Not a Tuesday, but I wanted to let you all know a few things.
4.88.5 Hotfix 3 is ready to roll, except that there's one thing which is massively bugged. We're trying to find and resolve exactly what's going on with this before the release, because it'll probably crash if you fly past it.
In general news, the development team has gained some new members and a few have departed as well, but on good terms. We're getting ourselves buckled in and organized for 4.89. At the moment, instead of splitting it into half a dozen main releases like 4.88, plans are for an Initial and Final release version, then moving on to 4.90. 4.88 focused on kickstarting lore progression, especially in stagnant areas, plus cutting down on excess systems. 4.89 will work on redesigning some messier systems and taking a stab at potential base bloat issues, in addition to continuing storyline advancement for as many factions as possible.
For those who have asked for a quick lore blurb about what each faction has done in 4.88, I'm currently working on that. At the very latest, it will be posted by the release of 4.88.6 (4.88 Final), but I may have it out sooner. There are seventy factions, and I have other responsibilities here, so it will take time.
I'm also in communication with the Administration Team about setting up some more fun events. I'm aware that things have been painfully slow in this regard for some time now, but I shall forgo any finger pointing. It's better to just work positively towards a conclusion anyway, and there's a fair amount that needs to be done.