Platform Development: Update 32
Please find below a regular development status report, this one covering the period from July 8 to July 21, 2019. Within this timeframe, we were strongly focused on expanding the platform and SDK functionality for developers, adding more useful features.
User Game Rating
In the recent sprint, we have implemented one of the first social features — the User Game Rating, which is now available in the form of a 5-star scale on the Game page. Each player can leave a rating to the game he/she has played and help other users make their choice. The game rating becomes available after you’ve spent certain time playing the game. Only rates from active players are credited.
SDK evolution (in-game purchases)
We have added a special overlay interface which allows to make in-game purchases on the spot and any time during the game session, without leaving the game. In-game purchases are the first feature provided through this overlay interface and another great addition to The Abyss SDK.
In-game purchases are often used in games to provide a revenue source for the developers. Their key objective is to involve more players in the game by delivering desirable items or features that players can buy.
In-game purchases functionality was added for the games using DirectX9 and DirectX11. Also, by the request from the developers, we are getting prepared both 64 and 32-bit versions of our SDK. TechWars: Global Conflict will become the first game to enable the overlay feature.
Optimization plan implementation
We have achieved outstanding results in terms of performance optimization. We have optimized the registration process for the users coming from marketing/advertising campaigns. The User Interface/Experience (UI/UX) has been simplified, which will lead to a higher conversion rate on the platform.
The platform’s main page download speed has increased significantly worldwide. The average speed has reached 1.8 seconds mark (see the screenshot above).
Visual improvements
Сheck out The Abyss main page to see new game icons, new animation and indicators. Try pointing on the game’s icons with a mouse cursor and you’ll see the animated description pop up.
Also watch out for the coloured underlines on the main page. The games marked with a violet underline are distributed for free. Games currently sold with a discount have a green underline beneath and a green triangle in the upper left corner showing the amount of discount. All this makes the games more remarkable and the navigation more convenient.
Short-term development plans
While we’re working on adding the new features and games to the platform, our short-term development plans also include:
- Implementing the “Play” function for the web app. This feature will allow launching client games (previously downloaded) in the web app with a single click.
- Dividing Profile and Settings menu (UI/UX improvement);
- Adding Pop-up (“Toster”) Notifications as a next step in implementing the User Achievements functionality;
- Mandatory update for Desktop Client (notifying the user about major update release).
Well, that’s it for today. We will keep you up to date with the development process twice per month, as previously. The next report is scheduled for Aug 5, 2019.
Stay tuned!
Best,
The Abyss Team
