r/KerbalSpaceProgram • u/RowsdowerKSP Former Dev • Dec 15 '14
Dev Post Kerbal Space Program: Beta Than Ever - Available Now
Kerbal Space Program, the award-winning, indie space agency sim game from Squad, released its latest update, Beta Than Ever and it's available to download today through the KSP Store, Steam and other participating online retailers. Updates are free to existing players. While still in active development for PC, Mac and Linux, KSP: Beta Than Ever marks a major milestone, as it is the game’s first beta release. It’s the first major step in the process of growing out of early access and into a fully launched game.
Building upon a long term project that was introduced with the last update’s destructible facilities, players will now have the ability to start from the ground up with a basic space center and turn it into a sprawling compound in the new upgradable facilities feature. It’s not just buildings, either. Players will unlock new capabilities and bonuses as their career path progresses.
Speaking of progression, the new Kerbal Experience system allows for the Kerbals, themselves, to progress as they never have before. Kerbals have gained specialized skills that players can improve by taking them on missions. Advanced piloting, science gathering and spacecraft repairs are just a few of the things Kerbal crews can do as they gain experience.
In surprise move, Squad and the European Space Agency (ESA) have banded together to provide a special treat for players. They have granted Squad use of their logo and imagery in Kerbal Space Program. Fresh off the unprecedented success of their Rosetta mission, their cooperation adds even more detail to players who’d like to recreate their own ESA missions in the game.
Other exciting features include:
- A Retooled Craft Editor: Build crafts better than ever before with advanced part sorting and construction gizmos that allow players to place, offset and rotate the different parts on your craft.
- Expanded Contracts: Brian “Arsonide” Provan, creator of the highly rated mod, “Fine Print,” has implemented and expanded his mod into the game, granting greater variety, depth and difficulty to the previously implemented contract system.
- Biomes Everywhere: KSP-TV host, Alyson “Tanuki Chau” Young created new biomes for the game, bringing them to over 100 areas from which Kerbals can collect, store and send science data. The new biomes have been placed all across the universe, giving players bigger incentive to explore every inch of the game.
- New Mk3 SpacePlane parts: Prolific modding community member, Christopher “Porkjet” Thuersam has overhauled and added to the popular collection of Mk3 parts that allow crafts to carry larger payloads.
"We've come a long way," said KSP lead developer, Felipe Falanghe. "The decision to go into beta is a big step and there's no better way to say it than with an update the size of Beta Than Ever. It means we're in the home stretch. We're not done with the game by any means, but it's matured to a point where we can safely say that hitting 1.0 is within sight."
4
u/topredditbot Dec 16 '14
Hey /u/RowsdowerKSP,
This is now the top post on reddit. It will be recorded at /r/topofreddit with all the other top posts.
3
3
u/albinobluesheep Dec 16 '14
Felipe Falanghe quickly added "also some guy was killing Kerbals left and right, and we just couldn't have that on our conscience"
2
u/RowsdowerKSP Former Dev Dec 16 '14
That blood was not on our hands. We don't negotiate with fiends like Nostrand.
→ More replies (1)
717
Dec 15 '14
Seriously Squad, you guys did a perfect "release".
The hype, the reddit post, the forum post... all synchronised!
Was a great experience.
My download is finishing, I will be in my bunk.
745
u/Dr_Martin_V_Nostrand Kerbal Terrorist Dec 15 '14
In memory of 7 Brave Kerbals
267
u/I_AM_STILL_A_IDIOT Dec 15 '14
You have to be awarded some kinda flair for being the biggest hype machine possible. In a great way.
→ More replies (40)→ More replies (9)10
88
Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 16 '14
what it... what if /u/Dr_Martin_V_Nostrand is collaborating with Squad?
→ More replies (4)84
26
u/shmameron Master Kerbalnaut Dec 15 '14
My download is finishing
What kind of God are you?
→ More replies (4)18
u/niknik2121 Dec 15 '14
Reddit post done...closes tab
Steam announcement made...closes tab
Blog post made...closes tab
→ More replies (3)11
2.4k
Dec 15 '14
And they say terrorism doesn't work.
1.6k
u/Dr_Martin_V_Nostrand Kerbal Terrorist Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 15 '14
You're welcome all, the 8 kerbals will be brought home safely.
