JEFFERSON CITY — The 2024 legislative session that ended Friday seemed more a referendum on Republican Party loyalty than a collective venture toward policy.
Constant infighting among Republicans over priorities and which ones were truly conservative led to days-long filibusters, name calling and the death of many conservative bills, including a top party priority: making it more difficult to amend the Missouri Constitution.
The divisions were so ingrained that the Senate Democrats, holding 10 seats in a 34-person body, delivered the deciding votes on some of the session's most important bills.
The hard-right Freedom Caucus has said their issue with mainstream Republican leaders in the legislature is a lack of dedication to “big red” policies like reducing personal property tax and preventing foreign countries from owning Missouri land.
Looking back at previous sessions, that argument doesn’t quite stack up. In the last several years Republicans have passed one of the nation's most strict abortion bans, limitations on transgender health care and enacted several income tax cuts.
The Freedom Caucus went to great lengths to disrupt Senate procedure and strong-arm leadership in an effort to pass their highest priority, changes to the initiative petition process. The impact was that they were tossed off Senate committees by the Republican leadership and later in the session failed to convince their Republican colleagues to embrace their priorities.
Less than two weeks before the constitutional deadline for the budget and with an important federal health care reimbursement that creates over $4 billion in revenue, Freedom Caucus members filibustered for 41 hours with the demand that leadership first bring up a resolution changing the approval threshold for state constitutional amendments.
Going into the last week of session, initiative petition reform still had not passed.
This week, the Freedom Caucus supported a motion among Republicans to end the Democratic filibuster on the issue through an extraordinary motion — the previous question — that hasn’t been used in the Senate since 2020. But only 16 Republicans would support that plan, which needed 18 votes, so it was never brought before the floor.
With that failure on Wednesday, the resolution was sent back to the House, which refused to budge on Thursday and sent it back to the Senate. On Friday the Senate adjourned without any further action and the effort died.
The failure to pass the resolution making initiative petition changes showed the inability of even a supermajority to act when splintered on such chaotic, disruptive lines.
Senate President Pro Tem. Caleb Rowden, R-Columbia, said that this session showed that more can get done through compromise than confrontation.
"I'm walking out of here as a guy that has basically accomplished everything I wanted to accomplish and I did it in a way that was respectful and collegial," Rowden said in a press conference after adjournment.
Senate Minority Leader John Rizzo, R-Independence, backed up that point saying, "I don't think Democrats won or Republicans lost (the session), I think decorum won."
Fiscal Year 2025 budget
A set of constitutionally mandated bills that fund the state's operations passed just three hours before the May 10 deadline. The final budget is $51.7 billion, $1 billion less than what the governor proposed, and about $2 billion less than last year's budget.
Three things stuck out in this year's budget: Infrastructure continued to be a major focus, spending was reduced to come in line with revenue projects and numerous members on both sides of the aisle were frustrated by the lack of transparency in the process.
Over the last two years, about $3.5 billion has been put into widening I-70 to six lanes statewide and I-44 in the southwestern part of the state. Both projects are about equally funded through debt and general revenue. The budget that was approved is expected to reduce the state surplus to about $1.5 billion.
Up-to-date numbers from the Office of Administration show a more rosy revenue picture than anticipated. So far Fiscal Year 2024 revenue receipts are up 2.7% year over year. That's far higher than the projected .2% growth in revenue used to craft the budget. If that revenue continues at the same pace and with a current general fund balance of over $4 billion there is a chance the state's surplus will hardly be tapped over the next year.
The declining budget also represents a return to normal state budgeting. Since the pandemic, states have received an unprecedented influx of federal COVID relief and infrastructure cash. That has led to record high appropriations that oftentimes don't get spent. In the FY 2023 budget, $10 billion of the $48 billion appropriated was never used. In 2018, only $2 billion of the $28 billion budget was left unspent.
No public comment was taken during the budget process and meetings between the House and Senate where the final budget package was finalized only existed behind closed doors. Senators only had a few minutes to review the bills before voting on them and House members had little time to debate as they passed the budget just hours before the constitutional deadline.
This backdoor process drew criticism from Democrats, Freedom Caucus members and the governor as many felt out of the loop.
Elections and initiative changes Fighting over changes that would make it harder to amend the Missouri Constitution again put the brakes on normal operating procedures on the Senate floor this session.
The Freedom Caucus has more than once sent the Senate into disarray over a piece of legislation that again failed to cross the finish line after years of attempts.
The legislation, sponsored by Sen. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, would have asked voters whether the current threshold to amend the state constitution — a simple majority, or 50% plus one — should be raised to also require a majority vote in at least five of the state’s eight congressional districts.
This year’s proposal included two provisions that led the chamber to several lengthy filibusters totaling more than 100 hours. In addition to the threshold requirement, the provisions would ask voters to bar noncitizens from voting on constitutional amendments and to ban constitutional amendments sponsored by foreign governments.
These provisions are already state law and Democrats made a point of filibustering against those provisions.
Republicans this session also pushed a resolution that would ban ranked-choice voting in Missouri. SJR 78 was passed by the House on Friday. The question will now go to voters to decide.
Ranked-choice voting is a practice where voters rank their preferred candidates on a single ballot until a winner is declared after receiving a majority of the vote. The idea is to give voters more options once their top-ranked choice is eliminated by distributing their vote to their next preferred candidates. Opponents said the practice does the exact opposite by splitting the vote.
While it is not in state law, St. Louis practices a version of ranked-choice voting that will be protected if the ban passes.
Education bill An omnibus education bill, SB 727, raising the minimum teacher salary, allowing charter schools in Boone County and providing private school scholarships to low-income students, has already been signed into law by Gov. Mike Parson. The provisions of the bill, approved by the minimum vote required in the House, are estimated to cost the state $468 million.
The new state minimum salary for teachers is set at $40,000 a year beginning with the next school year and includes additional incentives for teachers with longer careers and those with master’s degrees.
The voucher-like scholarship program for private school students offers up to $6,375 per child for expenses such as tuition, textbooks and transportation. The program is funded by private donors who can claim tax credits.
The size of the bill ballooned from 12 pages to more than 150 because of amendments in the Senate. House leaders blocked amendments so that the bill would not have to be returned for another vote in the Senate out of concern it would die because of filibusters on other topics.
The law requires a public vote to approve any switch to four-day school weeks while providing incentives to schools that stick with five-day weeks.
New crime provisions A major public safety bill that passed during the final House session on Friday made changes to how children are viewed in the court system, increased punishment for various crimes and limited the authority of citizen police review boards, among other items.
The bill tracks legislation passed last year, except for two technical provisions that prompted a veto by Parson. The law increases the age under which children could be considered adults in felony offenses from 12 to 14.
On July 4, 2011, Blair Shanahan Lane was killed by reckless celebratory gunfire. A portion of the bill dubbed "Blair's Law" creates penalties for such activity. After the bill passed on a bipartisan basis Friday, House members rose for a round of applause directed at Blair Lane's mother, who was in attendance.
The bill also creates "Valentine's Law" raising punishments for fleeing a law enforcement stop. It is named for St. Louis County Detective Antonio Valentine, who died in a crash pursuing a person fleeing police.
And there is a provision known as "Max's Law" that increases punishment for injuring or killing law enforcement K-9 dogs.
Sludge regulations House Bill 2134, which would create new regulations for wastewater sludge under the Missouri Clean Water Act, gained bipartisan approval and was signed by Parson.
The bill gained traction as concerns about waste lagoons and land application practices by Arkansas-based Denali Water Solutions have been brought to light. The new law prevents companies like Denali from applying waste as fertilizer without a regulatory process and testing.
Denali was previously forced to cease operations in Missouri after 6,000 gallons of slaughterhouse waste spilled into a field, causing residents to complain about the smell and runoff concerns.
Regulatory Sandbox Act The House Friday gave final approval to SB 894 creating an avenue for new companies offering innovative products to be excused from meeting some state regulations for the first 24 months that they begin offering innovative products to consumers.
Companies would be required to apply and meet certain criteria to participate in the program.
The bill also creates an Office of Entrepreneurship within the Department of Economic Development that will promote policies and initiatives to support the growth of entrepreneurship of Missouri-based businesses with less than ten employees.
Eviction moratorium A bill passed on Friday barred any municipality from enacting an eviction moratorium. The bill, SB 865, comes in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic when cities across the country prevented landlords from evicting tenets. Realtors and apartment associations spoke in favor of the bill as they feel moratoriums violate the rights of property owners.
National Guard deployment Parson signed a bill on May 8 approving additional funding for a Missouri National Guard deployment to the southern border. The governor traveled to Eagle Pass, Texas, to sign House Bill 2016 into law and visit with members who have been deployed since March.
“The battle that we’re fighting down here at the border is keeping it from happening in our own borders, in our own state in Missouri,” Parson said before signing the bill.
Members of the National Guard are assisting with Operation Lone Star after being invited by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott. Operation Lone Star is a state-level border security effort at the Texas-Mexico border that began in 2021.
The $2.2 million in funding supports the operations of approximately 200 National Guard members and 22 Missouri State Highway Patrol officers for 90 days. Since the start of their mission, only around 50 guardsmen and 22 members of the highway patrol have served in Texas.
Sports wagering moves ahead After years of failed attempts to get legalization through the Missouri General Assembly, sports gambling appears to have found a more promising path.
Early in May, the Winning for Missouri Education committee along with a coaltion of Missouri professional sports teams submitted over 340,000 signatures for a ballot initiative to the Secretary of State's office desk.
If the Secretary of State verifies that enough signatures are genuine, the question would be put to voters in November. Thirty-eight other states have legalized some form of sports wagering.
The petition proposes a 10% tax on wagers to be collected by the Department of Revenue, deposited into the state treasury and credit to the "Gaming Proceeds for Education Fund," raising a projected $35 million.
Approximately $5 million in funds from the sports wagering tax would go into a fund to help compulsive gamblers and the rest would go to public school and higher education programs.
Child tax credits Bipartisan support and a State of the State address plug by Parson helped two bills, SB 742 and HB 1488, which would add provisions allowing for tax credits related to child care services to reach the Senate floor for consideration.
However, opposition from Freedom Caucus members of the Senate stalled action both in an effort to advance bills they felt deserved more priority and out of a general dislike of tax credits. The Senate version is sponsored by Sen. Lauren Arthur, D-Kansas City, while the House bill is sponsored by Rep. Brenda Shields, R-St. Joseph.
Protecting IVF House and Senate bills to protect in vitro fertilization clinics got a flurry of attention but did not advance following an Alabama state court ruling that relied on a state abortion ban to restrict in vitro fertilization clinics.
The Missouri Court of Appeals in St. Louis ruled in 2016 that IVF-created embryos were a matter of “marital property of special order.” This has provided legal protection for doctors and patients in the IVF field.
However, that court ruling cited abortion protection offered by Roe Vs. Wade, which was overturned in 2022. With Missouri having a similar abortion ban to the one in Alabama, leading advocates and lawmakers alike are concerned about what could lie ahead.
Sen. Tracy McCreery, D-Olivette, filed SB 1486 which would specify that Missouri's abortion ban does not have a definition that includes in vitro fertilization embryos that have not been implanted in a body. Rep. Bill Allen, R-Kansas City, filed House Bill 2845 which states that the IVF process is protected under law and no one can be prosecuted for undergoing or administrating IVF.
Here is what happened to other legislative topics that garnered attention during the session but did not pass:
Protections for pesticide maker: HB 2763, sponsored by Rep. Dane Diehl, R-Butler, would have protected pesticide manufacturers from claims that they failed to warn consumers of possible cancer risks in their products as long as the federal Environmental Protection Agency has approved those products.
Much of the debate before the House approved the bill focused on Bayer, the company with U.S. headquarters in St. Louis that purchased Monsanto, the original manufacturer of RoundUp pesticide. According to The Associated Press, the company is seeking to stem a tide of lawsuits claiming that Bayer’s products cause cancer.
Diehl, a farmer, said he drafted the legislation out of fear that Bayer would be forced to pull RoundUp off of the market, harming farmers ability to grow crops. The bill never made it to the Senate floor for consideration.
Presidential primaries: New voting laws passed in 2022 eliminated the presidential primary in Missouri. Following low voter turnout in this year’s Republican presidential caucus, SB 1120 and HB 2618, which would reinstate presidential primaries, passed out of their respective committees. The House bill passed with amendments that would create new residency restrictions for candidates vying for U.S. Congress. Ultimately, neither bill got floor consideration.
The Taylor Swift Act: Bills in both the House and Senate sought to address the impact of problematic images created by artificial intelligence but did not make it into law. While ten states provide some form of retribution for this type of crime, only Minnesota and New York statutes allow for both civil and criminal relief.
The Taylor Swift Act, House Bill 2573, offered by Rep. Adam Schwadron, R-St. Charles, targeted fake pornographic images. The bill was approved by the Special Committee on Innovation and Technology but never received a floor vote. The name of the bill referred to explicit AI-created images of the singer that went viral in January.
A similar bill, Senate Bill 1424, sponsored by Sen. Travis Fitzwater, R-Holts Summit, did not get a hearing.
Media Literacy: Companion bills, House Bill 1513 and Senate Bill 1311, aimed to teach students about media and digital literacy. Neither bill advanced.
Danny's Law: Legislation that sought to protect 911 callers from prosecution when calling to report a hazing incident stalled in the House. The bill was named after former University of Missouri student Danny Santulli, who suffered irreparable brain damage after drinking too much when pledging a fraternity at MU in the fall of 2021.
Danny’s Law was meant to offer exoneration to those involved in hazing incidents if they’re the first to call for emergency help.
“As the mother of three college-age men, I understand this is a major issue,” said Rep. Jo Doll, D-St. Louis, who spoke during a March 7 committee hearing. “It’s really important to give kids the ability to call 911 without being afraid of the consequences to them.”
Protecting major water users: House Bill 2669, which sought to limit information being released to the public about major water users, was approved by a House committee but failed to get a floor vote. The bill was meant to protect the information of Missouri’s family farmers and would keep information about individually identifiable water users from being disclosed to the public.
Highway Commission changes: A bill, House Bill 2568, that would have changed the makeup of the Missouri Highways & Transportation Commission was voted down in a committee in Apri. Two other bills that would have either changed the makeup of the commission or done away with it altogether failed to move forward after being the subject of public hearings in early February.
Nursing restrictions: Missouri is one of only a few states not to allow nurse practitioners to practice independently without the authority of a physician. A House committee passed an amended version of one bill, HB 1773, sponsored by Rep. Chad Perkins, R-Bowling Green, that would allow nurses to practice independently after 6,000 hours of work under a physician's supervision. The bill was never placed on the House calendar, a roadblock which some nurses point to opposition from House Floor Leader Rep. Jonathan Patterson, R-Lee’s Summit.
Dmitry Martirosov, Molly Miller, Aidan Pittman, Grant Green and Madeline Shannon contributed to this story.
Cover image: State Representative Chantelle Nickson-Clark(cq) throws her papers at the end of the legislative session on Friday, May 17, 2024 at the Statehouse in Jefferson City. Nickson-Clark was the first Black woman elected to represent District 67 in St. Louis County in Nov. 2022.

