|
|
| Line 1: |
Line 1: |
| {{WIP}} | | {{WIP}} |
|
| |
|
| The '''Milky Way''' is the galaxy that serves as the vast setting for [[Starship Simulator]]. The game features a procedurally generated, scientifically plausible representation of the entire Milky Way galaxy, rendered at a 1:1 scale.
| | A '''Habitable Zone''' is the term given to the area in a [[Star|star system]] where it is theoretically possible for water to generate on a planet's surface. The zone often changes depending on the star type and its mass. Star habitable zones will generate depending on the star type and can be viewed on the [[Holoprojector|holo-display]]'s medium range. While planets with life forms will generate within a star's habitable zone, not all planets within it will generate life. |
| | |
| == Scale and Scope ==
| |
| The simulated Milky Way is designed to mirror the scale and structure of its real-world counterpart. Key aspects include:
| |
| *'''1:1 Scale:''' The galaxy is represented at a true 1:1 scale, allowing for realistic travel times and distances between celestial objects.
| |
| *'''Vast Exploration Area:''' The playable area includes not only the galactic disk but also the surrounding galactic halo region, encompassing potentially quadrillions of cubic lightyears (specific estimates from development range from ~1.7 to 8 quadrillion cubic lightyears). It contains potentially '''over two billion''' procedurally generated star systems (according to developer FAQ).
| |
| *'''Seamless Real-Time Travel:''' Players can navigate this vast space seamlessly using the [[UNSF Magellan]]'s [[Alcubierre Drive|FTL]] and sublight propulsion systems without encountering loading screens or artificial transitions between areas. Travel occurs in real-time relative to the ship's clock.
| |
| | |
| == Generation Method ==
| |
| The galaxy's structure and content are created through a sophisticated combination of procedural generation driven by scientific principles and the integration of real-world astronomical data. | |
| *'''Procedural Generation:''' The majority of the galaxy is generated algorithmically based on current scientific understanding of astrophysics. This includes:
| |
| ** Galaxy Structure: Realistic distribution of stars within spiral arms, the galactic core (centered on [[Sagittarius A*]]), bulge, and halo. Specific [[The Galaxy In Detail|galactic region types]] (Core, Bulge, Thin Disc, Thick Disc, Halo, Globular Clusters) influence star types and density.
| |
| ** Star System Formation: Plausible generation of star systems based on stellar type, age, and models like core accretion for planet formation. Includes features like [[Habitable Zone]]s, [[Sol System#Frost Line (~150K)|Frost Lines]], [[Sol System#Dust Sublimation Line (~2000K)|Dust Sublimation Lines]], [[wikipedia:Roche_limit|Roche Limits]], and [[Sol System#Scattered Disk (Kuiper Belt Analogue)|scattered disks]] / [[Sol_System#Oort_cloud|Oort Cloud]] analogues.
| |
| ** Celestial Objects: Generation of various [[Star types|star types]] (O, B, A, F, G, K, M, L, T, Y classes), planet types (terrestrial, gas/ice giants, lava worlds, Earth analogues, etc.), black holes, nebulae, and open clusters.
| |
| ** Unique Seeds: A robust seeding system (reportedly `2^256` unique vector-based seeds) ensures every cubic lightyear can have unique, persistent content consistent across all players.
| |
| ** Life Generation: Calculations determine the likelihood of life evolving if a planet has the potential for liquids, potentially resulting in anything from simple bacteria to advanced, [[wikipedia:Faster-than-light|FTL]]-capable alien civilizations, with complexity often tied to the star system's age.
| |
| *'''Real Star Data:''' To enhance realism near humanity's home, real-world astronomical data is incorporated:
| |
| ** [[Sol System]]: Includes accurate representations of the planets and major dwarf planets.
| |
| ** Local Stars: Data from catalogues like Gaia DR3 is used to place millions (~18.2 million mentioned in development) of real stars within a significant radius (~2000 LY mentioned) around the Sol System. Known stars often use their common names (e.g., Sirius).
| |
| ** Backer Systems: Star systems designed by Kickstarter backers are also integrated into the galaxy map.
| |
| *'''Alien Civilizations:''' Where advanced life arises, FTL-capable alien civilizations may be generated, complete with assigned territory (home systems, occupied systems), tech levels, government types, and randomized personality traits (e.g., xenophobia, aggression levels) that influence [[First Contact|first contact]] scenarios. Initial groundwork also includes generating political states for galactic sectors.
| |
| | |
| == Structure and Coordinates ==
| |
| The galaxy simulation uses a standard galactic coordinate system, centred on [[Sagittarius A*]] at coordinates (0, 0, 0). Space is organized into large sectors (e.g., 100ly cubes) and smaller subsectors (e.g., 1ly cubes) for data management and navigation targeting via the [[Sensors]] console.
| |
| | |
| == Player Exploration ==
| |
| Players explore the Milky Way aboard the [[UNSF Magellan]], using the ship's [[Sensors]] to scan sectors, systems, and individual bodies, and the [[Helm]] controls to navigate via sublight engines or the [[Alcubierre Drive]]. The primary goal within the sandbox is exploration, scientific discovery, charting the unknown, and potentially interacting with alien life.
| |
|
| |
|
| == External Links == | | == External Links == |
| * [[wikipedia:Milky Way|Wikipedia: Milky Way]] (For information on the real galaxy) | | * [[wikipedia:Habitable zone|Wikipedia: Habitable Zone]] (For information regarding real-life astrophysics) |
| | |
|
| |
|
| [[Category:Development]] | | [[Category:Galaxy Generation]] |
NOTICE: This page is a Work in Progress as much of the lore/Development for the game is yet to be established.
A Habitable Zone is the term given to the area in a star system where it is theoretically possible for water to generate on a planet's surface. The zone often changes depending on the star type and its mass. Star habitable zones will generate depending on the star type and can be viewed on the holo-display's medium range. While planets with life forms will generate within a star's habitable zone, not all planets within it will generate life.
External Links
