and behind-the-scenes insights with you.

New Collaborations and Enhancements:

  • Cinematography Collaboration: We’re potentially partnering with a talented cinematographer to create a video series showcasing a new player’s journey in SL Colonies. This series will highlight the experience of starting from scratch, setting up land, and engaging with our immersive world.
  • Cooking Station Fixes: We’ve resolved an issue with the cooking station and made adjustments to the Drunk stat for a smoother gameplay experience.
  • Bottling Process Sneak Peeks: Drakkhis has been hard at work on the bottling process, creating detailed bottle meshes and working on label positions. We’ve shared some sneak peek images with our patrons and on the forum to keep you all engaged and excited!

Brewing System Updates:

  • Bottling and Kegging Innovations: The upcoming bottling station will allow players to bottle their brews or place them into kegs/barrels. This process includes choosing label designs and customizing the final product, which can be physically rezzed in-world.
  • New Gatherable - Sand: To support the new bottling process, we’re introducing sand as a new gatherable resource. This will be crucial for smelters to create bottles for brewers, enhancing the carpentry and smelting experience.
  • Aging Process Revamp: We’re reimagining the aging process to be more dynamic, similar to the fermenter. The aging timer will count up, allowing players to age their products for extended periods to achieve unique stats and flavors.

Community Engagement and Upcoming Streams:

  • AMA Session Recap: Our recent AMA session was a hit, where we discussed the intricacies of the bottling station, the aging process, and the distillery’s functionality. If you missed it, check out the YouTube video for a comprehensive overview.
  • Upcoming Live Stream: We’re gearing up for another live stream to test our setup and ensure a smooth experience for our viewers. Stay tuned for more interactive sessions and giveaways!

Final Thoughts:

Our journey at SL Colonies is a testament to our commitment to creating an engaging and dynamic virtual world. We value your feedback and participation in this journey. Keep an eye out for more frequent updates and diary entries, and don’t forget to join us in our upcoming streams and community events.

Happy Brewing and Exploring,
Temujin Calidius & Drakkhis :beers::ear_of_rice::movie_camera:

6

Hello, SL Colonies Community!

We’re back with another entry in our Development Diary, giving you an insider’s view of the exciting progress and innovations happening behind the scenes at SL Colonies. Our focus has been on enhancing the realism and interactivity of our game, and we’re thrilled to share the latest updates with you.

Bottling Station and New Products: Our upcoming Bottling Station is shaping up nicely, promising to add a new layer of depth to the brewing process. Players will soon be able to bottle their brews or place them into kegs/barrels, complete with customizable label designs. This feature not only adds to the visual appeal but also enriches the role-playing experience, allowing players to showcase their unique creations.

New Gatherable - Sand: We’ve introducing a new gatherable - Sand! This will be a game-changer for our smelters, providing them with the essential material needed to craft various bottle designs. Sand will be available through the compass and as a gatherable you can place near water sources. We’re also working on a sand pit, similar to the water mill, for bulk gathering. This addition is especially timely, considering the high demand for bottles with the upcoming brewery changes.

Enhancements to the Aging Process: We’re redefining the aging process in brewing. Instead of a countdown timer, the aging process will now count up, allowing players to age their products for as long as they wish. This opens up possibilities for creating truly unique products with enhanced stats, although it requires patience and strategic planning.

Intricacies of the Bottling Station: The Bottling Station is not just about filling bottles; it’s about crafting a signature product. Players will choose their barrel and bottle types, apply labels, and even see the liquid tint change based on the content. This level of detail ensures that each product is not just a drink but a story in a bottle.

Distillery Updates: The distillery is also getting an upgrade. Players will be able to distill their brews, doubling the alcohol content while reducing the volume, with cycles ranging from 1 to 4 hours. This process is not just about increasing potency; it’s about refining the essence of the brew.

Upcoming Collaborations: We’re excited to announce a collaboration with a talented Cinematographer. We’re planning a video series showcasing a brand-new player’s journey through SL Colonies - from setting up on new land to mastering the intricacies of our world. This series aims to guide new players and offer a fresh perspective on the SL Colonies experience.

Troubleshooting and Refinements: Our commitment to perfection continues as we troubleshoot and refine various aspects of the game. From fixing issues with the cooking station to ensuring the proper display of stats on rezzable foods, we’re dedicated to providing a seamless experience for our players.

Looking Ahead: Our journey is filled with continuous innovation and improvement. We’re working on updating our gatherables to the new system, ensuring they meet our high standards from day one. We’re also focusing on community engagement, with more frequent updates and sneak peeks into our development process.

As always, we value your feedback and involvement. Your support and suggestions are what drive us to create a more immersive and engaging world. Stay tuned for more updates, and happy brewing!

Warm regards,
Temujin Calidius & Drakkhis

7

Hello, SL Colonies Community!

We’re back with another entry in our Development Diary, giving you an insider’s look at the latest advancements and the creative minds behind SL Colonies. Our journey continues with exciting updates, troubleshooting insights, and a peek into the future of our brewing and crafting systems.

