Tech Trees and Greenhouses! Unity Indie Game Devlog

[@isto_inc]

The fact that the text dynamically changes color as the progress bar passes under it is so legit. 10/10

[@RandomProduct]

How was this accomplished?

[@BWDev]

@@RandomProduct There are two text fields, one which is the regular colour beneath the progress bar, and another which is the contrast colour on top of the progress bar. You can then set the progress bar as a mask for the contrast text, and the contrast text will reveal as the bar moves 🙂

[@ValentineC137]

@@BWDev big brain

[@sondray2524]

@@BWDev damn... you are literally the smartest human on earth... thank you for existing in this world

[@ryankopco1500]

@@BWDev I WANTED TO ASK THIS BUT I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE TOO MUCH TROUBLE THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR EXPLAINING.

[@Finward]

It'd be nice if the research tree lived in a diegetic environment, like the island selection menu. Something like a corkboard or a workshop desk. Very amazing work! I love seeing these updates!

[@figrollin]

I would put my vote for a workbench in the greenhouse! Like a little potting shed desk or something.

[@christopheralexander8215]

@@figrollin this absolutely this

[@ThePandaKingFTW]

I like that idea but I also like that this research screen doesnt take you "out of the game" and is just an overlay since its something you would visit often. Still worth consideration tho

[@Cavouc]

I think the later buildings in the research tree should be little darker or the icon could be compleatly black (the ones you cannot unlock yet) Because now it doesn't show that you can't unlock the later ones

[@JTS-Games]

Thats a great idea!

[@Dylems]

They could even be replaced by a question mark so you don't know what you can unlock in the future

[@MattFenner23]

Agreed, I think it needs to be more obvious which ones are completely locked (not able to be researched). Having them just as a question mark would also add to the mystery. Mindustry does something similar to this.

[@dr.cheesy1061]

Or, alternatively, you could have a gray icon with a lighter gray lock icon on top of it.

[@LordHonkInc]

Yup, I personally think the choice of branch colors is great. Simple enough to be visually unobtrusive but distinct enough that just glancing at it gives all the info you need. Honestly couldn't wish for more from a UI element 👍

[@thafaintinggoat6372]

Fax

[@tblsp]

For newly generated islands, you should add a chance for abandoned machines that could be repaired and reused. Maybe covered in vines and moss

[@TinyDeskEngineer]

And maybe they could be a little less efficient than the player-built machines, given the fact that they'd be a few years old, built using slightly outdated technology.

[@alinscarlat1489]

I am watching your devlogs, i think, from about a year or so and as a student in the final year of a Computer Science degree, I am speachless watching them! I have a huge appreciation for your discipline and organisational skills! I can only realise the insane amount of work going into this game, therefore I can't wait to be available. I will buy it as soon as it hits the market! You are amazing, dude!

[@BWDev]

Thank you! Good luck with your degree 😄

[@gameingyt9061]

quick question how has he not hit 100k subs yet lets get him there go go go tell everyone you know he needs it

[@feuerstern3001]

While this isn't about the Devlog (which is sill great!) I wanted to thank you for your music. Especially "Caught in the Sail". I'm not the most stable person mentally and Corona, Lockdown and Home schooling haven't helped but your music really helped over the last week which has been particularity difficult. Something about your music really helps me. Thank you very much for making it :)

[@BWDev]

This comment made my day! Really great to hear you like my music, and I'm so glad it has helped you in some way. Thank you for listening 😊

[@s9k_yt]

THAT GREENGOUSE IS LITERALLY PIXEL PERFECT

[@Nick-Games9]

Serious props for diving deep into the heavy tree algorithm to solve the node positioning. Those small things are often underappreciated compared to how much time the algorithms take to implement so wanted to say well done!

[@skenda]

BWDev: *uploads* Me: Oh heck yeeah!

[@BizonX100]

The up side down pine in the reasearch part lol.

[@parsleythefool]

Variation 2 of the lines is definitely my favorite. All the art and UI design in this log was incredible!

[@SuperDutchrutter]

Really like the tech tree appearance. I think you chose the best look. It already seems it will be satisfying to see things unlocked. Loving the progress.

[@beanshop6446]

I know that I am late - but gratz on 50k!

[@danilodjuric]

Variation 2 for the lines in the Tech Tree would be my personal favorite too. It gives more visual feedback without being as prominent as the cards themselves. Nice job!

[@Break.]

