Deep Disappointment and Disillusionment - A Console Player's Farewell to Elite Dangerous

[SasaThargoidsHunter]

Exactly, was just reiterating that it wasn't an emotional decision on their part. It's strictly financial.

Yea and the problem with the financial part can you taste in some aspect improvementwise on pc. Slowly and sneaky minor fixes and some cherry long term issues fixes. In this time elite walks like an old elephant between fast passing leopards.

 

[SasaThargoidsHunter]

THAT is the way to quit, just quietly stop playing, nothing more. The only reason anyone will know is if it comes up in conversation. I applaud you and everyone else who follows such reasoning.

These regular "I Quit" posts are a complete waste of time, as they accomplish nothing. Leaving is a player decision, based on their personal preference. No-one is being forced to leave, so ranting about their own decision is pointless.

But customer feedback is the best possible way to clear some problems. Especially when they are willing to leave.

Had in the past a good impact, proven by the all hated (in this forum) NMS.

Feedback was given that the game is trash, and they delivered contend (for free) and updates for free in a good matter of time. And now it’s a beloved game.

 

[Northpin]

Dear Frontier Developments,

I pen this missive today as a console player who once held Elite Dangerous dear to my heart, but now finds myself consumed by a deep-seated grievance and disillusionment. The decision to sever console support, depriving us of any future updates or content, has instilled a profound sense of betrayal and abandonment even years later. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, I must reluctantly express a glimmer of hope—a hope that the monumental and detrimental business decision can be reversed, igniting the possibility of a renewed trust and rekindled support from my console brethren.

My words are fueled by an all-encompassing disappointment shared by a legion of console players, those who, like me, poured their souls into this game, embracing its immersive universe, and forging connections with fellow commanders. What was once a haven, a source of solace and personal fulfillment, has now become a bitter reminder of the callousness with which Frontier Developments has treated its devoted console community.

How can a company responsible for birthing such a breathtaking creation, one that kindled an unparalleled passion within its loyal followers, now unceremoniously turn its back on us? It is an unfathomable betrayal, an act of corporate hubris that defies comprehension. For nine long years, we have weathered the storm of disappointment, clinging to fragments of hope, only to witness the final nail being driven into the console player's coffin.

I dare not stifle the flicker of optimism within me, the tiny voice that whispers, "What if?" What if Frontier Developments could find it within their hearts to reverse this profound and detrimental business decision? What if, against all odds, they recognized the dire consequences of their actions and extended an olive branch to the console community? I, along with many others, would embrace that opportunity with open arms.

Let it be known that my grievances are not born out of spite or entitlement; they stem from a genuine love for Elite Dangerous and an unwavering desire to see it flourish. My loyalty as a console player has withstood the test of time, an enduring flame that has been buffeted by countless disappointments and broken promises. Yet, with the flicker of possibility, I cannot help but imagine a future where the wounds inflicted upon us are healed, where the bond between company and community is restored.

Frontier Developments, consider the legacy you wish to leave. Will it be one marred by the abandonment of those who supported you? Or will it be one of redemption, a tale of humility and an admission of missteps? The choice is yours, and it carries with it the power to mend the rift that has torn apart a once-thriving community.

Know that if the decision were to be reversed, if the winds of change were to blow in favor of console players once more, I would gladly return to Elite Dangerous with renewed fervor and unwavering support. The game that stole my heart could once again find its way into my embrace, and I would rally behind it, breathing life into a universe that holds so much promise.

Yet, let us not dwell on unlikely dreams but instead brace ourselves for the harsh reality that has unfolded. As a console player, I must come to terms with the harsh truth that the game I cherished now slips further from my grasp. The void left behind will remain a constant reminder of the disdain with which Frontier Developments treated its console community—a community that loved, supported, and yearned for nothing more than to stand alongside fellow commanders in this captivating universe.

With a heavy heart and a lamentation that reverberates throughout the console player's ranks, fly dangerous PC users... and good luck,

CMDR Ancient_Waze

You can still play ED on your console by using GForceNow in a browser

Indeed it's very unfair and in a business sense, very strange, how Frontier have abandoned console development, console players and anybody on PC that doesn't have a PC powerful enough to run Odyssey or anybody who simply doesn't like Odyssey!

