This week in Star Citizen focused on the 3.23 build update introducing the Vulkan renderer with initial stability improvements and future performance optimizations. The update included various technical enhancements, UI improvements, and upcoming content previews, aiming to provide smoother gameplay experiences and visual enhancements for players.
This week in Star Citizen, the focus is on the 3.23 build update, which introduced the Vulkan renderer as an option for players. While the initial release of Vulkan prioritizes hardware and driver stability over performance gains, future updates are expected to optimize multi-threading for significant improvements. The 3.23 build also included various optimizations such as for planetary weather, Nvidia Shadow map memory, VI area, physics thread, and water performance, contributing to smoother gameplay experiences with stable frame rates.
In addition to the technical updates, the 3.23 build brought improvements to operator mode, UI polish passes on the mobiglass, and UI readability enhancements. The development team aims to make the Vulkan renderer the default in upcoming releases, with ongoing performance and stability enhancements planned. Despite occasional stutters and delays, the client FPS was notably high, especially in Landing zones and Planet Side environments. The introduction of HDR in the next build is anticipated to further enhance visual quality for players.
Looking ahead, the week’s content schedule includes updates to the Galactapedia, the roadmap, and Squadron 42’s monthly report. Inside Star Citizen will showcase advancements in water simulation and rendering, promising insights from the developer behind these features. Star Citizen Live will focus on cargo-related topics, potentially addressing the speculation around the inclusion of hangers and freight elevators in the 3.23 update, although official confirmation is pending.
Players are encouraged to explore the new features in the 3.23 build, which offer significant improvements in FPS interactions and flight mechanics. While relearning and adjusting to the changes may take time, the overall gameplay experience is expected to be smoother and more optimized. Despite uncertainties about the inclusion of certain features like hangers and elevators, the focus remains on delivering a polished and enjoyable experience for players. The community is eagerly anticipating further updates and patches to enhance gameplay in Star Citizen.