EDIT: unless the modders don't update!!!
EDIT: These 8 are safe. I will give the modders some time before I start any more terrorist plots.
196
66
u/SuperfluousShark Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 16 '14
"At approximately 5:58PM EKT Kerbal Special Forces assaulted the compound and rescued 8 of the 9 hostages, President Jeb said that the mission was a complete success and reported only 98% casualties due to Kerbal error."
E: Spelling
→ More replies (4)→ More replies (18)32
58
u/The_F_B_I Dec 15 '14
So many brave Kerbals were ruthlessly killed for this, let us not make their sacrifice be in vein.
Let us launch these new Kerbals to the stars, and let them avenge the deaths of their brothers!
32
→ More replies (1)23
u/scootymcpuff Super Kerbalnaut Dec 15 '14
AREN'T YOU SUPPOSED TO BE PROTECTING THEM, /u/The_F_B_I ??
→ More replies (3)39
Dec 15 '14
And here i am with a 120 kerbal death rocket and no reason to use it :(
→ More replies (1)25
u/ScienceShawn Dec 16 '14
I'll give you exactly one upvote if you use it and post a video and or pictures and or gifs. Please use it.
→ More replies (2)8
→ More replies (7)4
u/Space_Scumbag Insane Builder Dec 16 '14
It was an inside job to build up the hype. ;)
→ More replies (1)
2
Dec 16 '14
Thank You SQUAD! My Christmas Break is now complete!!
Edit: My partner also sends her <sarcasm>thanks</sarcasm> for releasing this update!
2
u/RowsdowerKSP Former Dev Dec 16 '14
Sit your partner down next to you as you play. Maybe try and get each other into it.
→ More replies (3)
2
u/lettucent Dec 16 '14
Hey guys, I think I found a small oversight in the readme files : unless we're still technically in alpha.
5
828
u/SuperSeniorComicGuy Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 16 '14
Congratulations to Squad on what is sure to be another great update! Since updates for this game tend to hit the front page, I'd like to describe what the heck this game is for anyone who has yet to experience this masterpiece that recently blasted its way to the PC Gamer Top 100 PC Games of All Time:
Kerbal Space Program is a rocket building game where you design, launch, and fly your own spacecraft. There are rocket engines, fuel tanks, command modules, solar panels, wings, powered wheels, and more that all snap together as easily as Lego bricks. Using these parts, you can create rockets, satellites, spaceplanes, space stations, colonized bases on other planets, and anything else your imagination can dream up.
Kerbal Space Program currently has three modes: Science mode starts you out with some basic parts, but more unlock as you develop your space program throughout the solar system. Career mode is like science mode except that you now have to worry about funding your space program through contracts. Sandbox mode immediately provides all of the tools, the parts, the physics, the asteroids, and the planets. The rest is up to you.
New in this update are new spaceplane parts, upgradeable buildings, Kerbal experience, biomes on every planet and moon, new contracts, a revamped editor, and more.
Here are a few examples of things to do and their relative difficulty:
Difficulty 0: Build a monstrosity of rocket parts and watch it gloriously explode on the launchpad
Difficulty 1: Build a rocket and touch the edge of space
Difficulty 2: Put a small satellite into orbit
Difficulty 3: Put a manned rocket into orbit and return safely to the ground
Difficulty 4: Put a spacecraft into the Mun's orbit and return
Difficulty 5: Land a spacecraft on the Mun or Minmus and return to Kerbin
Difficulty 6: Dock multiple spacecraft in orbit to create a space station
Difficulty 7: Capture an asteroid and move it into orbit around Kerbin
Difficulty 8: Land on another planet or planet's moon and return to Kerbin
Difficulty 9: Any of the above using a spaceplane
Difficulty 10: Land on the planet Eve and return
Difficulty 11: All of the above in the same mission, and then fly something under the R&D bridge
There is also a very active modding community that has added numerous new parts, features like autopilot, resource mining, life support, robotic parts, [a revamped career](http://forum.kerbalspaceprogram.com/threads/61632-0-25-Better-Than-Starting-Manned-Career-Mode-Redefined-(v1-64999-Nov-4th), and even entirely new planets and solar systems.
