In the latest Board Gamer podcast, hosts discuss the developments in Star Citizen, particularly Alpha 4.0, emphasizing the importance of releasing a polished version and the excitement surrounding base building and offline raiding mechanics. They also highlight the game’s strong funding, noting that Cloud Imperium Games has raised over $107 million this year, countering claims that funding is slowing down.
In the latest Board Gamer podcast episode, the hosts discuss recent developments in Star Citizen, particularly focusing on Alpha 4.0 and the current state of funding for the game. They express challenges in obtaining stable footage from Alpha 4.0, noting that the earlier Evocati wave provided a more manageable experience. With Alpha 4.0 now entering Wave 2, there are hopes for a broader rollout by the end of the year, although the hosts emphasize the importance of releasing a polished version rather than a buggy build. They highlight various issues players have faced, such as problems with ship spawning and server meshing, which are being actively worked on by the development team.
The conversation then shifts to the topic of player bases, with the hosts referencing a recent Q&A by Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) that clarified how base building will function in the game. They note that bases will be available to all players, including solo players, and will support various gameplay styles. The hosts express excitement about the potential for players to create both small and large bases, as well as the ability to have multiple bases for different purposes. They reflect on their own experiences with base building in other games and the desire to create aesthetically pleasing bases in Star Citizen.
The hosts also delve into offline raiding mechanics, explaining that players can only assault a base if they are on the same shard as the base owner. They discuss the implications of this system, including how players can defend their bases and the need for strategic planning around base location and resource management. The hosts express mixed feelings about offline raiding, acknowledging the potential for conflict while also recognizing the need for balance to ensure fair gameplay.
As the discussion progresses, they touch on the financial aspect of Star Citizen, noting that CIG has raised over $107 million this year, with a possibility of reaching last year’s record of $117 million. They argue against the narrative that funding is slowing down, pointing out that the game has consistently broken the $100 million mark for the past three years. The hosts emphasize the importance of maintaining strong funding for the game’s development and speculate on how a successful release of Alpha 4.0 could contribute to future financial success.
Finally, the hosts share their thoughts on CIG’s marketing strategies and the balance between maintaining an independent studio feel while operating as a larger company. They reflect on the impact of corporate structure on the studio’s culture and its relationship with backers, discussing the significance of community engagement and feedback. The episode concludes with a lighthearted promotion for giveaways and a reminder for viewers to interact with the content to support the channel.