# December news (unlimited skin joints on shaders, PointProperties), and plans for 2026 (next release, SignPath, better macOS Silicon, shadow maps...)
**URL:** https://forum.castle-engine.io/t/december-news-unlimited-skin-joints-on-shaders-pointproperties-and-plans-for-2026-next-release-signpath-better-macos-silicon-shadow-maps/2071
**Category:** News
**Created:** [December 30, 2025, 3:48pm UTC](https://forum.castle-engine.io/t/december-news-unlimited-skin-joints-on-shaders-pointproperties-and-plans-for-2026-next-release-signpath-better-macos-silicon-shadow-maps/2071 "2025-12-30T15:48:31Z")
**Posts on this page:** 2
**Page:** 1
### Author:  [@michalis](https://forum.castle-engine.io/u/michalis)
#### Post date: [December 30, 2025, 3:48pm UTC](https://forum.castle-engine.io/t/december-news-unlimited-skin-joints-on-shaders-pointproperties-and-plans-for-2026-next-release-signpath-better-macos-silicon-shadow-maps/2071/1 "2025-12-30T15:48:31Z")
| [](https://castle-engine.io/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/castle_example_zen.png "Impressive castle demo, in "Maximize Preview" ("zen mode")") |
| [](https://castle-engine.io/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/screenshot_2752x2064_6.png-smaller.png "Castle Model Viewer on iOS") |
| [](https://castle-engine.io/wp/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/screenshot_2752x2064_2.png-smaller.png "Castle Model Viewer on iOS") |
Hello everyone! I hope you have a peaceful time at the end of December and spend it doing what you love — whether it means developing games, or playing games, or just resting (and thinking about games) 🙂 I wanted to share some of the recent engine developments and plans for the nearest future.
1. First of all, I have to admit I failed. I had a secret plan to release a new engine version _Castle Game Engine 7.0-alpha.4_ before _Christmas_. This didn’t happen — due to a number of tasks (and one food poisoning…) that consumed my time in December.
**On the upside** , I already made arrangements to have more time for engine development since January 2026, and I shall have much more time since April 2026. I’m looking forward to a productive 2026.
2. And this feels like a natural way to mention that going forward **we very much count on your support**. If you enjoy using the engine please support us on [Patreon](https://www.patreon.com/castleengine). [More ways to donate are available as well](https://castle-engine.io/donate). Thank you in advance!
3. If you are interested in _business 2 business_ cooperation, note that we have an official company dedicated to the _Castle Game Engine_ development. We’re a regular _Polish (EU)_ company and are happy to provide e.g. support work to help your company use the engine best.
4. Recent engine developments:
5. Our nearest plans:
That last point, our [roadmap](https://castle-engine.io/roadmap), leads to our conclusion: I think we have a good plan for the engine. And I love what I’m doing 🙂 From your good words, I think that you enjoy it too. We just need more resources (time) and we’ll be _golden_. If you can, please [support us](https://castle-engine.io/donate). Small donations sum up into actual money that allows me to simply spend time developing the engine, thus fueling all this development. Thank you!
And thank you for being part of this dream of having a 100% open-source game engine with [features](https://castle-engine.io/features) like a clean language, modern graphics, support for 3D standards, being cross-platform and enjoying a visual editor. Have fun developing games and have a great 2026!
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### Author:  [@michalis](https://forum.castle-engine.io/u/michalis)
#### Post date: [December 30, 2025, 3:52pm UTC](https://forum.castle-engine.io/t/december-news-unlimited-skin-joints-on-shaders-pointproperties-and-plans-for-2026-next-release-signpath-better-macos-silicon-shadow-maps/2071/2 "2025-12-30T15:52:01Z")