Cloud Imperium Games has announced that development for Squadron 42, the single-player campaign for Star Citizen, is entering its final polishing phase with no official release date yet. The update highlights improvements in AI functionality, combat encounters, animations, audio, gameplay features, social narrative, and visual effects, with the aim of incorporating Squadron 42 features into the larger Star Citizen universe.
Cloud Imperium Games has provided an update on the development of Squadron 42, the single-player campaign for Star Citizen. The game is now in its final polishing phase, although no release date has been announced yet. This marks a significant milestone, as features from Squadron 42 will start being incorporated into the persistent universe of Star Citizen.
The AI team focused on reviewing the functionality showcased in the “Hold the Line” video shown at CitizenCon. They worked on improving the visual quality of the hangar deck and the animations of utility crew members. NPCs in the hangar now dynamically react to the player’s actions, enhancing the immersive environment. Additionally, they worked on smooth animations and added new behaviors in the medbay, including scanning patient vital signs and setting up a gym area where NPCs can use treadmills and lift weights.
The AI features team focused on combat encounters, implementing learning capabilities for enemies, adjusting damage rates, and improving weapon cooldowns to increase the challenge over a fight. They also made changes to flight tactics and cover usage for NPCs. The animation team refined combat animations, worked on interactive environment animations, and developed facial animations for story performances and ambient dialogue.
The audio team improved weapon sounds across all guns in Squadron 42 and provided Foley to key animations. They also worked on the implementation of sounds for the game’s environments. The gameplay features team polished the new Carr customizer and worked on skin textures, freckles, blemishes, and makeup for character customization. They also made progress on the new star map and a Squadron 42-specific front-end interface to reflect the player’s progress and display collected items.
The social narrative team supported the preparation for the “Hold the Line” scene and worked on landing and takeoff scenarios in the hangar. The narrative team finalized captured content, reviewed levels, and completed text requirements for the game. The VFX team worked on cutscenes and polished effects for various locations.
Despite the lack of a release date, the Squadron 42 development is progressing well, with features being refined and integrated into the game. The hope is to see a release by the end of 2024 or a potential announcement at next year’s CitizenCon. The integration of Squadron 42 features into the persistent universe will enhance the overall gameplay experience for players.