When Odyssey was released, i was running it on a laptop with i7-9750h and gtx1660ti, 1080p, high settings preset, 30-45 fps - a summer of 2019, medium specs, gaming laptop.
Now ED runs much better than 2 years ago, so those specs i mentioned above would probably do closer to 45-60fps

SO, if you have a gaming PC that was in the medium range 4 years ago, you should be able to run ED Odyssey good enough in 1080p
IT's not like Odyssey needs an RTX4090 to run...
And the GeForce Now option works good enough even on 200€ ChromeBooks


So yea... who loves ED/Odyssey can play it, even on low specs laptops
But making a drama out of leaving the game seem to be much funnier overall

 

[tanner1ie]

You can still play ED on your console by using GForceNow in a browser



When Odyssey was released, i was running it on a laptop with i7-9750h and gtx1660ti, 1080p, high settings preset, 30-45 fps - a summer of 2019, medium specs, gaming laptop.
Now ED runs much better than 2 years ago, so those specs i mentioned above would probably do closer to 45-60fps

SO, if you have a gaming PC that was in the medium range 4 years ago, you should be able to run ED Odyssey good enough in 1080p
IT's not like Odyssey needs an RTX4090 to run...
And the GeForce Now option works good enough even on 200€ ChromeBooks


So yea... who loves ED/Odyssey can play it, even on low specs laptops
But making a drama out of leaving the game seem to be much funnier overall

To most people, an i7 is a high end system, they're happy or lucky to have an i3 or equivalent - even most i5 systems are €1000+ here, if not €1500 and IF the shops have i7 systems, they're around €2,000, not to mention whatever they'd charge for i9 systems!

Meanwhile for "only" a few hundred euros, the PS4 is enough to blow most people away - I can only imagine how good Elite and Odyssey would be on PS5 IF they made the effort to release it and optimise it properly! .

 

[SasaThargoidsHunter]

You can still play ED on your console by using GForceNow in a browser



When Odyssey was released, i was running it on a laptop with i7-9750h and gtx1660ti, 1080p, high settings preset, 30-45 fps - a summer of 2019, medium specs, gaming laptop.
Now ED runs much better than 2 years ago, so those specs i mentioned above would probably do closer to 45-60fps

SO, if you have a gaming PC that was in the medium range 4 years ago, you should be able to run ED Odyssey good enough in 1080p
IT's not like Odyssey needs an RTX4090 to run...
And the GeForce Now option works good enough even on 200€ ChromeBooks


So yea... who loves ED/Odyssey can play it, even on low specs laptops
But making a drama out of leaving the game seem to be much funnier overall

So op, as I promised, here u have it telling people what to do, no rights to be upset by decision which was made. And yes we have the way to choose other options but you can love a game and be upset about bad news in the same time. No one should be disgraced for his and especially very well written dissapointment. Why should people change the beloved Plattform just to stick with the game which they loved to play? Not every body is so hard in love (or had enough money, or simply had not the Intension) that he has triple double accounts all plattform.

Must be every player who love this game, a hardcore believer to be allowed, post their dissapointment?

 

[Fixitman]

But customer feedback is the best possible way to clear some problems. Especially when they are willing to leave.

Had in the past a good impact, proven by the all hated (in this forum) NMS.

Feedback was given that the game is trash, and they delivered contend (for free) and updates for free in a good matter of time. And now it’s a beloved game.

That has no bearing on this subject. ED on consoles was officially placed in maintenance mode long ago. It is not going to be brought out of that mode, regardless of feedback. Thinking otherwise is nothing short of delusional. The same goes for comparing a big developer like FDev to a small one like HG. Their business models are totally different.

 

[amigacooke]

The same goes for comparing a big developer like FDev to a small one like HG. Their business models are totally different.

The business model is the same, you have to make money. I do wonder how a 'small' publisher like HG can apparently make money with NMS on many platforms while Frontier with ED can only make money (now) on one?

It's a crazy notion, but perhaps HG's model is ..... better?

 

[Northpin]

Meanwhile for "only" a few hundred euros, the PS4 is enough to blow most people away

you can have the same experience with a 200€ chromebook and a 10€ per month subscription to GeForce Now
All in all you get better gaming experience way cheaper than buying a 3000 euro gaming system

Why should people change the beloved Plattform just to stick with the game which they loved to play?

They should if they love the game (like OP for example). If not, it doesnt matter.
You no longer love the game, you play something else - it's not rocket science

I love the game, not the platforms it runs on.
I started on XB in November 2018. I play on PC now. Again, it's not rocket science

Had in the past a good impact, proven by the all hated (in this forum) NMS.

Feedback was given that the game is trash, and they delivered contend (for free) and updates for free in a good matter of time. And now it’s a beloved game.

NMS is developed by a small, privately owned company.
They sold a million copies of a overly-hyped crap game back then at launch and got like 15-20 millions out of it.
Kudos to them they invested some of the money to keep fixing and developing the product instead of running with the money.
And for a small team, 20 millions can provide funding for a looooong time.
So yea, good work HG! (in the meantime - in the years post 2018 - they made at least 20 millions more so no wonder they have the money to churn our "free" updates)

Now compare them to a publicly listed company like FD which is accountable to the shareholders and bound by very strict legislation - not quite the same, right.
TBH, after the failed EDO launch, and the 7+ millions loss they took in 2021 due to EDO, i'm really happy that i can still play ED today.

