CitizenCon 2953 showcased the Resource Network technology and its integration with engineering gameplay. The presentation highlighted the new system’s ability to connect items, manage resources, and make strategic decisions, with an experimental mode planned for players to try before its full release.
In this presentation at CitizenCon 2953, the focus is on the Resource Network technology and its relationship to engineering gameplay. The Resource Network is a new system that replaces the previous pipe system and allows for more generalized and expandable gameplay. It is a network that connects different items, even those within containers, and enables relay gameplay. This system will have a global impact, affecting ships, outposts, and missions. The engineering gameplay, which is a child of the Resource Network, involves managing ships, outposts, and other aspects, and players can choose to share or handle these responsibilities themselves.
The presentation starts with Ge, a gameplay programmer, explaining the Resource Network and its purpose. The network was developed to support the desired gameplay and work with the cargo system. Thorston then discusses the three main activities in engineering gameplay: tuning, maintaining, and managing the ship. Tuning involves adjusting ship items, while maintaining focuses on keeping items in working condition. Managing the ship involves making informed decisions about power distribution, hazards, repairs, and delegating tasks to the crew.
A video demonstration showcases the engineering user interface (UI) in action. The UI allows players to interact with the items in the Resource Network, control power distribution, and monitor the health and performance of ship components. It also provides access to the room view, where players can control life support, doors, and other ship functions. Malfunction events, such as fires and misfires, are shown, along with ways to counter them, using fire extinguishers and life support systems.
The presentation emphasizes that engineering gameplay will bring significant changes, such as the addition of batteries to ships for extra power, managing resource consumption and generation, and making strategic decisions about which ship components to power. The engineering gameplay will also introduce systemic features, allowing players to manipulate their environment, sabotage systems, and impact enemy bases. The team expresses excitement for the future of this technology and announces plans to release an experimental mode for players to try it out before its full release.
In conclusion, the presentation showcases the Resource Network and its role in engineering gameplay. It explains the objectives of the system, demonstrates the user interface, and highlights the potential for strategic decision-making and systemic gameplay. The team is eager for players to experience these features and announces an upcoming experimental mode for them to try.