The video explores the concept of passenger transport gameplay in Star Citizen, focusing on the potential for ships designed to move NPCs from one location to another for profit. While this type of gameplay is not currently implemented in the game, the presenter, Erris Tab, speculates on how it might work based on existing ships and past design documents. The video acknowledges that much of the discussion is theoretical and should not be taken as a definitive statement about future game content.
Several ships in Star Citizen’s current lineup could serve as passenger transport vessels, including the 600i series, the 890 Jump Yacht, and the Constellation Phoenix, all of which feature luxurious interiors with passenger seating. Additionally, ships with cargo grids could potentially be adapted for passenger transport by adding furniture. Concept ships like the E1 Spirit, a smaller VIP transport, and the Genesis Starliner, designed as an in-game airline, represent future possibilities for expanding passenger transport options.
The original design documents for civilian passenger transport envisioned a complex system with multiple passenger classes, licensing requirements, dynamic pricing, in-flight entertainment, and onboard services such as food and drink. However, the video suggests that the actual implementation will likely be much simpler. Transporting NPC passengers would be similar to freight delivery, focusing primarily on safely moving people from point A to point B through contract-based missions.
Gameplay mechanics might include contracts where players pick up passengers via special elevators or docking ports, with NPCs automatically finding seats designated in the ship’s model. While in-flight amenities might be unlikely due to complexity, factors such as seat comfort, ship type, travel time, and smoothness of the ride could influence payouts. For example, luxury passengers might require high-end ships, and players could be rewarded for gentle acceleration to keep passengers comfortable.
In conclusion, the video expresses hope that passenger transport gameplay might be introduced in some form in the future, though challenges such as getting NPCs to reliably sit in chairs remain significant. The presenter invites viewers to share their thoughts and ideas and encourages subscriptions for similar content. Overall, the video offers an insightful and speculative look at how passenger transport could evolve in Star Citizen’s universe.