It would be cool if you can only see what the currently unlockable (and unlocked) buildings are, with the other ones further in the tree still visible, but shown as a question mark or something similar. This would also add a feeling of discovery as well as progression

[@TonsOfHunStudios]

Loving the look of the greenhouse! I'm really glad you show yourself going back and updating old/outdated features. It not only shows why an old version wasn't the best, but why the new version is better. The tech tree looks beautiful too!! Seems so satisfying to unlock stuff. Awesome progress :D

[@WS-xd4sd]

wow, wow , wow - these devlogs just get more and more intriguing. what i love most is how you show your extraordinary technical skill in such a clear and simple way. there's the skill in the game development and then there.'s the skill that keeps me intrigued and motivated to watch these end to end and again and again. the number of subscribers you've got doesn't do justice to where you sit - it's gotta kick off very soon! Whens the next one out????

[@jonathanmoothart8038]

Something about this game feels so relaxing, and I think that's why I started following it. I LOVE the relaxed devlog style and I cannot wait until I can play it!

[@Spagheters]

I really enjoy watching these videos man. You would've inspired me to start getting into game development already if I wasn't so impatient. Keep up the great work!

[@Skeffles]

Absoluitely fantastic progress! The new green house looks amazing and the tech tree looks like the perfect solution for researching items.

[@Daniel-Mast]

Your devlogs are amazing! I always seem to wait for them to come out. I also love how you automate the process like the techtree creation etc! Good work!

[@SageThyme23]

The greenhouses look really good and the UI looks so good and really satisfying

[@sgt3v]

Great progress! All anims and transitions of the progress tree looks and feels smooth and nice at the end. Very satisfying.

[@undertheradar4645]

Every devlog makes me more and more excited for this game. I wish I could put it on my steam wishlist 10 times!

[@dilirity]

I enjoy watching every single video you put out. Especially the devlogs. It's so nice to watch a thing build before your eyes by somebody that knows what they are doing! I applaud you for your process

[@TinyDeskEngineer]

The game keeps looking better and better! You're doing a great job!

[@SteveJstone]

Nice work with the tech tree! I really like the hold to unlock interaction. Can't wait to play around with this game.

[@domedin9894]

your pixel art is so good I didn't realize it was pixel art it takes away from the pixel art style a bit but I think its worth it because your insane.

[@paypercutts]

Great work mate! Your pixel art is coming along real nice. The new employee character and greenhouse are great!

[@tamnker8465]

Everything here is eye candy. I wishlisted the game within the first minute of the video

[@GamesBySaul]

Nice work! UI is usually quite intimidating to me, but you seem to really enjoy it, which is really nice to see haha! But fantastic work on the research tree, it looks fantastic, although for the design, I do think design 3 was the best, as the research nodes themselves have the outline, but perhaps they would look better if the node outlines had a gap for the bar to connect up to if that makes sense? Also! Before you fully redesign the NPCs I would recommend (if you aren't already) you look into colour replacement shaders, I created a shader graph system to replace NPC colours and you can plug in any sprite sheet (separate sheet for hair too). Basically it means you can have one default NPC , and you can have the shader replace the colours for you, and replace the sprite sheets for you if you want it to, just saves you time instead of having to create different variations of different colours :)

[@TheShelfman]

I'm definitely a huge fan of the second look. Fits the style of the game best. Nice job!

[@ikea8536]

This is super sick. One thing I'd suggest is having buildings flash or have some kind of squash and stretch when placed, to add some effect to them appearing in the world. Maybe bigger buildings have some screen shake when placed as well. I'd also suggest having some kind of effect when you unlock a new thing in the research tree.

[@EXPLODINGETDOOD]

Good job man, this game is turning out really nice. Every time I see one of your Dev log vodeos I get excited for its release date. If you need support or ideas please feel free to reach out to the community. We'll be happy to help and throw around our ideas.

[@mattfirestone1]

Love your content! The way your research works kind of reminds me of Distant Worlds. In that game, you have to build research labs and then fill them with scientists to make them work. A lab without a scientist doesn't do anything for you. This is similar to your greenhouse and arborist. This is nice because it gives you the option to reduce your payroll (reducing the # of arborists) without giving up the capacity. That way in the future you already have the infrastructure and you only have to hire the arborist again. Another thought, could you potentially work in disasters like bug infestations etc. that you need to combat? You could have things like pest control as part of your tech tree. Honestly I'm super pumped about this game I'm really liking all the stuff you're doing! Thanks for posting the vids as well!

[@rebeccarisk1772]

I love this update! It was worth the wait. I like variation 2 for the tech tree as well. I really like the greenhouse and arborist for research, great idea!

[@karanplayz8846]

All the best for LUMBERMILL. This is cool and you must do this. ❤

[@kuufnar]

Sick job dude this is really interesting to watch. Also, I really think variation 3 of the skill tree lines looks the best. The outlines tie into the outlines of the tree cards, and looks like a better composition overall.

[@npexception]

I love how the tech tree turned out. Great job!

