TSO Unity FAQ
Note:
While we make our best effort to answer every question, there are some we do not have an answer for yet. However, once we have more concrete information, we will update this FAQ with more questions & answers! Thank you for being a part of this next step in "The Settlers Online" and its future!
What is "Unity" actually? Is it a "platform" like Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay)?- In simple terms, Unity is an engine – a software - that allows us to bring the game graphics, sounds, interfaces and controls to players, just like Flash did before.
Is it going to be possible to play TSO Unity version on Linux/Mac/Chromebook/Mobile Devices?- Chrome, Firefox and Safari (and other browsers) support the Unity Player.
- On Linux, you may have to install a browser plugin for the Unity Player.
- It might be possible to play on mobile devices, but this is not supported.
How does the Unity port & Temporary Flash-Based Client affect platforms such as Steam, Facebook and Kongregate?- We are working on enabling as many ways to log in and play the game as possible. More specific info will follow.
Are we going to use the current Slim Browser during the transition, or will this be updated/reworked?- It will be a new and updated Download Client. We will provide a MacOS installer for the client.
What exactly is a "Flash-based, downloadable client”?- You will need to download and install a small installation file. This new Client will run the game.
Will Settlers Online stop to be a browser game and will there be applications for various systems written with the use of Unity?- Rest assured, The Settlers Online will remain a browser game. For now, nothing else is in the works although we see many opportunities in this regard.
Will TSO Unity support ALL browsers? Will it be required to install additional plugins?- We will support as many browsers as possible.
Will it be possible to play with Flash during the transition period, e.g. with an older browser + flash version?- Although this might be possible, we do not support or recommend this as we cannot predict side effects, errors or bad game performance that may occur in this scenario.
Will the game and the engine remain free, or do we have to pay for unity/the game?- We do not have plans to change anything in this regard. You can continue playing without paying any fees or monthly subscriptions.
Will a Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay) account be required for the Unity version / the temporary client version?- In mid-January Ubisoft Connect (formerly Uplay) accounts will become mandatory to play the Settlers Online. As announced previously, this step is important to adhere to our guidelines regarding service quality, security and to align all world-wide instances to the same login method.
Will there be graphical changes? Can we get a screenshot of the new UI?- We will stick as much as possible to our beloved Settlers Online look. The User Interface is quite outdated and could use a repaint, so we are using the chance while switching to Unity to refresh and update it. We will not change it drastically but instead will improve usability and readability.
- You will be able to have a look shortly when the test server gets online. Screenshots do not adequately depict the improved look and feel.
Will we keep the previous function, like keyboard shortcuts, zoom on the mouse wheel and so on?- We will keep as much of the functionality as possible, will clean unused or broken functions and even plan to extend it.
- Just as an example, right mouse button use was not possible within Flash, which will now become an option in Unity. We have not decided what we want to improve in this regard and would really like to hear your thoughts about this. Please join the Unity test server and forum for this.
Will Unity allow for group sending of explorers?- We know this is a feature that is very high on the Wishlist of all Settlers and thus it is also very high on our list of new features we want to develop in the future. That said, we want to make you aware that we still must prioritize other topics first. Of course, porting the game as smooth as possible is mandatory so we all can continue building our islands. But also fixing bugs and improving the performance is still more important. But after all, Settlers have moved into Unity and you and we are satisfied with the game’s performance, this will be one of the first features we want to tackle.
Why wait till the end of the year with the move when you could do it now instead (and act on something else in the meantime)?- Although we originally planned to move to the new technology earlier it became clear that porting the game is more difficult than expected. Also, some delays due to the pandemic, changes in the team and refocusing our plans led us to develop not one, but two new ways to continue playing the game. While the new Download Client will be ready in time, we do not think this to be the way our players want to enjoy the game. So, we chose to go much further and get ready for the next decades of the Settlers Online with our Unity Port. While we could have done this step also later in 2022 for example, we believe it to be better to get ready now.
Will the forum be reworked too, so that we can see/use it on mobile devices?- Depending on the mobile device and browser used, the forum is already usable. If there are feature requests or issues with this, please let us know and we can see what we can do to improve your experience.
As this is a system change, what happens with inactive islands (inactive for more than 1.5-2 years)?- For now, there will be no changes in this regard as we know that some Settlers even return after several years. Once a Settler, always a Settler!