Why is a spydrone so expensive?


General Discussion


Pathfinder Starfinder Roleplaying Game Subscriber

A spydrone costs 4,550 credits. It functions as a 1st level mechanic drone that can't make attacks and has no AI to act on it's own. It's a flying camera with about 1 km range and a 20 minute battery

In the real world right now many versions of that drone exist and cost MAX $1,200.

Meanwhile, a personal comm unit reads exactly like a smartphone. Those obviously also exist, and also cost about max $1,200. But the personal comm costs 7 credits.

7 credits vs 4,550 credits.

So... why?


The spy drone is armored, at least somewhat, and is much sturdier than a modern drone.

Though it shouldn't be that expensive.


It probably comes down to keeping the number of drones in use to a minimum. Can you imagine how complicated it would be if every PC ran one of these? Plus, it would mitigate a number of dangers to PCs.

Liberty's Edge

Modern purchasable drones are not more durable than some people, able to take a couple of gunshots without breaking. They are also not fitted with semi-autonomous AI and the programmed ability to sneak up on people. Nor can they follow voice commands.

Maybe it should be cheaper than it is, but it's functionality is miles beyond anything available in the real world civilian market in all ways, and the AI is just impossible in real life.

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