Do Kerbals now learn? (v.20)

[OUScooby]

I just got the v.20 upgrade and with the addition of flags I decided to make my own custom flag and then launch a mission to plant it on the Mun. I'm currently in the middle of that flight and I noticed a new feature in the map view. On the right of the screen are two tabs, the first has an icon of an "i" which give vessel information, but its the second one that's more interesting. Its marked with an icon of a Kerbals head and clicking it shows you where they are seated in the craft (left seat, right seat, middle seat) and below that are two bars, one labeled courage the other stupidity. Is it possible that in this latest version, your individual Kerbals gain experience with each mission? It's interesting because perhaps this gives you an incentive to return them home from their mission and not strand them on other worlds so that you may use more experienced pilots for later mission.

Thoughts?

Edited May 22, 2013 by OUScooby

[Malachai]

I know those stats existed in previous versions. It might just be a way of displaying those stats, but it'd be really interested if it was a precursor to something, though.

[Canopus]

Version 2.0? Please share the mysteries of time travel with us:P

[Pursuedtank]

I believe it is just a way of showing a fun little statistic and a way of seeing what kerbals are on board your current spacecraft from the map view. It is also 0.20.0 that has been released not 2.0.

Edit: ninjd on the version correction.

[OUScooby]

Version 2.0? Please share the mysteries of time travel with us:P

I built a ship that so fast it broke the speed of light and my game was flung into the future where I recieved the v2.0 update. Lots of cool stuff in it, but I won't give any spoilers, you'll just have to wait a few years to see it for yourselves.

[OUScooby]

I believe it is just a way of showing a fun little statistic and a way of seeing what kerbals are on board your current spacecraft from the map view. It is also 0.20.0 that has been released not 2.0.

Edit: ninjd on the version correction.

Fixed.

I also just notice that tap is labelled "knowledge base" so I wonder if the stats change with each mission and if it affects anything in the game, or as Malachai suggested its a precursor for things to come.

[allmappedout]

Indeed, these stats have been in the code for a while, but they're being displayed. I'm certain that they'll have some bearing in the future, but almost certainly not as yet..

[Pursuedtank]

I don't think it affects anything other than how happy they are at rocket launches. It might however be a precursor to things to come as Malachai said. Who knows?

[OUScooby]

So if those stats have been around for awhile does anyone know if they change based on gameplay?

[Vanamonde]

Kerbals will improve their skills over time, but while those stats have been in their records for over a year, they do not learn yet.

[TelluriumCrystal]

I like how it specifically says "stupidity" instead of "intelligence"...

[phatm0n]

As of now, no they probably don't learn. Those stats have been around for awhile and determine the kerbals attitude during flight. If you had the crew manifest mod you could actually edit these stats and even flag the secret bad *** tag. Unfortunately, for the time being, plug-ins don't seem to be working. Back on topic though. Squad plans for Kerbals having the ability to learn and be trainable eventually. It will probably be a big part of career mode.