Let’s Automate Space Engineers Ep.1: Cinematic Drill Rig Setup | No Cheats, Full Transparency

[@FreakinRocket]

I like this style of video. It's fresh and makes it feel less like I'm watching someone play a video game that I could just go play myself. Instead, I get a cool perspective from the narrator that is almost 4th wall breaking. I love it!

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks @FreakinRocket the goal was to create something that felt different to what is already out there. i knew there was no way i could compete with the well established creators so wanted to make something that would fill the gaps between their uploads

[@abaloth]

Always good to see new SE content creators and i like the goal you have set with automation. I also like what i have seen from the teaser and looking forward to see what the future brings. However i have a few things i feel i must mention for your own sake. In my opinion you have spend way too much time spend on editing and compressing the gameplay, at this rate there will never be a series, but you will probably burn out long before that. The editing also almost seems to be more of the focus than the actual engineering in the game, i am not sure that is what you are going for ? Take your time, there is no rush, this game progress could easily have been 2 x 30 mins episodes with way less editing and way less stress on yourself. You say you are inspired by Splitsie, take a look at his series again, and see how much raw footage he actually uses, and taking his time to show the practical details as well. This is just my opinion based on my fear of you burning out on the project early on for no good reason. If i am completely wrong and you are having a great time doing it like this, then ignore this, because most important of all, you should have fun doing it. Looking forward to future episodes

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thank you so much for your comment, @abaloth. It’s been a stressful few weeks, and I really needed to see this today. Your kind words and constructive feedback mean a lot to me. You’re absolutely right about the editing and compressing the gameplay. I did spend a lot of time on it, and it led to some burnout. I was worried that my non-stop rambling and tendency to get sidetracked might not be engaging enough to keep people's attention, so I thought heavy editing was the solution. I really appreciate your advice and will definitely take it on board. Moving forward, I’ll try my best to retain the same level of quality while taking more time to show the practical details and raw footage, just like Splitsie does. Most importantly, I’ll focus on having fun with the process. Looking forward to sharing more episodes with you. Thanks again for your support and insights!

[@abaloth]

@@sh3rmangaming I am happy my comment was helpful to you. Remember your video editing software should be a helpful tool and not a burden that you feel you MUST use. Sure getting used to different features of your software takes time, but i think you already know how to not spend too much time on a simple timelapse and cutting parts out. Slowly learn other features of your software and use them as needed during episodes. Enjoy the journey not only in evolving your thriving base in SE but also in learning the software tools you need or want to work with. And also i WANT to hear your ramble, i want hear what is going through your head during design process of your base, ships, rovers, drills rigs and so on. I want to see you fiddle in control panel to make that contraption you just build work just the right way for you. I want to see you struggle with some problems only to later see how you reach a solution. Take me with you on the Space Engineer journey. Don't be too afraid of what we viewers like or don't like to see, instead think about what _you_ don't like to see on other peoples videos, and avoid doing that. Also things that you don't mind watching or even like about other peoples videos is probably things you actually should keep in your content. ( as an example, I am pretty sure you don't have a problem with Splitsie "rambling" in fact i believe it is probably one of the reasons you watch him )

[@sh3rmangaming]

Again thanks for the constructive criticism it really does help. I am taking everything on board and trying to get this whole content thing figured out and like you said I do want to enjoy the journey.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Heya thanks for the feedback This is my first actual attempt at making videos but have years as a live streamer i was wanting to ensure my content would bring something new and different and enjoyed making the cinematic style but agree it left a lot lacking in terms of showcasing the actual engineering of this game Moving forwards i plan to showcase a lot more of the grind and my rambling on to try and fix the issues i create then as a once a month kinda thing release the cinematic version that captures the months work i feel this will better cater to what i have seen everyone wanting and help with not needing to edit as much for each indivdual episode. Let me know your thoughts there is a poll up in the community to vote on the type of content you would prefer moving forwards

[@oscargaming7582]

@@sh3rmangaming Adding to what he said and seeing your initial collection of stone, I think you should have collected it from the top soil, the reason is that SE just sees numbers not physical quantities. So collect as much as you can and keep the F button pressed, as soon as you fill your inventory pack, just climb out and do it again. I stopped watching at minute 03:36 to tell you this but I got a funny feeling that you are going to do a typical mining system, which in my opinion is very ineffective in the long run. I will carry on watching to see how it goes.

