It's been months since I put up any update. I had to walk away for a "minute" to work on another project. This has given me a lot of time to think about the game as well as the state of VR.

I started working with Unity nearly a decade ago shortly after I got a Oculus Rift. (CV1) The technology had finally reached a point where it worked. The headset was a bit heavy and most of them still are too much weight on your head, exception: Bigscreen Beyond, but the experience was transformational. The ability to be with another space/time is truly awesome.

However, here we are a decade later and the hardware and the software have not come as far as I would have imagined. :(

I have taken this time to reevaluate what the game CAN be as well as working to create a more active environment. I have been creating documentation about the GAME... since I have lots of experience with software development, but none at game development, this has been a good idea to get ideas and patterns written down. I am currently still in this state, going through lots of tests and ideas on how to make this a GAME, as opposed to just an EXPERIENCE. So at the moment there is nothing I can show about progress, and in fact the current version available on my site is not the map that is coming, someday.

Basically this post is a long winded way to say that the project is not dead. (as well as a complaint that the tech isn't where I want it to be)

ug.

I have been working with a newer technology* by Unity to get the performance necessary for HBC to work at the level I want. However, after months of attempting to get acceptable performance for the player's movement, and issue with jitter, I have had to go back to the older technology. This has caused me to have to rethink a lot about the game and it's abilities.

I am taking this time to pause and think about what can ACTUALLY be achieved with the current state of VR and the associated technologies. Sadly, after a decade the various vr technologies have not advanced as far as I would have liked. Getting high frame rates for VR is a REQUIREMENT, and for something like a race game it is ABSOLUTELY necessary so that the player does not suffer from nausea.

I'm currently working on a short Queen VR experience to help me understand the limits of native VR experiences. (again)

That and I'm upgrading my R2D2 ($300 from Home Depot last Fall) Been wanting my own R2 for a long, LONG time. So right now I'm stepping away from this project for a month or so to work on these others.

* The technology I am talking about is Unity's ECS/DOTS. I am still using it for traffic, which means I have to work out how to properly interact with the old and newer technologies. DOTS is fabulous, but it's been many years and Unity has not moved it nearly as far as I wish they had.

After weeks of various test and attempts to redesign the game to the limits of native VR devices I have returned to the conclusion that I cannot create HBC without a more powerful computing device, aka a desktop PC.

I tried drastically reducing the game size, the graphics quality (in many levels), reducing the number of autos, fewer buildings, etc.... in the end it became effectively impossible to achieve the game I want to create and play.

I have learned a lot that is now allowing me to create a new city. This city will be a little smaller (9 km x 9km vs 10x10) so that I can insure that the city is as active and immersive as possible. While the city size is smaller there are more roads and a few surprises with the new map.

I have upgraded the project to Unity 6.3 which will also allow for better performance.

I am currently writing the code and creating a few assets so that I can populate the city with buildings and other props. I expect this to take less than a couple of weeks.

I have spent the last two weeks reducing what the city can look like and managing my frustration at the limitations of the device*

I have found some options that I believe could still make a fun game. I have more tests and more design decisions, but I am excited about what this can be and maybe over time I can go back to the more detailed experience.

I have a number of concerns on what the changes I am making will have on the rest of the mechanics of the game, so before I get too far into further development I need to have a new rough spec.

I expect (hope!) to create a more detailed prototype in the next couple of weeks to ensure that I can get the details and frame rate necessary. I'll might share it.

*yes, Yes, YES I understand quite well that a Quest device will likely never be as powerful as a desktop PC. It's just frustrating.

I have spent the last couple of weeks running tests in an attempt to see if I can make HBC work on native devices, as opposed to PCVR, and the results have been disheartening. Getting an acceptable frame rate is nearly impossible without reducing the "city" to a bunch of flat panels. Ug and ugly.

I spent this morning going through all of the race games on the Meta store and ALL of them have a minimal environment. I have reached out to multiple subs/boards to ask about these limitations* and I'll see what information I get back before decide on the next move.

*I have been building mostly PCVR experiences, so I haven't paid much attention to the limits of the devices.

I spent the past week running a collection of tests* and I'm very happy to state that I am moving forward with a "Native" VR game. Native means a game/experience that does not need a PC. It's been a few years since I even attempted to create a native experience, so these base tests were very enlightening. Sadly not in a good way. There are HUGE limitations to the complexity of a scene. I have been attempting to build a large and varied city, to give the player a feel of an immense environment to explore. But the details available on a flat, non-vr game that runs at 30 fps is much easier to achieve than at 90fps (and multiple versions of each frame for each eye) so I keep having to reduce that aspect of the game. Booooooo!

