The latest update on Star Citizen Alpha 3.24 indicates that the patch is nearing readiness for the wider Public Test Universe, with hopes for a Wave 1 release by the upcoming weekend, although this is not officially confirmed. The delays are primarily due to extensive updates to the cargo and inventory systems, but recent patches have improved stability and performance, leading to cautious optimism about the upcoming release.
In the latest update regarding Star Citizen Alpha 3.24, the game appears to be nearing the wider Public Test Universe (PTU) candidate stage. The speaker expresses optimism that the patch could be available for the first wave of players by the upcoming weekend. However, they clarify that this is not an official confirmation from Cloud Imperium Games (CIG). The patch seems to be further along than expected due to the developers addressing significant blockers that hindered its release to a broader audience. The ongoing testing has been limited to a smaller group, allowing CIG to focus on fixing bugs and refining features.
One of the main reasons for the delays in releasing Alpha 3.24 is the extensive refactoring of the cargo system, which has also necessitated updates to the inventory system. The overhaul includes the removal of global inventory, the physicalization of cargo, and changes to the buying and selling mechanics. These updates are essential in preparation for future server meshing and the anticipated 4.0 patch. CIG has been addressing both expected and unexpected issues arising from these changes, aiming to avoid releasing a patch that is overly unstable or broken.
Recent patches have focused on resolving major issues that have prevented the transition to a wider PTU. For example, a patch released on July 26 aimed to fix bugs while also tweaking cargo autoloading timers. Although a subsequent patch on July 30 was deemed unstable, the most recent patch on July 31 significantly improved stability and addressed various bugs. This patch also included a complete balance pass for automatic cargo loading prices and loading times, which is crucial for enhancing gameplay experience.
Despite ongoing challenges, the speaker believes that the current build of Alpha 3.24 is in a better state than previous iterations and is close to being ready for wider testing. They mention that various performance issues, such as low frame rates and interaction delays, have been improved. However, they acknowledge that the build is not perfect and still contains bugs that need addressing. The speaker also anticipates that a database wipe may be necessary due to significant changes in inventory and hanger management.
Looking ahead, the speaker speculates that CIG aims to release Alpha 3.24 before the free fly event scheduled for August 23. They emphasize that any delays in 3.24 are unlikely to have a substantial impact on the development of the 4.0 patch, which is still progressing alongside the current patch. Overall, the speaker conveys a sense of cautious optimism about the future of Star Citizen, encouraging viewers to share their thoughts and experiences regarding the ongoing testing and upcoming releases.