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Star Citizen Devs Describe FPS Module, and It Sounds Amazing

Stowaways get sucked out into space.

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The development team that's working on space sim Star Citizen's first-person shooter module did a Reddit Ask Me Anything yesterday where they shared many details about the game.

The team is made up of around 30 people. They're aiming to release the FPS module early next year, and then continue updating it. Its mechanics will be integrated into the game's persistent universe, but like Star Citizen's Arena Commander, you'll also be able to play separate, multiplayer matches in team deathmatch, seek and destroy, capture and hold, and other modes.

The integration of the FPS gameplay with the persistent universe is the most interesting part. Take for example the following description from the team on how you might be able to use it to your advantage:

"I'm a stealthy, solo player. I find a wrecked ship, I know scavengers will be around soon. I find a crate and put myself in it. I let the scavengers take the crate and put me in their ship. When I'm on their ship, some time later, I get out of the crate. Very quietly, I rummage around and find some goodies I like. I steal those... now i can either - A) Jump out the airlock and call a ride or B) go to their engine room and self destruct their ship or C) quietly hunt and execute the entire staff and take their ship.... or Z) they could have scanned the crate properly before loading it, blasted it with their ship and me with it...."

Some other interesting tidbits that came out of the AMA:

  • The team says the FPS gameplay is inspired by "a mixture of Counter-Strike, Rainbow Six, Arma, Delta Force, and Killzone."
  • If an airlock on a ship is breached, items and characters will get sucked out into space.
  • There will be a cover system that allows you to lean, peek, crouch and move in cover. There will be some destruction but it's not a key component (as most of the environments are solid metal).
  • You can damage specific limbs, and this will impact gameplay. The plan is to let players choose the dominant hand for their characters. If that hand is damaged, they won't be able to shoot or throw grenades as well. In the persistent universe, a limb can be "ruined" to the point that you'll have to replace it with an artificial one.

The crowdfunding campaign for Star Citizen is now closing in on $59 million.

For more on the game and Roberts himself, check out part one and part two of GameSpot's interview with the legendary designer.

Got a news tip or want to contact us directly? Email news@gamespot.com

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Ezraeill

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did i just see water splashes when the dude walks over it?

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Deathmonkey7

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If anyone is looking for a good summary of the information given, you can find it here:

<< LINK REMOVED >>

Gamespot got pretty lazy with this one. :P

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coldfusion25

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I keep getting the feeling this game is too ambitious for it's own good.

It's without a doubt one of the most promising games in a while, but I feel even if they had double the resources and manpower this would be a stretch.

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SpiritRunner6

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<< LINK REMOVED >> The idea is for constant implementation of features and technologies. Chris Roberts himself has stated on many occasions that not all features will be present and active on launch. The stretch goals and new technologies and all around game and engine growth and support will expand continuously for several years after. The goals are to have enough together to have an official launch (fps, flight, missions and economy mechanics, communication, job boards, organisations, etc) and then to go from there as time goes on.


Anyone saying otherwise is either lying or has very unrealistic expectations. the bottom line is that they have a game plan for years of post-launch development already listed, arranged, and announced (through the stretch goals, etc) thanks to the current funding. Think of it like a tv series plot outline. they don't just write the first season and hope for the best. they write three to five years in advance. Cloud is doing the same thing. The difference to other games (and the real value of the project and funding modality) is we can SEE those plans. The downside is people assume they are promises for some date they want the features to be available and not the actual dates the company decides on based on the actual progress of development.

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SpiritRunner6

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<< LINK REMOVED >> I should add that if we look at the situation, we can already see they are making good on their promises. it is just one step at a time. As soon as they had a working hangar, it was presented. As soon as they had working flight it was presented. With server matchmaking, maps, and multiple game modes. new game modes were added and the engine and balance refined and updated. Another new mode (racing) and new rendering processes were implemented, maps stand to be expanded thanks to more upgrades of technology, fps is slated for introduction in the near future (near being a little subjective as it is at the mercy of bug smashes), and so on. it is already an active and expanding game.

