CitizenCon is an annual event where Chris Roberts, Cloud Imperium Games Directors and Developers present work in progress and features in development for Star Citizen. Again this year, CitizenCon was held virtually, with a mix of live and pre-recorded videos.
In this article, you will find a brief summary of the content of the panels, as well as a link to our in-depth articles produced as we go from CitizenCon. Do not hesitate to challenge us via the comments if a point is not clear to you.
Planetary Pyro
In this very visual panel, the developers show us five of the six planets of the Pyro system. The gas giant, Pyro V, was not revealed, but its third moon (5C) was shown instead.
The video showed that Cloud Imperium Games continues to develop technology for creating planets, which leads to a wide variety of biomes, more realistic ground textures, more pronounced landforms and larger geological features. than those present in the planets and moons of Stanton.
Design Brief – Investigations
The missions and activities currently present in the persistent universe of Star Citizen mainly require reflexes and precision. The so-called investigative missions that we can carry out for the moment are very guided, and we know in advance what we have to find. The developers decided to create missions that require analysis, reflection and deduction. It will be up to the player to dig into different leads, to develop hypotheses, and to report their conclusions once they think they have enough evidence.
These new missions are still in the prototyping phase and it is therefore a panel very early in their arrival in the game.
Investigation missions will allow the player to become real space detectives. They are different from other Star Citizen gameplay because they require above all observation, analysis and deduction skills, which are far from reflexes and precision.
The New Underground
This talk shows us the process of creating a place by the artists of Cloud Imperium Games. The challenge is to find a balance between the aesthetics of the place, its function, the gameplay opportunities and the ease of orientation for the player. The example chosen to illustrate the approach is an underground installation with a building on the surface, different basements and a transition to natural caves.
For this CitizenCon 2952 conference, Ian Leyland presents an example of an implementation of an underground industrial site in the game.
The need for (multiple) speeds
Since the beginning of the project, the developers have been trying to find a solution that allows space combat to be achieved at short distances and acceptable travel times. The latest track is called “Master Modes” and consists of equipping the ships with a combat mode which limits the speed, and a travel mode which limits the possibilities of combat. This evolution should lead to interesting tactical choices, better differentiate ships according to their role, and allow free quantum jumps (without imposed destination).
The fourth conference of the Citizencon presents the master-modes. It is a term that we have seen a lot in recent monthly reports. Their function is to reduce disadvantages related to speed, especially in combat.
Lorville Redux
The first city implemented in the persistent universe will receive a significant update. The developers want to bring Lorville up to the latest quality and technology standards, and prepare the capital city of Hurston to host missions. To do this, Lorville will be significantly enlarged and the buildings will be taller and more varied. In this new configuration, we will be able to move freely in the ship in the city, and land on certain buildings.
This short CitizenCon 2952 talk previews the upcoming major update for Hurston Dynamics’ capital, Lorville. The Montreal team is currently working on it and presenting its work.
power play
Resource management is one of the fundamental building blocks of Star Citizen gameplay. All places and all vehicles will integrate this system, which consists of bringing into play the circulation and storage of energies, fluids and gases to supply devices having an effect in the game: doors, air generators, ship components, generators gravity, safety systems… Maintenance and repair of these elements will be necessary to keep the ship operational. Players can also exploit these networks to infiltrate buildings or prepare an assault.
Resource management is a fundamental system that will change the way you play Star Citizen, with the need to maintain your device so that it remains functional, and taking advantage of the system to achieve your objectives.
ship talk
Two new ranges of devices were presented during this conference. The Spirit from the Crusader builder is a medium-sized starship that comes in three variants: bomber (A1), cargo carrier (C1), and passenger carrier (E1).
The STV from the manufacturer Greycat is a rolling vehicle designed for racing and therefore very fast. It has a trunk for carrying gear or mission crates, and weapon racks for the two occupants.
The developers also showed the progress of the Corsair, through videos of the ship in game.
Every year, CitizenCon is the scene of the reveal of new ships. 2022 is no exception to the rule and the developers presented 3 vehicles: The Crusader Spirit, the Greycat STV and the Drake Corsair.
Squadron42 Discussions and Star Citizen Fallout
The last part of CitizenCon 2022 is a long conversation between Chris Roberts, Rich Tyrer and Jared Huckaby. The main theme of this discussion is to share advancements on Squadron 42 and see how they contribute to the persistent universe. We retain the following points:
- A system of characteristics and skills is envisaged;
- Weightless movement rework combines push/pull, thrusters, and tractor beam;
- User interfaces in ships are being improved as too much information was displayed;
- Holographic 3D cards will be generated systemically; they may be discovered, traded or pirated;
- Gravlev carts will move loads around the ships;
- The redesign of the mobiGlas in Building Blocks makes it more responsive and more readable.
Chris Roberts, Richard Tyrer and Jared Huckaby discuss the closing of this CitizenCon. The topics covered are multiple and all concern the progress made on Squadron42. However, Star Citizen is not left out as all of the featured features will one day be in the PU.