Modes The Solo vs Open vs Groups Thread [See new thread]

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For me such ironman mode would be that you only do not have insurance coverage, not that every time you die you start with a Sidey and lose everything, as you would have an universe full of Sideys and Eagles, basically you would keep your credits (maybe even stored ships) for the next life making the loss sting a lot, but not be totally crippling. (most variations on this theme would also be fine with me; ie have insurance but no default 200k/600k coverage at minimum, have insurance which is a lot more expensive and so on).

Oh, ok. I didn't think of that. I always thought of it as requiring a re-roll. I move to refer to your version as "Draxxen" mode. ;)
 
It has been posted twice now already, but the whole Titan Black contest debunks a lot of hubris that has been flung about in this thread. It is evident FDev are putting their money into Open play and going to very clear lengths of limiting the new contest to Open play, so the contest is actually CHALLENGING.
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They are also advocating and encouraging players to BLOCKADE the destination system, to pirate the cargo and claim the prize for themselves.
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Every single post by players STATING (as fact) that player run Blockades were never intended or accepted as legitimate content... every single post by players STATING (as fact) that multiplayer and Open are just afterthoughts and add-ons to an otherwise PVE centered game has now been DEBUNKED as CONJECTURE by FDev themselves.
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Maybe now we can move on with this discussion, and discuss making things EQUAL between modes instead of dismissing legitimate player concerns as not necessary in a PVE game, selfish or whatever other empty arguments I choose to not remember, that pollute this thread.
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Lets move on now and make some progress, shall we?
 

Javert

Volunteer Moderator
It has been posted twice now already, but the whole Titan Black contest debunks a lot of hubris that has been flung about in this thread. It is evident FDev are putting their money into Open play and going to very clear lengths of limiting the new contest to Open play, so the contest is actually CHALLENGING.
.
They are also advocating and encouraging players to BLOCKADE the destination system, to pirate the cargo and claim the prize for themselves.
.
Every single post by players STATING (as fact) that player run Blockades were never intended or accepted as legitimate content... every single post by players STATING (as fact) that multiplayer and Open are just afterthoughts and add-ons to an otherwise PVE centered game has now been DEBUNKED as CONJECTURE by FDev themselves.
.
Maybe now we can move on with this discussion, and discuss making things EQUAL between modes instead of dismissing legitimate player concerns as not necessary in a PVE game, selfish or whatever other empty arguments I choose to not remember, that pollute this thread.
.
Lets move on now and make some progress, shall we?

This is the same thing they did with race to Elite. Precedent is already set for this as the contest is to win a prize outside of the game. I'm not sure you can then claim that this means that FD completely support your position. In fact, Sandro specfiically stated that he was open to discussion on this. He certainly didn't say that he was convinced already.
 
It has been posted twice now already, but the whole Titan Black contest debunks a lot of hubris that has been flung about in this thread. It is evident FDev are putting their money into Open play and going to very clear lengths of limiting the new contest to Open play, so the contest is actually CHALLENGING.
.
They are also advocating and encouraging players to BLOCKADE the destination system, to pirate the cargo and claim the prize for themselves.
.
Every single post by players STATING (as fact) that player run Blockades were never intended or accepted as legitimate content... every single post by players STATING (as fact) that multiplayer and Open are just afterthoughts and add-ons to an otherwise PVE centered game has now been DEBUNKED as CONJECTURE by FDev themselves.
.
Maybe now we can move on with this discussion, and discuss making things EQUAL between modes instead of dismissing legitimate player concerns as not necessary in a PVE game, selfish or whatever other empty arguments I choose to not remember, that pollute this thread.
.
Lets move on now and make some progress, shall we?
What? Talk about twisting facts to fit your own agenda. Having competitions in open means nowt... And for the record I am fine with that. I am not I interested in the competition so bwill continue to choose what ever mode I fancy. No harm no foul.

DB STATING that players being able to change modes thus dodging player blockades being part of the design.... That means far more imo and that came from the horse mouth. If me providing the relavent quote would make you accept it I would try and find it but even if I did am sure you would come up with a reason why he did not mean it.... So what would be the point?

The whole point is those who WANT to play in all and run the blokade can... And those who do not want to do not have to... Simples
 
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This is the same thing they did with race to Elite. Precedent is already set for this as the contest is to win a prize outside of the game. I'm not sure you can then claim that this means that FD completely support your position. In fact, Sandro specfiically stated that he was open to discussion on this. He certainly didn't say that he was convinced already.

Correct. But there are 2 things to consider.

First, Sandro specifically stated that he was open to discussion, which is a drastic change form before (go back to the OP and read how the dev quotes evolve over time).

I know you said that solo/group and open will always use the same universe, can you also say that there will be no specific perks in playing in one mode over another? i.e bigger profit from trading in open or bigger bounties?
None are planned at the moment.

