While pondering lack of heavier laser/plasma weapons in the game, due to animation budget constrains in the game, I started thinking about one other thing.
And that is the cliche look of laser/plasma rifles in the Sci-Fi literature.
They always look like bulky versions of regular rifles. And when you really think about it, those weapons to not use bullets. They do not need long barrels for high precision.
Thus, heavy laster/plasma weapons will be more bulkier then pistols, due to higher energy usage, but they do not need to be "long" shaped like rifles. In fact, if range is taken out of equation, shorter "barrels" are superior and less bulky overall.
So, this is something to take into account, at least if there is some content pack planned for the Underrail.
EDIT:
This more applies on laster rifles, then plasma weapons. Generally speaking, while lasers are known technology and all above makes sense, concept of plasma weapons is more vague.
If weapon, for example, shoots out balls of plasma, created inside the weapon, then it would make sense to consider shape of barrel. On the other hand, if plasma itself is created outside of the weapon, as consequence of whatever process is done inside weapon, then shape of the barrel is not important.
