The game was released in Early Acess in October 6 2016, and received its full release in May 18 2017. In addition to the original, uhh, random events, each faction now has its own quest chain, and there is at least one Plot Arc, concerning the Academy whence Hero Units originate, which affects the entire galaxy.
Luxury Resources also have a role in upgrading your systems' Modernization Level, which grants them bonuses according to which Luxuries were consumed. Relatedly, there is now a galactic Marketplace in which you can convert sell off Strategic Resources, Luxury Resources and old Ships, and buy not only those things but Heroes.