Chapter 98

VM is an abbreviation.

Its full name is "Vital Signs Monitor," which is almost a standard feature in all shelters.

However, Chu Guang is seeing it for the first time.

In fact, the functions of this device are far more complex than just "vital signs monitoring." It is more like a wrist-worn computer that integrates physical examination, positioning, communication, mapping, and some functions of a black box.

Seemingly worried that Chu Guang wouldn't know how to use it, the system provided a manual, which appeared in front of him in the form of a light blue pop-up window.

【

1. Monitor the wearer's vital signs, collecting information such as heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, blood oxygen concentration, hormones in sweat, DNA structure, etc., and perform a comprehensive analysis of the collected information, presenting it in specific data form.

2. After detecting the disappearance of the wearer's vital signs, the VM will automatically archive the "final recording" in the cache data and continuously send encrypted signals containing relative distance and direction information through the transmitter in the chip, facilitating the recovery by rescue personnel.

3. The VM device can intermittently emit specific frequency lasers within a certain range to perform 3D mapping of indoor spaces. The mapping radius is up to 5 meters, and it may be affected by air humidity and dust particles. This function is very useful when exploring buildings, as it can mark walls, doors, boxes, and other large obstacles, and the data can be shared after uploading.

4. The power source of the VM is provided by a thermal battery, which can be charged under light conditions or near heat sources such as a fire. Under low power conditions, it can slowly charge by absorbing the natural heat emitted by the wearer and automatically switch to energy-saving mode, operating the device at the minimum power.

】

In addition to the common functions mentioned in the manual, Chu Guang learned from Xiao Qi that, in principle, all VM devices can be recompiled through programming.

In other words, as long as the hardware allows, by adding a few "very useful" small plugins, Chu Guang can know where each player is, what they are doing, and even what they are saying.

"Wow, this thing is pretty strong!"

No.

It's incredibly strong!

Chu Guang would call it the "Emperor's Happiness Meter"!

When the time comes, everyone will have one, and no one is allowed to take it off!

No, wait...

Chu Guang, who was excited for a few seconds, quickly calmed down.

If he forced players to wear a phone on their arm, wouldn't it seem like he was forcing them to do something?

People have a rebellious nature.

Moreover, free things are never cherished.

Looking at the VM in his hand, Chu Guang touched his chin and said thoughtfully,

"Speaking of which, this wrist-worn computer... can't be cheaper than the scavengers' lousy guns, right? I think it should cost at least 30 silver coins each."

Xiao Qi raised the camera.

"But, Master, this VM is quite common in shelters, and considering the ease of maintenance and durability, the technical content is not very high..."

Chu Guang: "Hmm, let's make it 40 silver coins each, and you need to reach citizen level to purchase it."

Xiao Qi: "...Master?"

Chu Guang turned to look at Xiao Qi standing beside him.

"Xiao Qi, do me a favor. I want to add some functions to these VMs. Can you do it?"

Xiao Qi was clearly taken aback.

"...It can be done, as long as the hardware allows. But what specific functions do you want to add?"

"Attribute panel! Quest bar! Map! Chat window!"

Without these, how can it be called a game?

Many players have already complained about not being able to check their level and experience offline. Not being able to open the character interface at any time to check the level, experience, abnormal status, and buffs is no different from the "Earth OL" garbage game.

Another pain point is the quest system.

Although it's no longer written on wooden or plastic boards, it's still changed to paper pasted on wooden boards, but the essence hasn't changed. Checking the progress of quests is still too troublesome.

And the most critical issue is that it wastes a lot of paper!

This is not environmentally friendly.

As for the map function, it's a pleasant surprise.

Chu Guang didn't expect the VM to be so powerful, with laser mapping. In the future, when players scavenge, it will be like mapping for the shelter.

Moreover, it will be clear where they have searched and where they haven't, making hidden spaces and secret passages easier to discover, significantly improving scavenging efficiency!

The most important thing is that by having players automatically upload maps, it saves Chu Guang a lot of work.

Previously, mapping was done by players' physical reconnaissance.

For example, a player doing a scavenging quest would go to a certain place on the pre-war map, and then come back and verbally describe the current situation to the manager.

The content to be described includes, but is not limited to, changes in the terrain, the number of mutants, and signs of human activity.

This task sounds easy but is actually very frustrating. A hundred people can describe a hundred different versions.

Some people have a terrible sense of direction and go to a completely different place, yet they describe it as if it were the real thing, making Chu Guang's head spin.

Now with the VM, he doesn't have to listen to these clowns describe the road conditions on the wasteland. Just upload the data when they return, and the explored map data can be synchronized to the official website database.

This task doesn't even require players to operate it themselves.

Chu Guang has Xiao Qi automatically do it for them.

