Version 1.0.3 probably won't feature yet the random global events (sorry), BUT it will be one of the biggest update ever I have done in my games.
First of all some bugfixes and new features based on the feedback I got in this forum, and for this I want to thanks all the people that took the time to write the suggestions!
But speaking about big changes: I've implemented a real-time turn (during the macromanagement part only) that I believe will fix the "initial slowness" of the game. Turns will now advance automatically so you won't have to press end of turn several times. You'll be able to adjust speed with + and - keys, so you can still pause the game anytime if you need to decide something
Then, I've added the Skirmish Mode. In practice the game plays like a normal match, but with some essential differences:
- you start with unlimited materials and money
- all technologies are known (so you can build all kinds of ships)
- ships building time is greatly reduced
Lastly, the custom ships! I am programming that right now. In practice you'll be able to assemble your ship using all the devices known, and then add it to the Ships tech category, research it (and all the missing technologies) and then you can already build it for the next battle. Custom ships are shared among all your games so you don't have to redesign them from scratch each time.
Estimate release for the beta should be this weekend, and I aim a final release for the mid of July.