Planned Launcher and Login Changes
At the same time as the next Alpha Update, we are planning to release a new version of the launcher. This updated launcher will need to be downloaded from the website, but will include a self-update capability, allowing the launcher to receive updates automatically. The final version the current launcher will support is the currently released 2025.41.2-Alpha.
More importantly though, the primary reason we are replacing the launcher is that we will be moving various account functions into the launcher itself, such as: Registration, Login, Change/Forgot Password, and a couple others. We've decided to re-implement these functions in a WebRequest-like API, allowing us leverage stronger encryption and security. This also enables the possibility of also adding a way to interact with some of these functions from our website, should the need or desire arise. There are some other benefits to this that we will explore in a future post.
Next Alpha Update Content Plans and Status Update
Going into the new year, our goal is to get back to Alpha updates and a consistent dev cycle. The next update will be the first to contain many of the reworks we have been working on stemming from better knowledge of how the original worked.
In the attached video we show some footage of the current alpha version and a development build. Pay close attention to clipping and other issues with the model. Most prominently, the new character eliminates issues with gaps, seams, and deformations of the mesh. The advancements shown in the clip apply to all characters and animated objects in the game. The camera is also overhauled in the new footage, with the on-screen keyboard helping to visualize differences between the camera controls in real-time. This is just one small example of how the new update will elevate the quality of the game.
As for when that will be available, that is still undecided. Last post we mentioned that our desired release timeframe was ISO Week 9 of 2026 (Feb 23-Mar 1), and while this is still possible, it is looking to be less likely. We plan to make an announcement 2 weeks prior to the release, so keep your eyes open for that.
Some of the challenges we face in picking a release date involve the current completion status of tasks as well as developer availability, which fluctuates and is not possible to estimate. As such, some of the content available in the current Closed Alpha build will not be available in the next release. Lightsaber Duel will be removed completely until it is reworked. Republic Defender, as it currently exists, may also be temporarily disabled. However, this is one of our big priorities after the initial rework updates. The other existing games will revisited at a later time.
As for what we will be working on in the coming weeks, we are planning to knock out a bunch of UI Scripting and functionality, finishing the particle system integration we showcased last year, and finalizing a lot of the worlds. This includes audio, lighting, and, time permitting, interactable objects. We also have some other things we'd like to get working in parallel which aren't critical for the next update, such as:
- The One True Animation System™, an engine utility to create an Animation Controller to match the timings, mappings, and clip transition rules of the original. This will replace the more rudimentary and manual first iteration we have now.
- Various 2D and 3D minigames which need to be brought up to the new standards (Stunt Gungan, Lightsaber Duel, etc).
If any of the above sound interesting to you, come apply to join the team! If you do apply, please make sure you can receive DMs from Wald Deliglide on Discord, that way we can schedule an interview with you. We had a couple applicants from last time that we reached out to but did not hear back from.
No final thoughts today!
January 12, 2026 by Wald Deliglide