In the CitizenCon 2024 panel on “Orgs 2.0,” Ben Waah discussed the evolution of social tools in Star Citizen, highlighting a new reputation system for organizations and improvements to the Mobiglass app for better party management and friend interactions. The panel also introduced enhancements in Face over IP and Voice over IP technologies, aiming to enrich player communication and social experiences within the game.
In the CitizenCon 2024 panel focused on “Orgs 2.0,” Ben Waah expressed gratitude to the community for their support in testing server meshing and other features essential for the game’s social gameplay. He emphasized that social tools are critical for all players and will evolve to meet the community’s needs. A significant focus was on the reputation system, where players will start with zero reputation when joining an organization (org) and can build it by following the org’s rules and completing tasks effectively. The panel highlighted the importance of social interactions and how they will shape the online experience within the game.
The new Mobiglass app will consolidate various social features, streamlining party management and friend lists across different platforms. Notable changes include the removal of Air Traffic Control (ATC) from the friends list, allowing players to have no friends in the game if they choose. Players will be able to add notes about their friends, manage larger friend lists more effectively, and utilize features like favorites and block lists. The org system will also allow for global affiliations or hostilities between organizations, enhancing the dynamics of player interactions.
A new party finder feature was introduced, enabling players to find new party members online who are not necessarily on their friends list. Players can post job requests, set rules, and accept or reject members based on their reputation. Additionally, the chat system will see improvements, with more options for customization and the ability to link messages to specific items or locations. The panel also showcased advancements in Face over IP (FIP) and Voice over IP (VOIP) technologies, enhancing communication and interaction among players.
Sean discussed enhancements to FIP, including improved tracking of facial expressions and better performance in low light conditions. These upgrades allow for more expressive character interactions and smoother communication in-game. The character customizer will also benefit from these improvements, allowing players to see real-time facial tracking as they modify their character’s appearance. The panel emphasized the ongoing development and potential of these features, promising a richer social experience in Star Citizen.
Finally, the panel touched on the new guide system, which rewards players for helping others and emphasizes trust and reputation. Organizations will now have more identity features, including branding and event planning capabilities. Players can join multiple organizations and manage their affiliations more effectively, with new tools for communication and collaboration. The future of Star Citizen’s social gameplay looks promising, with a focus on community engagement and enhanced player interactions.