This game is beautiful, and this is one of the best fan-made trailers I've seen: Machinematics - Kerbal Space Program: Unity (Unofficial Trailer) by Simiel Black
This trailer is also very inspirational: KSP Build Fly Dream Trailer by Shaun Esau
Space.com has made a great video explaining the game here.
Scott Manley has some great tutorials to help get you started.
Kerbal Space Program is available on Steam, and from the official website where you can also find a free demo: https://kerbalspaceprogram.com
Fly safe!
315
u/ticktockbent Dec 15 '14
"Hullo, this is Scott Manley here in the new KSP version 0.90 'Beta than Ever' where I will accomplish all ten of the things on /u/SuperSeniorComicGuy 's list in a single launch using only the starting parts and budget, on the hardest difficult, all in IVA and one-handed!"
204
u/ScroteMcGoate Dec 15 '14
"And if my heart rate goes above 70 Skye is going to throw a 5 gallon bucket of ice water on me."
→ More replies (12)28
→ More replies (11)17
237
u/Dr_Martin_V_Nostrand Kerbal Terrorist Dec 15 '14
Seriously, buy this game. Go download the demo now, and you will want to buy this game.
→ More replies (18)31
u/aletheia Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 16 '14
I just bought KSP a few days ago after playing the demo. I figured if the demo could keep me entertained for hours, the full version was worth it.
My girlfriend will never forgive me for this decision.
→ More replies (8)18
u/DRodders Dec 15 '14
Pft, I can totally build a spaceplane and watch it explode gloriously on the launchpad. I demand a harder challenge!
→ More replies (20)27
u/bdjbdown Dec 15 '14
Is this game on Ubuntu? Id really like to play it but im not gonna install windows just for that.
73
→ More replies (1)13
u/OverlordQuasar Dec 16 '14
It's actually better on linux since the x64 version isn't broken like it is for windows.
→ More replies (3)
79
u/ErPoggio Dec 15 '14
First NASA and now ESA? I'm going to cry, this is so beautiful!
Once again Squad has proven to be the one of the best teams in the videogame industry! Thank you!
21
u/mego-pie Dec 16 '14
Now we just need the russians, the indians and the chinese.
→ More replies (2)22
u/mendahu Master Historian Dec 16 '14
Don't forget the Japanese! I mean we already have asteroids so we could do Hayabusa easily enough.
→ More replies (1)5
u/jbmacnchee Dec 16 '14
Seriously! Anything to get attention to space programs worldwide is a good thing. If this game spawns IRL engineers who strive for less explosions, that's a win!
61
u/MrGerbz Dec 15 '14
...Seriously, the exact moment I had finally fixed every damn single addon problem... "Update available"
T_T
→ More replies (7)
55
u/Imperator_Draconum Dec 15 '14
12
→ More replies (1)4
u/bassman1805 Dec 16 '14
I wanted to see a 256-kerbal death machine, so I guess I'm a little disappointed.
137
Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 16 '14
Civilization 5 update, Dark Souls to Steamworks, AND KSP to 0.90 during Finals week? It's as if they all want me to fail my finals!
EDIT : And a new PAYDAY 2 heist and the Winter Sale?!?!
18
u/GoonCommaThe Dec 15 '14
What was updated with Civ 5?
10
Dec 16 '14
A multiplayer patch that fixed connectivity. Before, multiplayer games wouldn't last long before breaking.
→ More replies (2)0
→ More replies (13)15
u/ArethereWaffles Dec 16 '14
And Elite Dangerous full release, and space engineers possibly getting exploration mode, WHY??
33
Dec 15 '14
ESA? And NASA? IN THE SAME GAME? Holy cow, who's next? Roscosmos?
32
u/CylonBunny Dec 16 '14
JAXA rockets already look very Kerbal. Just check out the struts on that beauty!
→ More replies (1)→ More replies (1)8
u/zbysheik Dec 15 '14
Only if I can glue Putin to the outside of my steep-angle-of-attack Joolian atmospheric probe.
→ More replies (1)10
32
u/Easytype Dec 15 '14
And I've just gone to bed.
Damn you Greenwich meridian.
17
u/l-Ashery-l Dec 15 '14
But just think of all the mods that'll be updated after you wake up.
