The video details the development process of the RSI Zeus Mk2 ship in Star Citizen, emphasizing the collaboration among various teams and studios involved in bringing the ship from concept to completion. It highlights the intricate stages of design, including the creation of ship briefs, concept art, and the transition from 2D to 3D models, showcasing the dedication required to achieve high-quality, detailed ships in the game.
The RSI Zeus Mk2 is a significant new ship being introduced to Star Citizen, showcasing a complex development process that involves a wide range of teams within the company. While many may assume that the ship creation is handled solely by a large development team, only about 30 people are dedicated to ship design full-time. The development of the Zeus Mk2 benefits from collaboration across five studios and over a thousand employees, allowing for efficient teamwork in creating one of gaming’s most detailed ships. The video explores the intricate journey of a ship from concept to completion, highlighting the various departments involved, such as audio, VFX, and production.
The video discusses the recent trend in Star Citizen’s ship design, focusing on medium-sized, multi-crew ships ranging from 30 to 70 meters. The Zeus Mk2 is positioned as a versatile addition to this category, alongside other notable ships like the Cutlass Black and Freelancer. The two variants of the Zeus Mk2, the ES and CL, are designed for exploration and cargo hauling, respectively. They were announced at last year’s CitizenCon and are expected to be released in the upcoming 3.24.2 update, marking a more efficient development timeline compared to previous ship releases.
The design process of the Zeus Mk2 begins with creating ship briefs that define the ship’s model and overall vibe. This phase involves extensive collaboration and revisions among designers, writers, and producers to ensure that the ship meets the game’s criteria. Once the briefs are finalized, concept artists turn these ideas into detailed visuals, which undergo further review. The video emphasizes the importance of maintaining the ship’s aesthetic from concept to the later stages of development, where the ship is transformed from 2D art into a functional 3D model during the white box phase.
As the development progresses, the ship enters the gray box stage, where detailed elements and usability features are added. This stage involves ongoing optimization and damage state design, ensuring that the ship will perform well in-game. The video points out that the development process is not linear; different parts of the ship may be at various stages simultaneously. The final art stage incorporates feedback from various teams, including branding and audio, to polish the ship before its final review, which is crucial for achieving the desired quality and detail.
Ultimately, the video provides insight into the collaborative and intricate process of ship development in Star Citizen, highlighting the dedication and planning required to bring the RSI Zeus Mk2 to life. The ship’s release will not only reflect the hard work of the small vehicle team but also the contributions of many other developers across the company. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to appreciate the effort that goes into creating such detailed ships and hints at future exclusive content for supporters that will delve deeper into the standards and processes behind ship releases in Star Citizen.