Hey everyone!
We have seen a lot of feedback about some of the HUD/MFD changes made in 2.5 and wanted to address this.
Our goal is to ensure that any UI/functionality required in the default view/during flight/combat is conveyed via one or more of the following displays:
1.Helmet Visor
2.Ship HUD
3.Annunciator Panels
4.Radar
5.Support Screens (these are customisable and can be toggled to display various different readouts)
There is another type of display that doesnt have to be visible during flight/in the default view:
6.MFD - Multi-function display
MFDs contain information and functionality that is not pertinent to immediate flight control or the heat of battle, so these can be toggled to (via screen focus mode) and used during times of less urgency. If we discover that some of the functionality housed within the MFDs is required during flight/combat, we will look to accommodate it in one or more of the displays that are visible in the default view.
The information and functionality on all of these screens will be tweaked and added to over time, but the immediate plans for the next iteration on this system is as follows:
Visor
Two new Support Screen-style slots will be added to the visor. These will default to whatever suits the ship the player is currently in (so, most of the time this will probably be Ship Status (with shield info) and Target Status), but the player is free to enter Visor Mode and toggle these slots to display whatever Support Screen element they wish (or even disable them entirely).
The pinned target list will be returned to the visor, but will only show when one or more targets have been pinned. So basically, if its not something you use, you wont see it.
Ship HUD
A new missile readout will also be added to the HUD.
A new weapon readout is being added to the HUD so that when a weapon is being fired, live info for that weapon will be displayed (see image). More detailed but less pertinent weapon information will still be available on the MFD.
MFD
Screen focus controls will be improved to allow players quick and easy access to MFDs and better usage of the functions.
Cockpit UI Visibility
The various helmets will be re-assessed and (where necessary) tweaked to remove intrusive elements and improve cockpit visibility, but some of the heavier helmets will be less suitable for piloting than others.
Some of the Support Screens in some of the ships appear too small to read properly. These will be reassessed and tweaked for improved legibility.
Were constantly striving to create a more immersive experience for our players. We aim to provide visibility on/access to UI elements and functionality, wherever its needed. Ultimately we plan to provide tools to allow the player to customize their ship and related UI however they see fit. Game development is an iterative process, and we will continue working to refine all aspects of Star Citizen as we continue development.