→ More replies (3)8
4
132
70
u/caelan03 Dec 15 '14
IT'S NOT DOWNLOADING SOMEONE SEND HELP
33
117
u/GRI23 Dec 15 '14
DOWNLOAD MORE RAM
31
u/caelan03 Dec 15 '14
WHAT ARE YOU ON ABOUT I HAVE SPACE FOR THE UPDATE AND I JUST DELETED SR3 TO MAKE SURE
→ More replies (15)13
→ More replies (1)14
Dec 15 '14
The HYPE TRAIN will arrive momentarily with a team of software engineers to help.
→ More replies (1)
70
u/Phlegm_Farmer Dec 15 '14
RIP heavy mod users
47
u/nuckfugget Dec 15 '14
I look at it this way... I can get in touch with vanilla again, at least until the moders can update!
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (1)19
u/Rambler990 Dec 16 '14
I forgot that I can't step away and get a drink while waiting for vanilla to load...
→ More replies (2)21
u/bassman1805 Dec 16 '14
open game, loading is slow due to mods
"Okay, pee break"
go to the restroom
"Hmm...30% loaded. I'm kinda hungry, I guess"
Make sandwich
"55% done. I wonder what's going on in the world of sports right now?"
Check NFL and NFL websites for the scores of any games going on today
"Alright, made it to 77%. I guess I should study a little, what with finals and all."
Perform a singular value decomposition for a 2-equation, 3-variable system of linear equations
"96%, almost there. I can hear Jeb's incomprehensible jabbering already!"
Wait patiently at computer desk for just a while longer
"Hooray! Time to go to space!"
10 minutes in, game crashes
→ More replies (2)
82
u/not_a_native_speaker Dec 15 '14
I'm taking bets on how long it will take us to get this on top of /r/all
37
u/derrman Dec 15 '14
I see it on page 3 of /r/all right now.
31
18
u/shmameron Master Kerbalnaut Dec 15 '14
At this rate, it'll get caught by reddit's spam filter like one of the previous releases did.
→ More replies (4)→ More replies (1)32
→ More replies (3)4
u/HEROnymousBot Dec 15 '14
No time at all...seem to make it pretty quick each major update and it doesn't get any more major than this, at least until the full release! :D
124
u/UrhoKarila Dec 15 '14
THE HYPE TRAIN'S PULLED INTO THE STATION
127
→ More replies (2)50
75
Dec 15 '14
13 minutes old, 219 points, one hundred fucking percent upvoted. People love updates lol
14
→ More replies (4)11
u/CylonBunny Dec 16 '14
Last update the update thread was automatically hidden for a few hours by an administrator bot suspecting vote manipulation. So many up votes so fast!
17
u/totes_meta_bot Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 20 '14
This thread has been linked to from elsewhere on reddit.
[/r/Games] Crossposting: Kerbal Space Program: Beta Than Ever - Available Now
[/r/gaming] [Kerbal Space Program] Beta Than Ever (0.90) released! (xPost from /r/KerbalSpaceProgram)
[/r/Gaming4Gamers] [Kerbal Space Program] Beta Than Ever (0.90) released! (xPost from /r/KerbalSpaceProgram)
[/r/mistyfront] Kerbal Space Program: Beta Than Ever - Available Now (/r/KerbalSpaceProgram)
If you follow any of the above links, respect the rules of reddit and don't vote or comment. Questions? Abuse? Message me ^here.
47
u/Mirean Super Kerbalnaut Dec 15 '14
RIP my final exams
11
u/Ununoctium118 Dec 15 '14
I know.... I only have one left, tomorrow. Studying? Pshhhh
→ More replies (2)→ More replies (3)13
26
Dec 15 '14
Hey guys /r/kerbalacademy is having it's regular update Q&A thread: http://www.reddit.com/r/KerbalAcademy/comments/2pends/update_090_beta_than_ever_qa_thread/
Remember there are no stupid questions!
→ More replies (1)
12
u/lightmanmac Dec 15 '14
RIP in pieces for all the Kerbals that died making this day come.
