I do feel like prior updates focused more on introducing game systems (i.e. combat mechanics, skill overhaul, colony system, Colony Crises, etc.), but the focus is gradually shifting toward QoL (recent blog posts) and game content (ships, quest arcs, etc.). So past updates were more about establishing the fundamental framework of the game, while recent updates have been more about using that framework to flesh out more content as reasons to play the game and overall polish. Since most players aren't interested in game mechanics per se but more in some sort of compelling story or something interesting "to do". That means the game is gradually heading toward release.
Of course, release is asymptotic, so a decade from now we'll probably be at Starsector 0.999.9.8.56.712 or something.
