In Brief:
- The Sandbox (official site) plans to publicly launch its Studio game creation toolkit in October after the August 12 release of Studio Beta and Engine v14.
- Engine v14 introduces a unified SceneNode system for organizing game elements and makes prefabs first-class building blocks.
- A $7,500 Game Jam is underway, with submissions open until September 11, featuring Larry Hryb as lead judge.
The Sandbox prepares for public launch
The Sandbox is gearing up for the public launch of its Studio, the game creation toolkit, set for October. This follows the introduction of Studio Beta and Engine v14 on August 12. Engine v14 addresses the structuring of scenes with the new unified SceneNode system and upgrades prefabs to first-class status for enhanced creation flexibility.
September will focus on implementing sync multiplayer, covering features like four-player competitive gameplay and matchmaking. Game designers can take advantage of new kits and asset packs planned to roll out with the Studio’s public release.
Updates in Engine v14
Key updates in Engine v14 include a more intuitive organization of game elements — meshes, characters, and cameras — using the SceneNode system. The enhanced prefab capabilities allow creators to save and edit reusable content without disconnecting from the original assets.
The Studio’s AI Assistant is now accessible to all users, boasting faster performance and simplified sign-in options. Additional templates for action genres and new playable projects have been introduced, enhancing the toolkit’s versatility. Editor functionalities have been overhauled, including multi-select editing and streamlined drag-and-drop actions.
Game Jam details
Simultaneously, The Sandbox is holding a Game Jam with a total prize pool of $7,500. The theme, Overgrown, emphasizes transformation. Entries are due by September 11, and participants can compete in various categories, with top prizes of $2,500, $1,600, and $1,000 for the first three places. Hryb, known as Major Nelson, serves as the lead judge, evaluating submissions based on engagement and execution quality.
Breaking changes accompany the upgrades in Engine v14, and creators using prior versions are advised to consult the migration notes provided with the update.
Looking ahead
The October launch is anticipated to bring monetization features, comprehensive platform support, and an expanded voxel library, aimed at enhancing user experience and creativity in The Sandbox ecosystem.