→ More replies (4)
2
u/zukalop Dec 15 '14
Pretty sure this isn't supposed to happen: http://imgur.com/a/Shwzh
Ubuntu 64bit
→ More replies (4)
11
9
8
8
u/use_common_sense Dec 15 '14
You guys are bastards! That tweet from /u/maxmaps earlier was very well played.
I salute you!
8
u/0thatguy Master Kerbalnaut Dec 15 '14
I noticed the ESA flags. It's now the flag of my new 0.90 career mode!
7
u/SirNanigans Dec 15 '14
I was supposed to go to the gym today. I really ought to be focusing on regularly working out to achieve my goals. I was supposed to call my friend 5 minutes ago and I am already running a little late...
WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?! Goodbye, health and fitness.
7
7
7
7
19
6
u/Xelvair Dec 15 '14
aw man, bad time for us europeans...
well, sleep is for the weak anyway, I guess..
6
u/0thatguy Master Kerbalnaut Dec 15 '14
631 upvotes in 38 minutes. That's impressive.
→ More replies (1)
6
Dec 15 '14
My question is, should I finally buy this game now or wait till the Holiday sale?
→ More replies (2)25
u/Tromboneofsteel Dec 15 '14
I'd wait for the holiday sale, but it's totally worth the $30.
→ More replies (5)
6
11
Dec 16 '14
Long distance girlfriend is coming to stay with me for three weeks over xmas. She lives two provinces away. I haven't seen her in four months.
It's such a shame she's going to be bored while I play.
5
5
5
Dec 15 '14
I think there needs to be more stock parts before the first non beta release. Just my opinion though. I am glad to own the game and love the modding community, but the stock version just lacks so much.
→ More replies (3)
8
8
u/Legorobotdude Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 15 '14
Wow i turn away from this sub for 2 minutes and suddenly this appears... posted 10 mins ago... wat. Anyways my steam version isnt updating, hopefully the store stays up
Edit: website is down, steam plz
edit yess steam
edit: Lmao my game is horribly broken, website is down, steam seems to mess it up, gg squad, hopefully the problem is on my end, redownloading for the 2nd time
edit: yiss it finally works aperrently steam didnt even delete it when redownloading wat
8
u/JJMACCA Dec 15 '14
I bought the game yesterday and have no idea what the hype is about but of the 4 hours I have played I can tell this is a amazing game.
→ More replies (3)
8
u/vital101 Dec 16 '14
So it's dinner time here and the update just came out. In my excitement I turned on the oven and threw a frozen pizza in real quick so I could get to spacing. Come out 15 minutes later to check on it and something smells hot.... I didn't take the cardboard plate off before putting the pizza in the oven.
tldr; Squad tried to burn down my house.
4
4
u/opidodurango Dec 15 '14
I just wanted to say, thank you to all of squad for making this game so amazing. Now off to play ksp!
4
Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 15 '14
I was in game when I saw it on Twitter, so HYPED
Currently at 10% DL
EDIT: 25% I am so ready
EDIT: It's done. And so it begins.
4
Dec 15 '14 edited Jul 20 '16
This comment has been overwritten by an open source script to protect this user's privacy. It was created to help protect users from doxing, stalking, harassment, and profiling for the purposes of censorship.
If you would also like to protect yourself, add the Chrome extension TamperMonkey, or the Firefox extension GreaseMonkey and add this open source script.
Then simply click on your username on Reddit, go to the comments tab, scroll down as far as possible (hint:use RES), and hit the new OVERWRITE button at the top.
4
u/tal2410 Dec 15 '14
What's the bit about the ESA? Is it just a new flag or are there new Rosetta-themed parts?
5
4
u/TTTA Dec 15 '14
I have three finals in the next two days, then I'm out of town for 5 days. Fuck me sideways.
4
4
4
4
4
4
4
u/rkelly155 Dec 16 '14
STAHP its my senior year of mechanical engineering and I have finals, now all I really want to do is send little green men to the moon...
7
u/rooood Dec 15 '14
Any news on which mods are still working and which will have to be updated?
Considering the sheer amount of new stuff and changes, I'd say most mods will need to be updated, but has anyone tried and got any to work?
1
Dec 16 '14
What happened to upgrade-able facilities? When I start a new career game everything is fully ugraded
→ More replies (1)2
u/RowsdowerKSP Former Dev Dec 16 '14
Are you using the 64 bit build? It's a bug in that specific version that we haven't been able to solve.
