Flashing Lights - Police Fire EMS

[Asid]

July Update Pushed to Next Week
Fri, 31 July 2020



We've had to push the July update back a week, but you can play an early version now if you wish to



Hello all,

We're sorry to say that we've had to move the public version of the July update back to next week. While the lights pattern and colour customisation is coming along nicely, it needs just a little more time in the oven. As developer Nils continues to polish the update for next week, there is a way that you can play an early version of the update right now if you wish to!



Unstable Branch

If you want to play an early in-development version of the update, you can do so via the unstable branch. Please join the Flashing Lights Discord if you haven't already and head to the #announcements channel for details on how to access the unstable version.



We're excited to get the update out to you all next week, and also continue our work towards the August and September updates.



Thank you again for your ongoing support!

The Flashing Lights Team

[Asid]

UPDATE NOW LIVE | Vehicle Lights Colour and Pattern Customisation
Thu, 6 August 2020

All departments receive the lights colour and pattern customisation treatment
 

Hello all,

We're happy to announce that the vehicle lights colour and pattern customisation update is here! You can now design patterns and colours for vehicle lights - that includes all vehicles in the game, covering all departments. You can also import and export vehicle configurations, allowing you to share your creations and use those other players have created should they share them with you.

 
Full Update Notes

New
•   Lights colour and patterns customisation introduced
•   Game now spawns the last vehicle with the lighting setup that was used in a selected role
•   Vehicle menu loads last lights configuration on the selected vehicle
•   Ability to import/Export vehicle configurations (livery, lights setup, customised patterns, lights colours), in order to share and save your creations and use other players'. Available from the top right of the 'Select Vehicle' menu
•   Option to import/export lightbar only, available from the top right corner of the 'Lights Customization' menu
•   Lightbars have 3 default flashing patterns
•   Lightbar menu shows model names

Fixes
•   Lightbar menu now highlights the current model that is on the vehicle
•   Party hat disabled D:
•   Vic police car pushbar size adjusted
•   Old lightbar added in options
•   Right mouse button icon to rotate vehicle during customisation
•   Spawning vehicle with no lights will revert to default setup


We hope you enjoy this update and have fun customising and sharing your vehicle light set ups! Flashing Lights has a couple of big updates coming up in August and September.


Thanks,
The Flashing Lights Team

   

[Asid]

UPDATE NOW LIVE | Communication Update - In-Game Voice Chat
Thu, 27 August 2020

Voice chat comes to Flashing Lights



We're delighted to announce that in-game voice chat is here! You can now chat with your friends while playing Flashing Lights directly through the game. We've also added more text chat types - one for individual departments, and one for radio chatter. The ban option has also been improved so that the game now saves your list of banned players, preventing them from joining your server again after they've restarted.




Full Update Notes

New
•   Voice chat push-to-talk added [Default key V] with colour coded pop-up icons
•   Text chat type: team chat, type /t in front of message. (Example: /t Hello!)
•   Text chat type: radio command, type /r in front of message (example: /r 600 is the best), text colour coded for each department
•   Text chat /me command added (bold text)
•   New menu for multiplayer commands when pressing Esc for Mute, Kick, Ban and Unban functions
•   Multiplayer Ban command improved to now save list of banned players, preventing them from joining your sever again after restarting
•   Voice chat volume option added in Audio Settings as a separate channel from game's master volume


Fixes
•   Vehicle menu appearance tab should no longer get stuck
•   Fixed freezing on faulty lights import/load
•   Player Left message no longer displays when banned players try to re-join
•   Fixed kicked and banned messages
•   Footstep volume reduced
•   Police charger car windows tint changed to defaults

See you next month for the September update!




Thanks,
The Flashing Lights Team

[Asid]

Update News
Wed, 23 September 2020



We have some news for you today regarding the update which was planned for September, 'Background Work Part 1 - Open Beta'. Sadly we won't be getting the update out by the end of the month as we had hoped to. This update is a large undertaking, and as many of you already know, work on this update and beyond has been done in the background over the past months alongside the regular updates.