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MestreMun

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@spiritrunner6 @coldfusion25 "I should add that if we look at the situation, we can already see they are making good on their promises."


<< LINK REMOVED >>


"Funded! This project was successfully funded on November 19, 2012.

"The people who pledge for their spaceships will get to test-fly them long before the general public. 12 months in, we will allow the early backers to play the multiplayer space combat Alpha, and then 20-22 months in they will get to play the Star Citizen Beta, adventuring around the huge open galaxy"

"<< LINK REMOVED >>

The purpose of the higher stretch goals is to ensure that the game-as-described is finished in the two year time period."


"Looking to the situation", they are going to deliver the Alpha promised for Nov/2013, where you could fly with whatever ship that you pledged, in some point next year (maybe?), probably still incomplete and under a new label: "Arena Commander 2.0"


The Beta PU, promised to be released between July-September of 2014, I can't even say when it will come properly, due their extreme level of incompetence and disrespect with customers, but more like coming on later 2016, so you really would adventure yourself, as promised: in a "huge open galaxy".

And the game, for Nov/2014, maybe will come, as you mentioned earlier, still missing a lot probably in this "on-going development" (mess), in some point in 2017/18.


Just notice that they were very clear saying that IF they had achieved all the higher stretch goals, which means more money+more features, THAT would make sure them to deliver the full game, including the SG's (part of the description), in 2 years. And even yourself mentioned that he majority of the "additions" later are not for the day 1, which made them with not really too much good excuses to justify a delay of "half of the game" to be released 2 or 3 years (or more), over the promised dates earlier.


So, it seems that you have a serious problem to evaluate what is "making good on their promises".

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SpiritRunner6

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Well, all i can say is that as a backer who has dumped money into the game, I personally feel satisfied with the game's progression and plans. I see it as realistic that things are going to change as development progresses and accept it in light of the play experiences i have had so far with what is available. I have found them to be repeatedly transparent on every issue that has occurred, to a level far and beyond any other company I have ever encountered both inside and outside of gaming.


I would offer that you take in consideration the size and scope of the game as intended on original announce, the features, number of systems, ships, missions, and technology, and compare it with what is now currently being offered. I feel the sheer size of the additions warrant an expansion on the release timelines.


Also, in regard to my statement that I feel they are living up to their promises, I was also taking into consideration their mission statment to make the most involved, encompassing, highest quality game they possibly can. And so far, in that department they have also routinely impressed me.

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MestreMun

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And look... on 2013 they stated about releases of Planetside Module, FPS module, complete alpha, complete SQ 42 and alpha PU on 2014.

Reality: They released only 20% of their original promised Alpha. A mess, that only 3% of their own community ever tried to play, as the own in-game stats reveal.


Later this year, they told about full Squadron 42 coming on 2015.


And now for 2015 they stated about released of FPS, Planetside, AC 2.0, just 1 chapter of SQ42 and a pre-pre-alpha PU.


"I should add that if we look at the situation, we can already see they are making good on their promises. it is just one step at a time."


So that continues to demonstrate how your view is biased to your marketing agenda and a true fantasy about this development, far from its reality. And they claimed again and again, about "development in parallel" and now you come and say "oh, its just one step at a time".

LoL


As I told in other comment you people move your feedback as it fits with your marketing agenda, even that it will contradict earlier statements of both fans and the CIG team. Even that its not exacly a Ponzi scheme, the attitude is exactly the same: deception and more deception, trying to hide the history of the own company as more as possible, after all, that's not exactly the best one to show, right? It's better to think that this money grabbing scheme only started yesterday right? LoL

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ZeldaGeek56

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Been trying to keep away from Star Citizen stuff because I know the hype will ruin it, but it's still up there on my most anticipated games list.

