Player-built and owned outposts are a somewhat controversial planned feature of SC, given the potential to litter a moon or planet with abandoned or ridiculous structures if not implemented smartly. However, given the success of numerous other games where building a homestead is key to survival, the potential of this feature to bring new players into the game is massive. The recent "meetup on a moon" picture in the monthly report is just one example of how this planned feature is becoming more and more important to SC's success. Rather than just meet at a random outpost on a moon, having such an outpost belong to a player, where another player could go and interact with that player at their "home"--speak, trade, explore together, etc.--would add an additional reason to play the game. Right now, eventually being able to earn UEC in game through various professions will seemingly be driven by a desire to buy, upgrade and operate ships--whether to fight, explore or perform a profession more effectively. Giving players another reason to earn and spend UEC and materials they gather--namely through building the home of their dreams in the 'verse--will appeal to a whole new class of players that may have otherwise not been too interested in SC. I realize of course that SC is a space sim at its core, not minecraft, rust, the forest, etc. where survival and ultimately thriving is the main driver. But in terms of growing the player base, I can't think of many other features (perhaps with the exception of massive multi-crew ship battles) that could single-handledly be a larger driver of new Citizens to the 'verse. Interested to hear how existing backers feel about the planned player-built and owned outposts. Understanding of course that this is a ways' off (but also wondering whether it's becoming more of a priority for CIG).