“I Set out my thoughts about 2024 by imagining it is a year from now and looking back at it. Confusing? Yes. Amusing? Also Yes”
In this video, Daniel Raymond, the voice behind Ray’s guide, presents a recap of the year 2024 for Star Citizen and Squadron 42. The year started with planning week, where the company discussed the progress and future plans for the game. The first progress report and feature cards for version 3.23 were released, which included the implementation of the new character creator and the replication layer with server crash recovery. Distribution centers were introduced, replacing old outposts and changing the cargo system, leading to constant adjustments to the game’s economy.
The Master mode system was a challenge to implement for different types of ships, but the solution was to use different components that would affect ship performance in unique ways. Freight elevators and squad missions were added, as well as the updated mobiglass, which received a lot of attention. The year also saw the launch of several highly anticipated ships, such as the Polaris, Apollo, and Javelin, as well as the introduction of genuine modularity with the Reclaimer. The tech preview channel showcased the replication layer and server meshing, allowing players to explore the Pyro system.
CitizenCon was a highlight of the year, held at the new corporate headquarters in Manchester. The event showcased progress on star systems beyond Pyro, including Nix, Odin, Magnus, and Ellis. The game’s economic model and userbase building tools were discussed, and the pre-sales of Squadron 42 were announced, allowing players to experience the character setup and opening mission. By the end of the year, the project had surpassed 3/4 of a billion dollars in funding and looked set to reach the billion-dollar mark in 2025.
Despite significant progress, the game still faced criticism from doubters who claimed it would never live up to its promises. However, Daniel remains hopeful for an even more exciting 2025, with the development of base building and the discovery of new star systems. He also reflects on the growth of his own channel, with increased viewership and engagement from members. The video concludes with Daniel thanking his audience and wishing everyone a happy new year.