Console Lobbies Patch Progress Update

August 4th, 2016
Written By: Earl Gertwagen

 

We hope everyone has been enjoying Skullgirls 2nd Encore, most recently released on Vita in North America/Europe and on PS4/Vita in Japan both digitally and physically!

Lab Zero is hard at work on a final patch for all console versions – PS3, PS4, PS Vita, and Xbox360 – that will implement the same lobby functionality that exists on the Steam version of the game. This “lobbies patch” will come with a number of general bug fixes, as well as minor gameplay fixes, tweaks, and balance adjustments. All gameplay-related changes will undergo testing in the Endless Beta version on Steam.

Several bug fixes for the PS4 and PS Vita versions are thanks in part to our fans bringing them to our attention. Some of the issues we hope to address in the patch include, but are not limited to:

• Story Mode trophy issues (PS4/Vita)
• Minor graphical issues – character transparency, image overlapping, etc (Vita)
• In-battle audio dropping issues (Vita)
• Training Mode text size (Vita)
• Online username text size (Vita)

A frequent criticism of the Vita version pertains to blurry text and UI. We are aware of the issue, and are investigating several options to improve this, but it continues to be a complicated issue. We can’t make textures bigger because we’re already maxed out on memory on the system. We can’t have the text bi-linearly interpolated by the game itself because it still results in blurry text due to the size of the textures. There are alternatives we are considering, such as changing the offset, but the resolution can’t be improved any further. So unfortunately, we can’t promise that this will be improved in the lobbies patch, but please know that we’re considering every option at our disposal.

We don’t have a projected release date for the patch, but lobby functionality is already undergoing preliminary internal testing. It should be noted, however, that in the case of the PS Family patches – PS3, PS4, and PS Vita – the submission and testing process spans 3 platforms x 3 territories x 3 publishers, which is a significant logistical ordeal, and might result in delays.

As our way of thanking you for your support and patience, we are working to include in the patch some of the new intro animations being created for the mobile version of Skullgirls!

Finally, once the lobbies patch has been released on all consoles, we plan to look into producing a limited batch of English physical copies of Skullgirls 2nd Encore so that those outside of Japan will have a chance to add the game to their shelf at home.

Once we have entered the patch submission process we will let everyone know on the usual social media channels. Be sure to follow us on Twitter (@Skullgirls) and on Facebook for the latest news!