3:17
remaking roblox but better (DEVLOG 3)
Halo
Overview
This video devlog details significant technical advancements and upcoming features for the Vortex platform. The primary focus is the transition from a browser-based engine to a desktop application built with Rust, addressing performance issues with large numbers of parts. It also introduces avatar customization, a new building sandbox, and announces future plans for a game studio and mobile support. Additionally, the devlog highlights a recent building competition and encourages community engagement through Discord.
How was this?
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Chapters
- The previous browser engine struggled with performance, lagging significantly with around 900 parts.
- To overcome these limitations, the entire platform was ported to a desktop application using the Rust programming language.
- This transition involved reimplementing core features like physics, multiplayer, chat, and controls in the new environment.
- Performance tests show a substantial improvement in handling a large number of parts in the desktop app compared to the browser version.
This fundamental shift in architecture is crucial for supporting larger, more complex games and ensuring a smooth user experience as the platform grows.
A test comparing the website and the desktop app showed significantly different performance (measured in FPS vs. part count) when spawning parts with random materials, sizes, and positions.
- Exploiting and unauthorized map modifications through the console are largely prevented by the new desktop app.
- A new sandbox game mode is being introduced to allow players to build and experiment freely in a controlled environment.
- Player avatars are now displayed as customizable characters instead of generic figures.
- Basic avatar customization, including wearing shirts, has been implemented.
These updates improve the integrity of the platform, provide new creative outlets for users, and personalize the player experience.
Players can now equip shirts on their avatars, moving away from the previous generic character models.
- A building competition was held, receiving over a dozen submissions for classic-style maps to be added to Vortex.
- Future development priorities include creating a game studio for user-generated content and later, mobile support.
- The first official game planned for Vortex is a 'freeze tag' style game, with a sandbox mode also coming soon.
- Devlogs will become more frequent and concise, shared primarily on the Discord server.
These initiatives foster a vibrant community, empower creators, and outline a clear roadmap for expanding the platform's capabilities and reach.
A building competition encouraged community members to submit their own map designs, with winning entries to be integrated into the game.
Key takeaways
- Transitioning to a Rust-based desktop application significantly improves Vortex's performance and ability to handle complex scenes.
- The new desktop app architecture inherently reduces opportunities for exploiting and unauthorized modifications.
- Avatar customization and community-driven content, like the building competition, enhance player engagement and personalization.
- Future development will focus on empowering creators with a game studio and expanding accessibility through mobile support.
- Community interaction and feedback are vital, with Discord serving as a primary channel for updates and discussions.
- The introduction of a sandbox mode and planned games like 'freeze tag' aim to provide diverse gameplay experiences.
Key terms
VortexDevlogBrowser EngineDesktop AppRustPartsPhysicsMultiplayerAvatar CustomizationSandbox GameGame Studio
Test your understanding
- What was the primary technical limitation of the previous browser-based Vortex engine, and how was it addressed?
- How does the new desktop application architecture improve security and prevent exploitation compared to the browser version?
- What are the key user-facing features introduced or planned for Vortex, and why are they important for player engagement?
- What is the long-term development roadmap for Vortex, particularly concerning user-generated content and platform accessibility?
- How does the development team plan to improve communication with the community regarding ongoing progress?