patch · April 5, 2024

Big Ambitions EA 0.5 Preview Patch Balances 24/7 Store Profits

Preview build 2436/2437 adjusts off-hours customer traffic, adds rival custom settings, and fixes inventory bugs.

Hovgaard Games released a preview patch for Big Ambitions Early Access 0.5 to address store profitability, rival mechanics, and interface errors.

Store Traffic and Rivals

Off-hours customer traffic drops significantly to curb excessive profitability for stores running 24/7, though stores operating on normal business hours see little change. Custom Game options now include a setting to deactivate Special Rivals by turning the value to zero. The mechanic allowing one player to cause a city-wide product shortage was removed pending a redesign.

Bug Fixes and Tweaks

The patch fixes a radio glitch that broke time-skipping actions like sleeping and taxis. It stops employees from threatening to quit every hour and resolves a bug that limited custom starting cash to two dollars. Map filters now accept WASD movement, truck traffic issues at 10th and Broadway are smoothed out, and radio jingle frequencies are reduced.

Why this patch matters

The patch reins in 24/7 store income while clearing out dozens of interface and gameplay bugs.