I will keep a close eye on this project, for it seems very promising.
A few things in general:
- "With our rather modest team, we can’t really compete with Ubisoft in terms of scope [...]"
From my experience of buying (early access) games from small(er) studios, this is something most small(er) teams tend to forget or underestimate. Resulting in the promise of an AAA-game only to find out they can't achieve the goal after 4 years.
Knowing your strength / weakness is a great plus!
- "We have abandoned the time compression concept. [...] Instead we have filled these parts with a crew-centric content inside the ship."
Another point which is spot on IMO. An other game I play is simply boring during travel since there's nothing to do. While the devs and some players say "that's hardcore". Your solution sounds like the best plan.
- "[...] and to some degree also Silent Hunter, but we have wanted to make something completely new and refreshing within the genre. A reset."
Exactly what I'm looking for!
The best of luck and success with the project
