Squadron 42 Development Update - June 2020
Cloud Imperium Games has released their monthly development update for Squadron 42, providing insight into the progress made on various aspects of the highly anticipated single-player campaign set in the Star Citizen universe. The report covers advancements in AI, gameplay systems, environments, and more.
AI Combat Improvements
The AI team focused heavily on refining Vanduul combat behaviors in June. They worked on implementing melee attack animations and logic that allows Vanduul NPCs to chain together attacks and close distance with the player. The goal is to create an aggressive and intimidating enemy that can apply pressure in combat scenarios.
Significant work was also done on improving AI firing and reloading systems. The team implemented event-based triggering and reloading requests, allowing for more consistent knowledge of action results between the actor state machine and AI components. This enables more intelligent decision making, such as NPCs evaluating whether they have enough ammo before pushing towards an enemy.
The usable system developed for bartenders is now being leveraged for combat scenarios as well. NPCs can search for ammo boxes or other sources to restock their loadout during battle, adding another layer of dynamic behavior.
Environment Art Progress
Environmental artists made major strides on several key locations for the Squadron 42 campaign. Work continued on two massive space stations that will feature prominently in early chapters. The team is focusing on making these feel distinct from locations seen in the Persistent Universe.
Significant progress was also made on finalizing and optimizing the massive mining facility hangars. These multi-layered areas are described as the largest hangars ever created for the game, dwarfing anything currently in Star Citizen.
Artists also worked on two major hero locations visited throughout the campaign. While details were kept vague to avoid spoilers, the developers emphasized these areas will have unique visual identities compared to other parts of the game.
Gameplay Story Implementation
The Gameplay Story team continued supporting design work on chapter 4 of the campaign, implementing abandonment and interrupt scenarios. They also began work on implementing scenes from later chapters.
The team is currently focused on planning out and breaking down the remaining 28 scenes that need implementation. This involves coordinating with Design to determine scene functionality and animation requirements.
Cinematics and Lighting Enhancements
The Cinematics team developed new tech to improve conversations with NPCs. This includes markup capabilities to make conversations interruptible at specific points and have NPCs acknowledge the player's presence more naturally.
A new auto-generated lighting rig system was also created to enhance character lighting in non-fixed scenes. This dynamically creates cinematic-quality lighting on characters as they move through environments.
Audio and VFX Progress
The Audio team focused on updating ambient sound for the Idris ship interior and rebalancing weapons and vehicles unique to Squadron 42.
VFX artists made progress on Vanduul weapon effects and tech style. Concept work was done visualizing the devastating main gun of the Vanduul Kingship capital ship.
Looking Ahead
While no release date has been announced, the June report shows steady progress across all departments working on Squadron 42. The focus seems to be on refining key gameplay systems, populating and polishing environments, and enhancing cinematic elements to create an immersive single-player experience.
Fans eagerly awaiting more concrete news may have to stay patient, but the monthly reports provide assurance that development is moving forward at a steady pace. Cloud Imperium Games appears committed to taking the time needed to fully realize their ambitious vision for Squadron 42.
The Vanduul Ambush at Orison's Edge
As the Star Citizen Referral Code Club convoy approached Orison's edge, Captain Jenna surveyed the gas giant's swirling atmosphere. Something felt off. The usually bustling shipping lanes were eerily quiet.
"I've got a bad feeling about this," muttered her co-pilot, checking the scanners. "Wait, what's that?"
Suddenly, a swarm of Vanduul fighters burst from Crusader's clouds. The convoy scattered, but Jenna's ship took a direct hit.
"Engines down! We're sitting ducks!" she yelled.
As panic set in, a transmission crackled through: "This is the RSI Referral Code Club rescue team. Hold tight!"
A squadron of Gladius fighters swooped in, engaging the Vanduul in a fierce dogfight. Their coordinated attacks pushed back the alien aggressors, buying time for the disabled ships.
"Nice flying!" Jenna cheered. "But how did you find us?"
The squad leader chuckled. "Let's just say we know what code to use to stay connected. Now, let's get you to safety before more bugs show up!"
As they limped towards Port Olisar, Jenna couldn't help but smile. Even in the face of danger, the Referral Code Club managed to keep things fun. She made a mental note to sign up as soon as they landed.
Another Star Citizen Fan Fiction from 30KFUN Accessible Gaming Community!
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