In the latest Star Citizen podcast, hosts Board Gamer and Zin discuss the hidden features of Alpha 3.24.2, including changes to ships like the Corsair and the return of hover trolleys, while speculating on the timing of the patch’s release in relation to the upcoming CitizenCon. They also address server meshing improvements, upcoming Halloween events, and potential developer crunch, emphasizing the importance of community engagement and a healthy work-life balance.
In the latest episode of the Star Citizen podcast hosted by Board Gamer and Zin, the discussion revolves around the recent developments in Alpha 3.24.2, which is currently in Wave 1 of its Public Test Universe (PTU). The hosts highlight the inclusion of many hidden features, including elements from the upcoming 4.0 codebase. They speculate on the timing of the patch’s release, suggesting it might coincide with CitizenCon, which is just weeks away. The conversation also touches on the return of hover trolleys, albeit in a buggy state, and the potential for them to be a part of the gameplay experience, emphasizing their utility in cargo transport.
The podcast dives deeper into the ongoing drama surrounding the Corsair ship, which is undergoing changes that affect its weaponry. The main concern is that some of the pilot’s weapons are being moved to another station, making the ship less viable for solo players. Both hosts agree that while this change may not be ideal for solo players, it aligns with the intent of promoting multi-crew gameplay. They discuss the importance of balancing ship capabilities and the desire for larger ships to encourage cooperative play rather than solo operations.
Additionally, the hosts address recent changes to ship boost mechanics, which were temporarily nerfed but have since been reverted due to community feedback. They emphasize the need for a balanced flight model that accommodates both PvP and PvE gameplay, expressing a desire for players to feel powerful and competent while flying their ships. The conversation also touches on the introduction of new weapons, such as the PE C version of the P8 ARK rifle, which is currently limited in ammo availability, raising questions about its future in the game.
As the podcast progresses, the discussion shifts to server meshing tests, which have shown significant improvements in performance with thousands of players on a single shard. The hosts express excitement about the progress being made in this area, as it is crucial for the game’s evolution into a fully-fledged MMO. They also touch on the upcoming Halloween-themed events in the game, including new ship skins and collectible masks, adding a festive element to the gameplay experience.
Finally, the hosts discuss the upcoming CitizenCon event, expressing their excitement and anticipation for new announcements, particularly concerning Squadron 42 and the roadmap towards a full game release. They address concerns about potential crunch periods for developers, clarifying that the situation may be overstated, and emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy work-life balance. The podcast concludes with a call for community engagement, inviting listeners to submit questions for developers at CitizenCon and encouraging support for the channel through various means.