The video discusses the announcement that Squadron 42 is “feature complete” and advises viewers to be skeptical, considering the subjective nature of the term and the company’s track record. However, based on evidence such as engine technologies showcased and base building development, it is likely that Squadron 42 is indeed feature complete.
In this video, the speaker discusses the importance of maintaining a level of skepticism when it comes to game hype, specifically focusing on the recent announcement that Squadron 42 is “feature complete.” They suggest that the appropriate level of suspicion varies depending on the type of content shown, ranging from gameplay footage to concept art. However, they emphasize that the term “feature complete” is subjective and not backed by any independent review. They also mention that the history of unmet claims by the company, as well as their actions such as reorganizing into self-sufficient strike teams, should be taken into consideration.
The speaker highlights that CitizenCon showcased many engine technologies planned for release next year, even before Squadron 42 is completed. They argue that this indicates a shift in the company’s motives, as they previously wanted players to experience these features first in Squadron 42 to avoid spoilers. However, now they seem more focused on the freedom to iterate and test these features extensively. Another point made is that the announcement of upcoming base building development, unrelated to Squadron 42, suggests that a significant number of gameplay programmers who were exclusively working on Squadron 42 will now be available. This further supports the claim that Squadron 42 is indeed feature complete.
The speaker mentions that while the public-facing road map and progress tracker may seem to confirm Squadron 42’s completeness, they are considered marketing documents rather than accurate managerial representations. They caution that these documents do not necessarily reflect what is happening behind closed doors. However, despite the potential for things to still go sideways, the surrounding evidence suggests that the announcement of Squadron 42 being feature complete is genuine and not simply a manipulation tactic. The video concludes by providing information about ongoing giveaways for viewers.