Looks like I am a day late on the update. While I was planning on taking some time off, I really couldn't walk away until I fixed one outstanding issue; automating builds. My goal for the past week was to have GitHub automatically generate builds with its Actions feature. Early on, when I was building Pixel Vision 8 in Unity, I was using their cloud system for continuous integration. Now that I made the switch to a custom build of MonoGame, I have to roll a custom solution.
Right now, this is more of a proof of concept than a final solution. Here is how it works:
When I check in a new update, I will add the issues I fixed in the comments. I'm already starting to do this in some situations, but I'll be making sure everything I am working on has a corresponding issue.
Github will then build a new version of Pixel Vision 8 for Win, Mac, Linux (x64/ARM) automatically. These builds can be found in the project's actions tab on the Github site.
Moving forward, I'm going to try to automate creating incremental tags/releases that are easier to find on the Github site.
All you have to do is download the build and "bless it" on your OS of choice. On Mac and Linux, you will need to make it executable. For Windows and Mac, you'll need to give the unsigned app permission to run.
And that is it! You'll now be able to get faster updates to bugs you submit, and I close out or if you want to stay on the bleeding edge.
When things are stable, I'll create a final build you can download on the main site.
That brings us to the builds on Pixel Vision 8's main site. For the past few months, I made the Fantasy Console free for people to use. While I will not abandon my commitment to let anyone use PV8 for free, the builds that will be available on the main site will have extra features, tools, and other enhancements to warrant the price. These enhanced builds will go back to being called Pixel Vision 8 Pro and for those looking to download it for free, they can get it on Github thanks to the automated build system I outlined above.
I am still working out how this will work. Don't worry, I will make sure that people have everything they need to make PV8 games for free while offering additional value for those who can afford to help support the project.
If you have questions, concerns, or want to share your thoughts be sure to join the Discord server and become active in the online community.