In this video, the speakers delve into the evolution of Base Building in “Star Citizen,” exploring how the design and concept have evolved from the original blueprint back in 2017 to today’s adaptive and enhanced format. The initial idea was presented in 2017 at Citizen Con, where a base-building ship called the Pioneer was discussed for the first time. The Pioneer was depicted as a versatile, efficient ship equipped with various advanced modules, demonstrating a high level of innovation in its design and execution. The ship was also observed to be asymmetrical with monolithic manufacturing, offering unprecedented exploration experiences for users.
The speakers discussed the necessity of planning and preparation for base building, particularly the importance of knowing what to build to optimize resource management. The architecture station onboard the Pioneer would allow players to decide the exterior layout of their outposts, following which the interior layout could be planned. The diversity of internal options meant the Pioneer could support a wide range of gameplay styles, from mining and refining to medicine.
Talking about what’s now called “Land Claim,” the speakers emphasize the role of exploration and research in the game. Players would need to survey and purchase a plot of land to set up their outposts, the value of which would depend on its resources, current market value, and location among other factors. However, owning land wasn’t simply about exploiting its resources, it was also about warding off potential invaders. The protection measures in place depended on whether the land was in the UEE space or not. If it was in UEE space, officials would step in case of an invasion. In non-UEE space, owners would have to protect their own assets.
Discussing the gameplay and mechanics more explicitly, the speaker clarifies that Pioneer is not essential for claiming land. While it could come in handy for setting up a base in UEE space, exploration ships can aid in scouting land for the Pioneer. Furthermore, the Pioneer was equipped with a whole host of internal facilities, ranging from hydroponics and storage to med stations, indicating its potential for multi-faceted gameplay.
The speakers also touched on how land value will dynamically vary based on a multitude of factors, including the resources available, proximity to refineries, and the security measures in place. Additionally, they address the potential for profit-making on land regardless of whether you decide to extract the resources or wait for a better payday in the future. The transferability of land claims between players, albeit with a transfer cost imposed by the UEE, was also highlighted. However, the video also emphasizes that “Star Citizen” is at its heart a sandbox game, and this development in the prospect of land ownership and base-building adds richer layers to the player’s experience.
