The video critiques the current Refinery system in Star Citizen, arguing that its limited decision-making and data-driven gameplay reduce player engagement and excitement. The host suggests potential improvements, such as randomizing yield bonuses and tailoring refining methods to specific ores, while also highlighting the upcoming introduction of ship refineries that could change the refining process.
In the video, the host discusses the current state of Refinery decks and gameplay in Star Citizen, highlighting their integration of various functions such as buying mining equipment, renting ships, and refining ore. The Refinery system has seen minimal changes over the years, primarily focusing on adjustments to prices and times. The host argues that the core concept of how refining works may be flawed, as it limits player decision-making and reduces the potential for varied gameplay experiences.
The Refinery gameplay loop allows players to refine mined ore into commodities, with the primary decisions revolving around which refinery to use and which refining method to choose. Each refinery offers different bonuses, impacting the yield from ore, while players can select refining methods based on time, cost, and yield. However, the host points out that many refining methods are subpar, leading players to gravitate towards the most efficient choices, thereby negating the possibility of making a poor decision.
The issue arises from the nature of industrial gameplay, where players often gather data to optimize their refining processes. This data-driven approach diminishes the randomness and excitement of gameplay, as players quickly learn which methods yield the best results. Consequently, most players will consistently opt for the highest-yielding method, reducing the incentive to explore different refineries or refining techniques.
To address these shortcomings, the host suggests two potential solutions. The simpler solution would be to randomize refinery yield bonuses more drastically, encouraging players to travel between different locations for better yields. A more in-depth rework could involve changing how refining methods affect yields based on individual ores, rather than applying a blanket yield across all materials. This would require players to learn which methods work best for specific ores, introducing a layer of complexity and potential for mistakes that could enhance the gameplay experience.
Lastly, the video touches on the upcoming introduction of ship refineries, which are expected to function differently from station refineries. These ship-based systems may bring about significant changes to the refining process and overall gameplay. The host concludes by inviting viewers to share their thoughts on how Refinery decks can be improved and how ship refineries might impact the future of refining in Star Citizen.