When a situation like this arises, we often have two choices:

1) Release the update even though we're not quite where we wanted to be
2) Hold back and give ourselves more time to improve upon the update

We've opted for option 2 - we feel this is the best option for you all even if it does sadly mean you'll have to wait a bit longer. Because of this, the September update, 'Background Work Part 1 - Open Beta' will now become the October update.

We will be getting this update onto the unstable branch as soon as we can in October, but we don't have an exact date yet. (If you wish to opt into the unstable branch, please join the Discord for more info) The update will now release to the public by the end of October.

Keep an eye out for news! Soon we'll be sharing your first look at the exciting new update, as well as the Q4 2020 roadmap.

Thank you,
The Flashing Lights Team

[Asid]

October 2020 – March 2021 Roadmap Announcement
Wed, 21 October 2020



Feast your eyes on six month's worth of update news!

Big changes are afoot in Flashing Lights. Behind the scenes this year we have been working on some changes to the foundations of the game. We are excited to roll these out over the coming months. We are moving the game map to a tile based loading system that will help us address the performance issues many players experience in the game.



In addition it will mean we can add better interiors to important buildings, and over time, develop a much bigger world for you all to explore.

This month we are excited to share with you the first step on this journey. In the new update, releasing by the end of October, you will be able to see the first version of the new map. This is only a small area, and does not have traffic or people for you to interact with (plus no callouts), but it is just the beginning. For now the new map will be available as an option in the main menu.



Over the coming months we will be adding a new and improved dispatch system and new traffic AI, before expanding the map and including new neighbourhoods for you to patrol.

We know that in the long run it will create a much more compelling experience for you all. We really appreciate all of your support so far, and are excited to share the new roadmap with you all.



October 2020 - March 2021 Roadmap

October: Explorable Small Map First Look: Your first chance to explore the newly optimised map (no callouts or traffic). The first step in a newly optimised game experience.

November: Sirens Customisation: Sirens selection plus manual vehicle siren controls.

December: Optimised Map Release Part 1: Small map single player callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

January: Optimised Map Release Part 2: Small map new multiplayer callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

February: Optimised Map Release Part 3: Overhauled traffic AI + traffic will appear on the streets of the new small map.

March: Optimised Map Release Part 4: Fully functional enhanced and optimised new map. This will form the foundation of the ongoing game development.

[Asid]

UPDATE NOW LIVE | Explorable Small Map First Look
Thu, 29 October 2020



Your first chance to explore the newly optimised map (no callouts or traffic). The first step in a newly optimised game!
 


The Flashing Lights October update is here! Today marks the first step in a newly optimised game experience. We are excited to take this journey with you all, and this is just the beginning.

Today we have released the first iteration of the new game map, accessible from the main menu. This is only a small area, and does not have traffic or people for you to interact with (plus no callouts), but it is just the beginning. The new world uses a tile-based loading system, which should help to address the performance issues many of you have been experiencing.

We're excited to hear your thoughts on this first iteration of the new map!

Full Update Notes

•   New additional map (in the Main Menu, toggle the switch button to access the new map or go back to the original map to play the game with callouts), this is part of the new foundations for Flashing Lights
•   New police and fire departments (work in progress)
•   In the new map, EMS will now spawn together with the fire department
•   Parking ticket mechanics added to the new map for cars illegally parked on the sidewalk
•   Fuel system added to the new map
•   Adjusted the environment and prop spawn radiuses in the game's Graphics Settings when playing on the new map, this utilises our new tile-based loading system. The higher the setting, the more of the world that loads in together, if you are experiencing issues with performance, reduce this number
•   For the new map the Screen Space Reflection and Ambient Occlusion camera effects (Graphics Settings) have been adjusted for better looking visuals
•   Moved project to Unity version 2018 LTS
•   Road flares changed to pumpkins until November update



We have much more to come in the months ahead. Check out the details:

November: Sirens Customisation: Sirens selection plus manual vehicle siren controls.

