The video discusses the development progress of Star Citizen, highlighting concerns about a potential seven-year backlog for ship releases and emphasizing the importance of clarity in the release schedule. It also covers updates on the RSI Orion’s development, the challenges of ship design prioritization, and the evolving mechanics of medical beds and respawning within the game.
In the recent video discussing the development progress of Star Citizen, the backlog for ship releases was highlighted, with estimates suggesting a seven-year wait for some concepts. This raised concerns among the community, as many players believe the timeline seems overly lengthy given the current development pace. The discussion also touched on the need for clarity regarding the release schedule and whether current concepts would be available by 2025. The speaker expressed skepticism about the seven-year backlog, indicating that the actual timeline for ship releases might be shorter than suggested.
The video provided updates on the RSI Orion, which is nearing the completion of its white box phase. The team is working on identifying and creating additional concepts before moving into the gray box phase. This development is particularly exciting for players looking forward to engaging with the mining gameplay, as it involves using massive mining lasers from the ship. The anticipation builds around the Orion’s capabilities, showcasing the commitment to expanding gameplay features within the Star Citizen universe.
A significant part of the discussion focused on the challenges of ship development and the prioritization of resources. The vehicle team operates on an 18 to 24-month schedule, which can lead to a rigid workflow. The speaker emphasized the importance of maintaining focus on a single project to ensure quality and continuity in development. This approach is crucial due to the complexity of ship designs and the need for a cohesive development process, which can be disrupted by frequent changes in project focus.
The video also tackled the topic of medical beds and their functionality within ships. The design team clarified that not all ships will have medical beds due to their powerful respawn capabilities. The intention is to restrict this feature to ships where it makes sense, such as larger exploration vessels or medical ships. The discussion highlighted the balance between gameplay mechanics and the desire to create a more immersive experience for players, especially in group scenarios where death can significantly impact gameplay.
Finally, the video addressed the evolving nature of gameplay mechanics, particularly concerning respawning and healing. While tier two and above medical beds will allow respawning, tier three beds will not, which reflects a shift in design philosophy. The team is working towards providing alternative healing methods beyond medical beds, ensuring that players can recover from injuries without being overly reliant on specific ship features. This forward-thinking approach aims to enhance the overall gameplay experience and lay the groundwork for future developments in Star Citizen.