I spent more time experimenting with neural networks. I have a pretty nice framework for training them, and while working on it, I even found some performance issues and other bugs I could fix. I got quite good results with activities like mining and intercepting incoming asteroids and splitting them into smaller pieces. I will definitely incorporate this into the game’s AI behavior, but it was about time to get back to the main work.

Last week I started with improvements to the UI and AI for racing pilots. I was finally able to put together all the assets to make the UI consistent. I added some animations to the main menu and made it fully controllable with a gamepad. The biggest achievement was connecting Steam Cloud to save the settings.

Last week, I mostly focused on implementing the racing mode Fresh Freight. My original idea was that different types of ships with different abilities would tow containers through the system. However, it turned out not to be that much fun when I finally got to play it.

Last week was not that busy, but I still made quite a lot of progress. The main focus was on reworking the UI and implementing split-screen. I must say I am quite happy with how things are starting to turn out.

As part of Planet Siege mode, I added behavior for bots to check incoming debris and try to reduce it as possible, to reduce damage to its home planet.