Dev Log — Ashenex Interactive

06 Entries

Apr 2026 Deep Dive Starbud Station 9 min read

Building the NPC Trader System — Archetypes, Schedules, and Dynamic Pricing

Traders in Starbud Station aren't random vendors. Each one has an archetype, a visit schedule, a market-aware inventory, and a price model influenced by your shop reputation. Here's the full C++ architecture behind them.

Mar 2026 Deep Dive Starbud Station 8 min read

The Machine System — Production Queues, Timers, and Multiplayer Sync

Machines are the backbone of Starbud Station's production loop. Here's how we built a flexible, server-authoritative machine system in C++ that handles job queuing, multi-stage processing, and full co-op replication.

Nov 2025 Deep Dive Starbud Station 7 min read

The Inventory System — Slots, Stacking, and Replicated Transfers

Building a correct multiplayer inventory is harder than it looks. Here's how UInventoryComponent handles item slots, quality stacking, and server-authoritative transfers across the network.

Dec 2025 Technical Starbud Station 6 min read

The Save System — ISaveable, Version Migration, and Co-op Authority

A save system that breaks in co-op is worthless. Here's how USaveManagerSubsystem uses an ISaveable interface and server-authoritative save authority to keep the whole game consistent.

Feb 2026 Update Starbud Station 5 min read

The Business Day Loop — How Starbud Station's Shop System Works

Customers don't just show up. You open for business from your ShopTerminal, list what you're selling, and the day begins. Here's how the Shop, Customer, and Trader systems connect into a single economy loop.

Jan 2026 Studio Starbud Station 4 min read

Why We Build in C++ First — The Ashenex Development Philosophy

Blueprints are great for rapid prototyping, but every core system at Ashenex ships in C++. Here's the reasoning behind that call and how it's shaped Starbud Station's architecture from day one.