Hey Guys, I've been seeing a lot of posts in this sub talking about potential dead rising remakes, reboots, and fan remasters. So I thought it could be cool if I showed off what I've been working on for the last year now.
INTRODUCING DEAD IN THE WATER:
In DeadintheWater Players take control of TOMMY: a bass player who recently left his highly successful punk band to join his childhood metal idles (havent decided on the band name) who have recently decided to get back on the scene after a decade long hiatus.
Their first set of gigs lands them on THE SOUL OF THE SEA for a seven show stint on the cruise ship's exclusive festival on the seas. However, the occult adjacent activities of the ships owner, former US President Rupert Wulfe, have made the boat the target of a Devil Worshipping Cult. In pursuit of an ancient relic, the cult hijacks the ship and performs a ritual, summoning hordes of demons to possess the bodies of the ship's passengers and crew. So now Tommy, along with a wide cast of eccentric characters, has three days to rescue the ships surviving passengers and escape before the ritual completes and the demons master can awaken.
You have 72 game hours to rescue as many survivors as you can, defeat psychopaths and boss demons in guitar hero/ dark souls hybrid boss battles, and get to the bottom of a conspiracy that goes all the way back to founding fathers!
...Okay so, that's my pitch. If I'm being hopeful I'm looking for release by the end of 2025. I'm planning on finishing up a few odd and ends by the end of june so I can start putting out some real Devlogs and playtest builds. I haven't figured out a real road map yet, but I'm considering building a sandbox/infinite mode and launching the game with that in easy access while I finish the 72 hour story mode. If anyone's interested in following my progress you can join the sub and if you feel charitable you can subscribe to my youtube. I've still got along way to go and would love to get feed back on the road there.
Current Gameplay Status/Show off

I have wanted to run two things for a long time. A gestalt campaign (if you are unfamiliar you will level in two classes simultaneously) and a solo campaign. I thought it would be good to try them at the same time. Here's some bullet points of what you can expect.

• The campaign won't be super structured since I don't have a lot of time to plan, but nor will it be a complete sandbox.
• It will be set in the Sword Coast so I have a bit more knowledge to be able improvise; the exact location will depend on your backstory.
• The time will probably change shortly into the campaign as I am currently in the middle of a job search.
• This is the ruleset I'm going to have you use for character creation. Yes, it's insanely strong. My goal is to be able to treat you like a party of 3. You will have the opportunity to find NPC allies which will use TCE sidekick rules.
• Building off of that this will not be a beginner friendly campaign.

