As someone who does woodworking for a living, I really like the idea that I could potentially use a VR space to prototype something. Its current features are quite limited / limiting to what I want to use it for, but that's to be expected given it was just released in early access. I read your early access statement, and it says that you want feedback, so here I am. I'll list some things I'd like to see fixed / added / improved.


Fixes / Improvements:


More intuitive controls when picking things up; it feels pretty awkward to pick up a tool and have it snap to a predefined position. Would be much better if at the very least there was an option to change it so the tool orientation doesn't change when picked up. Would let people hold things in a way that feels natural, especially since not everyone is using the same type of controller.

Holding things with 2 hands; This one actually goes hand in hand (damn right pun intended) with the above. When I want to pick something up and adjust it so I'm holding it in a comfortable orientation, I can't because this and the above aren't currently possible. It feels very awkward when I want to turn one of the business cards around, but can't do it naturally, so I have to throw it in the air and catch it with my hand turned a different direction.

Tool physics going crazy when picked up; Since tools snap to a predefined position, things usually freak out and clip through the workbench / walls when they're picked up without your hand being in the same position as the predefined position. The tool ends up staying behind whatever it is when you pick it up unless you move your hand around from behind it.

Free movement; Idk what to call it, it seems every game calls it something different. I don't like teleporting. I find it ruins the immersion for whatever game I'm playing. Having an option that would enable people to decide if they want teleport or free movement would be great. The same goes for snap turning / smooth turning, and to some extent an adjustable vignette when using smooth turning. (I don't personally like them, but some people do)




Additions (Updated 07/15/2020):


Partial cuts; I think this one is pretty important imo. Being able to make a couple partial cuts to do something like take a notch out of the corner of a board for example. Would be a lot easier than trying to build the same shape out of several boards. I'm unsure if this is already a thing, but I don't think it is. Maybe make it an option that can be enabled and perhaps show the kerf of the cut when doing it? Idk.

Glue; Self explanatory.

Level indicator / angle gauge; Would be super useful to know when certain tools are perfectly level / vertical, for example the saw...Could be an option that could be enabled that way people who don't want that aren't forced to use it. Could also go a different route and just make a level / magnetic angle gauge that could stick to the saw / other tools.

Bevel Gauge / Protractor; Both of these could be useful on their own, and even more-so together. Would be handy for laying things out as well as making sure you're cutting at the angle you want to. No woodshop should be without them imo.

Clamps, and a LOT of them; Even if you never add glue to this game, clamps should be a given. It's a woodworking game, therefore we need clamps. Useful for holding and squeezing things.

Proper woodworking bench vise; I feel like this is 100% necessary. Maybe it's just me. All I know is it feels very weird for me to "work" at a bench without some kind of vise on it.

Joinery; this one may be asking for too much. I'm not gonna pretend to know how hard it is to make / program a game, because I absolutely don't. All I know is it would be amazing if the game had support for proper joinery. Mortise and tenons, dovetails, dados, bridle joints, box joints, etc. At least the basics would be nice.

More tools / ways to finish wood; Self explanatory.

Customizable workshop / money system; Obviously this is thinking WAY into the future, but I like the idea of being able to customize your workshop by being able to move virtually everything, workbench / potential future floor tools included. I also think it would be amazing to have a money system where you sell what you build, and can eventually use that money to buy / upgrade your tools and even upgrade to a bigger better workshop. Could be a campaign mode of sorts. Get commissions that you pick from, make them, get money, buy stuff.

(For now, last but not least) Workshop / Mod Support; I think this is a huge one that a surprising amount of game creators overlook. Personally I think giving the community that plays your game the ability to add to it is one of the biggest selling points a game can have. In a way, it insures that the game can continue to grow and improve regardless if the game devs give up on a game, gets the community more involved / hyped, and can even offer invaluable feedback regarding what people want to see more of. The ability to add modified / custom content keeps the game relevant and gives it tons of replay value long after the devs have stopped supporting the game...take Skyrim for example.




I see a lot of potential for this game, so here's hoping it takes off and eventually thrives. I look forward to seeing how this game comes along.