There are a number of player formed civilizations in NMS, but the game itself doesn’t have any kind of system for forming and joining civilizations. Given the current state of multiplayer, with most players having access to the same universe, now would be a good time to implement such a system. Not entirely a new concept, but some features might include:

• The ability to form a civilization and recruit other players. Civ names can appear next to players’ gamertags/usernames that are members of a civilization.
• A governance system where players can create ranks that have different privileges.
• Players could create custom flags for their civs.
• Claiming starsystems and planets as part of a civilization.
• co-ownership and management of bases, settlements, and freighters.

Now a system like this would probably go hand in hand with a major settlement overhaul, as part of the same or separate update. Settlements could act as the hearts of civilizations as players work together to grow, maintain, and defend settlements across their civs. A settlement update might include:

• More freedom over where a settlement is established, what players can build in a settlement, the layout of settlement specific buildings, and the number of settlements a player (or civ) can own.
• Settlement requirements like food, water, hazard protection, life support, power, and housing.
• Implementing the existing farming, mining, power, and cooking mechanics in the game.
• The ability to establish trade routes via frigates between settlements and bases. Trade routes may need to be defended against pirates from time to time.
• Settlement building that serve specific functions and can be damaged or destroyed during sentinel attacks.
• Set up defenses against sentinel attacks.

What do you guys think? Is this an update you’d like to see at some point? Are there any other features you’d want implemented in a civilization update?