I really hope there are some people interested, I think it could be a really fun campaign. Please fill out the this survey/application, and fill free to ask questions in the comments!
Edit: just realized I didn't give you my bio! I'm 23 year old man and a recent college grad. I'm currently working on my application for medical school. I've been playing 5e since 2015 and DMing since 2016. I generally run combat heavy campaigns, but I'm working on branching out.
Edit 2: Guys, I've had 8 responses, but only 3 have included the 4 digits at the end of you're discord. I HAVE to have that to message you.
Edit 3: I'm also elsecaller on discord if I send you a friend request.

This is less of a "horror story" and more of an "embarrassing cringy story", but it's funny cringe rather than sad/infuriating cringe at least.
So, me and my friends get together once a week on Discord to play TTRPGs and generally hang out and chit-chat. We meet up around 7:30-8:00 PM and our sessions typically wrap up around midnight. While I usually go to bed earlier than most due to my work schedule I can usually stay up late when I have enough caffeine in me, but even then I can occasionally find myself having difficulty staying awake during the later half of our sessions.
About a month ago my friends and I were playing "Cities Without Number", a cyberpunk-themed sandbox RPG in which we lived in a futuristic mega-city, working for one of the many factions that ruled over the various districts and competed with each other for power. Our mission for this session was to infiltrate a casino to steal secrets from the owner without being noticed. We started by casing out the place disguised as typical customers, casually chatting with the staff and playing the slots. Eventually I managed to get into the high-roller club after scoring a lucky jackpot, and was getting some important info from some of the other high-rollers. As the other players took their turn doing their part in the plan, I just sat back and listened. But unfortunately, my can of Monster Energy betrayed me and I suddenly felt really sleepy, and without realizing it I ended up nodding off in my chair. As it went back to my turn, the DM (my brother) asked me what I wanted to do next.
I then muttered sleepily into my microphone, "Mmmmm, it's okay guys... I'll help Santa deliver the presents!"
There was a pause, followed by one of the other players saying "dude, what the fuck are you talking about?"
I immediately woke with a start from that and apologized, after which they told me what I had just said, and we quickly went back to the game. I was of course pretty embarrassed about the incident at the time, but now I just look back on it and laugh. Hopefully y'all get a chuckle out of it too.

tl;dr; I neglected my wife need to be seen as an adult one.
Background: We've been together 6y+, married 3yrs ago, have 20month old kid.
We've always had great relationship, same sense of humour, same areas of interests, sex was great. Things started to change ~1 year ago, for sure our son was already with us. I think at least some of you know, how the things change with a kid - Wife had to focus more on baby, I took more of the house duties.
Sometime ago I've started to notice that she's distancing herself away (at least for some moments), but I just assumed this is stress at work, us trying to have another kid (no success :/). But like three days, I accidentaly woke up our son from his afternoon nap - I just asked her silently if I should start preparing an afternoon meal and kid woke up (maybe that was even unrelated to my whispering).
And that was it, she said I crossed the line, always doing stuff my way (not sure what she meant by that), and I just responded that it makes no sense to fight over it and I'm not willing to waste my energy in this fight.
Since then, we're on the silent side. Only discuss about son, what should be done at home and that's it. I tried to reach her, to discuss what just have happened, but I just got silence. In our relationship I've been always the one that cooks - she doesn't like it, but for me it was ok, I've enjoyed it. (maybe no so much recently, I think I just fed up with that + lot of other stuff to focus on). But since then, she does her meals, she avoids contact in the evening, and when I prepared a meal for us, she rejected that.
Today in the morning, she approaches me and asks if I will always treat her as a dumb little girl, that even cannot take care of herself, not to mention the kid. WTF ? Then she goes all way, that I won't let her do the waffles (she wanted to make ones ine day, I just brought the waffle machine and plugged it in, because it's heavy), I always want to help with kid - change diapers, play in sandbox, and she can do it on her own, and mentions all the stuff I did, because I purely wanted to help her, because I've seen how tired she was.
And also I need to take care of my father for couple of day (~3hrs away), so I said they should come with me - this also was mentioned, as me not having a faith in her, that she could handle our son on her own; and I only thought that they should come with me, because in case of emergency I'm there (we have only one car), and my kid would also miss me. But here also my intentions were misunderstood, I guess.
And in some (big) degree, I get, I understand why she feels this way, because I was just trying to everything and let her do nothing. But this is new to me - and I don't know how to convice her that it was only good intentions.
So guys, any tips how to control this behavior of mine, and - more important - how to reassure her, I'm trying to get our relationship back on track, with equal roles ?

Hello, I am the developer of Archean, which just released on Steam today, in Early Access. I've been sent here by u/RMuldoun to make a detailed post about this new game for you guys :)
Archean is an immersive Engineering Sandbox and Space Sim. The game is set on Earth, 3 billion years in the past, in the Archean eon.
This is a challenging sandbox that can be played solo or multiplayer with dedicated servers. It also happens to be a full scale Space Sim but it doesn't force you to do space stuff.
This game (and custom engine) is developed by a single programmer (myself) in a small team of two.
This project is my baby, I've been working on it for more than 13 years, starting over many times, until the technology got to where it needed to actually make it happen.
It's priced at USD 19.99 but there is a 25% discount at the moment for the release!
NOTE: You require an NVIDIA RTX graphics card to be able to play it. It won't run on a GTX or an AMD gpu.
EDIT: We got a huge backlash because of this RTX requirement here on reddit, even though the Steam sales have been great so far, 90% of customers are actually playing, and the market share of RTX gpus at 51% speaks for this. The Ray-tracing capabilities of this game are not just about better graphics quality, it's more of a requirement that's part of how we're innovating with the technical possibilities in this game, being full scale and totally dynamic. We know we'll be losing sales over this, and we're willing to absorb that loss. Ray-tracing is just misunderstood at best. In reality, it's a totally different way of rendering, a more proper way that is, and other games just don't use it to its full potential because they want to stay backward compatible. We may be the first to use it fully and require it, but it's the future, and RT adoption will only increase with time. Ray-tracing actually runs FASTER than rasterization, when used alone without backward compatibility, in a very complex and dynamic scene. Now back to the game's description!
Current Features

• Engineering / build sandbox
• Resource gathering and crafting
• Solo or Multiplayer with dedicated servers
• Open World with full size Earth and Moon
• Space Sim with orbital mechanics
• Aerodynamics simulation
• In-game coding with the XenonCode language
• Workshop integration
• Creative and Adventure modes
• Fully ray-traced graphics

Future Updates

• Survival mode
• Vehicle destruction and PVP
• Pressurization system
• Full scale solar system (with all the planets and moons)
• Weather system
• LOTS more content
• SDK for modders

Immersive Engineering Sandbox

We offer a very advanced, high precision build and engineering system with small resizable blocks from 25 cm to 4 meters. In this game, you have to connect components with actual cables/pipes for power, data and fluids. Build in-game live in an immersive way, not in an editor. Code your own logic in virtual computers, using pure code or a node-based visual programming system.

XenonCode

We have developed a new programming language designed to be easy to learn and optimal for in-game virtual computers. The game has a built-in cooperative editor with syntax highlighting and multi-cursor support, as well as a node-based visual editor to facilitate scripting.

Adventure Mode

In this mode, you begin with nothing in your backpack. You have to gather resources and craft everything you need. You start by hand, picking up rocks, build mining rigs, build automated machines and so on. Some resources are underwater, some are at the highest mountain peaks. It's up to you to build vehicles that can get there. The ultimate goal is to reach the Moon.

Native Ray-Tracing

Our innovative renderer is fully ray-traced with a great performance. This is not a eye-candy, it's actually a necessary feature for this game to even exist, because of its dynamic nature. Since the content will be mostly user-created and it's set to be moddable out-of-the-box, we cannot afford any artist-driven baked lighting, and with the full scale aspects with customizable solar system, we need the sun(s) lighting to be completely dynamic based on the real-time scenario, instead of tweaking shadow maps and reflection probes manually like other games do. The entire scene is rendered in a single ray-tracing pass with many recursive light bounces. This allows for realistic hard shadows, perfectly reflective mirrors and physically correct refractions. Just make sure you have an NVIDIA RTX graphics card and you're good to go.

Space Sim

The final goal of this game is to be a Full Scale Space Sim with the entire solar system. At the moment we have the Earth and the Moon, Orbital Mechanics and Re-Entry effects based on velocity. There is no artificial speed limit, so you can actually orbit realistically at 8 km/s. You can also dock with your friend's ship while in orbit, if you're good.
We have great plans for this game, and we swear by our 5 commandments:

1. Thou shall obey physics

It's NOT arcade-style and we do not underestimate our players. You must understand science or be willing to learn some physics. The game features realistic 6-dof space physics without any artificial speed limit. As far as we know, it's the only multiplayer space sim where you can dock with your friend's space station while in space at Full Orbital Velocity. This game is NOT meant to be a dogfight-style space shooter because that would not be practical with realistic physics.

2. Thou shall not see "Loading..."

Seamless transitions, no loading screens, EVER! From ground to orbit to another planet... it's all seamless. The game also happens to "load" pretty much instantly... For reference, in our Quadcopter video, the recording started BEFORE the game's executable was launched.

