Hi everyone!
I'm writing this dev diary in the hours before the official release of Green Planet. The air is heavy with anticipation. As I look back, it seems as if ages have passed since we started working on Green Planet. We started with a vision of what the terraforming of Mars would look like, and explored what efforts would it take for humans to achieve it, and how we would simulate all of this in our game.
We knew that terraforming parameters would be necessary, as any such endeavor would require a method of measurement. We knew that climate change should occur and that it should carry both positive and negative effects. We envisioned drastic changes in the scenery, a metamorphosis of the barren sands into lush green forests. These were the pillars that we started building on.
Initially, we thought that it would be unrealistic to speed-up the terraforming process so that we skip the hundreds of years required for the planet to stabilize until humans can live on it freely. We considered concluding the terraforming of Mars at the point where the initial stages have passed – the planetary climate is more stable, but humans still have to utilize protective equipment to venture outside of their habitats. They would benefit from the newly formed forests and lakes, but still live in domes and require life support.
After playtesting this idea, we realized we were missing something. All of the terraforming effort by the player results in an unsatisfactory outcome. So, back to the drawing board!
The main question was what would be the technical cost of removing the domes entirely once the player has achieved 100% terraforming. As some of you (wink, wink, modders) are aware, many of the game logic is related to the way the domes operate. After all consideration, the end goal was weighted against the cost and we decided that the fun of the players was above everything. As such, the ultimate goal to create a Breathable Atmosphere with, all of its consequences, was shaped as it is in-game.
Once you have secured Earth-like conditions for life, an automated message will inform you that your Colony has achieved a hospitable environment. You'll need a lot of terraforming progress for this - 95% Atmosphere and 50% Temperature, but the fireworks are worth it. You now have the choice to open your domes for the new Martian environment, or you can keep the domes up if you want.
If you decide that your Colony is ready to make this gigantic leap of faith, a built-in self-destruct mechanism will be triggered in all domes, which will quickly dissolve the polymeric substances in their cupolas. Then their metallic frames will be demolished and replaced with trees. Congratulations, you've just opened your Domes for the Martian atmosphere!
They no longer require oxygen or passage connections. Your colonists will visit nearby open domes that are in the area of their home and will walk around without pressure suits.
And now you can finally construct your Capital City. The Capital City is the sole unique building in Green Planet. It's the largest dome possible and it can be placed on rough terrain. Just the center plaza and one of the pipe connection shafts need to be placed on flat surface. Just be sure to keep the atmosphere breathable! The Capital City has no built-in safe mechanisms and your colonists can easily suffocate if the terraforming parameters fall below a critical threshold.
Congratulations, you have completed terraforming for the first time! I bet you can't wait to do it again! And for myself, I'm going to pop a cold one and cherish the release of Green Planet, while waiting to hear what you think about it. I’m eager to hear from you in the comments!
See you all on the Green Planet!
Ivan Grozev,
Lead Designer,
Green Planet
I'm writing this dev diary in the hours before the official release of Green Planet. The air is heavy with anticipation. As I look back, it seems as if ages have passed since we started working on Green Planet. We started with a vision of what the terraforming of Mars would look like, and explored what efforts would it take for humans to achieve it, and how we would simulate all of this in our game.
We knew that terraforming parameters would be necessary, as any such endeavor would require a method of measurement. We knew that climate change should occur and that it should carry both positive and negative effects. We envisioned drastic changes in the scenery, a metamorphosis of the barren sands into lush green forests. These were the pillars that we started building on.
Initially, we thought that it would be unrealistic to speed-up the terraforming process so that we skip the hundreds of years required for the planet to stabilize until humans can live on it freely. We considered concluding the terraforming of Mars at the point where the initial stages have passed – the planetary climate is more stable, but humans still have to utilize protective equipment to venture outside of their habitats. They would benefit from the newly formed forests and lakes, but still live in domes and require life support.
After playtesting this idea, we realized we were missing something. All of the terraforming effort by the player results in an unsatisfactory outcome. So, back to the drawing board!
The main question was what would be the technical cost of removing the domes entirely once the player has achieved 100% terraforming. As some of you (wink, wink, modders) are aware, many of the game logic is related to the way the domes operate. After all consideration, the end goal was weighted against the cost and we decided that the fun of the players was above everything. As such, the ultimate goal to create a Breathable Atmosphere with, all of its consequences, was shaped as it is in-game.
Once you have secured Earth-like conditions for life, an automated message will inform you that your Colony has achieved a hospitable environment. You'll need a lot of terraforming progress for this - 95% Atmosphere and 50% Temperature, but the fireworks are worth it. You now have the choice to open your domes for the new Martian environment, or you can keep the domes up if you want.
If you decide that your Colony is ready to make this gigantic leap of faith, a built-in self-destruct mechanism will be triggered in all domes, which will quickly dissolve the polymeric substances in their cupolas. Then their metallic frames will be demolished and replaced with trees. Congratulations, you've just opened your Domes for the Martian atmosphere!
They no longer require oxygen or passage connections. Your colonists will visit nearby open domes that are in the area of their home and will walk around without pressure suits.
And now you can finally construct your Capital City. The Capital City is the sole unique building in Green Planet. It's the largest dome possible and it can be placed on rough terrain. Just the center plaza and one of the pipe connection shafts need to be placed on flat surface. Just be sure to keep the atmosphere breathable! The Capital City has no built-in safe mechanisms and your colonists can easily suffocate if the terraforming parameters fall below a critical threshold.
Congratulations, you have completed terraforming for the first time! I bet you can't wait to do it again! And for myself, I'm going to pop a cold one and cherish the release of Green Planet, while waiting to hear what you think about it. I’m eager to hear from you in the comments!
See you all on the Green Planet!
Ivan Grozev,
Lead Designer,
Green Planet