Edition 32, Week 42: Play Everywhere

Nice to see you! Glad you could make it to another edition of the Sunday Report! Edition 32!

When I started the "Asobi Porting Initiative" (Yes, I called it that), I took it upon myself to port Asobi to platforms other than Apple.

The original plan was to release the Meta Quest version first, then the Steam version (at that time only SteamOS), then the Android version and last but not least the Windows version.

It's crazy how different that has ended up to be. The Android was the first to drop, I had a lot of issues getting the Steam version approved at all, and of course added the Windows version in the meantime. And what I hadn't planned was the Android TV version.

Now that I've managed to finally release the Steam version, it's been extremely surreal. The overwhelming support you all have given me for this project has been emotional.

Pressing that button to release it didn't go without the accompanying nerves, my heart was racing like crazy due to wondering if I might've forgotten something. Seeing my socials blowing up was something else, you all came out in droves to support me. Apart from being quite the rollercoaster ride, I say:

Thank you all from the bottom of my heart! ❤️

However, there's still much to do. Version 1.0 is only just the start of the Steam version, and there's much more to come to that version. As with all the other platforms, I'm building platform specific features for each of them. The Steam version doesn't differ in any way.

And for those who are having issues, I hear you and will get those fixes out to you as fast as I can. (bye, bye, sleep)

Next up is of course the Meta Quest version and the Android TV version.

The release version of Asobi for Meta Quest is planned for October 16th and priced at $9.99. I still need to look into how I can set a launch discount, when I find it it'll be 10% off.

I don't expect any further hurdles and I can't wait for everyone else to get it in their hands. The response from the PlayTesters has been humbling, especially considering how much they've been loving it. I'm also really happy to have been able to get the realtime 2D to 3D conversion up to speed at 1080p60fps, which I think was quite a feat.

When that's all good and done, the focus will switch to preparing the Android/Google TV release.

The interface is a launch exclusive to Android/Google TV and will carry many elements of Asobi 2.0

I'll try to share some previews! Apart from that, I have some more announcements in relation this version of Asobi of which I can hopefully share more very soon!

Development

Virtual Controller 2.0

VC2.0 is almost done and should be arriving with the Asobi for Apple update. It's been a labour of love to be honest, and I'm really happy how it's turning out. When I'm all good and done, it'll end up being the default way to play for all my apps on touch-screen devices.

I'm really excited for it to launch and get the final version in your hands. I'm especially curious what kind of layouts you'll all make with the editor!

iPhone Duo

As you might've seen, I've been preparing Asobi to support the iPhone Duo at launch. Although certain part of developing for the Duo needs a physical device (the simulator I have access to isn't that great to be honest), I'm still bringing as much as I can for the first Duo version of Asobi.

What I didn't announce is that Midori will also be iPhone Duo ready when the device launches, I'll make sure to share some previews this week on the r/MidoriApp subreddit soon!

I hope I'll be able to surprise you with what I've got cooking! I'm super excited for this device!

Steam Frame

I'm still waiting for Steam to allow me to buy one, I honestly hope it won't take too long anymore. I really hope it'll be sooner than later. I have some great plans for it, and hope to bring at least Meta Quest parity to the device the moment I have it.

Cloud Streaming

There's some big changes incoming for Cloud Streaming. Better recently played support, better library support like I currently have on the Apple version and some much needed quality of life changes.

Such as better Mic support, Party chat, and pre-order info.

In future versions I'll also add the option to at least see what's available for streaming instead of blocking you straight away from accessing PS Cloud without an active cloud streaming subscription.

Server selection is also on the way for those travelling. And I have some updates coming in for better server negotiation so It'll perform better to getting you a server closer by.

Website update

As I've announced before, there's a website refresh coming in. Plan is to launch it by the end of the month. It'll cover all platforms that Asobi supports and let you explore all the things that Asobi offers for that platform.

The support pages will also get a refresh so it'll be easier to navigate and help you find the solution for your issues.

The updates;

Asobi for Apple

So where the hell is my Asobi update?

Well, apart of adding new features like better AR Glasses support (Viture users will be happy) and adding new features. I've been hard at work on updating the Asobi Overlay to play nice with the new Virtual Controller.

That task has been a bit daunting to be honest, especially since you want to keep it intuitive while maintaining accessibility. So bear with me a bit longer so I can finish up. It'll be worth it.

Apart from the features I named last week a couple more additions have been added, like putting your console to rest mode from the console card, as well as the basics for Asobi 2.0, starting with the "Recently played" section finally being added months after the Android version added it.

I also still need to get the marketing materials ready for the iPhone Duo version, else I won't be able to submit it to Apple.

Either way, version 1.5.1 is planned for week 42.

Asobi for Steam

Current main focus is stability for those who've been having issues with the Steam version. FYI, my MSI Claw is on the way and should be here this Wednesday so I can solve those pesky Intel ARC issues. Other than that you'll see additional language support for the interface and cloud streaming, and a much needed 720p default for those playing via PS4.

Version 1.0.1 is planned for week 42.

Asobi for Android

Apart from the work I've been putting into getting the Android TV version ready, I'm closing in to completing version 1.2 of Asobi for Android. It'll be full of new features such as Lens mode for the AYN Thor, on device haptics for Android devices with integrated controllers and even RGB lightbar support.

And that's on top of the features I share last week, such as Real-time 2D->3D conversion, Improved Gyro support and the release version of Virtual Controller 2.0.

Version 1.2.0 is planned for week 42.

Android TV is planned for release this month.

Asobi for Meta Quest

Although I'm working on some very unique Meta Quest features for Asobi (Like the controller thing that the Xbox client supports) I still have an open question for you.

Are there any environments or special features you'd like to see added to the Meta Quest version in the future? Let me know!

Version 1.0 is planned for week 42.

Midori for Apple

Well, the cat's out of the bag. Midori is getting iPhone Duo native support on the Duo's launch. And full Virtual Controller 2.0 support! I'll share some previews soon, I hope you'll love it!

Version 1.1 is planned for week 43.

In closing

How about I add some Halloween theming to Asobi, would you be down for that? (with a toggle to turn it off of course.) What do you think? Let me know in the comments!

Either way, that's it for this week.

Keep your feedback and bug reports coming! Thanks for all the support! And I'll be in touch!

Have a great Sunday!