3. Thou shall not hit a wall

No fake boundaries. No skyboxes. No predefined paths. IT's a true Open World game, and it's all full scale. If you see a mountain, it's not a texture... You can just walk there and climb it if you have the courage... But I would just build a Rover or some kind of aircraft to get there faster. The moon that you see from the surface of Earth is the actual moon's terrain that you will land on, if you manage to build a good enough rocket, that is. The stars you see are individually rendered points in 3D space. It's not a skybox. But let's be honest you won't ever be able to reach another star.

4. Thou shall not be Thee

Immersive, first person controls and no cutscenes. There will NEVER be a point where the player loses control of their avatar to a cutscene or to some long animation. This game will keep a focus on First Person Immersion. Even though there is a 3rd person view available, it's mostly for taking screenshots, the game is not meant to be played this way.

5: Thou shall make sense

Everything has a realistic purpose based on science. Nothing should be fake, and in-game technologies must be at least plausible with some math behind it. This means that there is no such thing as magical artificial gravity. There are only two ways to have gravity in your spaceship when you're in space:

• Constant Acceleration: Players inside an accelerating ship do feel gravity realistically, and there is no artificial sublight speed limit as opposed to most (if not all) other multiplayer space sims.
• Centrifugal Forces: Yes you can also build a rotating station and you will have realistic "gravity" sensation like you would expect.

Also, there will be no Faster Than Light space travel. The math for a plausible Warp Drive would not allow that, but will let you multiply your acceleration quite a bit, in a way that you can travel up to 99% the speed of light.
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2941660/Archean/
I sincerely hope you'll enjoy this game a lot, as I did developing it and will keep enjoying working on it for years to come.

I joined this sub back when the game was just announced. I kinda forgot about it after I realized that it needed time on the backburner. Six years later, I come to see that the game's nowhere near finished. Are there any other games in a similar vein, sandbox with rpg mechanics, you guys could recommend?

Hey guys.
I’ve been playing Sins of a Solar Empire for many years and before that homeworld so I love space strategy games. I also love playing the total war series, I started with Rome when it came out and have played every game since.
Now one thing I will say as why I have never played stellaris before is I thought it was turn based not real time and I’ve always hated turn based games. I know total war has turn based gameplay too but I hate that part I just like the battles. I also tried games like Civ in the past and I just hated turn based games. So now so many years after the stellaris release I just found out it’s real time.
So from my own research I see that it’s similar to sins of a solar empire but with less focus on the completely unique factions and combat but more focused and sandbox experiences and freedom to make loads of choices.
I’m looking at getting Stellaris while it’s on sale but I’m just wondering if you guys would recommend it to me? Am I missing out or do you think I should wait for the full release of Sins of a Solar Empire 2 instead?

Hey guys I’m new here.
I’ve been playing Sins of a Solar Empire for many years and before that homeworld so I love space strategy games. I also love playing the total war series, I started with Rome when it came out and have played every game since.
Now one thing I will say as why I have never played stellaris before is I thought it was turn based not real time and I’ve always hated turn based games. I know total war has turn based gameplay too but I hate that part I just like the battles. I also tried games like Civ in the past and I just hated turn based games. So now so many years after the stellaris release I just found out it’s real time.
So from my own research I see that it’s similar to sins of a solar empire but with less focus on the completely unique factions and combat but more focused and sandbox experiences and freedom to make loads of choices.
I’m looking at getting Stellaris while it’s on sale but I’m just wondering if you guys would recommend it to me? Am I missing out or do you think I should wait for the full release of Sins of a Solar Empire 2 instead?

The founder of Midsummer Studios, Jake Solomon, has given us more information about the new life sim game with a demo due to release this year 2024!
He also directly calls out and confirms they are competing with the Sims. throws down the gauntlet.
He also gives us more information about the mystery game title:

“We’re at an interesting time as players of life sims,” Solomon said in a statement to Variety. “I thought I looked pretty smart over a year ago when I left my former studio and announced that I was going to make a life sim to compete with the long running (and really only show in town) ‘The Sims.’ Now, there are four or five (seemingly great) competitors being developed. Our difference is that we’re focused on story. Specifically, the story that the players write themselves just by playing the game. The player controls the story they want to tell, and in fact, when the game starts the player can choose from multiple “themes” that define their story. For example they can tell the game that they want to tell a story about finding their soulmate while also succeeding at their small town business.
“We use that information at game start to then generate an interesting cast of supporting characters and seed them with relationships that will instantly create a ‘narrative rich’ environment. If the player wants to tell a romantic story, then we might generate a cast where one person is an ex-lover AND a coworker, one is your high school sweetheart AND your neighbor, and one is your secret crush but also runs a rival business in town. In this way, the game already starts in an interesting place that our players will want to explore. Our players will be able to share the characters they create, the storylines they tell, and even entire towns that they have customized. We intend to have a community hub that allows players to easily upload their own creations and download the creations of other players right into their game.”
Solomon says Midsummer Studios plans “to grow slowly and to limit our overall studio size in order to make ourselves as flexible and efficient as possible, while giving our team a sustainable, steady place to work (which is no given in our current industry.)”
Midsummer has plans to reveal a demo in 2024 and later reveal a target launch date for the currently untitled life-sim game.

See rest of the article here

In an interview with PC Gamer, Midsummer Studios co-founder and creative director Jake Solomon divulged how his career making strategy games has actually always been building towards his longtime dream of a relationship simulator and his plans for a small town full of Gilmore Girls-style drama.
After working on Civilization games himself, the games Solomon later took creative lead on started to zoom in on characters and relationships with the ~soldier bond system in XCOM 2~, and then the ~friendship system~ in Marvel's Midnight Suns, a game he affectionately describes as his "little hero dating simulator" that he "lavished way too much attention on."
Now he says his dream as a designer has always been a game about high school and dating. "I think these things have always been kind of brewing in the back of my mind. And they've probably manifested in each game that I've designed," he says.
Midsummer Studios' first game sounds like it isn't solely about high school dating, but it's definitely all about the drama of personal relationships.The basics of Midsummer's yet-to-be-revealed game, as they stand, are this: You'll decide what kind of story you want to tell, whether it's about romance, family, or something else entirely, and the game will fill the town with characters and generate relationships between them—it almost sounds like starting a game of Dwarf Fortress. From a Sims-like overhead view of the world, you can play through a story divided into scenes where your character has wants and needs and has to juggle those relative to time, or you can go into a creative mode to inhabit any character you please, edit relationships, give orders, and play around in your sandbox.
"You're guiding a character through their daily life in a small town—and a small town is a very narrative rich environment," Solomon says. "Whether it's Gilmore Girls, which is the one I bring up maybe too often to my team, or it could be Stephen King … It's a narrative rich environment because everybody knows everybody."
Each scene is less about managing want meters as in The Sims series and more about juggling your character's motivations at any point in time. Scenes might have modifiers, like an unfortunate case of intestinal distress that will make your character want to go to the bathroom several times while trying to get through a date. If you aren't feeling the scene you're in though, creative mode lets you ditch the scene constraints entirely."We want the player to feel like they have enough things that they want to do in any particular scene but they can't possibly do all of them," Solomon says.
The idea is to create conditions that are ripe for generating "emergent stories," and though that's often a buzzword, Solomon has some specific ideas about what that means from his own time spent playing The Sims.
"I love The Sims. You play it and this amazing stuff happens. I'll be like: is my wife flirting with the old neighbor? What the fuck? And you want the game to be like: dun dun duuuuun!"
He envisions a game that recognizes when a dramatic moment is happening by understanding the relationships of everyone involved, and giving you a satisfying nod of the head for the drama you've managed to construct.
"The audience that we're interested in is the people, like if you go to Tumblr, they're the people who share the stories of their characters through screenshots and they do a lot of really, really incredible work," he says.
"What we're wrestling with right now is that there have to be some curated storylines but I think we want them to be very, very high level," he says, describing something that sounds a little like the events system in Crusader Kings 3, except with more dialogue. "The way we handle this is a character will come up to you and say 'oh I heard your father is back in town,' and this is a dialogue tree where the player has three very different options like 'I never want to talk to that man again' or 'yeah, he's here because he's getting married and I don't like his fiancee.'"
Solomon caveats this by saying that the details of all these systems are still being iterated on—adding that Midsummer Studios currently has 11 members and expects to become just 13 "for another year or so." It's clear the studio is already playing with very early prototypes of everything he describes, but it's a lot of very high-concept talk right now. I can't picture exactly how this game will play, but I do like where his head's at.
With all this talk about the live drama of a life sim, what about the build mode folks like me? Solomon says they want to eventually have decoration and interior redesigns and building your house from scratch, but as for having those things in for the initial launch he's not so confident. "Our guiding star is the idea of relationships and story and so that allows us to kind of deprioritize other features."
As much as the XCOM guy pivoting to a life sim warrants a double take, he does seem to get Sims players, referencing popular ~Sims 4 mods~ like Wicked Whims and the differences between Alpha and Maxis Match custom content.
As for the potential of a modding community for this game, Solomon is enthusiastic, saying he believes that mods are "essential," though isn't positive yet on the exact details around the level of support and tools Midsummer will share with players.