December: Optimised Map Release Part 1: Small map single player callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

January: Optimised Map Release Part 2: Small map new multiplayer callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

February: Optimised Map Release Part 3: Overhauled traffic AI + traffic will appear on the streets of the new small map.

March: Optimised Map Release Part 4: Fully functional enhanced and optimised new map. This will form the foundation of the ongoing game development.

Thanks,
The Flashing Lights Team

 

[Asid]

Glowing Pumpkins! Big Savings! | Flashing Lights Halloween 2020
Thu, 29 October 2020



Find out what we're up to in Flashing Lights for Halloween

Hello all,

Halloween is almost upon us! We like to celebrate the odd event in Flashing Lights with little touches, and this year's Halloween is no different. Usually, you're able to lay down flares at incident scenes to warn oncoming traffic at night time!

But it's Halloween, so of course, the road flares are now glowing pumpkins. Remember to play in night time mode and make use of the pumpkin flares this Halloween!



And, if you are yet to jump in, we're running a special 25% discount for a limited time:

[Asid]

UPDATE NOW LIVE | Sirens Update
Wed, 25 November 2020



New sirens, plus 25% discount!



Hello all,

We've just launched the November update for Flashing Lights! We have introduced a whole range of new sirens, which you can choose to equip your vehicles with! Read on for the full update notes. New sirens have been a much requested feature from the community, so it's an exciting one for us to release.

25% Off in the Steam Autumn Sale
£15.99   £11.99





Full Update Notes

New

- New sirens
- Siren controller added (Key 2 to turn on/off when in vehicle)
- Use buttons 3;4;5;6;7;8;9;0 for different sirens, when siren controller is turned on
- Loop sirens with one key (Default X)
- Q siren for fire trucks and large ambulance (default input G or Right Mouse button)
- Siren customization in vehicle menu, you can now change sirens for each slot
- Sirens and Q siren volume setting in Audio Settings Menu
- Auto-off siren option when getting out of car. Can be set in Vehicle Menu
- Sound effect for initializing traffic stop
- Hold down Horn for secondary siren to stop traffic. Works when emergency lights are on
- Input reset to support new siren slot buttons

Fixes

- Weapon wheel could be activated when in Settings Menus, breaking interaction
- Removed pumpkin road flares D:
- Horn now works while engine is off
- Fixed issue with two mouse cursors in vehicle menu
- Fixed voice chat volume resetting on each game load

We have some exciting updates arriving over the coming months, so keep your eyes peeled!

December: Optimised Map Release Part 1: Small map single player callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

January: Optimised Map Release Part 2: Small map new multiplayer callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

February: Optimised Map Release Part 3: Overhauled traffic AI + traffic will appear on the streets of the new small map.

March: Optimised Map Release Part 4: Fully functional enhanced and optimised new map. This will form the foundation of the ongoing game development.

[Asid]

December Update Callout System Teaser + IndieDB Indie of the Year Voting!
Fri, 4 December 2020

Get a sneak peek of the December update!

Hello all!

We're excited to share with you a little sneak peek of the upcoming December update. But first we have some more end of year awards news to share with you, and we need your help.

Vote Flashing Lights in the IndieDB Indie of the Year Awards!



IndieDB are holding their Indie Of The Year Award again this year, and we need your help!

If you've enjoyed playing Flashing Lights this year, please vote for us in Indie DB's Indie of the Year Awards!

All you need to do is to visit the game's IndieDB page HERE and click 'vote now'. https://www.indiedb.com/games/flashing-lights-police-fire-ems

✔️ No sign up required
✔️ You can vote for as many games as you wish - so even if your heart is split between Flashing Lights and another game or two, why not vote for them all?

December Update Teaser

Plus, enjoy this December update teaser screenshot! The December update will see some improvements to the callout dispatch system for the new map. The fire callout in this teaser will be able to now spawn at any building on the map (apart from department buildings), and with a randomly generated fire size.



Take the opportunity to refresh your memory on our plans for Flashing Lights over the coming months:

December: Optimised Map Release Part 1: Small map single player callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

January: Optimised Map Release Part 2: Small map new multiplayer callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

February: Optimised Map Release Part 3: Overhauled traffic AI + traffic will appear on the streets of the new small map.

