The third panel at Citizen Con 2023, titled “Talking Ship,” showcased various ships including the Mark I Zeus, Drake Cutter Scout, Merchantman, and Polaris. The panel discussed ship features and updates, teased a new mining ship, and mentioned release plans for certain ship variants alongside Squadron 42.
Citizen Con 2023 took place in Los Angeles on October 21st, and this video summarizes the third panel called “Talking Ship.” The panel was hosted by John and began with an A1 commercial before diving into more details. John showcased various ships such as the bomber, beds, flight deck, and retractable guns. A cutaway view of one of the ships was also shown, impressing the audience.
The discussion then shifted to the Mark I Zeus concept, which is set to be flight-ready in one year and is available in the store. It was emphasized that this ship is more than just a starter ship, and a separate video will be dedicated to exploring its features. The panel also introduced a new variant of the Drake Cutter called the Scout. The Scout features modifications such as replaced thrusters, a top radar, larger space for a scanning station, and reorganized habitation areas to accommodate these changes. It was highlighted that the scanning capabilities of the Scout allow for low-power detection avoidance and serve specific purposes.
Next, the panel mentioned that there are currently at least 200 vehicles being tracked, with more to be added. Two new ships were unveiled from the team at Turbulent, including the Merchantman, showcased in an impressive in-engine commercial. The Polaris was also announced, and it received enthusiastic applause from the crowd. RSI ships were mentioned as being prioritized for development due to having a full style guide, which is expected to speed up production. The panel showcased a white box in-engine tour of the Polaris, demonstrating its capabilities and potential.
No specific release dates were provided during the panel. However, it was mentioned that all variants of the Itus ship will be released alongside Squadron 42, whereas the Javelin will not be released concurrently. Alien fighter ships will be updated in the Persistent Universe alongside Squadron 42. Finally, a teaser video was shown for a new mining ship, and at IE (Industrial Espionage) event, more information will be revealed. The video concluded with a scorpion-themed ship taking off to defend the Polaris, adding excitement to the event.
In addition to the panel recap, the video creator informs viewers about a giveaway contest where a HSE and an A1 Spirit bomber are up for grabs, with a total prize value of $700. The creator encourages viewers to share the content and also provides a playlist of all the breakdowns for Citizen Con 2023.