Spiral Update - May 2012 news

Here is the big update! We have had one crazy month what with the first release and everything that followed. We have been working hard this month getting out hotfix updates (1.1, 1.1a, 1.1b, 1.1c, 1.1d) to help square away a few key issues and we have already made over 100 tweaks, changes and adjustments via five patches. You can view the full list of changes here.

TITLE UPDATE 001

We are currently working on one last patch aimed to come out this week (1.1e). We are also working on the first of many major game updates - the Title Updates.

Theses are the large updates that will significantly shape, sculpt and add content to the game for absolutely no cost what-so-ever. The biggest additions for Title Update 001 include:

• PERSISTENCE IS COMING!
  Persistence will be fully implemented with Title Update 2. We are adding connections in Title Update 1 which will track all progress and then apply it towards Title Update 2.
• 32BIT OS SUPPORT
  Title Update 001 will introduce full Windows 32Bit OS Support.
• HUGE PERFORMANCE TWEAKS
  On all game areas including Textures, Particles, Audio & A.I.
• NEW GAME MODE & 3 NEW MAPS
  We are introducing three new levels as well as the 'Adrenaline Survival' game mode.
• NEW AUDIO & AUDIO SYSTEMS
  We are introducing new audio for Dinosaurs, Weapons, Vehicles, Items and Environments as well as implementing new volume range and audio levels.
• STEAM INCENTIVES
  Steam Incentives will be unlocked with Title Update 001. This is for anyone that purchases 'ORION: Dino Beatdown' by July 1st, 2012.
• IMPROVED A.I & PATHFINDING
  We are improving the Dinosaur Artificial Intelligence AND improving how they navigate the environments.
• NEW GAME MECHANICS
  We are introducing two major new mechanics that will shift the gameplay which include the "Generator Shutdown" and the new "Respawn Systems".
• + MANY OTHER TWEAKS, ADJUSTMENTS AND ADDITIONS.

STEAM INCENTIVES & STEAM DISCOUNT

Due to some of the issues that plagued our initial launch we had extended the Launch Discount (10%) for an additional week. On top of this we have worked with Steam to do some incentives for all of you folks who have bought the game all the way up until the first Title Update is released! So if you purchase 'ORION: Dino Beatdown' between May 4th and July 1st you will receive the following items:

• Black Legion Armor & Color
• Purple Reign Armor & Color
• Access to the 'ORION: Prelude Multiplayer Beta (2013)
• 3 Tracks from the ORION: Dino Beatdown Official Soundtrack

VERSION 1.1D LIVE NOW! VERSION 1.1E COMING!

We put out Version 1.1D late last week and it is now live. This was a quick fix to help aid some peformance issues as well as incorporated some major additions including:

• Ability to Drop Credits.
• Ability to Drop Weapons.
• Xbox 360 Gamepad Support.

You can read the full post here.

We are aiming to get a Version 1.1E out this week and then it's on to full development for Title Update 1.

DEDICATED SERVER SUPPORT VIA STEAM

With the release of Version 1.1D we have also made available the Steam Tool for ORION: Dino Beatdown Dedicated Server Support. If you own the game you will be able to load up Steam, go to the 'Tools' tab and see the 'ORION: Dino Beatdown Dedicated Server'. This will automagically update just as your Dino Beatdown Client.

STUDIO OPENING

We are extremely proud to announce this next segment. We have been working very hard for many years to get to this point and most importantly we have achieved it independently. While it won't be large off the start by any means, we will be filtering in (roll-out) over the next year and two.

What does this mean? We will not only have the key developers in the same country and time zone - but in the same room. We will be faster, more efficient and better communicated among one-another. This means faster updates for you guys and just an overall level of polish.

ONLIVE VERSION

The OnLive Version sadly had to see another delay due to our immediate focus shifting towards the HotFix updates for all of May. The good news is that all of the fixes, optimization, polish and additions will be (of course) applied towards the OnLive version of the game. We are hard at work on Title Update 001 and are looking to get the OnLive version incorporated by around Title Update 003.

SPIRAL IS HIRING (PAID POSITIONS)

With the success of ORION: Dino Beatdown we are able to open up a few new positions for key developers. You will be working directly on ORION: Dino Beatdown AND ORION: Prelude. These are Paid, Remote, Freelance positions. The following positions are available:

• 3D ARTIST - Characters & Creatures
• 3D ENVIRONMENTS - Hard Surface & Organic
• ANIMATOR - Characters & Creatures
• TECHNICAL - Rigging & Skeletons
• FLASH / GUI - ScaleForm Artist
• WEB - Web Developer & Designer
• LEVEL DESIGNER - Maps & Worlds.

TO APPLY:
Send application with a resume, CV and work examples to:
jobs@spiralgamestudios.com

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