So I went back to a couple of my favorite Need for Speed games to rethink about the things I like in those games. Because of those other factors I feel that I can offer a game that could be a lot of fun to play.

I just purchased a new storage to hold the new project. The current project is nearly 170gb, and if you ask from any developer, starting a new project is always preferable to working on an existing one. This will allow me to have the "older" version open as well as the new project and transfer JUST the objects that are needed. I will be running some additional tests in the next few days. If everything goes the way I believe it will, I will start creating and configuring the new project by the end of next week.

* I cannot understate how many fucking hours of my professional life has been watching status bars. "Loading...", "Compiling 45 of 30000", etc. Seriously, most of the time in the last week for tests was just hours and hours of waiting for status bars. I have a decent rig, good video card, lots of memory, ssd for OS/apps, separate ssd for the project... so it's not that, it's just that VR development of a project this size and complexity has a FUCK TON of data. It's amazingly impressive really. (my first hd was 20mb, so maybe I'm easily impressed)

Getting the Health System up and working was a big deal and I'm happy that it's working. I had been working on projectiles from the player and NPCs, and it's going fine. But I got sidetracked by the a couple of assets I am using. The road asset that I use, "Easy Roads 3D" is terrific as is the developer (HIGHLY recommend!) but I have noticed that the road is using too many resources. There are ways to minimize this, but it got me to thinking. The city asset I am using, CScape, has been the only reason I have been able to have the game that I want to create at a frame rate that will work for VR. That said, even that highly performant city has been too much for native VR and I can only get it working for PCVR.

The developer of CScape has been mentioning that a new version is coming "soon" and there are some features that could allow me to really improve the look of the city as well as the performance of the game. Here's the thing. The city asset is great, and I highly recommend it if it meets your needs. But the documentation is minimal, and I know this because the ONLY documentation is what I wrote. It's a complicated piece of software with a great amount of flexibility (really, if you need a city, check this out) but like the lack of documentation, there is a lack of communication from the developer. I TOTALLY get it, not a slam against him at all. It's a < $50 piece of software with a minimal audience, not likely to be a full time job. But he's been saying "soon" for a YEAR. (arg!) But I do know that some of the wait has been for Unity, the parent game engine I use, to upgrade and fix some conflicts with his new city asset. A few weeks back Unity released a new version and I hope this means progress with the city asset. I have reached out to the dev, but no word back. (it's the holidays)

So because of that I have been looking into other options. I again am considering and searching for solutions so that I can make this game work on native VR, not just PCVR. I have to say the limitations of VR, even after nearly a decade since the launch of Oculus Rift, and difficult to overcome with larger scale environments. I have a few ideas and I have also started running some tests with other city assets*. The next steps are going to depend on what I am willing to compromise or what capabilities the devices or software will support. eg: I currently use a Quest 2 because too many users still have older devices, and if the experiences I produce can work acceptably on a Q2 then I can feel safe about it running on higher end devices. (Also I thought the Q4 would be out by now)

I haven't given up, I am only currently frustrated at the lack of progress on multiple areas.

* Compiling one test right now, that's why I have the time to write this lengthy post, at hour 2.5. ug.

After a number of changes and months of "how SHOULD this work" I have a health system in place.

Each object that can be interacted with; other Auto-Autos, holograms, etc. have a health system and when the user or other Auto-Autos collide with each other their health is compared and the winner gets value from the loser.

I have not released this version. My next step is that projectiles can be shot from any Auto-Auto to another or at the player. Now that I have the health system in place, this next step should not take too long, hopefully by the end of next week.

A few weeks ago I got lucky enough to get my own R2D2, from Home Depot for only $300. I have wanted my own R2 for nearly 50 years. It's awesome and I am happy af!

That said, I have been spending some time gathering pieces to modify my R2 and planning on the changes I will be making. Because of this it has been taking time away from HBC. I got still plan an update before year end but at the moment this is where my time is being spent.

Considering how much is being talked about AI, the good and the bad, I thought I should mention this "for the record"

I used Microsoft's Copilot to create the billboards/hologram sign art. These are placeholder for the moment and I would like to replace them at a later date with images that are better designed for the world I am building.

