#26

DevBlog: The Road to Version 3.0

Hey everyone,

It might seem like things have been quiet, but behind the scenes, we’ve been working hard on some major updates for World of Airports. The biggest focus right now? The final development phase of our new User Interface (UI)—a game-changing improvement that will redefine how the game looks and feels.


New UI: A Huge Step Forward

From a functional perspective, we’re treating this update as an evolution—we don’t want to disrupt the way you play the game. We’ve designed it to ensure that you won’t have to change your habits, so it still feels familiar. However, visually, this update is a complete revolution.

Our goal is to unify the entire game’s interface with a modern, cohesive look. Since this is such a fundamental change, we’ve decided to mark this version as World of Airports 3.0. Unlike version 2.0, which introduced major gameplay changes, 3.0 is purely about the UI and visual improvements. No need to worry—your gameplay will remain intact!


Introducing GRU - São Paulo/Guarulhos Airport

Alongside the UI update, GRU will be joining the list of playable airports! As per our tradition, this airport brings unique challenges and new functionalities to the taxiway system. Thankfully, our fully rewritten taxiway logic allows us to implement these features with much more flexibility.

What makes GRU special?

  • Triple-stand gates :building_construction:
  • Parallel taxiways based on wingspan categories :flight_departure:

This brings us to one of the biggest system updates in 3.0


New Aircraft Size Categorization

Starting with 3.0, we’re transitioning from the current S/M/L/X aircraft classification to the ICAO size categories:

  • A, B, C, D, E, F (and G for AN225)

Why is this important?

  • This allows for more accurate stand assignments and taxiway usage.
  • Airports like INN and BRI will see new arrival possibilities.
  • It opens the door for Business Jets (BJs) and General Aviation (GA)!
    • While BJs won’t be in 3.0, they will follow very soon after the update.

Advanced Runway Lighting System

Another major leap forward in realism is our completely reworked runway lighting system.

What’s new?

  • Full activation of all runway safety lighting systems :rotating_light:
  • Adjustable intensity based on conditions :sunrise_over_mountains:
  • Directional adaptation based on the pilot’s perspective :eyes:
  • Meticulously designed using real-world aviation manuals and regulations :open_book:

This upgrade puts World of Airports among the most realistic runway lighting simulations available in gaming. Be sure to check out our demo video to see it in action!


Complete CRJ Fleet Overhaul

Version 3.0 will also introduce an entirely rebuilt CRJ aircraft family. Expect brand-new models and improved designs across the fleet, bringing them up to the latest visual and functional standards.


Bug Fixes & Minor Enhancements

Of course, this update will also include various bug fixes and optimizations, but the major changes listed above are the core focus of 3.0.


When Will 3.0 Be Released?

As always, we’re not giving out an exact release date. However, based on our previous commitments, you can expect version 3.0 to arrive within Q1 of this year.

Thank you for your continued support and excitement! We can’t wait to share this new era of World of Airports with you. :rocket:

Looking good! Thanks for the hard work on the next major step forward.

Is the option to change the flight number with the pencil icon, as mentioned in the Developer Q&A in September, going to be available in UI 3.0?

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Will we have to purchase gates for A,B,C… or what it will look like?

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Woohoo! Very excited for this :raised_hands:

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When is the relese

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Very excited to see the new features in 3.0. We are all excited that a South American airport is coming! :partying_face:

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WWOOOOWWW nice job

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They said Q1 but in my opinion given a lot of features are added that doesn’t seem likely (could be wrong as it’s my guess)

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This is going to be a W update.

Good job team!

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Very exciting! Thanks for making this game!

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Complete CRJ Fleet Overhaul

Version 3.0 will also introduce an entirely rebuilt CRJ aircraft family.

WOOOO Yeah baby! Thats what I’ve been waiting for!

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This is amazing. The new stand sizing is something I’ve wanted for so long. Thanks so much devs!

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THE ONE PIECE IS REAL

On a more serious note this is a huge change which makes the game one step closer to realism which is cool, for everybody wondering how they will transition i imagine

S - AB
M - C
L - DE
X - F

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I just went
“YES FINALLY”
in the middle of my auto tech shop class

Everyone is now staring at me
Help

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So what else can we expect to see in terms of options for slower devices? More performance updates especially where Heathrow and such are concerned?

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wow, I’m speechless. Your team is doing a great job. Thank you for that.

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That’s the problem with bigger airports, I have my current phone for 4 years now and it lags a bit every time (and this is on high graphics) it also gets so hot that sometimes some stuff can burn into the screen. I’m not 100% sure what there plan is for slower devices but I’m hoping it’s soon cause my phone is probably gonna blow up if GRU was released.

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I want to take the chance now, to tell you guys you’re doing an amazing job. I would’ve never expected so much new content. Im seriously impressed. You just released the rework of IAD, a Concorde rework, the 767 family and MSY came in and now you’re releasing another Airport and another family rework and the UI rework plus the lighting rework. I can’t find words for how impressed I am by the job you’re doing. Chapeau!

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Loving the look of it, can’t wait to see how gru performs and how it’ll be with a fresh ui

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Watching the video leads me to ask are we getting some better camera options? That looked like a custom orbit view of the whole airport. I would love something like that!! Hope it’s not just a view for developers.

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