[@bigg2261]

The blue and gold variation of the nodes is definitely the best one

[@VikingLord2000]

I still feel like an area must be cleared before building. But I am loving this!! Also, could you add a medical tent? That would look so cool, and the white and red texture would be easy to do (hopefully).

[@cookieBadger]

Nice devlog, I like where how the research/progression system comes to life :)

[@techyte]

I just found this channel and I’m already waiting for the game! Keep up the good work!

[@BigVirusBoi]

Man I love these devlogs :)

[@TheeFlyinMoose]

Hey, love these videoes :) I was thinking about the tech tree, as it is right now you can see the entirety of the progression as you can see all the paths and all the way to the end. Maybe you should hide the step after the next thing you can unlock. If that makes sense. I think its more exciting to explore the tree as you progress through it, and not see every option there is from the start. Again thank you for making these!

[@dragonminz602]

I absolutly love the tech tree! Not sure if it fits in, but i think a employee who takes care of everything the others need would make sense. So when you get manny normal workers you need someone who cleans/cooks and organices stuf. Annyways wonderful devlog :D

[@PaigeGulleythen-there]

Amazing resources and insight! Definitely agree that the research tree interface looks best without the outlines- no need to delegate pixels which don't communicate anything. I notice you apply a blur behind the tree when its active- maybe you could add some tint, too, to increase the contrast between the tree and the background?

[@apokefan]

I know it was mentioned in a previous devlog but having the research buildings visible means there is no suprise. Maybe unresearched buildings could be black? So it's just the outline and not the actual sprite

[@reb1rth84]

Variation 2 for the tech tree! But I feel like it would look a little better if the gold is a bit lighter. Love your dev logs!

[@falxie_]

I'm impressed by your ability to line up the lines for the buildings

[@Bebeu4300]

I love how the new system looks and how it provides good feedback. I do have one comment though; maybe consider making unlocked tech tree nodes green instead of yellow. I think it might look nicer and feel more satisfying to see the green "completed" colour instead of yellow, which usually signifies caution or a warning.

[@lewismassie]

One of the better looking tech tree designs I've seen

[@flameburngaming5684]

I know that this might be a lot but what if there were like bees flying around certain areas of islands covering something important like maybe something you could unlock or some resources. They could have little bee hives on trees and the way to kill them could be lumber jacks go over and attack them or maybe a new employee and than they would cut down the tree to get rid of the hive. This could also lead to more things you could research like easier ways to kill and remove bees. Thanks for reading, btw love the game keep up the great work.

[@myth2553]

Absouletely love these ideas!

[@aneeshpatankar4252]

Very cool update! When you unlock something, could you have the blue line slowly fill the branch towards the next level, almost like a pipe filling with water? Could be a cool visual when unlocking multiple branches

[@jordy15322]

As always these videos are great! it's the little details that make a game or any application look good and polished and it's good to see you do that as you go. I'm not very artistic so anything I ever make doesn't look pretty but functions lol

[@FlowPoly]

You did a really good job on the greenhouse sprites my dude

[@thatcreativebrain8575]

Particles and a bit of shake on the node unlock would make it feel more satisfying.

[@nextProgram]

Really inspiring stuff dude, keep it up. I really like how the tech tree looks

[@pallascat6767]

I'm getting hyped for the game! This looks great so far.

[@benjattkk]

YESSSSS new video. love your videos man, you are making an amazing job on this game

[@MattiaConti]

The new sid meiers civilization sud America edition is incredible!

[@xsychic]

This looks super fun to work on, really want to learn unity but don't really have the creative skills to come up with a cool game and do all the artwork so sticking to web dev for now. Great video, keep it up!

[@jdezzul]

Yooo the greenhouses look amazing!!

[@seniorsandals1078]

This is legit the best game log i have ever seen!

[@0hate9]

clicking and holding to research things might be a little more satisfying if the bar increased in speed as you hold it.

[@TheWestDESIGN]

I was thinking the same. Some ease-in/out/in-out speed animation would be great there :D

[@bitbraindev]

I like the idea of incorporating nature in your sprite designs. What if you would do the same for your UI? Imagine, that within the tech tree, locked slots are "grown over" with tendril and once you unlock it, there is a "chop away" animation with particle effects of leaves falling down. Just an idea to make the UI feel more coherent with the rest of your game. Can't wait to see what's next!

[@MetaCzech]

Your solution of tech tree is the best, leave it this way :) Good jop

[@ananaseek]

I like resting by watching how you are working on Lumbermill =D

[@arriaon4284]

100% buying this on release. This is awesome my guy

[@GreenCinco12Official]

at 9:00 it looks like the cost (0) shifts a bit to the right when you hold to unlock, also IMHO the unlocked does not look 100% centered.

[@AskelDev]

The 2nd version of the tech tree looks awesome!