For the rest of the PC Gamer interview article and source found here
For more information about Midsummer Studios, see threads/posts & timestamped video here:
https://www.reddit.com/LifeSimulators/comments/1crtqga/new_studio_opening_with_former_the_sims/
https://www.reddit.com/LifeSimulators/comments/1cskds1/recently_departed_project_rene_aka_the_sims_5/
https://youtu.be/EK_x3YkE8-E
Intresting Things to note about Midsummer Studios

• They hired Grant Rodiek who was a lead Producer in the Sims franchise since the Sims 2, although some of you may know him for his controversial response and weird takes on Twitter as Simguru Grant for the Sims 4. He was the Game Director of Project Rene (what many believe to WIP Sims 5) and publically and abruptly quit Maxis & Electronic Arts 3 months ago.
  
• Their Team is small and consists of other former The Sims, Civilization and Xcom developers
  

-Krafton is the publisher for another Sims competitor life sim, InZoi and they are one of the funds funding Midsummer Studio. This adds legitimacy to Krafton is coming for the Sims Franchise and EA by any means necessary. They are clearly invested.
Discussion: What do you think about Solomon's overall vision for his Life Sim and his focus on relationships? Are you familiar with his previous work?Do you think him and the team have a enough experience with The Sims and life simulators to understand what players want? Are you excited for the release of the demo and announcement of the full release? What do you think of this unexpected news of a demo and the seemingly speedy time line? What are your thoughts in general?
These last 2 years have been a sim renaissance! Exciting time to be a life sim gamer because years ago this would have been unimaginable. I love the competition to the Sims, it will force the Sims franchise, and the overall Life Sim genre to innovate. Big deal since there was very little competition to none until recently.

Player wants PC to have no arms and is a spell caster. Should I say no?
One of my players wants his character to have no arms. I'm willing to allow it but it sounds like a bad time. They want to be a cleric and have a ritual book from their feat. I'm trying to wrap my head around that. Can they even cast spells without hands? I know somatic components and material require them. Lingering injury says you cannot hold things without a hand. He has a familiar, idk if that's meant to be the way he intends to cast his spells, but if that familiar dies how is he gonna get another one?
Some background. Originally he wanted only one arm, but I read his character sheet and it now says "no arms" plural. We are playing in a gritty sandbox survival game, the starting scenario (that they chose btw) they've had everything taken from them, including spell casting focus and their ritual book. This character isn't going to be able to survive without a lot of babying. I allowed him to start with find familiar already casted, his argument was that he can just poof it away so it made sense that he would be able to hide it from their captors. However... without his ritual book he can't cast it again, and even if he had it he can't do it without material or somatic components. Maybe if he was a sorcerer, but he's a cleric.
There are ways to get prosthetics in my setting, they don't actually know that, so it might be a fun surprise. But good luck making it that far. Idk what to do. What would you guys do?
Sauce: https://www.reddit.com/DMAcademy/s/GuqV3bu7gI

We’re nearly halfway through another seemingly crazy year, and it’s already quite stacked with great releases across pretty much all genres. I’ve been running some of that new Hades for the past week and it sure as hell created an itch for more RPGs.
Some RPGs I’m looking forward to the most would be:

• Arcane Blast: A very promising 3rd person action roguelite with a lot of RPG elements and graphics similar to Genshin Impact. It features elemental magic that you can mix and match to create different playstyles based on the elements’ synergies. It’s also got that late 90s/early 00s Nintendo aesthetic which suits the game really well along with a decently working Co op mode. I’ve played the demo they posted on Steam a few days ago, but I’m mostly excited about the full release of the game that’s scheduled for a few months from now.
  
• Plague Lords: This one’s gonna be interesting for sure. It’s a mixture of a sandbox base builder with tactical RPG aspects. It's set during the Black Death where you are tasked with protecting and developing a settlement of your own while you go out and explore the surrounding lands trying to uncover the mystery behind this wicked disease. I have no clue how will the end product play but I can’t say that it didn’t catch my eye.
  
• Dragon Is Dead: This one is more of a hack-and-slash roguelike with RPG elements, but I was really drawn to it due to its strong visuals. It’s got that crushingly dark aesthetic in the vein of Blasphemous, but the setting itself seems to be in the remote wilderness. The devs have accented skill tree and progression as one of the stronger points of the game. As I’m always up for some buildcrafting, I’ll definitely be awaiting its release.
  

What are you guys looking forward to the most? There’s so much going on in the indie scene atm that it’s nearly impossible to keep track of everything. But one thing’s for sure, we’re definitely not gonna be running out of games to play lol

One of my players wants his character to have no arms. I'm willing to allow it but it sounds like a bad time. They want to be a cleric and have a ritual book from their feat. I'm trying to wrap my head around that. Can they even cast spells without hands? I know somatic components and material require them. Lingering injury says you cannot hold things without a hand. He has a familiar, idk if that's meant to be the way he intends to cast his spells, but if that familiar dies how is he gonna get another one?
Some background. Originally he wanted only one arm, but I read his character sheet and it now says "no arms" plural. We are playing in a gritty sandbox survival game, the starting scenario (that they chose btw) they've had everything taken from them, including spell casting focus and their ritual book. This character isn't going to be able to survive without a lot of babying. I allowed him to start with find familiar already casted, his argument was that he can just poof it away so it made sense that he would be able to hide it from their captors. However... without his ritual book he can't cast it again, and even if he had it he can't do it without material or somatic components. Maybe if he was a sorcerer, but he's a cleric.
There are ways to get prosthetics in my setting, they don't actually know that, so it might be a fun surprise. But good luck making it that far. Idk what to do. What would you guys do?

Hi, I am currently creating a sandbox, west marches campaign and I have to manage two groups of players.
I am starting to have a lot of notes across different drives… common issue…
Do you guys have tools to manage a campaign of that type ?
Heard about Notion app but I wonder if any of you use it or another “all in one” app to manage your campaign.
Thanks for your time. :)

I am a trans cat/furry boy and I have had such an amazing experience in Austin! I moved down here from Montana as I was receiving such debilitating abuse there, it was crazy! One guy even took a horseshoe and assaulted me with it, in naughty ways, and in a deviant way even. Everyone here has been so darn accommodating and they even let me use the sandbox to make a poopy at Moontower since I was in full costume! So far everyone has catered to my every wish/demand and I just have such a warm feeling in my heart for Austinites now! Yay! I can't wait to exploit the rest of you idiots with my mental illness, yet self righteous buffoonery!

Hey guys, I'm playing on PS5 and feel pretty intimidated with having to start a fresh empty sandbox each time I get into the game.
My wish would be to enable sandbox in existing scenarios with all custom buildings unlocked and editable, but I think that's a limitation?
So I'm looking for some great sandboxes, empty parks with landscaping, ride layouts and whatnot to get started. Do you guys know some awesome creators, names of your favourite creations or blueprints? I've come to accept that building from scratch is not really for me, blueprints and a bit more like RCT's style of placing a finished shop is good enough for me - and you guys are better builders than I'll ever be anyway 😄

 I know the the subreddit is called humansarespaceorcs, and this story has no humans, or orcs, but I hope you guys like this one... The idea just came to me in a weird dream... 

