Your idea is really ambitious for a single developer to pull off, especially while not using an engine. I wish you manage to figure it out.
I definitely see a multiplayer factory game like that working out, the way I would think to do it is to pre-calculate the amount of resource your inventory gains over time and just increase it based on the time passed since last loaded that area. That way you would just store a couple numbers and then multiply them by the time or something.
My projects usually end up being a complete mess due to how little prototyping I do so I wouldn't say that your approach is bad at all.
When it comes to lag i think SE is one of the best options out there, comparing it to other vehicle building games I know its so much better than Scrap Mechanic or Trailmakers in that regard. Its pve got decently good with the latest update, however you have to put a lot of effort to really get to the point of actually being able to do it. I like SE cause of the automation it allows you to do, however that automation only works for logistics, repair and printing but doesn't allow for auto mining which is what you're clearly interested in.
Viewing post in space voxels #procJam2023 #incomplete comments
About SE. Its possible to mine semi-automatic. Manual specify region and mine with drones. (With code C# allowed)
Some people even use small program controlled ships as collision missiles. It's really cheat in comparison to normal play without code.
I remember one "guild" who caused changing some server rules and limiting scripts on servers they are played couples years ago because code too good to give any chance to normal players...
My main point is do some what can't be found in other games or just modded. Even if isnt fully featured.
And it's why I don't done anything completed related to this idea at now. I think can do(even tried most) any aspects, but can't figure out good ratio between amount of work and fun from result in reasonable time...
For me, SE just have fundamental issues with gameplay limitation without any plot. It's more MP sandbox than infinity derelicts exploration with factory elements. And yes, some time ago I really examine SE as example in many aspects, but found its dead-end as too hard and senseless to recreate. And modding don't give the way to implement most important aspects easily than do from scratch with other priorities.
It's like Wube started 2d Factorio instead of just make another mod to minecraft to focus on more important feature despite to loss many other. (Yes too loud comparison I know (= )
May be releasing some of my game-aspect prototypes as standalone games be cleaver way to move onto this road. But in this form it's have lack of uniqueness to give enough inspiration to make it done and keep it simple. (Keep game simple is really hardest part for me)
Prototyping is a great thing to do before doing any big project, you should find out if your approach is correct as fast as possible.
Well they've added ai controllers which allow for missiles, auto docking and auto fighting in the recent update. They also added derelict ship wrecks and even randomely spawning NPC bases, theres even bossfights now against the factorum. All that with no mods or scripts needed, Its just drilling that as you said can only be done with scripts, though you can setup excavation platforms.
Good luck with your stuff!