The Squadron 42 progress update reveals that Episode 1 of the single-player star system campaign is in the polishing phase, with refined features expected in the upcoming Alpha 3.23 patch. Progress has been made on polishing Starmap features, refining locations, enhancing AI behaviors, and improving various aspects of the game, bringing the highly anticipated single-player campaign closer to release.
In this Squadron 42 progress update, it is revealed that Episode 1 of the single-player star system campaign is currently in its polishing phase. The features showcased at CitizenCon in October are being ported over to Star Citizen’s persistent Universe, with refined versions of these features expected in the upcoming Alpha 3.23 patch. While there is no official release date yet, there is hope that it may be announced at CitizenCon this year, although this is considered optimistic.
The core gameplay team has been focusing on polishing Starmap features, including new box outs that provide information about selected locations and their services. They have also improved the character customizer, allowing players to save and load their customized characters and share their appearances. The team has been working on data serialization and compression to enhance the efficiency of sending character data to other clients.
The level design and social narrative teams have been working on closing out the AR conation social area and resolving outstanding issues in various chapters. They have also made progress in refining locations, such as Archon Station and the Javelin Destroyer, with complete passes on interiors, lighting, and dynamic dressing. The narrative team has been focusing on collectibles and developing the Galactipedia, which will provide players with in-game information on the lore.
The UI team has been polishing vehicle UI, improving holographic elements on physical screens, and enhancing the display of quantum travel information. They have also added animated screens to make in-game scenes more interesting. The animation team has refined AI behaviors, combat animations, and boss fights, while also implementing additional lines for Oldman to enhance player interaction. AI content has progressed in various locations, including hanger security, tram stations, and social hubs, with a focus on improving personal locations and lockers.
Overall, while Squadron 42 is still in development and there is no confirmed release date, progress is being made on various aspects of the game, including polishing features, refining locations, and enhancing AI behaviors. The teams are working towards bringing the highly anticipated single-player campaign to players, and there is hope for more updates and announcements at CitizenCon.