We were not the first on this planet known as Earth, Humanity is, but... They're gone now. Wiped out from the entirety of the galaxy. Along with every living organism on the galaxy with Earth as its origin. The fauna and the flora, even the tiniest of microorganisms, wherever in the galaxy it is, if it came from Earth, it died. As if the Gods were playing a simulation game with Earth as its sandbox, and decided to hit the reset button to start a new game.
And that new game is us, our species. This 'new game' started out just as the same as how humanity came to existence. The Earth, now reverted back to the lifeless rock in space, spewed out a bunch of molecules from the bottom of the ocean through its hydrothermal vents. And for millions of years, the Gods watched those molecules coagulate to recreate life, a microorganism, then to a cell, multicellular organisms then began to emerge. The Earth undergoes its second Cambrian explosion. Soon, some of those aquatic animals evolve to leave the ocean and inhabit the land, and from there, a species will evolve enough and gain sentience. That is us, our people call our species the "Globians".
"That sounds like a name for a species of slimes." That's because it is. We are slimes.
You see, there's a bunch of differences during our evolution than that of the humans. The planet's climate is already stable for us, we didn't have an asteroid to trigger a mass extinction event. A bunch of new creatures that didn't appear in human evolution did for us such as predatory slimes where we came from, and most of their creatures didn't reappear on ours, including the primates where they evolved from. Except for crabs... Crabs were present on both branches of evolution...
Another big difference that we had over the humans, perhaps the greatest difference there is, is that we were able to discover what the humans have already discovered. Humans discovered that banging certain rocks together can create a spark that can light a fire; we discovered that the humans invented the matchstick.
We have what is left of human technology as our technological starting point. Sure, a couple of million years of re-evolution is enough to crumble even the greatest of human structures to dust. But to discover a layer of silicon rich band of sediment in a cliff face is enough to give us the hint that silicon is a huge part of human civilization. Soon enough, we have rediscovered silicon chips and electronics. A bunch of unnatural alloys were also discovered, greatly boosting our knowledge of structural engineering as we rediscover how to recreate them.
Now you might be wondering how we knew about humans to this extent after literally millions of years. The answer lies in space. Remember, humans have achieved becoming a multi stellar species, which means they have created and left behind friends amongst the stars. It seems that after all of humanity just perished in the blink of an eye, most of the galaxy had focused on the source, Earth. They have managed to compile everything they could about humanity, their past, their culture, history, politics, science and technology, their contribution into the galaxy as a whole. It seems like the humans are a friendly bunch and have managed to befriend most of the galaxy.
But because of humanity's sudden disappearance, fear also gripped the other species. They began to feel the insignificance of life for these Gods that they could just snuff out an entire species on a whim. They treated the former human controlled section of space as sacred grounds. The human core system, the Solar System, became a holy site where pilgrimage became a common occurrence so there's always a bunch of people around the system. So imagine the shock of the galaxy as they discovered new life to emerge on the barren Earth, humanity's epicenter.
A vast array of scanners, sensors, cameras, and telescopes were pointed all over Earth. Everything was recorded in the galactic records. From the moment of the first microorganism to the point where our species achieved sentience, everything, millions of years worth of records. Every species has their own theory on how their species came to be, or how life actually forms, but to witness one happening from the very beginning is enlightening. So they sent us a gift of gratitude, the very first time that our species learned of other beings amongst the stars.
It is a capsule sent from space. It contained a record of everything that I have told you so far. About humanity, about their disappearance, about the beings in space, about us and our origins. It also contained everything about human technology, their computers, robotics, artificial intelligence, the blueprints of human ships, and FTL methods. They told us that they will not be interfering with our own development and direction as a species, but giving us this much information and technology is just them returning what belongs to the humans, what belongs to Earth. This technology is probably still hundreds of thousands of years ahead of what we are currently capable of. But their last message gave our species a goal: "We will be waiting, come see us."
Currently our scientists were working very hard on adapting the human technology to ours towards our species first milestone. Launching the first Globian into orbit, the first slime in space...
That would be me.

What a weird game. This is the sequel to Syndicate (which I never played) and it's a real-time tactics game with 3D isometric graphics where you guide a crew of 4 agents (essentially terminators) through short missions in these kind of small, open ended sandbox maps, usually involving killing a bunch of people, kidnapping a bunch of people, or blowing something up.
I feel rather conflicted on it because it's simultaneously quite cool and also quite janky and frustrating. I mentioned it's a real-time tactics game but it leans a lot closer to Cannon Fodder than it does Commandos. There's rarely any reason to break up your crew and the potential for strategy is pretty limited, it's mostly about just knowing the level and playing it like a very punishing top-down shooter. Between missions you buy new equipment and upgrades for your guys and invest money into research, though the game is a bit obtuse as far as how this system works and doesn't explain that most of the time the only way to make more money is to go out of your way to rob banks.
I love the game's style and gritty cyberpunk vibe, the map design, the big crowds and destructible environments. When it's at its best the chaos of the firefights and explosions feels great, however the fast pace of the gameplay combined with the clunky controls and unforgiving difficulty make it feel punishing in the worst kind of way. This game loves to ambush you and will murder you over even the slightest misstep, and it only gets worse as it goes on. It feels like you have to play in a very particular way and do everything in a very specific order, all while relying on a lot of luck.
This might not be as big of an issue if you could actually save during levels but you can't, if you die it's back to the beginning. Ultimately I gave up when I got to a mission where you had to kidnap a high-ranking exec and break into their walled-garden neighbourhood by high-jacking a vehicle and driving through the gate (which takes a while to get to,) only to get immediately blasted to smithereens by the turrets if you don't jump straight out and destroy them, and then the police show up and start blasting you... it was just too much. If the game simply had a pause function so you could give your dudes orders without having to do it all in real-time it might be more manageable but I feel like this was before mechanics like that were really widely adopted.

Hey guys, you might already know this tool, you might not, but i thought i´d share this. So, there is this tool "Run-In-Sandbox", which is available on Github, which lets you easily run various file types in the windows sandbox, by a simple right-click context menu option.
This tool isnt really actively developed anymore (atleast thats what it looks like). But because i wanted to use that tool and improve it, and fix bugs i found using it, i forked it a while ago and basically rewrote most of the code, fixed a lot of bugs, improved many things, added error checking, what so ever.
This project isnt finished yet, not even close. I have some more ideas to improve it, may it be in major or minor ways. But to draw some attention to this great tool and get some attention on my fork, which otherwise might get missed, i want to promote this now: https://github.com/Joly0/Run-in-Sandbox
Specifically for intune users this tool offers an option, to run .intunewin files inside a sandbox in a controlled manor and as a system user, which, atleast for me, made it a lot easier in the past to create and test new software to deploy through intune.
If you like the project, enjoy using it or like my work, please give my fork a star.
Otherwise if you find bugs or have ideas for improvement, please leave a bug report or open a discussion

GrapheneOS and stock Android are both OS options for phones. GrapheneOS focuses on keeping your info safe. Stock Android, on the other hand, offers many handy features. Let's dive into how these two differ in privacy, security, and what you can do. This way, you can pick the one that suits your needs best.

Key Takeaways:

• GrapheneOS places a strong emphasis on privacy and security, while stock Android focuses on providing convenience features.
• GrapheneOS stays close to upstream and delivers regular updates before stock OS.
• Google apps work on GrapheneOS, but some apps need special permission to install.
• Some banking apps might not work on GrapheneOS. This is because they lack a certification from Google. You might be able to make some of them work by using special settings in the apps.
• Unfortunately, GrapheneOS misses on Android Auto and easy backup solutions.

GrapheneOS Features

GrapheneOS is known for its strong focus on privacy and security. This makes it perfect for those who want to keep their data safe. Now, let's look at what makes GrapheneOS stand out from the rest.

Sandboxed Google Play Services

One of GrapheneOS's key features is sandboxed Google Play services. This means apps can't freely access your private data. They're limited to a safe area. This helps prevent data leaks and stops apps from seeing more than they should.

Regular Updates for Security Maintenance

GrapheneOS keeps devices safe by offering frequent security updates. These updates fix any new vulnerabilities that might arise. This way, the system is always up-to-date, keeping your device secure.

Attack Surface Reduction Measures

GrapheneOS uses techniques to reduce the chances of different types of attacks. It limits how much apps can interact with the system, blocking some attacks right at the start. It also includes special features that make it harder for attackers to exploit the system.

Enhanced Heap Memory Corruption Defense

Heaps are a common target for hackers, but GrapheneOS strengthens against this. It uses its own memory management system to protect against heap corruption. This includes special memory handling to make attacks harder.

Robust Memory Exploit Detection and Prevention

GrapheneOS is ahead of the game in detecting and stopping memory exploits. It has tools that spot and fix important memory bugs. This helps keep your device safe from complex attacks that target memory use.

Official Production Support for Pixel Devices

GrapheneOS supports many Pixel devices officially. This includes the Pixel 8 Pro and other new Pixel devices. Users of Pixel devices can get the added security and privacy GrapheneOS offers.
After learning about GrapheneOS, it's time to look at Stock Android's setup and features in the next section.

Stock Android Setup and Features

Setting up Stock Android on your device is simple. Its user-friendly interface makes it easy. When you turn on your device, you'll follow some steps to make it yours. This includes picking a language, connecting to Wi-Fi, and signing in to Google.
Stock Android works perfectly with Google's many services. Thanks to Google Play services, you get millions of apps and games from the Play Store. Just sign in with your Google account to start downloading your favorite apps, from work tools to social apps.
Stock Android also brings you Google Maps. It gives you precise directions and updates on traffic in real time. It's great for finding your way in a car or on foot, showing you the best routes and interesting places nearby.
With Google Keyboard, typing is easier and better. It guesses your next words, lets you swipe to type, and supports different languages. This means typing on your phone is faster and more accurate.

Key Features of Stock Android:

• Simple and user-friendly setup process
• Integration with Google services, including the Google Play Store
• Google Maps for navigation and exploring new places
• Google Keyboard for enhanced typing experience

Features	Stock Android
User-friendly setup	✓
Google Play Store access	✓
Google Maps integration	✓
Enhanced typing experience with Google Keyboard	✓

Functionality Comparison

GrapheneOS and stock Android are much alike in basic phone tasks. Yet, they have key differences.

