“CitizenCon has acted as many things over the years, least of which is a hype event. But many of the hyped features we see feel like they never actually make it to the game. In this video I look over the last 6 years of events to find out”
The first three CitizenCons in 2014, 2015, and 2016 showcased several features such as PlanetTech V2, Stanton system, mining, refineries, and Quantum Interdiction that have made it into the game. However, there were also major elements like Salvage, base building, and journey to multiple star systems that were set as goals but have not been met yet. Notably, the implication from 2016 that jump points would be implemented within a year proved to be wildly optimistic.
In the 2017 CitizenCon, there were mixed results. Certain features like Area 18, R Corp, Lorville, and certain biomes have indeed made it into the game. However, farming, Rescue Missions, Orgs 2.0, and the Anvil Carrick, among others, were not fully implemented. This year marked a turning point as CIG shifted from showcasing theoretical technology to demonstrating potential gameplay.
In the 2018 CitizenCon, the focus was more on visual updates and gameplay elements. A significant number of additions were made in the game following this event, including full persistence, server meshing, PlanetTech V4, partial weather system, and mission variations. However, server meshing remains one of the big promises from this event that are yet to be fulfilled.
By 2019, the features mentioned in CitizenCon were mostly not delivered, significantly including Pyro, stealth gameplay, group gameplay, non-lethal takedowns, cutting-open gameplay, 400i ship, Xi’an cargo ships, ship HUD updates, among others. It’s notable that the image presented about stealth missions and covert operations provided in this event are yet to materialize in the game.
The Citizen Con 2022, which had the most significant nondelivery numbers, left several important aspects such as scanning, new interaction system, throwing feature, cargo inventory feature, master modes, EVA Tier 2, hover dollies, Quantum Boosts, interior maps, AI improvements, among many others, untouched. Despite the nondeliveries, a good number of features from every CitizenCon have made it into the game over time, indicating that CIG’s ambitions, although often delayed, are not entirely empty promises.