procedural generation

With the release of the "Worlds Part 1" update in No Man's Sky, Hello Games has once again expanded the vast universe of their popular space exploration game. The update brought an array of new features, including enhanced water effects, more realistic cloud formations, and islands that gracefully float in the sky. However, despite these improvements, the addition of cities—an oft-requested feature by the community—remains conspicuously absent. This omission has reignited a long-standing debate among players: Should No Man’s Sky introduce fully-fledged cities? The Argument for Cities: A Game-Changing Feature? Many players believe that the inclusion of cities in No Man's Sky could be a transformative addition, taking the game to new heights. The idea of discovering bustling metropolises on distant planets excites a significant portion of the community. As one enthusiastic player put it, "Cities would be incredible," though they also expressed a desire to see "deep ocean planets" added to the game first. Another player took this concept further, proposing a "procedurally generated metropolis biome," likening it to the urban sprawl of Coruscant from Star Wars. For these players, the dream of walking through a vibrant, alien city, witnessing civilian speeders darting through the skies, and experiencing a hub of activity before setting off on an epic adventure is tantalizing. The vision of a city at the bottom of a deep ocean, blending urban architecture with underwater life, has also sparked imaginations. The hope that cities will one day be implemented is strong among supporters, with some speculating that the existing settlements in the game may have been a precursor to this possibility. As one optimistic player commented, "They're coming. Settlements were just the test bed." The Counterargument: Lore and Technical Limitations However, not all players share this enthusiasm for the idea of cities in No Man's Sky. A significant portion of the community argues that the absence of cities is actually rooted in the game's lore. According to this perspective, No Man's Sky is designed around the idea of exploration and solitude, where travelers discover remote settlements or manufacturing plants rather than bustling urban centers. "I thought it was pretty clear that the traveler is looking at a settlement or manufacturing plant," one player remarked, emphasizing that cities would be out of place within the established narrative. Technical limitations are another major concern for those against the idea. Given the vast, procedurally generated universe of No Man's Sky, some players worry that the game’s engine might struggle to handle the complexities of large, detailed cities. "A 'well-placed' enormous base on an expedition is enough to make the game engine crap its pants," one player noted, while another added, "It would pose insane performance issues." Instead of pushing for cities, some players suggest that Hello Games should focus on expanding the existing base-building mechanics, allowing the community to create their own city-like structures. By increasing the size and scope of player-made bases, the game could still capture the essence of urban environments without the potential performance drawbacks. Conclusion The debate over whether No Man's Sky should include cities reflects the broader divide within the game’s community. On one side, players dream of cities as a potential game-changing feature that could add depth and immersion to their explorations. On the other, there are concerns about lore consistency and the technical feasibility of such an ambitious addition. Also Read:

Hi, I'm TheBadGamer

procedural generation

No Man’s Sky Players Debate Adding Cities in Latest Update

Boosting Realism in Starfield: A Procedural Generation Modification Guide