GrapheneOS Functionality

GrapheneOS values substance over flashy marketing. It cares deeply about privacy and security. By not including Google services, it focuses more on protecting users.
Its main goal is making your device safe from attack. It does this by limiting what attackers can do and safeguarding the core part of the operation system.
It also stops attackers from taking full control even if they somehow get in. This is done through a feature called verified boot.
By removing unneeded code, GrapheneOS makes attacks from far away, close by, or online less likely. It adds layers of protection to apps and the system, making them much harder to exploit.

GrapheneOS Functionality Features	Description
Sandboxed Play Services	A sandboxed Play Services feature that provides better app compatibility, functionality, and security compared to MicroG.
Push Notifications without Play Services	GrapheneOS allows push notifications to work fine without Play Services for many apps.
Privacy-Focused Network Toggle	GrapheneOS offers a network toggle without leaks and prefers fine-grained VPNs for enhanced security.

GrapheneOS finds a sweet spot between being private, easy to use, and secure. It designs features to challenge any threats.

Stock Android Functionality

Stock Android, made by Google, aims for everyone. It has many features that cater to diverse needs.
One highlight is Android Auto, making your phone and car work together. This way, you keep your hands off the phone while driving yet enjoy many useful features.
Another cool feature is Now Playing. It shows what song is playing without you needing to open your phone. This is handy for finding new music.

Stock Android Functionality Features	Description
Android Auto	Android Auto provides seamless integration between Android devices and compatible vehicles for hands-free access to navigation, communication, and entertainment features.
Now Playing	Now Playing feature The identifies and displays the currently playing song on the lock screen.

Such features make stock Android attractive for those who want a versatile system. It's packed with tools and tricks to make your life easier.
Remember, GrapheneOS and stock Android are both good for getting things done. Yet, GrapheneOS shines in protecting your privacy. This might mean fewer but more secure features.

Privacy and Security

When you pick a system for your phone, think about privacy and safety. GrapheneOS and stock Android protect your data in unique ways.

GrapheneOS Privacy and Security Features

GrapheneOS focuses heavily on keeping your data safe. It offers many tools to boost your privacy and security. These include limiting data collection and secure updates.

• Limiting Data Collection: GrapheneOS cuts down on what data gets collected, lowering the chance of others getting it.
• Secure Updates: It ensures your system stays safe by giving you regular, secure updates.
• Restricted Google Services Access: GrapheneOS limits how much Google can see of your personal data.
• Permission Controls: You get to decide what info apps can use. GrapheneOS gives you strong controls over this.

Stock Android Privacy and Security Considerations

Stock Android, made by Google, has its security perks. But it's heavily tied to Google's services. This can lead to less privacy.

• Google Services Integration: It comes filled with Google tools. While convenient, it does raise privacy worries.
• Privacy Settings: It does have some privacy settings. You can adjust app permissions a bit and limit some data access.
• Regular Updates: Google works on updating stock Android often to fix security issues.

Both GrapheneOS and stock Android care about security. However, GrapheneOS's special focus on privacy sets it apart. It's great for anyone who really values their data privacy.

Comparison Table: GrapheneOS vs. Stock Android Privacy and Security

Privacy and Security Features	GrapheneOS	Stock Android
Data Collection	Minimizes data collection	May collect user data through Google services
Updates	Regular secure updates	Regular updates to address security vulnerabilities
Google Services Access	Restricted access to Google services	System-level integration with Google services
Permission Controls	Strict permission controls	Permission customization options

Table: A comparison of privacy and security features offered by GrapheneOS and stock Android
In summary, if you're big on privacy, you'll like what GrapheneOS offers. It's a top choice. But if Google's services matter a lot to you, stock Android might be the way to go. It's not as privacy-focused, but it's great for those that love Google's features.

App Compatibility

GrapheneOS and stock Android both excel in app compatibility, but GrapheneOS faces challenges with some banking apps. These apps need special access. Yet, GrapheneOS aims for the highest privacy and security, sometimes making these needs clash.
Many apps are compatible with GrapheneOS, and the project actively works with developers. It encourages them to make their apps work with GrapheneOS. This allows users to enjoy the operating system's enhanced privacy and security safely.
Stock Android, on the other hand, has superior compatibility with all apps, including those from banks. It works across many devices and is chosen by developers. Its wide use makes it easier for developers to ensure app compatibility.
To make the app experience smoother on GrapheneOS, users can choose alternative apps that work well with the system. Also, the project is always updating to boost app compatibility through community efforts.

Recommended Banking Apps for GrapheneOS

Many banking apps face issues on GrapheneOS. Still, several banking apps perform well on this system:

• Banking App 1: This is a secure and reliable app made for GrapheneOS.
• Banking App 2: It provides an easy and smooth banking experience on GrapheneOS.
• Banking App 3: This app focuses on keeping your financial info secure and private.

Remember, although these apps are compatible with GrapheneOS, it's wise to confirm with your bank or financial institute for the latest compatibility updates.
As GrapheneOS grows, its app compatibility, including banking apps, is expected to get better. The project is dedicated to offering an experience that values security and privacy while ensuring apps work well.

User Feedback and Experience

GrapheneOS is great for privacy and security, which users love. They feel their data is safer and that Google tracks them less. Plus, it works well with most Android apps. This means users can still do what they want while keeping their privacy a top priority.
Some say that stock Android is smoother and has more useful features than GrapheneOS. They think that GrapheneOS focuses too much on privacy and misses out on some key features. For example, it doesn't work as closely with Google services and apps.
GrapheneOS users share their thoughts in forums, social media, and by talking to the team. They give detailed advice, like how to make permission prompts even safer. They also want the Auditor feature to be better explained, especially to journalists.
Users often request a better way to know when there are system updates. They want to be able to choose when to update, so it doesn't disrupt their day. They also ask about how to use the app pinning and auto-reboot timer, looking for more info.
Users also need more info about the Android Recovery system in GrapheneOS. They want to know more about its role in updating the system. And they worry about any issues the updates might bring.
Some users find features in GrapheneOS that remind them of Google. They want clearer information about these features. This way, they can understand them better.
App compatibility is an issue for some. A few apps won’t work on GrapheneOS because they fear security risks. Some just crash. This is why some users carry a second phone for specific apps, like banking or gaming.

User Profile Usage on GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS encourages the use of separate profiles for different apps. This keeps your privacy and security levels high. Users should have profiles for general use, social media, work, and private matters.

GrapheneOS Installation Ease

Installing GrapheneOS is known for being easy among custom OSes. The web interface makes the process straightforward. However, installing it on various computers might need extra steps sometimes.

GrapheneOS Benefits and Drawbacks

Why do people like GrapheneOS? It's great with most apps, makes you more secure, and doesn't let Google track you much. Plus, it backs up your apps very safely.
But it's not perfect. Some apps, like Facebook Messenger, have issues. The fingerprint sensor on the Google Pixel 6 isn’t the best. And sometimes you might face problems with internet when using a VPN.

Google Pixel 6 User Experience

The Google Pixel 6 is seen as a good buy by users. It offers good features and performance for its cost. However, the fingerprint sensor and the size of the phone get mixed reviews. The camera's quality also varies among users.

Overall Recommendation

Despite some issues, GrapheneOS is recommended by many for its strong privacy and security. It's a good choice for those who worry about Google spying on them.

User Feedback Overview

Feedback	Request/Suggestion
Implementation of safeguards in on-demand permission prompts	Enhancing permission controls for improved security
Better explanation and marketing of the Auditor feature	Targeting investigative journalists as potential users
Proposal for a notification system for system updates	Allowing manual installation of updates
Inquiry about the functionality of app pinning with auto-reboot timer	Clarification on how the feature works
Request for clarification on Android Recovery system	Understanding its role and potential issues with OTA updates
Identification of features resembling "Googlisms"	Clear explanations and disclosures for informed usage
Challenges with app compatibility on de-googled version	Issues with banking apps, food delivery apps, Uber, and mobile gaming

Future Development and Updates

GrapheneOS gets better thanks to the hard work of gifted developers. They're always updating it to make it safer and easier to use.
Updates bring new security patches, app changes, and more. For instance, new kernel updates might change to versions like 5.15.151 or 6.1.80. Apps like Vanadium might jump to new versions like 124.0.6367.159.0.
They use tags to give updates for certain devices. For example, a tag like 2024040100 might mean a special update for certain phones. These updates are meant to make your experience even better.
Recently, they made sure that VPN apps can't accidentally leak your web requests. They also update apps like PDF Viewer to make sure they run smoother. These updates are all about making your phone more enjoyable to use.
GrapheneOS also pays special attention to certain phones. For example, the Pixel Fold might receive updates specific to its design. This keeps your device running well and safe.
They change settings to make your phone safer and easier to use. For security, a new memory tag setting is available. You might see different settings based on what phone you have, making everything more user-friendly.
Improving apps is just as important to GrapheneOS. Apps like TalkBack, which helps by reading the screen, might get better with version 14.1. These changes aim to make using your favorite apps a smoother experience.
They also make technical updates to stay cutting-edge. A recent kernel update, like 5.15.149, makes your device more secure and faster.
Even the Camera app and GmsCompatConfig (used for Google services) get updated. This ensures your phone is more dependable and full of new features.