"Attribute panel, quest system, and map are all fine... but the chat window is a bit difficult. The VM has a transmitter, but it's not a dedicated communication chip. Sending and receiving text messages and updating the quest panel near the shelter is no problem, but it gets a bit tricky a bit further away."

I see.

Chu Guang touched his chin and thought for a moment.

"Then let's not rush the chat function. Let's focus on developing the attribute panel, quest, and map functions first. I'll find some templates for you to use later."

If the functions are not complete, developing them will just give the clowns something to complain about. Besides, there's already the "Square" and the "Official Website," which are enough for players to brag.

"Okay, Master!"

Seeing Xiao Qi's enthusiastic attitude, Chu Guang nodded in satisfaction and turned to return to the B1 level.

It's 3 AM in the wasteland, and 3 PM in the real world, the time when the number of players in the game is the lowest.

It's also the best time for updates!

Sitting down at the computer in the residents' hall, Chu Guang yawned, took out his notebook from the drawer, and opened the text document for reference.

Everything is ready, just need to press Ctrl+V and C.

Chu Guang moved his fingers, a smile on his face.

It's time to do the work of a planner!

...

Official Website:

【Wasteland OL Closed Beta Alpha 0.5 Version Update Announcement】

【Major Updates:

1. Increase the number of closed beta players to 200.

2. Major changes to the attribute panel, quest system, and map functions.

3. Officially open the B2 level of the shelter!

】

【Optimizations:

1. More realistic snow effects, with the ground hardening and rivers freezing over time, even the lake surface can freeze.

2. Add a pot of charcoal fire in the weapon shop to warm up. Give the shopkeeper some encouragement to cheer her up, which can increase her favorability.

3. More frequent spawns of monsters suitable for the harsh climate.

4. More detailed interior of the shelter.

5. Fix a few bugs.

6. ...

】

【With the increase in the number of players, the player manual and user agreement have been updated to version 3.0. Please check them in a timely manner to avoid a poor gaming experience.】

【Current reservation count: 1007 people】

【Additionally, the "Winter is Coming" expansion has officially ended. The "Winter Warrior" title has been awarded to 90 eligible closed beta players, and their IDs will be recorded in the Hall of Fame. Winter has arrived, shiver in the cold, survivors!】

...

This update has a lot of content.

Without blowing some smoke and talking in detail, Chu Guang is always worried that the players will think he's not doing his job.

Still the same old routine.

After posting the update announcement, Chu Guang immediately posted the edited developer's log.

《Developer's Log: Alpha 0.5 Version》

Guang: "Hello everyone, I'm your beloved planner! After squeezing the brains of five engineers, our server has finally been upgraded from a potato to a sweet potato! Now it can accommodate 200 players simultaneously. Isn't that exciting? Check your backend mailboxes! Applause for the lucky ones!"

"The biggest change in this version update is mainly the attribute panel, quest panel, and the additional map function! Aren't you excited?"

"I'm as excited as you are! Under the temptation of roasted potatoes, the developers finally understood what we wanted."

"Of course, don't get too excited yet. For the sake of the player experience and the realism of the game, after five days and nights of department meetings, we finally decided to integrate these functions into a special item called the 'Vital Signs Monitor (VM).'

"Players can purchase this item for 40 silver coins after reaching citizen level. Due to the special nature of this item, each player is limited to one, which is bound to their account and cannot be unbound or transferred. If your teammate unfortunately meets their end, remember to retrieve their VM, or the shelter will deduct 10 silver coins from their account for the 'Equipment Recovery' task."

"As long as you are within the shelter or near the infirmary, the VM can connect to the shelter's server to complete the task acceptance operation."

"Besides the quest bar, the core function of the VM is still the attribute panel! Through a small screen, you can easily check the progress of gene sequence development, character attributes, buffs or debuffs, contribution points, and identity level."

"Of course, you don't need to show your contribution points. The VM itself is a symbol of status and power! In our setting, only those who have made outstanding contributions to the shelter are worthy of this honor. Owning it means you are no longer a rookie but a true adventurer qualified to venture into the wasteland!"

"Additionally, the laser mapping function of the VM can accurately capture nearby obstacles and walls and upload the map data to the shelter's server. Even if you are directionally challenged, you can find your way home, and your mother won't have to worry about you getting lost in the wasteland!"

Click, upload.

Done!

Chu Guang stretched, pushed back his chair, and stood up.

After staying up for two days until almost dawn, even if his body is made of iron, he is a bit worn out.

This time, he plans to sleep until noon and try to adjust his schedule.

Thinking about this, Chu Guang looked at Xiao Qi squatting in the corner.

"Xiao Qi, when it's time, don't forget to wake Xia Yan up."

"Sure thing, Master."

After finishing the last task, Chu Guang went to the next room to sleep with a happy heart.

While Chu Guang was sound asleep, the discussion about the "Alpha 0.5 Version" on the official website was almost non-stop!