[@ElderonAnalas]

You have more didication than me. I certainly understand the editing grind and the rambling spirals that cause so much cut footage that open sandbox games can cause. Half the reason I stuck to linear story games in my short stint at trying to do let's plays. But, as others said, please be careful of burnout. I certainly agree, you could have probably made 2 or 3 separate videos with all this footage. Shown some of the real time building processes and explaining your logic and ideas for how and why doing something a certain way. And personally, I was fine with the manual mining time-lapse, no idea how you did the overlay but it looked nice. Didn't feel like it dragged on longer than really needed.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks for the feedback new content will be out this week Yeah the burnout can be real especially with the type of work i do for a day job meaning i travel at least once a week for 2 - 4 days at a time working 18 hours a day for the away time. I am thinking of taking a hybrid approach moving forward releasing the rambling videos as more of what i would do when i used to livestream but just speeding up the grindy parts then maybe for every 4 episodes i will release one of the short form versions to combine them into a 15 min or less cinematic as i don't know if people will be as interested in my rambling videos Time will tell Also that mining timelapse was captured by a second character in spectator mode and then i masked it frame by frame to move it with the outline the hand drill makes For the more cinematic shots it was just playing around with placement of the spectator cam and finding that when you are outside of the hole in spectator it stays filled with light but also that being in the dark doesn't completely waste the footage like i thought it would

[@DVS-rb9wn]

Its great to see SE content of this quality, keep it up!, its amazing.

[@sh3rmangaming]

There will be more cinematics released once monthly but weekly content is going to move towards more of a lets play style to catter to a lot of what viewers have requested. thanks for your feedback

[@MMuraseofSandvich]

Engagement for the flying engagement monster... I mean algorithm.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks a ton! 🎉 We're definitely feeding the engagement monster... I mean algorithm. 😂 Glad you enjoyed the drill rig setup! More epic builds and shenanigans coming your way. Stay tuned!

[@mathiacus]

good luck on the future of your channel brew. much love from your mate across the tasman.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thank you so much, mate! It's great to hear from you. Your support means a lot. Cheers

[@xl-gameplay3211]

best luck on your youtube journey!

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks a ton! 🎉 We really appreciate the support.

[@Paaanzaaa]

Great vid buddy

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks 👍

[@cabbageplays6710]

HAHAHA, and he got cut off, LOL. too funny

[@sh3rmangaming]

Im glad you enjoyed the video we will have more cinematic content once a month i intend to create a new playlist just for the cinematic videos as i have found they have been everyone's favorite but they take so long to capture content for and then edit.

[@dahood666]

amazing editing! Keep it on!🤩

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thank you so much! 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed the editing. Your support means a lot! Stay tuned for more exciting content! 🚀

[@KeithOlson]

FWIW, the easiest way to get a *LOT* of stone is to place a collector on your rover, back it up against a cliff, then dig a trench up the side of the mountain. The stone that doesn't go into your backpack will roll down the trench to the collector and then be processed without you needing to go back to your rover. (Try not to go too far up, like I did the first time. The line of stone ended up being so long that garbage collection deleted the oldest stones before they even got to the collector. :facepalm: ) Cheers!

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks for sharing that tip! You're absolutely right, and that’s generally how I would start my playthroughs too. I’ve also experienced the pain of garbage collection deleting resources before I could get to them-so frustrating! 😅 Cheers for the insight, and I hope you keep enjoying the series!

[@oscargaming7582]

Using the mod DrillSystem is far better and not complicated at all. Just saying.

[@KeithOlson]

@@oscargaming7582 "Using the mod DrillSystem is far better and not complicated at all. Just saying." Yes, mods can improve various aspects of the game. I would say that '[VSI] AutoMiner V2' is better than 'Nanobot Drill and Fill System', though it still removes voxels. 'Resource Nodes' is best for servers, as it just slowly produces ore without touching any voxels. (If you pair it with the 'Pipelines' mods, you can send the ore to your main base even if the mine is 20k away.)

