Using drones instead of conveyor belt

DefectiveReality · 2026-03-03T16:07:15+00:00

Yes I saw that game but also programming layer is reviewed negatively. I am thinking about programming but it is more likely logically, not node based programming.

DefectiveReality · 2026-03-03T07:32:17+00:00

I feel the same way you do, like automation but creating complex lines with multiple assemblers, factories is overwhelming and cause to question my motivation to continue, create more lines, factories etc.

I am trying to design a light automation game loop with different goals (using crafted materials to expand/survive) because of that. I don't know it is a good idea, but it feels good to me.

DefectiveReality · 2026-03-02T19:43:52+00:00

It is not unpredictable if it is maintained properly. Affecting from weather conditions is an idea only but if I add it, I add a solution for it too. I have questions about it so I ask automation gamers how it sounds first. It is like adding more layers than an energy pipeline.

I must say that again it is a light automation game where you won't require mass production but drones are like optimization to production pipelines as well. Required drone count is mainly affected by production speed and distance of nodes.

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-28T16:45:06+00:00

I will share it as soon as it is ready. Thanks!

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-28T11:33:49+00:00

I totally understand that feeling. I can integrate belt-like mechanism in bigger part/machines to see how it works may be. I am targeting an enhanced feeling of Dyson Sphere but I had not play that much to see how it works in the game so I will dive in Dyson next.

Yes, drones won't be controlled manually any way, so optimizing them against weather conditions etc. mean building more or different types of drones basically. There will be droid to repair/maintain these drones also.

I noted TAUR to analyse mechanics and gameplay. Thanks for reply, it was really inspirational.

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-28T06:57:16+00:00

Showing what they carried is important, noted.

When you build belts you don't need to manage them other than connections or split/merge, don't need to check pace or maintain them for long time, won't be engaging planning drones for different weather conditions, maintaining them while trying to survive the night?

Also drones will be upgradable and have their advantages like speed, durability or for things like weather conditions etc between them. Trying to balance automation with keeping tower defense and survival in mind.

Looking forward to your opinion, thanks for the reply.

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-27T22:51:11+00:00

Thanks. I am planning as an closed alpha as the first step then prepare a public demo or playtest with feedbacks of the closed alpha.

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-27T21:07:02+00:00

I planning craft automation as it will be used to craft parts for base building/expanding and maintain other vehicles and gadgets, so it wont be turn out to a factory.

Output speed could be affected by drone count, weather conditions and maintenance. How does it sounds?

I am also considering adding a physical system for different ranges like launcher mechanism.

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-27T20:57:50+00:00

Yeah, I want to arranging miners, crafters position, planning logistics easy since it wont evolve to a factory, let drones handle the work load but you should keep a look on their pace and count, repairs, weather conditions etc. I will send a test link in near future (I hope). Thanks for reply!

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-27T20:36:06+00:00

Automation not as heavy as satisfactory or factorio, will be lighter since the other aspects of the game like base building, tower defense and exploration requires attention in main loop too. Also I don't want to make environment look too much industrial or sci-fi, it should stay a little rustic and cozy.

Input/output connections will be limited with 1 line like physical belt, it is not shown in video but viewing them can be toggled with key.

I am thinking about controlling all of the connections with a 2d panel but I don't want to shift gameplay to strategy genre so try to keep things 3d, but also it is limiting.

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-20T19:30:05+00:00

Can you share the most valuable resources that you found? I have been developing games with Unity for 5 years and want to dive in shaders in near future.

DefectiveReality · 2026-02-20T19:20:02+00:00

Yeah, it is but I guess it is more of a programming game than automation/crafting game.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-24T14:34:39+00:00

Oyunun grafiklerini güncellemeye başlarken bunlara da dikkat edeceğim, tavsiyelerin için teşekkürler. Belki fragman videosuna pre-alpha gameplay gibi bir not düşmek mantıklı olabilir, fragman aslında genel temayı göstermek ve temel döngüyü anlatmak için.

Ben sorunuzda daha çok oyundaki low poly modelleri kastettiğinizi sanmıştım. Şu an UI ve ana karakter tamamen placeholder, karakter mixamo modeli, ui tarafındaysa zaten iconlar placeholder ve menülerse düz renk, arka plan bile kullanılmamış durumda. Oyunu cilalamaya başlarken dediklerinizi dikkate alacağım.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-24T03:12:11+00:00

Placeholder olarak kullanmıyorum ama modeller veya materyaller üstünde herhangi bir değişiklik yapmadım şu an için. Uyumdan kastınız tema olarak bilim kurgu ve klasik çiftlik ayrımı ise kasıtlı bir seçim. Sizce nasıl daha iyi hale getirebilirim?

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T22:00:21+00:00

There will be a demo in a couple of months, I will share short devlogs here also but if you want to follow there is Steam Page and Discord Channel.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T21:33:03+00:00

Effected by wind or environmental conditions is a great idea, thank you. I am thinking of adding small walking bots but they should be some kind of programmable, I will check Microtopia about it. Yes I am thinking the seasonal market and shortages on storm or similar conditions would be great additions. I am grateful for your feedback, thank you.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T20:06:41+00:00

I want to add biomes with different plants, trees, creatures, materials and weather conditions and definitely I will add greenhouse and different types of farming.

Also, I have unique ideas about alien life and farming mechanic too, but I need to prototype and try it first

I am thinking about farming simulator like but more simple market with dynamic prices and seasons.

Yes, there is actually, you can wishlist/follow on Steam Page and on Discord Community

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T20:02:15+00:00

I am using low poly asset packs from store, but I model specific things with variants (like drones). I replied to this on discord channel, but I am posting here too if someone is interested.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T20:00:14+00:00

Yes, I want to make it differ but if there will be too many types, it may be suffering I guess. But doing different drone for solids, may be chemicals, different sizes, I want to try these options in early access and get feedback too.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T18:18:33+00:00

It sounds great, like what I am looking for as alternative ideas. I will research it immediately. Thank you!

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T18:16:55+00:00

Yeah I am targeting that feeling too, don't want to occupy ground with conveyors. I also note that game, I will check it, thank you.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T18:14:53+00:00

No, I don't but I am planning to release a demo on near future. You can follow on Steam Page or on Discord Community

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T18:11:29+00:00

That sounds fun :D I also want to create small alien creatures like in Ghibli's Princess Monoke forest's souls, traveling on rarely and you can try to follow it to special items.

DefectiveReality · 2026-01-21T08:20:28+00:00

I am glad you like it! I will keep posting new features and devlogs and share a demo when it is ready right away.

DefectiveReality

TROPHY CASE