Excellent! :D The beta keys will be in your message inboxes shortly.
In terms of what I'd like you to look out for:
Does it work?
Does it feel like a proper Steam game?
So let me know if the game fails to launch, crashes, hangs, or displays any error messages, or runs unbearably slowly, etc.
The second point is intentionally a bit vague: What's important right now is not as much a particular set of features as making sure that when people buy this through Steam, it doesn't come across as second-rate, awkward, or badly integrated. So the experience of using it from Steam has to feel decent.
Id like to help you out on working on the game and I think alot of people want to see this awsome game on steam id be realy happy if I can Support the game by playing the beta.
Thank you all for offering, the Steam codes will be winging their way towards you shortly. One note: If there's any kind of crash, please send me the log file. The auto-reporting system does work, but it doesn't include any way to connect bug reports to users.
OK, I think I have just found the first, hilarious Steam integration bug: If your Steam nickname has curly braces, the game will attempt to load an image with the name of what's between the braces and display that...
Oh, and if you've got square braces, it'll try to interpret the text in between the braces as a text color directive.
Found a little bug. http://puu.sh/eQ5BP/8a271a5b05.png
That text should be in the box, not flowing out of it.
Also, ships with only rams still count as "disarmed". This annoys me.
I think that building placement detection should be improved. i.e. I have a building shaped like an "L", it should be able to be placed below a floating rock that it would fit around.
Steam-wise, achievements work, but only seem to appear when I close the game. You asked whether it seems like a Steam game or not, I say it does, and especially if development continues.
Save feature: Does saving games/ships not work at all, or is it just failing to sync?
I'll fix the text overflow problem. :) Did the forum linking stuff make sense in general?
Better building placement detection is a good point. It should really use the real shapes rather than the bounding rectangles. I've added a TODO for this. :)
I've noticed the achievements only popping up after game exit thing too. Not sure what causes it, will ask around.
Got the achievement "A Convenient Perch" without actually fulfilling the requirements! Do you get this achievement even if ships brush against a floating island or something?
I have been thoroughly enjoying the game in stand alone and would be proud to help with any testing in steam. I have both a windows 7 machine and a Linux box (Ubuntu 14.04 I believe it is, I'm on my laptop so the version on Ubuntu might be one off) that I'd be happy to test out for you. Great game and look forward to all the great ships in the future. Steam email is the same(apv320@gmail.com).
My participation in Global Game Jam last weekend kind of delayed things, but the plan for the next few days is now to fix the bugs reported so far, put out a new version, and then sign up a second wave of testers. :)
A new version is now available on Steam, hopefully fixing the issues you've reported - let me know. :) I'm also sending out a second wave of keys now, so if you haven't received a beta key in a little while and would like one, let me know.
tcase42 - Sure, I'm about to push a new version up, and then I'll send you a key. :) Also, do note that you'll get a Steam key with your purchase either way!
A new beta hath dropped! It introduces some new stuff!
There's now a difference between moving and ramming. Normal move commands will automatically stop before colliding with stuff.
New weapon: Bomb bays, finally. Drop bombs from above on buildings and slow-moving ships. Pretty devastating if you can position yourself right.
New weapons: Dorsal and ventral turrets. Somewhere in between the normal and heavy cannon in firepower, plus a nice 190-degree firing arc. Great for buildings to shoot up at those pesky bombers... :)
These are the final days! The game goes live on Steam in less than 48 hours! Go and find bugs, bring them to me, so I can fix them in time!
Game's officially out. You can download the new version from the downloads page. Steam keys and downloads for stores like Desura and Humble are in the works.
Also, uh, if you have it and like it, please leave a positive review on Steam! I think it may be super-important that the first bunch of reviews are good.
Yeah that's a big one on steam. It tracks positive vs. negative and displays your product according to that. I can put up a review as soon as I get my key for steam.
Also a note. I am not able to enter the airship builder screen. It just boots me out of the game back to desktop and starts an upload process, like its updating. I'm on the Steam version running windows 7. Auto reporting is on so I hope you guys are getting reports from steam on this.
No problem. I poked around some more and figured out combat isn't wanting to work ether so it's not playable for me until this gets sorted. Still a good game just hit a snag is all. I'll see if it's something on my end.
Yeah, from what I can tell it crashes hard the moment a UniScreen comes up. Which is combat, city defences, ship/building design. So most fun things. Not that it helps you much, but at least it doesn't seem to be too widespread.
In most cases you can get your Steam Key from the website you bought the game from. From what I hear not all online stores have the Steam keys available yet they are likely taking a little more time to put it on there site than others.
