The discussion critiques Cloud Imperium Games’ strategy of releasing new Mark II versions of Star Citizen ships instead of updating older models, arguing this approach risks alienating players by devaluing their original purchases and damaging community trust. The speakers urge CIG to prioritize updating existing ships or offering Mark II upgrades to current owners to maintain goodwill and ensure the game’s long-term success.
The discussion centers on the upcoming release of new Mark II versions of Star Citizen ships, particularly the Constellation Mark V, which is expected to stir controversy within the community. The speakers express concern that Cloud Imperium Games (CIG) is opting to abandon fixing older ships that don’t meet current game standards and instead are releasing new versions to resell. This approach, driven by a fear of missing out (FOMO) and financial incentives, risks alienating players who feel their original purchases are being deprecated or ignored, especially since the game itself has not yet officially launched.
They highlight a pattern where older ships like the Freelancer, Starfarer, Reclaimer, Avenger, and others are likely to receive Mark II replacements rather than meaningful updates. This strategy contrasts with past practices where ships such as the Cutlass were simply updated and given to existing owners, fostering goodwill. The speakers argue that while selling new versions might generate immediate revenue, it damages long-term community trust and morale, as players may hesitate to buy older ships knowing they will soon be replaced or phased out.
The conversation also touches on the official rationale given by CIG—that older ships cannot be feasibly updated to meet new game standards—labeling this as unacceptable. The speakers suggest that players would generally prefer their existing ships be updated and transformed, even if their appearance or functionality changes, rather than being left in a “limping” legacy state. They note that previous major ship redesigns did not involve creating entirely new versions but rather evolving the original models, making the Mark II approach a new and problematic policy.
Drawing parallels with other hobby communities, such as Warhammer 40K, the speakers warn that repeated replacement and obsolescence of purchased items can lead to feelings of being scammed and disillusionment, especially among new players who may not be aware of the complexities and caveats. This dynamic risks fracturing the community and complicating the player experience, as uncertainty about which ships will remain supported and relevant grows. They emphasize the importance of transparency and goodwill to maintain player engagement and trust.
In conclusion, the speakers advocate for CIG to reconsider its strategy by either updating existing ships for all owners or providing Mark II versions to current ship holders to preserve goodwill. They express skepticism about the sustainability of the current approach, noting that continued reliance on selling new ship versions while neglecting older ones could harm the game’s long-term health and community cohesion. The upcoming International Aerospace Expo (IAE) is anticipated to be a focal point for these discussions, as the community grapples with the implications of the Mark II ship rollout.