I have been taking a brief look at other upcoming space games. Some are marvelous, others are average and many are just terrible....
Now the question I want to ask is: How competent will Elite Dangerous be when these games are established. Will it have advanced further than them all or its crown will be taken and given to _____?
Great question, and one that's been on my mind too.
I would answer
Six Months.
Here are some of the contenders imo:
- Bethesda's Starfield: Hopefully we will know at E3, but the rumor is they are making something to jump ahead of ED and SC. (fingers crossed!)
- No Mans Sky: They have a major release coming ~August 1st, and if it includes true multiplayer that is fun they could begin to take market share away from Elite. (I own it, but without co-op it collects dust)
- Star Citizen: They are getting very close to having an actual fun game, but I'm skeptical that it could happen in 2018. (I own it, but right now I rather play ED as the SC controls are not good imo)
- Dual Universe: Can they move past being "Minecraft" in space and add engaging missions, etc? (I'm a Kickstarter backer of this title)
- Unannounced Title: I have to imagine someone out there thinks they can top SC, ED, and NMS, and due to all the drama SC and NMS have had may not announce their title until it's truly ready for prime time.
Features the next King of Space Games needs to have:
- Open World Simulated Galaxy. This has already been done by ED and NMS.
- Massively Multiplayer. Everyone should be able to play together. ED, Dual Universe, SC have this today (but two are not released) and NMS may get it this summer.
- Ships that are fun to fly. I think ED has the best ships to fly hands down.
- Places to visit on foot. NMS and SC have done this well.
- Engaging professions. I think THIS is the "Holy Grail," and I do think ED has a head start but is not there yet. SC seems to be on a good path here.
- Land and walk on any solid planet or body of sufficient mass.
o7