Ex.) I got mine copy of the game on Humble Bundle. So I go to the Humble bundle site, log into my Humble bundle account, and find the page to retrieve the CD key, there was link to retrieve my Steam Key just above the link to retrieve my Humble bundle Key.
redbaron918 - According to your registration code prefix, you got the game through itch.io, so if you register an account/login there with the same email address you can get the Steam key assigned to your purchase. :)
i trided this but it didn't work i gusse that is because i used my email for my forum acount not my pay pal account i'll try this latter and see if it works
I've tried checking my E-mail for any download links to claim the purchase, but haven't found anything since I bought Airships a while ago. I do have checked paypal and in the past purchases with a $5 price to your email so I wonder if there is any other way to get the Steam Key?
Warrant Officer, Engineering Corps
I'd be happy to play test the steam version
Midshipman
I would also be glad to give it a whirl! :)
Aerial Emperor
Excellent! :D The beta keys will be in your message inboxes shortly.
In terms of what I'd like you to look out for:
So let me know if the game fails to launch, crashes, hangs, or displays any error messages, or runs unbearably slowly, etc.
The second point is intentionally a bit vague: What's important right now is not as much a particular set of features as making sure that when people buy this through Steam, it doesn't come across as second-rate, awkward, or badly integrated. So the experience of using it from Steam has to feel decent.
Lieutenant
Hello Zarkonnen! I just sent you an email.
Cabin Boy
Id like to help you out on working on the game and I think alot of people want to see this awsome game on steam id be realy happy if I can Support the game by playing the beta.
Able Airman
Do we post the things we'd think should be changed here? Or the answers to the 2 questions you asked :)
Aerial Emperor
Both, or send me messages. :)
Commander, Engineering Corps
I would like to test the steam version Zarkonnen
Cabin Boy
I'd be happy to help test too.
Aerial Emperor
Thank you all for offering, the Steam codes will be winging their way towards you shortly. One note: If there's any kind of crash, please send me the log file. The auto-reporting system does work, but it doesn't include any way to connect bug reports to users.
You can find the log file like this:
Thanks!
Aerial Emperor
OK, I think I have just found the first, hilarious Steam integration bug: If your Steam nickname has curly braces, the game will attempt to load an image with the name of what's between the braces and display that...
Oh, and if you've got square braces, it'll try to interpret the text in between the braces as a text color directive.
Uh, I'll get that fixed. :D :D :D
Lieutenant
Found a little bug. http://puu.sh/eQ5BP/8a271a5b05.png That text should be in the box, not flowing out of it. Also, ships with only rams still count as "disarmed". This annoys me. I think that building placement detection should be improved. i.e. I have a building shaped like an "L", it should be able to be placed below a floating rock that it would fit around. Steam-wise, achievements work, but only seem to appear when I close the game. You asked whether it seems like a Steam game or not, I say it does, and especially if development continues.
Able Airman
Seems the save feature doesn't work. Seems appropriate as far as a game on steam overall though.
Aerial Emperor
Midshipman
Got the achievement "A Convenient Perch" without actually fulfilling the requirements! Do you get this achievement even if ships brush against a floating island or something?
Aerial Emperor
Evidently "A Convenient Perch" is a bit too easily triggered, yeah. :) I'll add some extra conditions.
Thank you all so much for your help! I'll be putting up an improved version early next week, I'd imagine.
Cabin Boy
I will give it a go! :)
Cabin Boy
I have been thoroughly enjoying the game in stand alone and would be proud to help with any testing in steam. I have both a windows 7 machine and a Linux box (Ubuntu 14.04 I believe it is, I'm on my laptop so the version on Ubuntu might be one off) that I'd be happy to test out for you. Great game and look forward to all the great ships in the future. Steam email is the same(apv320@gmail.com).
Captain, Engineering Corps
Sign me up. I want everything. Guns, weapons... I call making a guide!
Warrant Officer
I'd also love to test the new steam version. Sign me up! :D
Aerial Emperor
My participation in Global Game Jam last weekend kind of delayed things, but the plan for the next few days is now to fix the bugs reported so far, put out a new version, and then sign up a second wave of testers. :)
Able Airman
i would like to join beta for steam
Cabin Boy
I would be happy to playtest Airships for you on Steam.
Aerial Emperor
A new version is now available on Steam, hopefully fixing the issues you've reported - let me know. :) I'm also sending out a second wave of keys now, so if you haven't received a beta key in a little while and would like one, let me know.
Warrant Officer
I would most definitely enjoy a swing at the Steam beta!
Aerial Emperor
Roight, I've updated the beta to EA6, the fancy new version with weather effects and stuff. Everyone - please have another look and let me know:
Air Admiral
May i give it a whirl?
Aerial Emperor
Sure! Have sent you a message.
