In the latest Star Citizen live stream, the vehicle concept team showcased their ongoing projects, including the Pioneer, a versatile mobile base for industrial operations, a new heavy strike fighter based on the Mantis, and a starter salvage ship from RSI. The discussion emphasized the creative design process and the importance of concept art in developing unique ships that enhance gameplay experiences.
In the latest Star Citizen live stream, the vehicle concept team discussed their ongoing projects, including the Pioneer, a new heavy strike fighter based on the Mantis, and a starter salvage ship from RSI. The conversation was rich with insights into the creative processes behind ship design, showcasing the team’s dedication to crafting unique and functional vessels. The team emphasized the importance of concept art and how it lays the groundwork for further development stages, including modeling and final art.
The Pioneer was highlighted as a massive mobile base capable of resource extraction, refining, and crafting. The team shared visuals of the ship’s interior, detailing various sections such as the refinery, cargo area, and fabrication control room. They explained how each area is designed with specific functions in mind, using color coding to help players navigate the vast spaces within the ship. The Pioneer is designed to support a variety of industrial operations, making it one of the most valuable ships in the game.
The discussion then shifted to the new heavy strike fighter, which is being developed on the Mantis platform. This new ship aims to retain the sleek aesthetic of the Mantis while introducing new functionalities that cater to different gameplay styles. The team expressed excitement about revisiting the Mantis design, as it has been a favorite among players, and they hope this new iteration will appeal to a broader audience who may not enjoy the original ship’s interdiction gameplay.
Next, the team introduced a small starter salvage ship from RSI, intended for players who want to engage in salvage operations without the complexity of combat. The ship’s design is still in the concept phase, with several iterations being explored. The team shared three different design options, each incorporating elements from existing RSI ships while aiming to create a unique identity for this new vessel. The goal is to provide new players with an entry point into the salvage gameplay loop.
Throughout the stream, the developers highlighted the importance of evolving ship designs within the game’s lore and the challenges they face in maintaining a cohesive aesthetic across different manufacturers. They acknowledged that while certain design elements may draw comparisons to existing ships, the evolution of style is a natural part of the development process. Overall, the stream showcased the team’s commitment to innovation and creativity in ship design, promising exciting new additions to the Star Citizen universe.