The grid’s down for the latest (and hopefully greatest) patch, which — according to the release notes — further improves the texture loading. Hopefully, this means the end of lag storms when I turn the camera in the wrong direction.
So what does one do when the grid and the forums are closed for maintenance? Well maybe I’ll give you an update on all that’s happening in the world of Cubey Terra.
This weekend, I managed to get in some solid development time on the new Terra Talon jet. One of the Talon’s key features is a HUD-attachment control panel, which I’ve never done before. The interesting thing about a heads-up display is that it’s part object-building and part UI design. While it’s tempting to simply follow a Windows-style interface simply for its universal familiarity, that’s really not what my vehicles are all about.
Instead, this HUD is all about replicating dials, chunky buttons, and indicator lights. It has to have the clunky, tactile, and slightly inefficient feel of metal and plastic. Controls need to make that satisfying “click” when you switch something on. I’ll post snapshots of it later on, when the grid’s back.
In terms of timeline, I’m not to far from the finish line. Given several hours or so of tweaks and polishing, I think I’ll be able to maybe declare it mostly pretty much almost close to what I’d sort of admit to being virtually done. And you can hold me to that.