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dussan2

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I have been a backer for about 2 years now. And even I have trouble believing that this game is for real. But then I play Arena Commander, and then I watch the planetfall video and I am reminded that this is for real.

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nirzor07

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If thia was developed under Ubisoft, Intel would probably need to make a 20 core processor because of the unoptimization

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Seifer24

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This game is getting sick.

My dream comes true.

I ll be waiting for an x box one release and i hope ps4 boys never play this.

But even if it never make it to xbox one i ll play it on pc anyways.


I see activisions 500.000 million dollars going into waste with a smack in the face as well


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Darkwalker75

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@Seifer24

Sorry but SC will not come to consoles, since consoles cant handle the game.

<< LINK REMOVED >>


Besides, Microsoft would never agree to the demands that Roberts has set forth to put it on consoles in the first place.

<< LINK REMOVED >>

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MestreMun

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<< LINK REMOVED >> This game is barely going to be made for PC, so, yes, it will be difficult to come to console, not because that they can't handle it, but because Chris Roberts barely can handle any game development correctly.

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SpiritRunner6

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<< LINK REMOVED >> evidence? ... other than disgruntled fantasy whining for attention?

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rsj2

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@Seifer24 "i hope ps4 boys never play this".

What the hell, dude? Regardless of our choice in console we all share a hobby. It's pretty messed up that your preference for one corporation's products over another's has you actively hoping that your fellow gamers are denied the chance to play what looks like one of the coolest games in a generation.

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hammr25

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Console peasants won't be able to play this game because of the way Sony and Microsoft force developers to go through their stupid QA process just to release a patch.

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weedee23

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You pc gamers are by far the worst kind you talk about consoles beings kids only yet i scroll down look at all the comments and the only kids i see is you.I nearly both a gaming pc before the xbox one and ps4 but i honestly don't think i could play with a bunch of self righteous ***** that think they are above everyone else its downright pathetic and sad im a peasant and proud to be one if you are what we are meant to aspire to be.And one more thing how can you say this game blows most out of the water god god its not out the most childish comment ever grow up.

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Luieburger

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@weedee23 Yes... run away from "self righteous *****" only to be stuck with 12 year old children screaming at each other all day. Good. You'll fit right in.


Have fun! We won't miss you.

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hammr25

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<< LINK REMOVED >> The pc overload/console peasant thing is just a tongue in cheek joke. Lighten up Francis.

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Boogy32

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >>
Yes.

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Smosh150

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@weedee23 It is the internet, even people who are mature in RL come here and act like this. Really doesn't mean a thing about how PC gamers or console gamers are, just the persona that everyone takes on when they come here. Not that I enjoy how certain users portray their platform of choice and denounce others, quite the opposite.

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PinchySkree

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Such incomprehensible garbage.

You can earn enough for a beast gaming PC just by working the christmas season at argos or something.

A PC like that will run this easy and last for years.

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naryanrobinson

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Could you be a peasant somewhere else?

That's wonderful, thanks.

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DemonRax

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So he hides behind the wall, hears shooting, took his time to take a breath, only then pulled his gun out and immediately went off rushing forward, guns blazing, having no idea what's waiting for him out there, basically as a suicide run? Nice...

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wristbreaker

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when is this coming out again?


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Darkwalker75

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<< LINK REMOVED >>

The game is estimated to release sometime in 2016.

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MestreMun

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> SC 1.0 still with half of the promises, barely working together... 2017-18.... SC with all features promised and promises of further updates... never.

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DeepStarCorp

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<< LINK REMOVED >> This will be out in a month or two, or few months, or the first Version of it rather. Then we will eventually get more and more of the FPS stuff, and then eventually in a couple years we will get the PU. Do some research, don't be lazy.

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hammr25

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Probably sometime around 2018.

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drocdoc

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*holds breath.....


What if this game becomes the next destiny, all hype with mediocre game play.