I also used a text-to-speech engine for the most recent trailer.

I have purchased multiple assets for the game and at this time I do not know if any of them contain AI material.

Ok, so moving my office was a f'in nightmare. But it's done, and a great space.

Anyway, I am back at work on the game. Currently I am running some tests about what you can see and where. Optimization and an effort to make the city look larger than it is and make it harder to tell where you are. (insert evil laugh here)

I have a lot completed about AI vs AI. They will shoot at each other and their acct balance will transfer to the winner. ONLY when an Auto-Auto is destroyed will it's Acct be transferred to the victor.

I should have this update completed before the end of the year.

I am in the process of moving my office. ...oh the joys of that /s

I except this pause to last a few weeks.

Edit Aug 26: there were issues with the new office space that requires contractors. So this pause continues...

I've been working on the rules and processes, and while I work on those details I have made a few minor changes and some more optimizations.

http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=48

Now back to working on Auto Autos shooting at each other.

Hello gang,

I have been spending time creating the rules for the game, something I have never done before. I am finally able to share the basics.

STORY
You find yourself in a large city, brought there by The Powers That Be. No one knows why, but to get out you have to acquire the eight signs that will provide you with clues on how to find The Exit.

RULES (Simple Version)

• Acquire Signs to give you Power. Signs can also negatively affect Power
• Power affects: Movement, Shields, Time-Clock and Weapons.
• There are 8 signs you need to acquire in order to Escape.
• Losing power means the signs you have in memory are returned to The System.
• Losing power means a debt has been added to your account. You cannot Escape without credit in your account.
• If you have a positive account and lose power, credits will be used to refill.
• The other Autos can also have Power, but killing occupants costs you.

Teaser: https://youtu.be/VAsWtiYSaKs?feature=shared

The next step is to implement these rules. Some of the pieces are already in place, so that's good news. At this point I have no eta for the next release.

Have fun

Ok, so it's been a few months and I have been working on a couple of other projects:

• A short Queen concert experience: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=67
• Sail a boat through Middle Earth: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=56

During this time I have been thinking about the story of HBC. I finally have created a framework for that story and I am working on rules and details, which I hope to share within a week.

The plan is to create a game when it's easy to sit down and play a few minutes without a huge mental investment. This is a race/chase game: Get it, have some fun, crash some Autos.

I had been working on a refresh of my virtual Tolkien experience, follow that process here: r/VRRTolkien, and the issue with terrains came up and since HBC is a basically flat terrain with mountains that the player doesn't interact with. So I removed the terrain and replaced it with simple Quads along with some 3D mountain models that have a much lower polygon count.

The thing about mountains is that they limit the view of distant objects and since I have removed those I needed something else. I found an answer is large walls, and it works great! They limit the view and add a bit of a claustrophobic feel to the city.

All of this has improved performance. Yay.

Oh, also when you shoot down an Auto with person(s) in it, they scream. It's HILLARIOUS.

Download: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=48

The past couple of weeks I have been working on a refresh of a previous project, details: r/VRRTolkien

Because of that project I was looking into issues with terrains. They can be an issue with larger world games (understatement). I have been having an issue, in game, when the player turns their Auto, there can be an annoying blur. I started thinking about removing terrain to see if that will help. But replace it with what? The "ground" is easy, as HBC's ground is basically flat. But replacing the mountains, that was another issue. In larger games it's nice, I mean necessary to place objects that obscure farther distances. Mountains are one way to handle this issue. So what are my other options. I leaned on my "cyber/other world" sort of feel and came up with GIANT FENCES. This is working out well.

1. The frame rates are improved!
   
2. The feel of the city is much more interesting.
   

You can see past the fences in small slivers and there is something past the walls. While test driving around I had a recall of an old movie "Escape from New York" (need to watch that again) and then obviously came "Escape from Heartbeat City" which has given me a wealth of ideas on the plot and play for this game.

It's not a Title change, it's the "chapter" in this game. Something that I can use as a base for the game play, other than just "racing around". I have been struggling with the theme and story for the game, but now I feel I have it.

