The video discusses the sunsetting of the Hornet Mark 1 in Star Citizen, where it will no longer be available for purchase after Invictus, but existing owners can still use it and earn it through in-game events. Speculation arises about the implications of this move, with concerns about artificial scarcity, marketing strategies, and potential impacts on future ship releases, but it is unlikely to become a widespread practice for CIG to discontinue ships without introducing replacements.
The video discusses the sunsetting of the Hornet Mark 1 in Star Citizen, indicating that it will no longer be available for purchase in-game or through real money transactions after Invictus. Despite this change, existing owners will still have access to the ship, and it can be earned through in-game events and missions. The ship will also receive ongoing updates and maintenance, ensuring it remains flyable in the game. Additionally, there will be a reduction in the in-game availability of some bespoke parts for the Hornet, such as turret mounts, which may complicate matters for players seeking spare parts.
There is speculation about the implications of this move, with some suggesting that maintaining two almost identical ships simultaneously could be burdensome for the developers. The decision to retire the Mark 1 could potentially reduce confusion for new players or those unfamiliar with the ship’s release history. However, the absence of a strong reason for the removal of the Mark 1 alongside the Mark I raises questions about whether this could be a recurring practice in the future.
The possibility of replacing existing ships with newer variants, like the upcoming Hornet Mark 2, raises concerns about artificial scarcity and the impact on marketing strategies. The removal of a ship from sale can create a sense of urgency among buyers, potentially leading to increased demand and dissatisfaction among backers. While the current situation with the Hornet Mark 1 may not have significant repercussions for existing owners, there is apprehension about the potential for similar actions affecting other ships in the future.
The video suggests that discontinuing ships without introducing replacements could be counterproductive for CIG, as it may result in missed profit opportunities. The busy ship pipeline and the effort required to develop new variants make it unlikely that this practice will become widespread. The video concludes by highlighting the importance of managing marketing campaigns and avoiding excessive artificial scarcity tactics in future ship releases. Overall, the sunsetting of the Hornet Mark 1 appears to be a specific case, and it is unlikely that CIG will replace more ships in a similar manner in the near future.