Star Citizen Monthly Report: March 2020
As Alpha 3.9 approached release, the Star Citizen development teams made significant progress across multiple areas of the game in March. From AI improvements to new environments and gameplay features, the month saw advancements that will enhance both the immediate and long-term player experience.
AI Enhancements
The AI team focused on refining several key systems. For combat AI, they reworked the Cover System to better evaluate environments and construct cover surfaces using voxelization data. This will allow for more intelligent and realistic NPC behaviors during firefights.
Ship AI saw the integration of a new 3D collision avoidance system, enabling more complex combat maneuvers for AI pilots. The team also developed new defensive tactics to help AI ships shake off attackers more effectively.
On the social AI front, new patrol and environmental scripting features were implemented. The long-awaited bartender AI received polish, with the NPC now able to serve various drink types in Lorville. Fitness behaviors were also created for New Babbage, with NPCs able to perform multiple exercise routines.
New Environments
Environment artists began work on the first two planets of the Pyro system, exploring new landscapes, geology, and vegetation. The team expressed excitement about creating the more hostile and alien environments of this lawless system.
Progress continued on other locations as well. The Klescher Rehabilitation Facility, which will serve as the game's prison, saw lighting work completed on its main hub and habitation areas. Artists are now focused on creating atmospheric lighting for the underground mine and cave sections.
Gameplay and Features
Several new gameplay elements neared completion for Alpha 3.9. The Player Status system, which will introduce mechanics like hunger, thirst and temperature, was finalized. Body dragging animations were polished to achieve a weightier, more realistic feel.
The new Friends List functionality received extensive work, with features like a party window, online status indicators, and the ability to join other players' game sessions directly. While the team noted there may still be some rough edges, they felt it was a massive improvement over the previous system.
Food and drink items were added to shops around the universe to support the new survival mechanics. A quick-buy feature was implemented for these smaller items to streamline purchasing.
Tech and Performance
On the technical side, physics threading and performance saw major advancements. Up to 30 physics threads can now run simultaneously, with new optimizations to improve memory usage and command queue processing. This should result in smoother performance, especially in complex environments.
The Graphics team continued their crucial work on the new Vulkan renderer, converting existing systems and prototyping new ones. They also investigated ways to improve the legibility of holographic UI elements in extreme lighting conditions.
Vehicles and Weapons
Vehicle work in March included finalizing the Esperia Prowler for its upcoming release. The M50 racer received updates to better align with the modern Origin aesthetic. New weapons like the Lightning Bolt Co. sniper rifle and pistol progressed through final art and animation passes.
Looking Ahead
With Alpha 3.9 on the horizon, the development teams expressed enthusiasm about getting these new features and content into players' hands. While acknowledging there may still be some rough edges, they felt the update would bring substantial improvements to the Star Citizen experience.
Beyond 3.9, work continues on longer-term goals like the Pyro system, more advanced AI, and engine optimizations. The monthly report highlights the ongoing effort to expand and refine Star Citizen's ambitious vision of a living, breathing sci-fi universe.
The Prowler's Perilous Pyro Patrol
As the Esperia Prowler glided silently through the crimson skies of Pyro II, Captain Zara of the Star Citizen Referral Code Club couldn't help but marvel at the alien landscape below. The newly implemented 3D collision avoidance system made navigating the treacherous terrain a breeze, even as her co-pilot, Rex, grumbled about the rising temperature inside the cockpit.
"Looks like the RSI Referral Code Club didn't prepare us for Pyro's extreme conditions," Rex muttered, wiping sweat from his brow. "Maybe we should've asked what code to use for better environmental suits."
Zara chuckled, "Come on, Rex. Where's your sense of adventure? This is what the Referral Code Club is all about – facing new challenges head-on!"
Suddenly, their comms crackled to life. "Unidentified vessel, this is Klescher Rehab Facility outpost. You're entering restricted airspace. Identify yourself or face immediate action."
Rex's eyes widened. "I thought this planet was uninhabited!"
"Seems the devs have been busy," Zara replied, opening a channel. "This is Captain Zara of The Star Citizen Referral Code Club. We're on a routine patrol and mean no harm."
There was a long pause before the reply came. "Captain, your organization is not recognized in Pyro. Prepare to be boarded for inspection."
As three security vessels materialized from the planet's hazy atmosphere, Rex groaned. "I knew we should've stuck to Stanton. Think they'll accept our referral code as a get-out-of-jail-free card?"
Zara grinned, her hand hovering over the Prowler's weapon systems. "Probably not, but that's what makes it fun. Now, let's see how well this new AI can dogfight!"
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