[@maruaz8922]

The greenhouse sprite is incredible!!!! ^.^

[@MaxiveLegend]

Great work once again man, it's looking amazing! Keep it up!!

[@NotKyro69]

Dude your awesome lol been waiting I watched your 2 year video then your newest log didn’t think there was a new one today yes

[@benja1378]

Loved this Video! :)) Oh and please continue to mention your Spotify - you music is sooo beautiful!!

[@davekok3976]

Looking really good. And what a progress you're making, keep it up! My 2 cents: I would keep the Y position of the tech upgrade hover panel static, it's rather annoying and unnecessary to have it move up and down with the mouse. Also I'd give the description text a bit more room to breath on the top, bottom, left and right. It looks a bit cramped from a UI point of view. And maybe make the sprites images of not yet unlocked tech dark? Makes it more clear that you don't have those yet.

[@DayZilya]

Great video! The second version of onclick research is definitely the best one. Can't wait for the next video!

[@masonmason22]

This was very helpful. Thank you for putting links to xnode and the uiextensions.

[@chad5429]

1+ Year later from seeing this on tiktok i still can't wait for it to come out, looks fun! Still on my steam wish list :)

[@stardebrisx9]

I think the last one with the lines in the research menu showing with outlines looks the best.

[@boweeup]

This looks amazing

[@peesem]

for the tech tree, when mousing over an object, it would be nice to have an indicated path of what you need to unlock to get the object.

[@norwegiangeek]

I think variation 2 of the tech try and by and away the best looking representation

[@LemonsRage]

Here are some of my ideas: -Wouldn't it be nice if all building types have slightly randomized looks? For example there could be 3 desings for thoses tents where each time one tent is placed one of the three will be randomly selected. Or for the Greenhouse those vines could have a diffrent patteren or you there could be bigger plant placed inside at diffrent positions. -How about buildings chaning appearense based on how long they are standing. For example the greenhouses could be placed clean and then slowly you could see the vines appearing as time passes -Maybe somewhere in the future when you have time how about more biomes you unlock? Or a level system like you first start on a small island and must build a ship with wich you can then travel to those islands you created in your island generator and each island has a diffrent biome with diffrent tree types and seasons with all their own difficulty

[@FinnAIA]

I love it! it looks great, I can't wait till it is out!

[@Lucys3DStuff]

I love the tech tree. you could add a little scale bounce so the unlock feels even more rewarding. :)

[@TrueBenja14]

I'm really excited to be able to play the game. It looks really interesting

[@AdrianTache]

For locked research, I'd add a transparent overlay to make it more obvious you can't click on them, and maybe a lock icon in the description. But cool progress!

[@owenhunt2692]

who the hell disliked this????? this is amazing!

[@Songfugel]

Great job with this one! I just had a read on that tree layout algorithm paper (now if I could only decipher that ancient syntax as well xD) thanks for sharing it And since you asked, I would def. also highlight the unlocked nodes with the same color outline as your unlocked branch line color to make it more obvious and more consistent. Since with locked you have both black and and unlocked you have both gold. Just change that unlock blue to a different color from highlight color so there won't be an issue with that. At least that is what I'd do ps. I was routed here by code monkey's coverage, and ofc. wishlisted the game just now

[@prestonsbookreview4179]

this looks awesome! Can't wait until' the game comes out!

[@toastxxo]

I’m always looking for game developers as a aspiring one I’m subbed

[@Zyk0tiK]

100% agree on option 2 for the node lines

[@nichegames9590]

Nice! Love these dev logs.

[@JRWPlaysG]

Tech Tree idea: You could have the locked (not unlockable yet) items not appear to the player until they are able to unlock it. This gives a sense of mystery to what the player is able to unlock. This could also give a cleaner look to your tech tree so there is not a ton of unlocked buildings, which if you had a bunch of them, could confuse a new player to the game. e.g. when the player is first starting out, once they click on the research tree there is only the basic camp, but once they have unlocked that, then the basic saw and campfire with blue lines appear to the player. Then once unlocking the basic saw, the next three items will appear. This of course wouldn't work if you only had 11 or so unlockables, but if you were planning to add a whole bunch creating a massive tree, then this could ease the player into the game and slowly show them some items they can unlock layer by layer in the tech tree. (Sorry for the ramble, don't know how to word it)

[@liamsnow03]

I would play some animation, have particles or just some way of making the research really satisfying. Also, maybe have two types of research points, one type that comes from the greenhouse and can research things that are directly related to the trees, and another that comes from an engineer or something that is for unlocking machines, pipes, etc.

[@enkidorado4187]

I think it might be a good idea to make the UI element do a quick "pop" when you unlock tech after holding down, either by making a flash of white or by making it increase in size for half a second.