Hello,
First post! Just found this poll and voted. Figured I'd do an introduction too. I've had a lust for sandbox games, in particular games that allow me to build rockets and space bases, then equip them with tech. Including military hardware and defense systems.
The game that satisfied me for a while was garrysmod for HL2. With its scripting E2, user vguis, and different ways to assemble models; there was just an unlimited playability and 'engineering' factor. I grew weary of the smaller spacebuild maps over time. The immensity of the world and space were missing, even though we had the capabilities to build ships out of scrap metal, or blocks alla legos, and produce resources for life support...
I found some fun in Kerbal Space Program, and think that title is going places, yet I'm mostly interested in a combination of online multiplayer sandbox, mini game, or free for fall style play.
e.g. Build To Survive / Conquer / Freelance / Coop
I think the flight simulator is a core element. What could be more fun than designing, building, and testing a fighter, rocket, or SSTO spaceplane, equipped with custom avionics systems, sensors, and payloads with your pals?
A private community could build their own universe, with their own rules, and structures via plugins. And also provide connectivity or "jump-gates" to other universes/servers. Perhaps allowing the creation of huge clusters of multiverses.
AFAIK, there is no game on the market that will let you realistically simulate launching into space with friends from surface to space to destination like a moon or asteroid. I was hoping your project might eventually include something to this effect, or at least permit it to evolve with modifications.
I've seen a rocket motor or engine in jbsim; I'm assuming that we'll be able to use thruster physics and RCS control scripts to be developed. Are there any tutorials or write ups deal with rocket physics with this engine?
How I see this tying all in is a world or multiverse of zones, dimensions, whatever, that are persistant and populated by players and their bases. I don't know much about your MP plans, but I've seen them discussed. Depending on the number of concurrent connections, you could see entire populated moons, and cities popping up all over the globe.
Sorry for the long read, but I've been seeking 'the perfect sandbox with a space twist' for the longest time, and am loaded with ideas to some degree of shame. The alpha was sexy enough to earn my support, and to much credit; no title has ever let me build a virtual habitat on my exact IRL coordinates. It was a moment.
Looking forward to more of your work.
Cheers,
Meat