Bottling Station and Smelter Recipes: The Next Chapter

Our focus has been on the Bottling Station, a key component in our comprehensive Brewery System. This station is where creativity meets craftsmanship, allowing players to bottle their brews with precision and personal flair.

Key Highlights:

  • New Recipes: We’ve introduced a range of bottle designs in the smelter, ready for your brewing and potion-making needs. With 5 small and 5 large unique designs, the possibilities are endless.
  • Sand Gatherable: The introduction of sand as a gatherable resource adds a new layer to the crafting process. Easy to obtain and crucial for bottle making, sand is set to become a staple in every smelter’s inventory.
  • Dynamic Development: Our conversations have led to significant refinements in the brewing process. From recalculating brew stats to ensuring the integrity of each crafted item, every step is meticulously crafted for an authentic brewing experience.

Troubleshooting and Refinements:

Our recent chats have been instrumental in identifying and addressing various challenges:

  • Stat Calculations: We’ve fine-tuned the stat calculations in brewing, ensuring that each portion of the brew holds the right balance of stats, reflecting the effort and ingredients put into it.
  • Station Functionality: We’ve tackled station bugs, ensuring smooth and consistent operation across all our crafting stations.

Looking Ahead:

  • Questing and NPC Interaction: We’re brainstorming dynamic, grid-wide questing options, allowing NPCs to offer and manage quests across regions, enhancing the immersive experience of SL Colonies.
  • Furniture Crafting: Exploring innovative ways to integrate furniture crafting into our system, focusing on flexibility and player creativity. The idea of drop-in furniture scripts is on the horizon, promising a more user-friendly approach to interactive furniture.

Community Engagement:

Your participation and feedback are the lifeblood of SL Colonies. We’re committed to keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. Stay tuned for more sneak peeks, live streams, and interactive sessions where your voice can be heard and your ideas can take flight.

Final Thoughts:

The path of innovation is filled with continuous learning and adaptation. Our recent developments and discussions are just the beginning of more exciting things to come. We’re dedicated to enhancing your experience in SL Colonies, making it not just a game, but a world of endless possibilities.

Thank you for being an integral part of this journey. Your support, ideas, and enthusiasm fuel our passion and drive our progress.

Until next time, keep crafting, exploring, and making your mark in the world of SL Colonies!

Happy Brewing and Crafting,
Temujin Calidius & Drakkhis

8

Hello, SL Colonies Community!

It’s been a bustling couple of weeks since our last diary entry, and we’re thrilled to share the latest developments and exciting news with you all.

Bottling Station Update:

We’ve momentarily paused our work on the Bottling Station, awaiting the much-anticipated PBR update from Firestorm. This pause has allowed us to divert our focus towards enhancing our vending system scripts, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience for all. We’re happy to announce that these updates are now live and available to everyone. With this task out of the way, we’re redirecting our efforts back to the Bottling Station, eager to bring this feature to life with the visual fidelity it deserves.

Vending System Script Overhaul:

Our recent detour into updating the vending system scripts was a necessary step to accommodate decimal places in pricing, a feature much requested by our community. This update means you can now sell or buy items in bulk at more flexible rates. While this required a bit of a shuffle, including the need to swap out old scripts for new ones, we’ve streamlined the process to ensure minimal disruption. Future updates will be even smoother, thanks to the new updater prim we’ve introduced, eliminating the need for manual script exchanges.

A Warm Welcome to Regina:

In more exciting news, we’re thrilled to announce that Regina (@Raqisa), a long-standing member of our community and one of our biggest supporters, has officially joined the #dev channel as a Community Service Representative. Regina’s role will be pivotal in assisting new players, answering questions, and enhancing the overall SL Colonies experience for everyone. Her dedication and passion for SL Colonies have been evident over the years, and we’re confident she will be a fantastic resource for both new and veteran players alike.

Questing System Innovations:

Our discussions in the #dev channel have sparked some innovative ideas for our questing system. We’re exploring dynamic quest NPCs that can offer quests across regions, creating a more interconnected and immersive world. This system would allow NPCs to send players on quests to other NPCs, fostering a sense of adventure and exploration. We’re also considering integrating LLM to enable NPCs to engage in basic conversations with avatars, further enriching the role-playing experience.

Looking Ahead:

As we resume our focus on the Bottling Station, we’re also keeping an eye on future updates and improvements across all aspects of SL Colonies. Our goal remains to provide a rich, immersive, and interconnected experience that encourages exploration, trade, and community building.

We want to extend our heartfelt thanks to each and every one of you for your continued support, feedback, and enthusiasm for SL Colonies. Your participation and contributions are what make this community truly special.

Stay tuned for more updates, and here’s to many more adventures in SL Colonies!

Happy Building, Trading, and Exploring,
Temujin Calidius & Drakkhis

1 Like
10

As we are now doing frequent Ask Me Anything sessions on YouTube, there is no need for us to post an outline on the forums.

We have created a PodCast on YouTube of our Ask Me Anything sessions that you can now watch any time.

Be sure to catch us live though!