[@Papapoo454]

Lets gooo

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks, Papa Poos! 🙌 Your support means a ton! Maybe it's time for a Papa Poos-inspired base in Space Engineers too? 🤔🚀 Your builds in Minecraft and the Ark base have set a high bar! Excited to hear your thoughts on this episode. 🌌✨

[@Papapoo454]

@@sh3rmangaming i really enjoyed it i wana see more maybe ill have to give space engineers a crack

[@sh3rmangaming]

@@Papapoo454 Thanks, Papa Poos! 🎉 I’m thrilled you enjoyed the video! Space Engineers is such a blast, especially with all the automation possibilities. I’d love to see what you come up with if you decide to jump in! 🚀 Let me know if you need any tips or have questions when you start. More episodes are on the way, so stay tuned! 😄

[@Synniesdiary]

crackup 😂😂

[@sh3rmangaming]

Glad you enjoyed it, Synniesdiary! 😂 Your laughter means a lot to us! If you have any feedback or ideas for future episodes, we’d love to hear them. Thanks for watching! 🚀

[@DanskerneFraDanmark]

Gonna where it with my friends

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks for the enthusiasm! 😄 Yes, the machine will automate the work for you. If you and your friends want to build it yourselves, check out the tutorial video. It’ll guide you step by step. Enjoy building and have fun! can find the tutorial HERE: kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJbCY62KhL-eY80 Part 2 should be up very soon

[@GuardianSoulkeeper]

Sacrificial comment for the algorithm gods.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks heaps, GuardianSoulkeeper! Your support really helps a lot. 🙌 If you have any thoughts or suggestions for future episodes, we’d love to hear them. Your feedback is super valuable to us! 🚀

[@dreweab]

... you spent so long making the drill rig you forgot to actually show it to us even once in the day time.

[@sh3rmangaming]

this is true i apologise for this by the time i finished recording the rig being built i was very close to burning myself out in this game and rushed past this so i could finish the episode

[@EyanosaSioux-c7x]

Very good content

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks

[@oscargaming7582]

Wait a minute, I just realised that you put in your title the word NO CHEATs, do you call mods cheats?

[@sh3rmangaming]

i use mods in every playthough i believe the lets automate series has 56 mods before we add in the modular encounter systems mods. The no cheats was an ai suggested tag as i wante to emphasize that despite the highly reduced time (condensing 16 hours of gameplay to 15 minutes) i was playing the game without using creative mode or admin functions

[@crazydbar]

Mods aren't cheating if the game develops allow them.

[@lonedeveloperstudio]

​@@sh3rmangaming hey mate, just ignore that guy, he only wants attention to his channel, you are great in yours videos,

[@ronwatford7331]

Don't forget to build some agreesive weepons...😅 I'll show myself out...

[@sh3rmangaming]

We will be getting to some aggressive weapons eventually i hope

[@sgt_retiredcharlie4102]

Great start, but YT viewership is a fickle thing. Maybe don't try to do so much in each episode and put out episodes once per week instead. I was served up this video by the algorithm and saw that it was 3 weeks old and said to myself, great! I'll be able to watch 2 or 3 episodes... Only to find out this was it. Good luck with the channel. I'm looking forward to the next video. Shalom.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks for the feedback and kind words, @sgt_retiredcharlie4102! I apologize for the gap between episodes. I had intended to release a lot more content as my work looked like it was going to be in a slow period, giving me more time on weekends. Unfortunately, I’ve been sick and now have gigs every weekend, which has reduced my available time. I’ll definitely aim to put out episodes more regularly. Stay tuned, and I appreciate your patience and support. Shalom!

[@ericseidel4940]

I like A LOT the SHORT video. I would have show even less manual digging, and maybe a cutaway and an explanation of your final rig, and what did go wrong while building it.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks for the feedback, @ericseidel4940! 😊 I'm glad you enjoyed the shorter video. I'll definitely keep your suggestions in mind for future episodes. Showing less manual digging and adding more explanations about the final rig and any issues encountered sounds like a great idea. Stay tuned for more improvements!

[@glabifrons]

You mentioned listing mods, but didn't end up listing them. I noticed at least two interesting looking blocks that I didn't recognize, so I'm curious what you've added.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Heya yeah my mod explanations went on and on and i butchered them but the main mods that actually got used in the episode were AQD Small Grid expansion which allowed for the small grid basic refinery on our starter rover AQD Concrete Mod Better Stone One of the mods you may have seen that we haven't delved into yet was L.W.T.S (Lord Waders Tiered Systems)

[@unityzero2024]

love this looking forward to all the automation in this series

[@sh3rmangaming]

Well as promised we may not end up doing things the fastest way but it will be automated (eventually) if only editing and my work schedule was as easy to automate 🤦‍♂️

[@Comicsluvr]

MAD editing skills! Have a sub!