March: Optimised Map Release Part 4: Fully functional enhanced and optimised new map. This will form the foundation of the ongoing game development.

[Asid]

🚨 New Dispatch System Teaser + Vote for us in the IndieDB Top 100! 🚨
Fri, 11 December 2020

img]https://cdn.cloudflare.steamstatic.com/steamcommunity/public/images/clans/30559558/eed3b3f80fd063dfb82eab3e752b155d8280bba7.png[/img]

Your first look at the enhanced callout system

Hello all,

We have a brand new December update teaser for you today!

But first... IndieDB Indie of the Year 2020 Top 100 - we need your help once more

Thanks to your votes, Flashing Lights has made it into the top 100 of the year! We are incredibly grateful for your support so far. A second round of voting is now live, and we need your help once again to be in with a chance of being crowned Indie of the Year!

To vote, visit IndieDB by CLICKING HERE https://www.indiedb.com/groups/2020-indie-of-the-year-awards/top100 , then select the 'Role Playing' section in the released games category. Here you'll see a big red 'VOTE' button by Flashing Lights - click on that, and you're all done!

✔️ No sign up required
✔️ You can vote for as many games as you wish



Okay, onto the new update teaser! Here's your first look at the enhanced callout system, arriving with some single player callouts for the new map in this month's update. Now, on your in-car computer, you'll be able to see a list of callouts available for you to respond to as they come in, along with info on the location of the callout so you can decide whether or not you wish to accept the job.









Remember, we have plenty of exciting updates coming up! Take a read:

December: Optimised Map Release Part 1: Small map single player callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

January: Optimised Map Release Part 2: Small map new multiplayer callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

February: Optimised Map Release Part 3: Overhauled traffic AI + traffic will appear on the streets of the new small map.

March: Optimised Map Release Part 4: Fully functional enhanced and optimised new map. This will form the foundation of the ongoing game development.

[Asid]

UPDATE NOW LIVE | New Map Single Player Callouts + Improved Dispatch System
Mon, 21 December 2020

Get all the details on the December Update



Hello all!

Flashing Lights' December update is now live! This introduces some single player callouts to the new map, and also includes a new and improved callout dispatch system!



Full Update Notes

New
- Dispatch system for the new map (Singleplayer only until January update)
- You can now see locations before accepting a callout
- The message of player responding to a callout has been moved from chat to dispatch UI section
- Vehicle computer now available for all departments
- You can now view all pending callouts on vehicle computer CAD section
- Ability to cancel missions through vehicle computer CAD section
- Suggested vehicle now shown for each callout
- Police callout Shoplifting added for new map (spawns randomly around the map)
- Police callout Armed Robbery added for new map (spawns randomly around the map)
- Fire callout Structure Fire added for new map (spawns at random location and random size)
- Fire trucks on new map now have infinite water supply until fire hydrants get added
- Christmas hats added for the Holidays

Fixes
- Hit or shot suspects now show stolen goods when searched
- Audio settings menu could get stuck at main menu
- Audio settings now update properly
- Reflections fixed for new map

Thank you all so much for playing Flashing Lights this year! We look forward to another great year for Flashing Lights.



Keep an eye out for the following upcoming updates!

January: Optimised Map Release Part 2: Small map new multiplayer callouts + improved dispatch system based on community feedback

February: Optimised Map Release Part 3: Overhauled traffic AI + traffic will appear on the streets of the new small map.

March: Optimised Map Release Part 4: Fully functional enhanced and optimised new map. This will form the foundation of the ongoing game development.

