Phase 1 Complete: Market Expansion

We have reached the end of Phase 1 on our roadmap. This update bridges the gap between hardware and accessibility, ensuring your progress is safe, portable, and available across multiple platforms.

Steam Cloud & Multi-Profile Saves

Cloud Sync: Introduced SteamCloudManager to handle seamless cross-device synchronization and conflict resolution.
Save Profiles: You can now manage multiple distinct save slots. This includes legacy save migration and the ability to switch profiles without affecting other data.
Session Tracking: Added playtime and lastUpdated timestamps to metadata for better save management.

Linux & Hardware Support

Native Linux Build: Native support is now enabled, ensuring optimal performance for Linux users.
Steamworks Enabled: The platform-specific guards have been lifted, fully enabling Steamworks features across all supported desktop builds.

Gamepad UI & Quality of Life

Dynamic Hints: UI elements like the Compendium and Outhouse now feature gamepad-aware prompts that update instantly when you switch input devices.
Save UI Polish: Expanded the SaveProfileUI with larger interaction targets and clear controller icon overlays for easier navigation.
Game Clock Update: Refined the HUD clock to dynamically switch formats (M:SS vs. SS) for better readability during intense waves.
Graphics Persistence: The BootLoader now correctly applies your saved graphics preferences immediately upon launch.

Technical Hardening

Stability: Implemented safer JSON handling, RouteManager guards, and null-checks for the SoundManager to prevent rare crashes.
Combat Tuning: Updated CombatNodes.json with additional spawn entries for more varied enemy encounters.

What's Next? With Phase 1 finalized, we are officially moving into Phase 2: Shareholder Value, focusing on Steam Achievements, Daily Run Challenges, and Global Leaderboards.