I wasn't foolish enough to participate in crowd funding this game so, lets all hope this game can live up to all the hype it's creating for its self

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Darkwalker75

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<< LINK REMOVED >>

Perhaps you should take some time to understand where the hype you talk about actually comes from.

Neither Roberts or CIG is hyping the game, all they have done is reveal features for the game, the hype is coming from gaming medias like this and from the players, not from CIG.

Don't blame the devs for the hype of the players or gaming medias.


Besides, if you don't like whats being said about the game, then why are you here in the first place?

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MestreMun

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> "Neither Roberts or CIG is hyping the game, all they have done is reveal features for the game, the hype is coming from gaming medias like this and from the players, not from CIG."

Chris Roberts in the last "Letter of Chairman": "The team is hard at work prepping for the PAX Australia demo, and we’re all looking forward to giving an audience of Star Citizen’s backers their first look at something extremely cool this weekend. I think you’re going to be surprised: the FPS module isn’t an aside… it’s a fully featured game in and of itself!"

What? Who dares to speak that CR is hyping? Heh! Almost like a deja'vu (WoW, "akin of World of Tanks..."). I heard exactly the same previous of the Arena Commander announcement. Six months later I still heard people trying to defend that as "pre-pre-pre-alpha" and even calling it "no game".

LoL

And what about this from Kickstarter:

"10X the detail of current AAA games

Most current gen “AAA” games have around 10,000 polygons for a character and 30,000 or so for a vehicle. In Star Citizen, the characters are detailed at 100,000 polygons, the fighter at 300,000 and the Space Carrier 7 million! This allows unparalleled detail, making the visuals more immersive than has ever been achieved before.

"

"The people who pledge for their spaceships will get to test-fly them long before the general public. 12 months in, we will allow the early backers to play the multiplayer space combat Alpha, and then 20-22 months in they will get to play the Star Citizen Beta, adventuring around the huge open galaxy, well before the general public."

"

<< LINK REMOVED >>

The purpose of the higher stretch goals is to ensure that the game-as-described is finished in the two year time period.

"

Noooooooo... CR has no guilty. He is saint.

Or you have serious amnesia issues my friend, or you achieve to be even more deceptive than CR usually is in your marketing agenda.

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MestreMun

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<< LINK REMOVED >><< LINK REMOVED >> Why? Because this is a place that only CIG Marketing puppets like you should stay?

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drocdoc

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@deepstarcorp @drocdoc I own a gaming pc and ps4 plus last gen consoles, come again... stop being a wannabe pc elitist

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drocdoc

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@deepstarcorp @drocdoc Okay no more replies for you, I knew I shouldn't have fed the t.roll

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TheWatcher000

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This isn't important. What we really need to know is when it will surpass $200 Million in funding.

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DeepStarCorp

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<< LINK REMOVED >> Well, it already has what is equal to $200MM in funding if using conventional model. However, it will eventually reach about that high just before launch of PU. This will be equal to between $700-$1Bil in conventional model funding. Yes, the game is THAT big. The biggest, and baddest ass game ever made. Ever.

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Relvar

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My only concern is that if they keep adding new stuff it's A.) Never going to come out; and/or B.) Going to be impossible to test/balance.

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DrunkPacman

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<< LINK REMOVED >> They seem to have it under wraps at the moment. You're also forgetting the sheer number of people they have working on this. They have both cloud imperium studios, foundry 42 and i know of at least another 5/6 studios that are contracted to work on the game.
Honestly with chris roberts at the helm i think they will deliver on pretty much everything they promised, there is some real talent in these teams.

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TheOtherJeff

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<< LINK REMOVED >> FPS isn't new, they've been working on it for quite a while, though the ambition for the fps side hasn't been talked about in any depth before, (that I know of) although with where they're aiming for the rest of the game it's not surprising they're pushing the boundaries on the FPS side as well. That said, time will tell.

First look is at the end of the week.

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goodbye77

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Too good to be true

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