Official Device Support

GrapheneOS officially supports many Pixel models including the Pixel 8 Pro and Pixel 5a. These devices let you make the most of GrapheneOS's features.
Some Pixel phones, like the Pixel 5, won't get any more updates. Yet, the Pixel 4a and 4 XL keep getting support, like better security. This means you can still use these devices safely.
The 8th generation Pixel devices offer top security levels. They're supported for 7 years from their launch with features custom-tailored to protect your device.
Pixel devices get different levels of support based on their generation. The 8th generation has a longer 7-year support compared to 6th and 7th generation models, which gets 5 years. This shows GrapheneOS's focus on lasting security and usability.

Future Focus and Community Support

The team behind GrapheneOS aims to make major improvements in device, system, and software security. Their focus isn't on supporting every device but on ensuring profound security.
GrapheneOS has a strong community that loves its security. This community's dedication to privacy drives the project's advancement and success.

Related Alternatives

CalyxOS, RattlesnakeOS, DivestOS, and Ubuntu Touch offer different privacy and security features. Exploring these options can help you find the right system for your needs.

Benefits and Drawbacks of GrapheneOS

GrapheneOS offers big benefits for privacy and security. It keeps your data safe and lets you control your online world better. But, there are drawback to consider too.

Benefits of GrapheneOS

• Enhanced Privacy: It reduces the chance of your data being stolen. You get to control what apps can and can't do on your phone.
• Innovative Security Features: It's really good at stopping new security threats. This makes it hard for bad guys to find ways to harm your phone.
• Enhanced Security and Privacy Settings: You can do cool stuff like turn off Wi-Fi automatically or only use the internet through certain apps, making your phone safer.
• Dedicated Effort to Prevent Memory Corruption Bugs: It works really hard to keep its system safe from bugs. This means fewer chances of someone breaking into your phone.
• Secure Apps: It comes with special apps that keep your phone safe. This includes a secure web browser and camera app that protect your data.

Drawbacks of GrapheneOS

• Limited Google Integration: It doesn't come with Google's usual apps. You can add them but this might mean giving up a bit of privacy for certain features.
• App Compatibility: You might struggle to use some apps, like banking apps, because GrapheneOS isn't the regular Android. But, more and more apps are being made to work with it.
• Lack of "Smart" Features: You won't find fancy features, like Google's smart phone answering feature or advanced keyboard tools. You might need to choose between these extras and your privacy.
• Troubleshooting Required: Sometimes things might not work perfectly. You might find some emojis missing or have to fix some app issues yourself. So, some tech skills could come in handy.

Deciding on GrapheneOS means balancing privacy with how easy your phone is to use. It's great for keeping your data safe. But, you might not find all the apps and features you're used to.

Conclusion

After using GrapheneOS for a year on a Google Pixel 6A, its focus on privacy and security shines. It updates quickly, in about 5 minutes, keeping your phone safe. Occasionally, small graphical glitches happen but are easy to fix.
Most day-to-day apps work well from the Google Play Store and Neo Store. The battery life is outstanding, lasting days even with lots of use.
It integrates well with Google's main products like the Play Store and Calendar. Yet, using these services means thinking about your privacy trade-offs.
When making privacy choices, think about how you use technology and what you're comfortable with. The author has used Apple phones for privacy extensively, which informs this perspective.
GrapheneOS makes Android more secure by adding extra permission controls, reminiscent of iOS. It lets users manage apps' accesses like location and storage.
A Google Pixel phone is a good choice for GrapheneOS because it supports other operating systems. Though some users find the user interface a bit challenging, they like its simple design.
To get push notifications working, the author installed Sandboxed Play Services. Going without Google Play Services can be hard due to its deep ties to Google.
With Android 12, apps start to adapt to your phone’s colors, which looks great, especially on the Pixel 7 Pro. This new look makes the home screen feel personalized and clean.
GrapheneOS takes security and privacy seriously, stepping beyond regular Android. Its multiple profiles help keep your data isolated, enhancing privacy.
Setting up GrapheneOS is easy, thanks to a user-friendly web interface. Most apps work well, giving users a satisfying experience, even with compatibility.
Battery life and performance are as good as regular Android systems, showing it can be just as efficient, with better privacy controls.
With GrapheneOS, users have less tracking and more privacy, surpassing typical Android’s privacy. Yet, there are issues with some specific apps and services.
GrapheneOS with a VPN sometimes has connectivity problems, possibly due to app compatibility. Generally, using it on a Google Pixel 6 is a good experience, despite minor issues.

GrapheneOS	Stock Android
+ Strong focus on privacy and security	+ Wide range of features and convenience
+ Streamlined updates with quick completion time	+ Regular updates and feature additions
+ Smooth app compatibility for day-to-day apps	+ Better compatibility with all apps
+ Impressive battery life	+ Similar battery life and performance
+ Seamless integration with Google products	- System-level integration with Google services
+ Additional privacy controls and permissions toggles	- Limited privacy control over Google services
+ Multiple user profiles for enhanced privacy	+ Standard user profile and features

Considerations for Choosing an Operating System

When you compare GrapheneOS and stock Android, think about what matters most. If you are very concerned about privacy and security, GrapheneOS is great. It keeps your data safe and your device secure. However, if you like having many features, stock Android might suit you better.
GrapheneOS is especially good for Pixel devices. It promises many years of support. For example, 8th generation Pixels get 7 years, while older models get 5 years. GrapheneOS might not work with Android Auto or some banking apps. But it's very secure and focuses on keeping your privacy safe.
Stock Android works well with Google apps and has lots of features. You can use Google Maps and Google Keyboard easily. But, if you switch to GrapheneOS, you lose things like Google Pay and some unique Google features.
Choosing between GrapheneOS and stock Android is all about what you need and like. Think about your privacy wishes and how much you value convenience. Then, you can make a smart choice that meets your needs.

FAQ

What are the key distinctions between GrapheneOS and Stock Android?

GrapheneOS focuses on keeping your data safe and private. Stock Android, on the other hand, comes with many useful features.

What are some of the features provided by GrapheneOS?

GrapheneOS gives you a more private and secure playground. It does this by keeping Google Play services separate. It also keeps your phone updated regularly.

How is the setup process and what features does Stock Android provide?

Stock Android is easy to get started with. It includes popular Google services like the Play Store, Maps, and Keyboard.

What are some of the functionalities offered by GrapheneOS and Stock Android?

Both operating systems let you do the basic stuff. But GrapheneOS skips Android Auto and Stock Android has a cool Now Playing feature.

What distinguishes GrapheneOS and Stock Android in terms of privacy and security?

GrapheneOS works hard to make sure your information stays private. It does this by not sharing much with Google. Stock Android, however, is closely tied with Google services, which might affect your privacy.

How is the app compatibility for GrapheneOS and Stock Android?

GrapheneOS might not work with every app. Some banking apps might not fully function on it. Stock Android usually works well with all apps.

What is the user feedback and experience for GrapheneOS and Stock Android?

Users really like GrapheneOS for its commitment to privacy and security. Stock Android is preferred by those who want a smooth experience with lots of features.

How are the future development and updates for GrapheneOS and Stock Android?

GrapheneOS depends on donations to improve with new features. Both systems get updated regularly. Stock Android gets these updates from a bigger team.

What are the benefits and drawbacks of using GrapheneOS?

Using GrapheneOS means your data is more protected. But you might miss out on using some popular apps and features.

What should I consider when choosing between GrapheneOS and Stock Android?

Think about what matters most to you. If privacy and security are top concerns, GrapheneOS is a great choice. Stock Android is better if you want a smoother experience with many features.

Growing up as a normal-looking kid before turning ugly in my teenage years and now having to deal with the adult world as an *ugly* woman has completely changed my perspective
Kids wouldn't play with you in the sandbox. That's okay, they're mean anyways. Boys pretending to like you, then mock you for believing them? It's okay, I didn't want a boyfriend anyway. Female friends mocking your looks and things you can't change? It's not like they're wrong, I found it funny too. Being ugly as a child and teen was nothing compared to being ugly as an adult.
Losing job opportunities to prettier, thinner people. Being disrespected at work. Your friend's kids laugh and call you ugly to your face. Being ignored by new acquaintances because you're friend/sister is standing next to you. Women don't want to be friends with you because you don't fit the ideal.
I have to sit and listen to people telling me that there's nothing wrong with me and it's the world's fault for creating such unrealistic standards. But, clearly, every time I go out into the world I am reminded that there IS, in fact, something wrong with me. I have pretty sisters and the way people treat them is nothing compared to how they treat me. I've watched guys swoon over them, men open doors for them, people move out of their way.
I used to believe that I didn't need plastic surgery because I was good the way I was but 6 months into adulthood I'm slowly changing my mind. The amount of dirt I have to shovel through that pretty people don't is exhausting and if money can fix that I don't see a reason not to.
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