[Asid]

January Update 2021
Thu, 28 January 2021



New (updates for the New map)
- Updated dispatch now has multiplayer support
- Dispatch supports multiple calls at the same time across departments
- CAD update to join/leave missions now in active calls tab
- Calls now end after timeout if no players are responding
- New Dumpster Fire callouts for Fire Department [ID 2001]
- New garbage dumpster models around the city
- Bus stop models around the city
- Power Off button now appears on every screen on the in-vehicle computer
- Mission complete UI pop-up now shows when the call is cleared, but does not issue any points. Points are now given for player actions in missions only
- Another suspect registration point added at the back entrance of the Police Station
- Added info icons on vehicle HUD for computer input [Left Shift] and extra lights input [P]


Fixes
- Random fire callouts could previously spawn with no fire (New map)
- Shop owner's walk animation fixed when items are returned
- Time is takes to extinguish fires is now faster (New map)
- Fire Tanker truck's rooftop lightbar scale increased
- Fire Ladder truck's doors do not disappear in the distance anymore
- Christmas hat removed

[Asid]

UPDATE NOW LIVE | New Map Multiplayer Callouts + Improved Dispatch System
Thu, 28 January 2021

The January update is here!



Hello all,

We have just released the January 2021 update for Flashing Lights! We have an updated callout dispatch system for multiplayer calls on the new map. We also have new dumpster fire callouts for the fire department.



If you are yet to try Flashing Lights, now is a great time to jump in, with new updates being released regularly.


Full Update Notes

New (Updates for the New Map)
- Updated dispatch now has multiplayer support
- Dispatch supports multiple calls at the same time across departments
- CAD update to join/leave missions now in active calls tab
- Calls now end after timeout if no players are responding
- New Dumpster Fire callouts for Fire Department [ID 2001]
- New garbage dumpster models around the city
- Bus stop models around the city
- Power Off button now appears on every screen on the in-vehicle computer
- Mission complete UI pop-up now shows when the call is cleared, but does not issue any points. Points are now given for player actions in missions only
- Another suspect registration point added at the back entrance of the Police Station
- Added info icons on vehicle HUD for computer input [Left Shift] and extra lights input [P]

Fixes
- Random fire callouts could previously spawn with no fire (New map)
- Shop owner's walk animation fixed when items are returned
- Time it takes to extinguish fires is now faster (New map)
- Fire Tanker truck's rooftop lightbar scale increased
- Fire Ladder truck's doors do not disappear in the distance anymore
- Christmas hat removed




We have further exciting updates coming over the next couple of months:

February: Optimised Map Release Part 3: Overhauled traffic AI + traffic will appear on the streets of the new small map.

March: Optimised Map Release Part 4: Fully functional enhanced and optimised new map. This will form the foundation of the ongoing game development.

[Asid]

News on the February Update
Tue, 23 February 2021



Hello all,

The update which was planned for the end of February has now been merged with the March update.

By the end of March we'll release an update which brings an overhauled traffic system to the new map. This update will also introduce pedestrians onto the new map. This will mark the point where the new map is fully functional, and will serve as a basis for ongoing development.



We apologise for the delay, but we believe it's what's best for the game. We'd rather release a better update later on as opposed to prematurely releasing one we're not happy with.

We'll have a new roadmap to announce soon, so keep your eyes peeled for that! We also hope you enjoy the little teaser images for the March update throughout this post.



Thank you for all of your support as always!

The Flashing Lights Team

[Asid]

March Update News
Wed, 31 March 2021



Update pushed back a little + take a look at the new teaser screenshots!



Hello all,

Sadly we have had to move the March update back a little. We need a bit more time on the update, which will include pedestrians and revamped traffic AI for the new map, and now plan to release the update within the next few weeks.

However, we may be releasing early unstable versions of the update ahead of the public release - if you are interested in playing any potential early versions of the update, please join the Discord
and keep an eye out for announcements there.

We understand that the delay is frustrating and disappointing for some of you, and it's never our intention to frustrate anybody. That said, we want to prioritise quality rather than pushing out the update prematurely.

We also have some new teaser screenshots to share, to help tide you over until the update!





Above you can see some brand new props which will be added to the new map in this update... and some can be knocked over when driving too (news, mail and fuse boxes). Also added will be more static street props (fences, street lights, lanterns and larger fuse boxes).

Thanks for the support,
The Flashing Lights Team