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks so much, @Comicsluvr! I really appreciate the sub and the compliment on the editing! I checked out your channel, and it’s awesome to connect with a fellow Space Engineers veteran. I’m sure I could learn a lot from your experiences, and I’d love to get your input as we move forward with the series. Thanks again!

[@thestormycupcake6480]

as soon as i boot up space engineers my first thing to do is turn the music down xD

[@sh3rmangaming]

Yup i normally i would but completely slipped my mind this time. Thanks for the tip hope you enjoyed the video

[@npulliam2344]

Is that rover available for download from the workshop. Or is one you created? It looks pretty good!

[@sh3rmangaming]

It’s self made but I can make it available

[@npulliam2344]

@@sh3rmangaming Don't feel you have to but it would be pretty awesome if you did.

[@sh3rmangaming]

@@npulliam2344 the only reason i didn’t put it up already is I thought it was a little too basic and didn’t look as nice as I was hoping it would. I will jump into my design world make sure it’s survival ready and release it as a respawn rover this week

[@npulliam2344]

@@sh3rmangaming I appreciate that.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Its uploaded to the workshop as a stand alone rover (its called the: G3RM Planet Rover) now unfortunately i dont have the time i had hoped to make it into a re-spawn mod this week steamcommunity.com/sharedfiles/filedetails/?id=3281594269 If you cant wait the extra 5 days i need to get back to my pc @Shiftyshadow has a great tutorial on how to make your own local respawn ship mod here kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5DLoaOcq6ySba8 Happy exploring

[@DanskerneFraDanmark]

Yes a machine ther will do all the work on its on

[@sh3rmangaming]

I am the same i have started many worlds and as time has gone on i have find the resource gathering process to get harder every time so the drill rig is there to remove the need for mining for a decent while

[@oscargaming7582]

No need to impress us with the background music.

[@sh3rmangaming]

The background music was put there to fill a blank and help build interest i also use it to fill in parts that i cant think of anything to say or daont want to spend the extra time recording multiple takes for a new voice over line, im highly dyslexic and have mostly recovered from having a bad stutter as a kid these tend to make me fumble my words so re recording can make things worse especially when i m tired. Thanks for watching the video

[@beaverbuoy3011]

Awesome stuff man, best of luck!

[@sh3rmangaming]

Thanks a ton!

[@oscargaming7582]

Ok, I watched till the end, and you did not disappoint me, you did what I expected what you would do, a generic mining rig. The most unproductive video I have EVER seen, I hope you never work for NASA. That drill rig can only take what is in that circle, with stone you can make Silicon and Nickel but in lower quantities that the pure ore. Making it ineffective and impractical. Have you heard of the mod DrillSystem?? I am more interested and also intrigued on how you can automate resources when you can't get to the ore. Apart from that, SORRY BUT NOT IMPRESSED AT ALL. "we’ve intentionally kept in the screw-ups and blooper moments, turning them into humorous segments" This is like pouring honey over the top of a dung and being funny about it.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Hi @oscargaming7582, Thank you so much for your extensive critique! It's always a pleasure to receive such passionate feedback. I see that you have a wealth of experience with Space Engineers content, having been at this since 2020. I noticed your "Space Engineers Ultimate Atmospheric DRILL SHIP" video. It’s interesting to compare our growth and strategies. For someone who's been around for four years, your view count is quite impressive. I’m new to the scene, yet my "Let’s Automate Space Engineers Ep.1: Cinematic Drill Rig Setup" has garnered significant attention in a fraction of the time. Perhaps there's something to be said for focusing on entertainment and transparency, even if it means including some b-rolls and humor. Your point about the inefficiency of my drill rig is noted. Although, considering the constructive feedback, maybe a little more attention to the visual and title appeal might help your own tutorials like "Your First Mining Ship - Getting Started in Space Engineers #2" reach a broader audience. It’s all about standing out in the crowded KZbin space, right? I’m sure NASA will manage without my mining rig designs, just as KZbin might thrive even without a constant backdrop of negativity. Have you considered the benefits of a more collaborative approach? Helping each other improve might be more fruitful than critiquing with such fervor. Best wishes on your continued journey. Let's see where our different approaches take us!