 

[Fixitman]

The business model is the same, you have to make money. I do wonder how a 'small' publisher like HG can apparently make money with NMS on many platforms while Frontier with ED can only make money (now) on one?

It's a crazy notion, but perhaps HG's model is ..... better?

"Make money" isn't a business model, that's the goal of the business model. The business model is the methods by which that goal is achieved. HG's model isn't necessarily better, it's just totally different from FDev's.

 

[Imo]

Dear Frontier Developments,

I pen this missive today as a console player who once held Elite Dangerous dear to my heart, but now finds myself consumed by a deep-seated grievance and disillusionment. The decision to sever console support, depriving us of any future updates or content, has instilled a profound sense of betrayal and abandonment even years later. Yet, in the midst of this turmoil, I must reluctantly express a glimmer of hope—a hope that the monumental and detrimental business decision can be reversed, igniting the possibility of a renewed trust and rekindled support from my console brethren.

My words are fueled by an all-encompassing disappointment shared by a legion of console players, those who, like me, poured their souls into this game, embracing its immersive universe, and forging connections with fellow commanders. What was once a haven, a source of solace and personal fulfillment, has now become a bitter reminder of the callousness with which Frontier Developments has treated its devoted console community.

How can a company responsible for birthing such a breathtaking creation, one that kindled an unparalleled passion within its loyal followers, now unceremoniously turn its back on us? It is an unfathomable betrayal, an act of corporate hubris that defies comprehension. For nine long years, we have weathered the storm of disappointment, clinging to fragments of hope, only to witness the final nail being driven into the console player's coffin.

I dare not stifle the flicker of optimism within me, the tiny voice that whispers, "What if?" What if Frontier Developments could find it within their hearts to reverse this profound and detrimental business decision? What if, against all odds, they recognized the dire consequences of their actions and extended an olive branch to the console community? I, along with many others, would embrace that opportunity with open arms.

Let it be known that my grievances are not born out of spite or entitlement; they stem from a genuine love for Elite Dangerous and an unwavering desire to see it flourish. My loyalty as a console player has withstood the test of time, an enduring flame that has been buffeted by countless disappointments and broken promises. Yet, with the flicker of possibility, I cannot help but imagine a future where the wounds inflicted upon us are healed, where the bond between company and community is restored.

Frontier Developments, consider the legacy you wish to leave. Will it be one marred by the abandonment of those who supported you? Or will it be one of redemption, a tale of humility and an admission of missteps? The choice is yours, and it carries with it the power to mend the rift that has torn apart a once-thriving community.

Know that if the decision were to be reversed, if the winds of change were to blow in favor of console players once more, I would gladly return to Elite Dangerous with renewed fervor and unwavering support. The game that stole my heart could once again find its way into my embrace, and I would rally behind it, breathing life into a universe that holds so much promise.

Yet, let us not dwell on unlikely dreams but instead brace ourselves for the harsh reality that has unfolded. As a console player, I must come to terms with the harsh truth that the game I cherished now slips further from my grasp. The void left behind will remain a constant reminder of the disdain with which Frontier Developments treated its console community—a community that loved, supported, and yearned for nothing more than to stand alongside fellow commanders in this captivating universe.

With a heavy heart and a lamentation that reverberates throughout the console player's ranks, fly dangerous PC users... and good luck,

CMDR Ancient_Waze

The consoles support was longer than expected. Frontier back then reqested a lot of additional kickstarter money to bring a Mac version that appeared indeed only to be dropped shortly after ...

 

[Planewalker]

In this time elite walks like an old elephant between fast passing leopards.

Which is a good thing; in fact quite reminiscent of the tortoise and the hare.
Reminding OP that they have the option of playing elite via gfn is also okay.
(not everything must be binary absolutes; nuances can sometimes be healthy)

In the end it is up to OP to choose where they want to go from t/here and ftr i do sympathise with our console brethren.

 

[amigacooke]

"Make money" isn't a business model, that's the goal of the business model. The business model is the methods by which that goal is achieved. HG's model isn't necessarily better, it's just totally different from FDev's.

You don't think that a model that is tapping into more markets is better?

 

[Fixitman]

You don't think that a model that is tapping into more markets is better?

I didn't state that. My reply was very generalized.
I don't think you know the meaning of the word "necessarily".

 

[amigacooke]

I didn't state that. My reply was very generalized.
I don't think you know the meaning of the word "necessarily".

Perhap you could explain why HG’s model isn’t necessarily better, using references to the two models and how they differ?

