HoloArcade September update: universes with several worlds, the Computer builds with you, and simulations on your phone

September was the biggest month on HoloArcade so far. A simulation can now span several worlds, the Computer builds one with you from a plain description, and all of it runs on your phone. Here is the tour.

The Computer builds with you

Tell the Computer what you want in plain words, for example "a femme fatale in a smoky 1940s jazz club", and it works out the details. It shows you the whole plan first, creates it once you say yes, and then offers to materialize the pictures.

• You start in the holo-chamber. A new character stands there right away, so you can interact with them while the rest is still being built.
• Changes work the same way: "make her a brunette" is enough.
• A todo list shows what is still missing before you can save and publish.
• The Computer picks a theme and a visual style for your simulation and suggests names for it.
• It works on the same drafts as the Architect, our step by step builders. Every simulation in your list offers "Edit in the Architect" and "Edit with the Computer", so you can switch at any time.

The Computer is still in early access. Secrets, relationships, music, voices and maps are built in the Architect for now.

Universes: several worlds in one simulation

A simulation can now link up to five worlds. Two or more form a universe with a map of its own, where every world is a pin on a deep space backdrop that you tune yourself. A simulation can also own places that belong to no world, such as a space station between two planets. To fill all that room, the cast limit went from 10 to 20 characters.

Worlds with a planet of their own

• Shape the planet: pick colors for water, sand, vegetation and mountains, then set climate, relief, snow and atmosphere.
• Sketch your own map (experimental). Paint a rough map with a handful of colors and it becomes a finished map in your visual style.
• Maps are optional. A world without one shows a list of its places instead.