The Star Citizen developers discussed plans for Alpha 4.0, introducing engineering gameplay primarily for multi-crew ships like the Banu Merchantman and Polaris. Updates on ship customization, resupplying mechanics, and unique ship designs were highlighted, with a focus on meeting the “gold standard” for ship systems and potential releases like the MK Raptor.
In the video, the Star Citizen developers discussed various updates and plans for the game, including Alpha 4.0, ships like the Banu Merchantman and Polaris, and the introduction of engineering gameplay. The focus of Alpha 4.0’s resource management and engineering gameplay will primarily be on multi-crew ships, with up to 15 popular ships being set up for the new system. While all ships will eventually support the system, some smaller ships like Fighters may not have extensive engineering gameplay features.
The concept of a ship being at its “gold standard” means that it is fully up to date with current systems, but this can change as new systems are introduced. The developers mentioned that ships like the Gladius are continuously updated to meet this standard. Players can expect various paint schemes and skins for ships in the future, with popular ships likely receiving priority for customization options. The video also touched on the potential release of the MK Raptor, a unique ship designed for specific gameplay purposes.
The developers addressed questions about ship resupplying, ship buoyancy in water, and the possibility of ships designed to float on water in the future. They also discussed potential changes to ship names or manufacturers and the ongoing development of the Polaris ship, highlighting the unique engineering room and loading mechanisms for torpedoes. Additionally, the video mentioned updates on the Banu Merchantman and the decision to allocate resources to other ship series due to its unique design.
The video provided insights into the game development process, with updates planned for Alpha 3.24 and upcoming events like the release of the Jump Point magazine. Players can look forward to new missions, level design discussions, and other content in the game. The developers expressed confidence in the release timeline for Alpha 4.0, aiming for a launch around CitizenCon later in the year. Overall, the video offered a comprehensive overview of the upcoming features and developments in Star Citizen, generating excitement among the community for the future updates.