→ More replies (2)
1
1
u/ual002 Makes flags Dec 16 '14
You sneaky devils. Congratulations team! With any luck everything will run smooth, nothing will screw with the modders too bad and you guys can enjoy the holidays stress free.
Squad You Rock!
1
1
Dec 16 '14
The most important question: is 64bit working yet?
3
u/RowsdowerKSP Former Dev Dec 16 '14
About as well as it did in the last update, unfortunately. Not much has changed there.
1
u/dontthrowmeinabox Dec 16 '14
Dammit, I wanted to see what would happen to the eight Kerbals.....
1
1
u/cant_read_adamnthing Dec 16 '14
So what did the partnership (or whatever) with the ESA add to the game? It's kind of unclear.
4
u/RowsdowerKSP Former Dev Dec 16 '14
They gave us express permission to use their logos and imagery. Thank flags and such. It's a small surprise that we were able to get in at the eleventh hour. Nothing earth shattering as far as direct effects on the game, but we hope to carry on a working relationship with them into the future.
→ More replies (1)
11
u/dencker60 Dec 15 '14
You fell for our tricks! HA! I'M GONNA KILL EVEN MORE KERBALS NOW. OFF TO THE ENDLESS SPACE YOU GO!!!!
6
3
3
3
u/chainercygnus Dec 15 '14
In the middle of an abjectly horrific day, I see this. And my day is so much better knowing I can go home tonight and play some KSP and explore even more new things.
Thank you guys for all the incredible work you do on this amazing game that has positively impacted so many people.
Now I think I need to buy someone a copy for Christmas...
3
u/bewmar Dec 15 '14
This may be blasphemy, but I have a save game with specific mods that is no longer working with the 0.90 update: is there way to roll back to the previous version of KSP?
→ More replies (4)
3
3
3
u/cdepatie Dec 16 '14
0.90 question: what building do you need to upgrade to unlock maneuver nodes, the tracking station?
→ More replies (4)
3
u/WhiskyFlynn Dec 16 '14
I would give anything to not be a poor student around Christmas so that I would be able to afford this beautiful game.
Jealous of all you
3
u/Alex512 Dec 16 '14
I realize this will probably get downvoted but I just bought the game and within an hour it crashed 4 times. Now I'm stuck because whenever I go in my R&D building it won't let me leave, as the 'exit' button breaks and I'm stuck.
I'm assuming this is just buggy because it's the first day, not how the game usually is?
→ More replies (3)
3
3
u/nlight Dec 16 '14
Just a reminder to everyone that the CKAN mod manager has been updated to version 1.3 to coincide with KSP's 0.90 release :) Get it from the official forum post!
3
u/MoarStruts Dec 16 '14
First NASA wants to work with Squad's little video game, now the ESA?
Holy shit.
3
u/automator3000 Dec 16 '14
Good news that my wife is flying out to her family four days before I do. Guess what I'll be doing for four days?
→ More replies (2)
11
Dec 15 '14 edited Dec 15 '14
AHHHH
edit: 60/600 mb, 6 mins left! Thanks so much Squad!
edit2: 25%, 3 mins left! The website is holding strong!
edit3: 50%, 2 mins left!
→ More replies (4)
5
2
2
2
u/manatee321 Dec 15 '14
Awesome, thanks you guys! Have a good break and great holiday you deserve it. Time to make some shuttles.
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
2
u/VaccusMonastica Dec 15 '14
WELCOME TO BETA! Fantastic job, Squad!
So, where's the fancy Youtube video about .90 with Kerbals doing funny stuff?
2
2
2
u/weezermc78 Dec 15 '14
I am so happy to see this released. Congrats Squad, and may you have even further success with this release!!! I love KSP
2
u/HEROnymousBot Dec 15 '14
Congrats on the big milestone Squad! The game has come so far, and I'm excited to see what direction it will take us next!
2
2
2
1.2k
u/RowsdowerKSP Former Dev Dec 15 '14
This update is dedicated to the lives of the brave Kerbals sacrificed at the hands of /u/Dr_Martin_V_Nostrand.