The podcast discusses the upcoming Star Citizen Alpha 4.3.2 patch focused on the “Fight for Pyro” event, Citizen Con Direct livestream, Halloween-themed Deavara event, and debates over player suspensions related to Grim Hex blockades, highlighting ongoing development and community challenges. Additionally, it covers a new invite-only test group for flight model updates, CIG’s new studio mini-theater, and encourages engagement with the community and ongoing giveaways.
In this Star Citizen podcast dated September 29th, the hosts discuss the upcoming Alpha 4.3.2 patch, expected to release soon, possibly coinciding with Citizen Con in October. The patch focuses heavily on the “Fight for Pyro” event, expanding on outlaw and PvP activities in the Pyro system, with updates to various ships and weapons including the Badger Bulldog, Panther, and new Wiccolo ships like the Hercules A2 and Aries variants. They also anticipate the possible in-game availability of Fleet Week ships such as the Idris P, reflecting CIG’s aim to make base versions of ships more regularly purchasable in-game. Additional content includes new FPS heavy tech battle armor, hairstyles, and carry-over features from previous patches like AI turrets and mission pickups, though cooperative zones remain absent.
Citizen Con Direct, scheduled for October 11th, will be a concise two-hour livestream focusing on Star Citizen progress without any new Squadron 42 information. The hosts speculate on potential reveals, including the new Anvil Paladin gunship and updates on Vandal ships seen in previous Squadron 42 demos. They express hope for more clarity on the path to Star Citizen 1.0, which will mark the game’s official release and end of major resets. The event is expected to highlight ship updates and possibly coincide with the Alpha 4.3.2 patch release, but exact timing remains uncertain.
The podcast also covers the upcoming Halloween-themed Deavara event starting October 1st, featuring exclusive skinned ships, costumes, and in-game activities similar to previous years’ celebrations. While the event might not see major evolution due to CIG’s focus on Citizen Con preparations, it will likely include familiar elements such as special Arena Commander game modes and collectible rewards. The hosts discuss the balance between evolving these events and maintaining manageable development schedules.
A contentious topic discussed is the temporary suspension of players who blocked access to Grim Hex, an outlaw station in the game. The hosts debate whether such blockades constitute legitimate gameplay or violate the terms of service, noting the ambiguity in CIG’s rules regarding interference and player conduct. They suggest that while PvP and piracy are part of the game, better in-game systems are needed to handle such situations fairly, allowing players to counter blockades without resorting to out-of-game moderation. Opinions vary on whether the suspensions were justified, highlighting the complexity of managing emergent gameplay in an online universe.
Lastly, the hosts mention a new, smaller, invite-only test group with a stricter NDA focusing on flight model updates, aiming to reduce leaks and gather targeted feedback. They also discuss CIG’s new luxury mini-theater at their studio, used for screenings, presentations, and possibly Squadron 42 scene reviews, noting the presence of a PlayStation 5 which sparks speculation about a potential console port. The podcast closes with a reminder about the ongoing RSI Apollo ship giveaway and encourages viewers to engage with the channel and support through various means.