Open source infinite shape-factory sim 'shapez.io' has a major new release up

shapez.io lets you build up a huge factory with an ever-expanding map, it's open source and a massive new update was recently put up expanding how deep it goes.

The idea is inspired by the likes of Factorio but it's a much more chilled-out game. Allowing you to just zone-out, and keep expanding as it gradually adds more complexity and shapes you need to create. Especially when it starts adding on rotations, colours and more. It's a genuinely sweet idea and a rather nice take on an automation building sim, they've captured a fun niche here.

Now they've expanded the gameplay quite dramatically with the Wires update, which is so big they gave it a dedicated page and reading over what they've included was fun. What's new? Some highlights:

• A complete rebalance due to a reduction in belt speeds
• Much better performance, resulting in more precision
• More upgrade levels for belts and buildings
• New goal type: throughput, needing you to get to a certain throughput instead of delivering a specific amount
• Music and Sound controls
• You can now name your saved games
• An entirely new layer: wires which comes with signalling, displays you can wire up
• Logic circuits
• + loads more, it's a huge upgrade

To unlock the new stuff, you need to be at least level 20 during a game which is when it will give you access to the start of the wires content.

What's really great about shapez.io is that it's fully free and open source too. From the code which is up on GitHub under the GPL, to the media assets which are also open source on GitHub. 

I personally purchased shapez.io around June earlier this year, and I haven't regret that for even a second. Its popularity and good user reviews are certainly well earned. Looking on Steam it has hit "Overwhelmingly Positive" from over two thousand users, so it's become one of the most highly rated open source games on Steam.

To support the development you can buy it ready-made up on itch.io and Steam.