Star Citizen players saw a delay in updates regarding server meshing, but the recent launch of version 3.21 in the PTU addresses this and confirms the separation of the replication layer from the game servers, which could lead to better performance. The road to server meshing has faced challenges, but upcoming updates and testing aim to improve the game’s health and keep players informed about development progress.
Star Citizen players experienced an information drought from February to September regarding server meshing, leaving them in the dark about the progress of this important feature. However, with the surprise launch of version 3.21 in the PTU (Public Test Universe), the studio has finally addressed the issue. A recent road map update has confirmed that the separation of the replication layer from the game servers is now underway, which could be a significant performance upgrade for Star Citizen. If the previous road map is still accurate, this could be the final major step before the introduction of static server meshing in Star Citizen 4.0.
Server meshing is the concept of allowing multiple servers to cover a single game instance. The challenge lies in syncing the data across these servers in real-time, ensuring a seamless experience for players across thousands of perspectives. The replication layer is being developed to separate the clients and data from the game servers, with the data being cached and synchronized between them. This ensures that if a server crashes, another picks up where it left off, minimizing interruptions for players.
The current plan for achieving server meshing involves the separation of the replication layer from the dedicated game servers. The time it took to provide an update on this indicates that addressing the PES (Persistent Entity Streaming) issues was more challenging than anticipated, delaying progress on the replication layer. However, an upcoming 3.21.1 PTU patch aims to separate the replication layer, while the regular 3.21 patch goes live around CitizenCon, with additional features included.
The 3.21 update and the testing of the replication layer will take place in the PTU cycle. Unlike previous versions, the entire PTU cycle will be open to all members, allowing for extensive testing and error detection. This open testing approach is an effort to prevent the chaos that occurred with the launch of version 3.18, which introduced major technological changes. The hope is that by thoroughly testing the new replication layer, the overall health of the game will improve without significant disruptions to the community.
While the 3.21 update introduces various features like new ships, missions, and jump point locations, it does not define what comes after this version. The road to server meshing may have experienced changes and difficulties not reflected in the original road map. However, subscribers and listeners of related content can stay informed about the development progress and upcoming updates. Additionally, a giveaway opportunity and a podcast covering Star Citizen development are mentioned.