Star Citizen is set to dramatically enhance character customization with features like full-body adjustments, cybernetic limbs, and dynamic clothing through the upcoming Starware system, alongside advancements in creature technology, destructible environments, and early-stage VR integration. These technical developments aim to create a more immersive and realistic gameplay experience, though full implementation will take time.
In a recent episode of Star Citizen Live, Shan Tracy, managing director of technical operations at Cloud Imperium Games, shared insights into the evolving technology behind Star Citizen’s character systems. He confirmed that players will eventually be able to customize body types, heights, weights, scars, and even import faces through scanning technology. While the current focus remains on refining the core technology, which presently uses DNA-based facial customization, the team is actively working to expand this system to include full-body customization and physical features, including cybernetic limbs that will integrate seamlessly with clothing and armor through the upcoming Starware system.
Shan explained that male and female characters share the same underlying rig but have different geometry, which sometimes leads to bugs and inconsistencies, especially with legacy content developed when only male characters existed. The Starware system is a major development that will allow clothing and armor to dynamically adapt to different body types and gear combinations, solving many past issues like invisible undersuits. This system will also automate NPC equipment loadouts, making them more dynamic and varied. The team hopes to roll out Starware within about a year, potentially sooner.
Creature technology is also advancing, using similar foundations as character tech to create a variety of creature variants, from simple to complex. Although specific release timelines were not provided, new creatures are currently in development. The discussion also covered the Maelstrom destruction system, which enables destructible ships and environmental elements like walls. While destructible foliage such as trees is technically possible, it is not currently planned due to the complexity involved with planetary and physics systems. The Maelstrom system may also allow for destructible armor parts in combat scenarios.
Virtual reality integration for Star Citizen is in the very early stages. The team has begun exploring full VR interactions, including physically grabbing and throwing objects, but acknowledges challenges in ensuring these interactions work smoothly in a multiplayer environment. Full physics-driven VR remains a long-term goal, but the developers are committed to eventually delivering a compelling VR experience. Additionally, the team is working on the “blood, sweat, and tear” system, which enhances realism in damage and combat visuals, though they are still balancing the graphic intensity to maintain appropriate visual effects.
Finally, improvements continue on the Starcloth system, which enhances how clothing reacts to movement and environmental forces, now allowing a combination of rigid and flexible elements for more realistic visuals. While there was no update on Actor Status 2.0, the overall discussion highlighted significant technical progress in character customization, dynamic destruction, creature development, VR exploration, and visual fidelity. These advancements promise a richer, more immersive experience in Star Citizen, though players may need to wait some time before seeing these features fully implemented.