In the latest Star Citizen update, Cloud Imperium Games has reverted recent ship boost speed reductions due to community feedback, while also announcing changes to the Corsair ship’s weaponry to promote multi-crew gameplay. Additionally, the upcoming Usus Mark 2 ship is set to be introduced in the 3.4.2 patch, which will include performance improvements and bug fixes as the team prepares for CitizenCon amidst discussions about developer work hours.
In the latest update on Star Citizen news, significant changes have been made in the Alpha 3.4.2 patch, particularly concerning ship boost speeds. Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) has reverted the recent boost speed reductions, which had sparked considerable debate within the community. Players expressed concerns that the adjustments made the game feel slower, especially with the existing Master modes already perceived as lacking speed. CIG acknowledged the miscommunication regarding these changes and clarified that the intended adjustments would be tested in a more controlled environment in the future.
Additionally, the Corsair ship is undergoing changes that have also led to community outcry. CIG plans to redistribute the ship’s weaponry, moving some weapons from the pilot’s control to another seat. This decision aims to encourage more multi-crew gameplay rather than single-player operation, as the Corsair has been performing exceptionally well in terms of kills. While the reasoning behind this change has been explained, it remains to be seen how the community will respond to the shift in gameplay dynamics.
The update also highlighted the upcoming introduction of the Usus Mark 2 ship, which is expected to be part of the 3.4.2 patch. CIG has teased this ship through social media, and it is anticipated that it will be showcased during CitizenCon or the Intergalactic Aerospace Expo. Alongside the new ships, the patch is expected to include various performance improvements and bug fixes, enhancing the overall gameplay experience as the development team prepares for the future.
CIG is currently conducting extensive server meshing tests, with the latest round allowing for up to 1,000 players per shard. Although there have been some performance successes, issues such as mission disabling and buggy elevators have been reported. CIG is focused on optimizing performance and stability before the anticipated 4.0 update. The testing phase aims to gather data and feedback from players to refine the game’s infrastructure and ensure a smoother experience.
Lastly, an article surfaced discussing claims of CIG imposing a seven-day work week on its developers as they approach CitizenCon. While some view this as a form of crunch, the company has stated that extra time is encouraged only for those working on specific deliverables. Employees are still expected to maintain a reasonable work-life balance, and the company plans to offer compensatory time off after the busy period. The situation has sparked debate about the pressures faced by game developers, with opinions varying on whether CIG’s approach is reasonable or excessive.