[@oscargaming7582]

@@sh3rmangaming Oh, but I don't do this for monetary gain, it is just a hobby. "has garnered significant attention in a fraction of the time" I totally agree. So, you do it like that for the attention? "Helping each other improve might be more fruitful than critiquing with such fervor." That is true, but the help is there if you ask, you seem to do fine the way you do your videos. Ego might be another reason!! For many people that do content, it is for entertainment and not necessarily for efficiency. I am a mature lorry driver with a crane, I don't go fooling around with my crane, I try to be efficient in what I do. The same philosophy I adopt in games. I few years back, I used to make vertical flying drilling rigs, then I learned other ways to be more productive. The bottom line is that I would mostly do a video if many people use antiquated methodologies.

[@sh3rmangaming]

Hey man First off I want to appologise your comments came in on a very bad day for my family right after receiving devastating news. I ended up matching the energy you came into my comment section with which is not how I intended it to be. I planned my first episode in a way that is different to what was on KZbin already. Do I make content for the attention NO! I make content because I enjoy gaming and it is a very expensive habit for someone working a minimum wage job in an economy that has made cost of living a joke. I also enjoy the process I have been making content for well over a decade now on different platforms both for personal use and for businesses. In terms of the antiquated methods I use this is a sandbox game I have tried the mod you suggested but found the overall balance of the game to be affected and didn’t find that play style enjoyable for me, you will find each person had their own way to make their worlds enjoyable. I prefer my world to feel alive and like the challenge of managing multiple ships and grids. I also enjoy building bunkers so utilise the holes left over by my rigs to build bases or safe storage and refuel locations. Overall I like to enjoy the journey to an end goal. I want to enjoy the grind I tried something different and I’m sorry but I feel maybe my content won’t be what you’re looking for. I am going to continue to make the content I enjoy making so as to ensure my play throughs don’t start to feel like an another full time job to me but continue to be enjoyable. I meant it when I said I wish you the best may you continue to enjoy the games that I too share interest in

[@oscargaming7582]

@@sh3rmangaming I will be brief, I am sorry for your recent issues if they can't be resolved and least be bearable. On the SE side: granted people make their own waves and try to surf it the best they can. I personally, was going to start the channel by just doing blueprints so players can have a first hand account of the type of vessel it is and if they would be happy with it. The problem with this is some content creators for the workshop make the blueprint with DLC's and not all player do have them all. I will check your content further down and see if I can incorporate some of your ideas, like I do with most other players. All good.

[@sh3rmangaming]

@oscargaming7582 I thank you for your kind words I agree with the workshop creators using dlc blocks being a pain while i have some dlcs i don't own them all and i don't want anyone following along or wanting to use my workshop blueprints to have to buy them if they don't need them. my apologies again for what i said in the heat of the moment happy engineering mate

[@oscargaming7582]

Oh man, you are impressing me less and less, you are focusing on entertainment, too much editing and non-necessary b-rolls.

[@sh3rmangaming]

heya not trying to start anything new just that youtube flags messages that i havent replied to for me to revisit and i want to ensure i dont miss out on new comments so i will be replying to each of your comments with a less confrontational answer then originally. The goal with the cinematic episode was 1 to showcase the game in a new light i have seen people create movies in space engineers that look like they couldve been made in cgi and really enjoyed that style of content. I also have experience creating cinematic content for clients and experience of doing lets play as livestreams after having mixed results with the letsplay style on my streaming channel i decided i would make videos that fell into my comfort area of cinematics.

[@StaticM223]

How could you not be impressed, he's using his talent and creative freedom too bring us content that he enjoys creating. That's youtubes entire reason for existing.

[@oscargaming7582]

@@StaticM223 Sure, whatever you say.

[@sh3rmangaming]

@StaticM223 thank you soo much for the kind words. After having had a chat with @oscargamong7582 it was more of a creative difference and different approaches. His preffered method for getting started is using a specific mod for a cheaper starting base drill and I believe he prefers the long form let’s play style of content over a condensed format.