Welcome to another dev diary. Today, we're diving into a topic we introduced a few diaries ago: space stations. Please note that the images are works in progress.
Previously, we discussed space stations from an aesthetic perspective, highlighting their role in the environmental narrative of our dangerous galaxy, Neterun. As we mentioned, stations are built to reflect the identity of the raiders, and in the game, you'll encounter different station designs based on which raider group constructed them.
To reflect this in the game flow, we have adopted some solutions.
First and foremost, a space station is a safe haven for raiders. We've strategically positioned them so that, even though there are areas of the galaxy where we want you to get lost among dangers and threats, players will always have at least one reference space station where they can refuel or restore their stability, as each space station is equipped with its own stabilizer. Additionally, space stations have a dispatcher, which is used to record requests from other raiders, providing a means to obtain missions.
Space stations also play a central role in controlling the different regions of Neterun. As we’ve mentioned, space stations were among the first structures created during the colonization of the galaxy, serving as markers to indicate safe areas. They are pivotal in our lore, and we've chosen to reflect this importance in the development and growth of a raider. Each station has a set of resources that, once unlocked, become available at other stations, feeding into what we've envisioned as a true "supply network." Some modules can only be unlocked at specific stations and after completing certain tasks. This system is designed to give players a sense of progression: the further you advance in the game, the more you'll discover stations with rare and powerful modules (which, yes, you'll have to fight hard to conquer, but nothing is easy in the ruthless raider exile).
Stations are so crucial that they are often under attack, threatened by other raiders or the biological beings inhabiting Neterun. Until a station is defended or liberated, it will be impossible to land there. We made this decision to emphasize the centrality of stations in different areas of the galaxy and reinforce the idea that they provide a safe haven where, theoretically, raiders should never have to fight. However, when a battle does occur, raiders must be prepared to fight to reclaim that small oasis of peace amidst the danger and violence of their exile.
This is why we've created stations that can be threatened, used as bait, or even attacked by raiders seeking to dominate others. Engaging in a battle to liberate a station, as seen in one of the side quests in the demo, allows a raider to grow not only in firepower but also in their story as an eternal exile.
We hope you enjoyed this in-depth look at space stations from a gameplay perspective, and we look forward to seeing you in the next dev diary!
Farewell, raiders!
