I've just finished uploading new test build 1.1, which introduces a new XML data format to make modding easier.

The build is available to anyone who owns the game at bluebottlegames.com, or on Desura and Steam. Desura (and therefore, Groupees) users can use Desura Connect to gain access here, or even get their Steam keys and try it on Steam.

To access the test build on the official site, simply visit the game page, and click any of the download links below the usual Windows, Mac, and Linux buttons (look for a red "Test" button).

Steam users can access the test build by opting into the beta for it.

Updates Included in the Test Build

Test build 1.1 includes the following changes:

Game now looks in /data subfolder for xml data, instead of root game folder.

Game now loads data from either a single neogame.xml file or separate xml data files for each data type.

Game will try neogame.xml first, then separate files.

Base game data has been moved into separate data files, for easier reading.

Loading screen log messages are copied to the clipboard upon reaching the title screen.

The big change here is the new separate xml data files feature. The game can now load data from separate data xml files, as well as the old neogame.xml format (for backwards compatibility). Data must now live in the /data subfolder (since there can be many xml files now).

The game will attempt to load the old neogame.xml format first, and failing that, switch to separate files. To help with debugging, the loading log messages are also now copied to the clipboard if the title screen is reached. This is to help in cases where the loading process doesn't crash but data is missing. Major issues will still pause the loading screen at the last logged message.

The likelihood that this version of NEO Scavenger will work with previous saves is: likely.

As usual, the older the save game version, the less likely it is to work.

As always, let me know what you think of the changes, and if you notice any issues with the new build!