Midshipman
Will be testing tomorrow, as soon as I have time :)
Cabin Boy
May I have a key?
Aerial Emperor
tcase42 - Sure, I'm about to push a new version up, and then I'll send you a key. :) Also, do note that you'll get a Steam key with your purchase either way!
Aerial Emperor
Pushed a new version, finally adding module categories in the editor. tcase42 - just sending you a Steam key now.
Cabin Boy
Thank you Zark. Appreciate it.
Cabin Boy
Send me a key - thanks (already bought the game too!).
Cabin Boy
can I get the key to participate in the steam beta?
Captain, Engineering Corps
Kevin, always capitalize your "I"'s
Aerial Emperor
A new beta hath dropped! It introduces some new stuff!
These are the final days! The game goes live on Steam in less than 48 hours! Go and find bugs, bring them to me, so I can fix them in time!
Air Admiral
wow thats a big update!
Captain, Engineering Corps
Wait what, I wasn't aware of this deadline o.O BEGIN THE STRESS TESTS
Cabin Boy
How do you go about getting the steam version if you have it on here already?x
Midshipman
I would also like to test the beta please :)
Able Airman
i would like to test the steam version so far is this game amazing
Aerial Emperor
There'll be a system for getting a Steam key for pre-existing purchases up in a short while. :)
Able Airman
Thank you :D
Able Airman, Engineering Corps
Am I correct in guessing that the system will be up as soon as the game is released on steam?
Aerial Emperor
Game's officially out. You can download the new version from the downloads page. Steam keys and downloads for stores like Desura and Humble are in the works.
Midshipman
just chekked the forum today and then I see the game has been update and released on steam aswel :). can't wait until i get my key :D
Aerial Emperor
Also, uh, if you have it and like it, please leave a positive review on Steam! I think it may be super-important that the first bunch of reviews are good.
Able Airman
Yeah that's a big one on steam. It tracks positive vs. negative and displays your product according to that. I can put up a review as soon as I get my key for steam.
Able Airman
Also a note. I am not able to enter the airship builder screen. It just boots me out of the game back to desktop and starts an upload process, like its updating. I'm on the Steam version running windows 7. Auto reporting is on so I hope you guys are getting reports from steam on this.
Midshipman
i would like to give it a revieuw but i don't have a steamkey yet :/
Aerial Emperor
Virgil - noted, thanks for the report. My housemate actually has the same on their laptop, so at least I can examine it from close-up. :)
Able Airman
No problem. I poked around some more and figured out combat isn't wanting to work ether so it's not playable for me until this gets sorted. Still a good game just hit a snag is all. I'll see if it's something on my end.
Aerial Emperor
Yeah, from what I can tell it crashes hard the moment a UniScreen comes up. Which is combat, city defences, ship/building design. So most fun things. Not that it helps you much, but at least it doesn't seem to be too widespread.
But obviously it's a priority to get this fixed!
Cabin Boy
When can we expect the Steam Keys to be sent out for purchases before the Steam release? Or did I miss some screen about those keys
Able Airman
In most cases you can get your Steam Key from the website you bought the game from. From what I hear not all online stores have the Steam keys available yet they are likely taking a little more time to put it on there site than others.
Ex.) I got mine copy of the game on Humble Bundle. So I go to the Humble bundle site, log into my Humble bundle account, and find the page to retrieve the CD key, there was link to retrieve my Steam Key just above the link to retrieve my Humble bundle Key.
Cabin Boy
were can iget my key if i bougtyh the game rigth from his website so is it possible to get a key?
Aerial Emperor
redbaron918 - According to your registration code prefix, you got the game through itch.io, so if you register an account/login there with the same email address you can get the Steam key assigned to your purchase. :)
Cabin Boy
i trided this but it didn't work i gusse that is because i used my email for my forum acount not my pay pal account i'll try this latter and see if it works
Cabin Boy
I've tried checking my E-mail for any download links to claim the purchase, but haven't found anything since I bought Airships a while ago. I do have checked paypal and in the past purchases with a $5 price to your email so I wonder if there is any other way to get the Steam Key?
Aerial Emperor
Which store did you buy it through? You can generally get your Steam key by logging on to the store you used.
Cabin Boy
hey can I get a steam code? I a while back I saw it was green lit and am so exitedtoget it on steam! thx =-)
Aerial Emperor
luigiloco - You bought your copy from itch.io, so you should be able to get a key from them.
Lieutenant
Can i get a key? :)
Lieutenant
Found my key email from last year :P
Aerial Emperor
Woo!
Warrant Officer
can i get a key
Aerial Emperor
Daniel14676 - You can get your key from itch.io where you bought the game originally. :) See the FAQ for more details.
(Also, gonna close this thread now that the beta is over.)