The recent AMA for Pixels on June 12, 2024, revealed several exciting updates and plans for the game, particularly focusing on the highly anticipated Chapter 2 release.
Major Announcements:
- Chapter 2 Release Date: Scheduled for June 17th/18th with an expected downtime of 12 hours.
- Content Creator Involvement: Content creators are actively testing Chapter 2, providing valuable feedback.
- Systems Overhaul: Chapter 2 is a major systems update aimed at making the game more enjoyable and sustainable, with no changes to graphics but significant improvements to gameplay and progression mechanics.
Key Benefits and Player Engagement:
- The involvement of content creators will ensure a wealth of "how-to" guides for Chapter 2.
- The development team is committed to responding promptly to player feedback post-launch.
Detailed Q&A Insights:
- Carnival Return: There's a possibility the Carnival will return with Chapter 2, offering rare tier 3 and 4 tools as prizes.
- Speck Upgrade Costs: Measures are in place to reward genuine players and deter bots. Speck upgrades will require 2-3 weeks of gameplay effort and adjustments will be made as needed.
- Spending $PIXEL on UGC: The team is addressing issues with user-generated content submissions to enhance the overall experience.
- Reputation System Changes: New methods to earn and weigh reputation will be introduced without affecting existing reputations.
- Skill Leveling Sound Effects: Recognizing the need for better sound effects, the team is hiring to improve this aspect.
- Hiring Plans: Pixels plans to expand its data science team, adding 3-4 new members soon.
- Level Difficulty: Higher levels in Chapter 2 will be intentionally challenging, particularly those above level 85.
- Land and Decoration Management: The balance between industries and decorations on land will vary based on player and guild preferences.
- Bans and Cheating: The current ban system for cheating will continue, with a possible introduction of a strike system for minor infractions.
- Gameplay Adjustments: Changes in Chapter 2 are aimed at enhancing competition and rewarding real players. Player feedback will be crucial for further adjustments.
- Free-to-Play Viability: The game remains free-to-play, allowing players to progress without spending real money.
- Item Cost Balancing: Ongoing adjustments are being made to ensure a fair balance between item costs, such as floor tiles versus house upgrades.
- Pet Minting: Pet minting is planned shortly after Chapter 2's release, with player input on preferred pets being sought.
- Long-Term Plans for Pets: Expanding the game’s ecosystem and improving the overall player experience are key priorities.
- NFT Lands: Advanced tier 3 and 4 resources will be exclusive to NFT lands, emphasizing land-related gameplay.
- Tier 1 Kit Accessibility: Ensuring Tier 1 kits are accessible for new players while encouraging experienced players to aim for higher tiers.
- Shared Use of Specks and Chests: Future updates may allow friends to share access to specks and chests.
- Inventory Management Improvements: Adjustments to chest and backpack sizes are being made for long-term balance, despite some short-term inconvenience.
- Crop Levels Transition: Existing crops will remain post-update, though their usage may change.
- Marketplace Item Handling: Items in the marketplace during the update may be sent to mailboxes or remain listed.
- Community Events: Suggestions for community events are welcome, with energy parties and other events in the pipeline.
- Free-to-Play Player Experience: The team is monitoring the F2P experience to ensure it remains enjoyable, with community efforts to provide access to higher-tier resources.
- Art Contests: Ideas for art contests, such as loading screen design competitions, are under consideration.
- Marketplace Enhancements: Updates to the marketplace are planned, though not immediately with Chapter 2.
- Seasonal Festivals and Events: There is strong interest in hosting special events with unique rewards and games.
- Guild Taskboard Rewards: Guild taskboard rewards will be challenging, similar to the individual player task board.
- Bot Control Measures: Efforts to detect and limit bot activities include backend data science and game design strategies, with community reporting being crucial.
Overall, the AMA showcased the Pixels team's dedication to improving the game and engaging with the community. The upcoming Chapter 2 promises to bring significant enhancements and new opportunities for players.
Seeking thrilling battles? Join our SBT community! Challenge real players, win prizes in Bounty Hunting Events, and conquer the opponents. Unleash your strategy and claim your prizes!
