The video discusses the evolution of ship customization in Star Citizen, focusing on the challenges CIG faces in balancing player expectations with monetization strategies, as most ship paints require real money purchases. The host suggests potential solutions, such as making all paints available through gameplay or selling customization items in packs, while emphasizing the importance of including ship customization in the game’s future updates.
In the video, the host discusses the evolution of ship paint and customization in the game Star Citizen, highlighting how expectations have changed over time. Initially, players were promised the ability to customize their ship paints, which was later confirmed by developers. The introduction of the 300i customizer allowed players to select various aesthetic options for their ships, akin to customizing a new car. However, this customization comes at a cost, as players must pay real money for these options, leading to a situation where a ship could end up costing over $100.
The host explains that ship paints have become a standard component of the game, with players needing to purchase most of them for real money. While there are around 600 ship paints available, only about 20 can be bought in-game, and many are limited to specific ships. The practice of selling ship paints is common in modern games, but it raises questions about how to implement full ship customization without disadvantaging players who have already purchased paints.
The video delves into the complexities that CIG (Cloud Imperium Games) faces when considering unrestricted ship customization. If players can recreate paid ship paints through customization options, it could undermine the value of those purchases. Conversely, restricting customization options could lead to dissatisfaction among players who want more freedom in personalizing their ships. This dilemma creates a significant challenge for CIG, as they need to balance the interests of both paying customers and those seeking in-game customization.
The host proposes several potential solutions for CIG to navigate this issue. One option is to make all paints and patterns available in-game, allowing players to earn them through gameplay. This could involve disassembling purchased paints into their individual components, granting access to those who previously bought them. Another suggestion is to sell customization items as packs, similar to successful models in other games, allowing players to choose between grinding for items or purchasing them directly.
In conclusion, while the future of ship customization in Star Citizen remains uncertain, the host believes it should be included in the game’s eventual 1.0 release. With hints of potential customization related to player organizations mentioned at CitizenCon, there is hope for some level of personalization in the game. The video encourages viewers to share their thoughts on whether CIG should abandon ship customization and how it could be implemented fairly for all players.