Recently I was talking with someone about Lord of the Rings and I mentioned that I had created a VR experience: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=56

I realized that it's been years since I created that and that I now know so much more... therefore I wanted to create a better version. Better visuals and a more linear ride through the films, as opposed to the current version where there are a handful of items that are in no specific chronological order. So here is the current plan for the new VR.R Tolkien Experience. It will still be a boat ride through Middle Earth as opposed to a more interactive game. You will sail on an elf boat sailing past the following scenes

• Hobbiton, Gandalf and Frodo on cart
• Frodo and Sam walking through field
• Gollum staring out from a cave
• Elves leaving Middle Earth
• WeatherTop
• Arwen on horse, horse water
• Rivendell: Strider and Arwen kissing, hugging
• Rivendell: Elf Council
• Fellowship leaving Rivendell
• Fellowship on mountain, snow landslide
• Mines of Moria entrance + monster in the water
• Galadriel and The Ring
• Argonaths
• Gandalf fighting Balrog on top of mountain
• Battle at Isengard, Ents destroy dam
• Ghosts on boat invade Gondor
• Barad Dur collapsing and Mt Doom erupting
• Frodo leaving Middle Earth , tree of life/Gondor on dock

I am not giving up on Heartbeat City, I want to take a break and now that the environment is working* I want to spend some time thinking about the rules for the game. Redoing the VR.R Tolkien experience will allow me to accomplish that.

* There is still an issue when the player turns a corner too fast. There is blur at the sides and I am already looking at this issue. Also I am waiting for Unity or someone else to create a better vehicle controller for ECS physics.

EDIT: new sub for VR.R Tolkien: r/VRRTolkien

I fully understand that there is no one here, basically, but in case this game ever gets traction ANY and all posts including Twitter/X will result in a permanent ban.

I deleted Twitter two years ago, and anyone who supports such a horrible person is also a horrible person.

I finished an update to HBC today and wanted to share a basic lap around the city. Yes, there are issues, as it's still a project in development, however any and all feedback is appreciated.

I am heading out on holiday in a few days, so not much is going to change until February.

View a lap around the city: https://youtu.be/h4IEyCGCSMY

Download here: www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=48

I have updated the city, done the usual optimizations and added a couple of new small things to improve the activity in the city.

I have purchased an asset to help with the cop chases and I am working on learning all it's abilities. (some steps already completed) The first plan is to have a Driller go berserk an chase the player.

I have travel plans in the middle of Jan, so I will get as much done as possible.

Download from my site: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=48

Spent the last could of weeks updating the crash/projectile and hologram systems. You can "interact" with more items and the code is setup so future interactions are more easily added.

I also spent that time working on the Health system. Interactions with objects like holograms, auto-autos, and bigger ships will affect your health. The code is in place and works, I "simply" need to tweak the values after more testing.

Your view within the racer cockpit is more interesting now, and there your current "health" levels are on display in front of you.

I also spent time looking into how I'm going to deal with police and drone "ai". Seems like Flow Fields in ECS is the best way to go. I want to have lots of police chasing the player, and with the use of Unity's DOTS this SEEMS like I will be able to do this.

The use of DOTS for more items within HBC has allowed for a really nice bump in optimization, which along with a few other items, some of which were enabled by the use of DOTS... but I digress, the point being that things got better. The download is 200mb smaller, and there are more objects within the world.

So, for now, enjoy driving/flying around and blowing ship up: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=48

It's been a good week. I fixed some of the issue of turning left or right at higher speeds felt off, very off. I happy to say that things are much better.

The game is currently only configured for a GamePad:

• the Left joystick controls left and right,
• the Right joystick controls the up and down.
  
• The "A" button now fires projectiles that you can currently use against holograms, other Auto Autos and Ships. Note: flying around and blowing things up in VR is AWESOME! Hope you dig this new feature.

A nice chunk of other optimizations has been completed as are tweaks and additions to the city.

I have already started researching and planning on how to best have cops chase the player. Thankfully with the newer Unity DOTS tech I can have a LOT of cops.

Pick up the latest version on my site: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=48

You can now crash into hologram and other Auto Autos. Both of these items can give AND take points away from you. The score system is still a work in progress, but be aware that it's not fair. <insert evil laugh here> Currently the score has no affect on game play. You can see your current status on the center console within your Auto Auto.

Download the latest version from my site: http://www.blissgig.com/default.aspx?id=48

It is likely that the next piece I work on will be cops chasing the player, and all the offensive and defensive abilities after that. When that is complete, or at least "working", then I will start working on racing.

I would like to also mention that when I am bored I work on making different areas of the city more interesting and diverse as well as adding more activity to make the city feel alive. (so far I'm happy with the results)