In the latest Star Citizen podcast, hosts Board Gamer and Zin discuss updates on jump points, network upgrades, and the delays of patch 3.24, emphasizing the active engagement required during jump point traversal and the challenges it may pose for players. They also preview the upcoming CitizenCon event, highlighting community engagement and the excitement surrounding planned activities, including an esports racing event.
In the latest Star Citizen podcast, host Board Gamer and co-host Zin discuss various updates and features related to the game, particularly focusing on jump points, network upgrades, and the upcoming CitizenCon. The conversation begins with their experiences with the heatwave in the UK, which led to the postponement of a planned podcast on jump points. They express excitement about the visual design of the jump points showcased in the recent Inside Star Citizen episode, although they note that the jump points are still a work in progress.
The hosts delve into the mechanics of jump points, explaining that players will need to be actively engaged for approximately three minutes while traversing them. This hands-on gameplay contrasts with the current quantum travel system, where players can engage in other activities once the jump is initiated. They discuss the challenges and potential frustrations of this active engagement, particularly the risk of failing the jump and being ejected into undesirable areas of space. Zin raises concerns about the difficulty of the mini-game involved in navigating jump points, while Board Gamer acknowledges the potential for player frustration.
The conversation shifts to the design of permanent and transient jump points. They highlight that permanent jump points will not have size restrictions for ships and will include ATC contact requirements, while transient jump points will be more exploratory and less predictable. The hosts express their preference for a mix of both types, suggesting that transient jump points are essential for exploration and avoiding customs. They also discuss the potential for blockading these jump points and the challenges that might arise in low-security areas.
As they move on to the status of the game’s development, the hosts mention the delays in the release of patch 3.24, which is currently in the Evocati phase. They speculate on the reasons for the delays, including possible impacts from a recent global outage affecting Windows and Microsoft-based PCs. Despite these setbacks, they remain optimistic about the upcoming features and improvements, particularly the new networking technology being tested in preparation for server meshing in version 4.0.
Finally, the podcast covers the upcoming CitizenCon event, scheduled for October 19-20, and the associated Bar Citizen week in Manchester. They discuss the excitement surrounding the various events and gatherings planned during this time, including a ticketed esports event called “Enter Atmosphere” focused on Star Citizen racing. While Zin expresses that esports may not be her personal interest, she acknowledges the value of such events for the community. Board Gamer encourages listeners to submit questions for developers, highlighting the interactive nature of the community and the importance of engagement with the game’s creators.