News on Universe Sandbox 3?

[Kvothe]

After the release of the 6 preview pics on this forum, i've been looking forward to the improved version- has there been any new news as to a release date or cost?

[Fuzion88]

Dan said he expects it to be out sometime 2012, no exact release date. As for price, it will be a free update to everyone who owns Universe Sandbox

[Kvothe]

Dan said he expects it to be out sometime 2012, no exact release date. As for price, it will be a free update to everyone who owns Universe Sandbox

That's cool about the price, from the few pics i've seen it seems like a large enough jump in graphics to justify at least a small payment. Can't wait

[Dan Dixon]

The plan is to update everyone for free. [edit: unfortunately this is no longer true (http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=3008969)] Any thoughts on how to allow people to pay something toward the new version if they want to while still updating everyone?

And we just added this screenshot showing early tests of our stellar evolution system:
http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,7005.0.html

[n 3 t]

The plan is to update everyone for free. Any thoughts on how to allow people to pay something toward the new version if they want to while still updating everyone?

What about a content-free DLC? Something like "Premium Supporter Aportation" with an exclusive achievement unlocked when the game is launched.

Or maybe the typical donation button linked to a PayPal account (not sure if allowed by Steam policies).

Sorry about my english. Awesome -and a little buggy- software, by the way. Waiting for the update.

[Richard M Nixon]

I don't know if you are based in the US, but if you are, why not run a kickstarter? There really is no downside as far as the developer goes.

I would recommend putting a bit of effort into a 2 or 3 minute trailer, as kickstarters with videos attract moree donors. It would as get you some free advertising as some websites like rock paper shotgun have kickstarter roundups & even dedicated articles if the project strikes the editors fancy.

If you aren't in the US, I would suggest a one time email asking current owners if they would like to donate to help with the project.

all the best.

[SgtKaboose]

You can give us some hats :D

Also, great game.

[Fuzion88]

Not sure if this option is viable, but I think a user here was wondering if the the previous version of Universe Sandbox would be available after the rewrite. Perhaps you could offer the previous version as a separate game and add some sort of disclaimer on the page noting that it won't be supported and that there is a newer version? Or maybe make a small guide on using universe sandbox or some exclusive sci-fi/fictionary planets that people could purchase?

[Niscimble]

I wouldn't mind paying for it either, but it's awesome that it's free. I'd like to donate to it though if at all possible.

[abort_user]

im happy its free since im currently pretty broke. but i like the idea of letting people donate if they want. thats how all DLC should be done. if you keep the option open ill try to donate later if you keep the option open.

[Dan Dixon]

Work on Universe Sandbox 3 is progressing well.

This week we've been working on collision math, supernovas, and stellar evolution.

Here's a very early look at Stellar Evolution:
http://universesandbox.com/forum/index.php/topic,7005.0.html

[Austin007]

Great news, I hope it's ready in time with steam big picture mode, this is gonna look great on my HDTV.

[ChemicalBR0]

The plan is to update everyone for free. Any thoughts on how to allow people to pay something toward the new version if they want to while still updating everyone?


it is awesome that you will update existing users for free. but i feel that you should be rewarded. a lot of people given the choice of a donate button won't press it but still take the update.

Propellerhead the makers of Reason music software did a cool thing with version 6 where they had a "pay what you think the update is worth" deal , even if you only paid a dollar you still got the update even tho they could easily have charged hundreds for it.

http://www.propellerheads.se/paywhatyouwant/

perhaps you could go for a scheme like this. at least then you would be guaranteed at least a dollar from every existing user.
nobody is gonna moan about having to pay a dollar right?

some people like myself will pay you more because i think the update will be worth more than a measly dollar.

[Austin007]

Yeah that's a neat idea chemical, if humble bundle can do it there's gotta be a way.

[Totalitator]

It would be very bad if it wasn't "free" because I bought the current version a year ago based on the promise of a fixed, useable free update on the way. I have never been able to use the one I bought as it's buggy and greatly flawed.

[Necronaught]

I can't wait to put a gas giant 4 times the size of jupiter and put it on a 3600 year orbit. I'll name it Nibiru