Whether this was a grumble session or a Q&A could be left to individual interpretation, but the point is that Star Citizen’s devs had things to say during a Q&A broadcast about vehicle balance that offered some general insights into the goals of balancing along with at least a couple of specific details as well.
Generally speaking, the devs stated a few different times that balancing vehicles and flight models is constantly in flux as new items are added, iterated on, and tested, while the three individual flight models for each ship adds another layer of complexity to balance. Ultimately it was pointed out that expecting balance visions to be persistent is an “impossible” expectation because of the additions of new features and functions to flight and to the game overall.
The devs also pointed out that balance goals have changed with the game, confirmed newer flight model parts will be tested in pieces owing to the time it takes to develop and refine, and further discussed how vehicles are meant to fill into certain roles and not every internet spaceship is intended to do it all, even with player skill factored in. There was also some talk about making larger ships harder to fly in general.
In more specific matters related to balance: Heavy fighters are intended to be tanky but not as mobile, the Anvil F8 has had its agility nerfed, space flight has been stated as being in a good place while quantum flight needs some work and atmospheric flight is close to the right point, and ground vehicles were admitted as being in a bad place right now. The full broadcast awaits below, along with a summary video from The Noobifier.
Meanwhile, CIG is hawking its latest spaceship addition, the Esperia Prowler Utility, which can best be described as a stealth cargo hauler that trades some of its more combative functionality for industrial use, including more cargo space and a tractor beam for cargo. The ship will set you back as much as $300.