 

[metatheurgist]

Well, if it was financial, it was the biggest mistake in the history of Frontier, because imagine the number of players that Elite Dangerous Odyssey would have brought to the consoles, Odyssey completely changed Elite Dangerous, turning it into a game that with good publicity, many players would like. try why don't you tell me who doesn't want to explore the milky way on a real scale with your commander? visit the solar system on foot? who doesn't want to kill targoid aliens, progress your character, play with friends on foot? and right now Elite Dangerous in the ps store with support for psvr2 would sell like hotcakes since there is nothing similar and there will never be, if it was a commercial decision, it was the worst ever! the no man sky game is on all platforms with a lesser team of people and with vr support and look at the number of players and content it has and it's not as great as ED it seems frontier is afraid of success because financially speaking, Elite Dangerous well publicized with odyssey and vr on consoles would be a success at the level of great triple A titles

Can't bring in any customers if you can't make it work on the platform. They barely get it to work on PC as it is. They know how creaky their engine is, they know what can and can't be done with it. And apparently console ain't it.

 

[amigacooke]

Can't bring in any customers if you can't make it work on the platform. They barely get it to work on PC as it is. They know how creaky their engine is, they know what can and can't be done with it. And apparently console ain't it.

I think you’ve forgotten Frontier’s rather strange decision to not develop for the present generation of consoles before they even tried to make it work on the last generation.

 

[metatheurgist]

I think you’ve forgotten Frontier’s rather strange decision to not develop for the present generation of consoles before they even tried to make it work on the last generation.

Nope, that's included in my assessment. They have clearly concluded it can't be done or isn't worth doing. And given that super high end PCs still struggle with Ody that's not an outrageous proposition.

 

[Hellrider]

Well, if it was financial, it was the biggest mistake in the history of Frontier, because imagine the number of players that Elite Dangerous Odyssey would have brought to the consoles, Odyssey completely changed Elite Dangerous, turning it into a game that with good publicity, many players would like. try why don't you tell me who doesn't want to explore the milky way on a real scale with your commander? visit the solar system on foot? who doesn't want to kill targoid aliens, progress your character, play with friends on foot? and right now Elite Dangerous in the ps store with support for psvr2 would sell like hotcakes since there is nothing similar and there will never be, if it was a commercial decision, it was the worst ever! the no man sky game is on all platforms with a lesser team of people and with vr support and look at the number of players and content it has and it's not as great as ED it seems frontier is afraid of success because financially speaking, Elite Dangerous well publicized with odyssey and vr on consoles would be a success at the level of great triple A titles

well, I dont see this massive amount of new players in elite on PCs, baited by possibilities of walking on foots.
Doubt that for consolers it could go different way.
Spaceships were core of elite, and still are.

 

[Hellrider]

To most people, an i7 is a high end system, they're happy or lucky to have an i3 or equivalent - even most i5 systems are €1000+ here, if not €1500 and IF the shops have i7 systems, they're around €2,000, not to mention whatever they'd charge for i9 systems!

I will say only 1 thing.
I was able to run odyssey on 10yo rig, of course, it wasnt good experience on planets, but space worked perfectl
Now only things which I changed are:
slighty more ram
slighty less old GPU (but it still is 6yo GPU)
so, with:
10yo CPU
6yo GPU (btw, I bought it for...60$ )
16gb ram
I can run ody at 40/60fps on planets.
Tell me more about "I need expensive new rig to play, for thousands dollars".
Sure, I understand, that due to counting everything in dollars one countries are more expensive than other, but sorry, it isn't my issue. I'm only saying, that 6/10 years old rig can handle even ody. Sadly, it isnt my fault. Time flow, games and programms are more and more demanding, even the strongest rigs sooner or later will require some new parts.

 

[tanner1ie]

well, I dont see this massive amount of new players in elite on PCs, baited by possibilities of walking on foots.
Doubt that for consolers it could go different way.
Spaceships were core of elite, and still are.

Indeed Odyssey isn't the direction most people wanted to see the game go, but it IS the direction the game went, which has gotten and will get all future new content and storylines!

Frontier made the quite unusual decision to put "all their eggs" in Odyssey's basket, dragging 4.0 and Live over its' "line in the sand", effectively making the new base game, "Odyssey in space", which PC players got for free, whether they wanted it or not, while they have to pay for Odyssey on planets - and while Odyssey on planets remains a payable "optional" expansion right now, it will surely be folded into the main game eventually, as Horizons was into Elite...

IF Odyssey had remained PC only for now, we got 4.0 on consoles and there never was a live/legacy split, it wouldn't be too bad, also if we had any sign of new content being added to it and "Odyssey in space", but as it is, the game is "dead" in legacy and alive in Odyssey! .