Vs.

Fundamentally, Community goals are about Commanders working together, in concert or in opposition. It does not seem completely unreasonable that for such elements we might encourage direct interaction more.

No, definitely not. Play your own way they said. Well if they punish me for playing my own way then I'll be very irritated. Why should I have to do twice as much to qualify for goal awards just because I choose not to expose myself to being mugged by Johnny McPewPew for my lunch money.

Seriously Sandro. Stop considering this. Very many of your players choose to play in solo and in groups. You'll be upsetting a very large section of the player base.

Possibly I could attempt a counter that suggests at the moment it is unfair against open play mode - you have more risks and challenges but only get the same rewards.


Second, consider how the phrasing of the contests has changed over time:

Race to Elite:
Entrants must start from a fresh save on the release version of Elite: Dangerous, starting with the Sidewinder and 1,000 CR, and use ‘Open Play’ multiplayer mode only.

Titan Black:
Crucially, the entire objective, from collection to sale of the canisters MUST happen in Open Play. That means the collection must be made in Open Play, the journey to Godel Ring must be made in Open Play, and the sale must be made in Open Play.

Their emphasis, not mine.

I know I may be reading too much into this, but I think the tides are changing.
 
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It has been posted twice now already, but the whole Titan Black contest debunks a lot of hubris that has been flung about in this thread. It is evident FDev are putting their money into Open play and going to very clear lengths of limiting the new contest to Open play, so the contest is actually CHALLENGING.
.
They are also advocating and encouraging players to BLOCKADE the destination system, to pirate the cargo and claim the prize for themselves.
.
Every single post by players STATING (as fact) that player run Blockades were never intended or accepted as legitimate content... every single post by players STATING (as fact) that multiplayer and Open are just afterthoughts and add-ons to an otherwise PVE centered game has now been DEBUNKED as CONJECTURE by FDev themselves.
.
Maybe now we can move on with this discussion, and discuss making things EQUAL between modes instead of dismissing legitimate player concerns as not necessary in a PVE game, selfish or whatever other empty arguments I choose to not remember, that pollute this thread.
.
Lets move on now and make some progress, shall we?

I don't think people are saying blockades are illegitimate DB has mentioned them himself many times.

It's more a case of them being very difficult to enforce due to the way the game works.

Looking forward to the bunfight at Godel or whatever it's called..
 
It has been posted twice now already, but the whole Titan Black contest debunks a lot of hubris that has been flung about in this thread. It is evident FDev are putting their money into Open play and going to very clear lengths of limiting the new contest to Open play, so the contest is actually CHALLENGING.
.
They are also advocating and encouraging players to BLOCKADE the destination system, to pirate the cargo and claim the prize for themselves.
.
Every single post by players STATING (as fact) that player run Blockades were never intended or accepted as legitimate content... every single post by players STATING (as fact) that multiplayer and Open are just afterthoughts and add-ons to an otherwise PVE centered game has now been DEBUNKED as CONJECTURE by FDev themselves.
.
Maybe now we can move on with this discussion, and discuss making things EQUAL between modes instead of dismissing legitimate player concerns as not necessary in a PVE game, selfish or whatever other empty arguments I choose to not remember, that pollute this thread.
.
Lets move on now and make some progress, shall we?

I would say it's FD's attempt at promoting an empty Open mode. I would view this as a way to encourage use of the underused Open mode. They can't change the balance between the modes, but they can incentivize it through 'Race to Elite' and the giveaway. It is used to highlight a neglected aspect of the game. In retail it's called a 'loss leader'.
 
What? Talk about twisting facts to fit your own agenda. Having competitions in open means nowt... And for the record I am fine with that. I am not I interested in the competition so bwill continue to choose what ever mode I fancy. No harm no foul.

DB STATING that players being able to change modes thus dodging player blockades being part of the design.... That means far more imo and that came from the horse mouth. If me providing the relavent quote would make you accept it I would try and find it but even if I did am sure you would come up with a reason why he did not mean it.... So what would be the point?

Twisting facts... lol. Pot, meet kettle (not you personally unless you're part of the "nothing needs to change" crowd). I've seen the DDA selectively quoted and thrown into debate as irrefutable and unchangeable "fact" enough that my using this contest to do the same is sweet sweet irony.
 
From today's newsletter. Yet another Step in the right direction.

"Crucially, the entire objective, from collection to sale of the canisters MUST happen in Open Play. That means the collection must be made in Open Play, the journey to Godel Ring must be made in Open Play, and the sale must be made in Open Play.

Remember: you don't have to BUY the canister, only retrieve and SELL the canister. And so the question is: will you go hunting across the galaxy for the one starport selling Titan Blacks? Or will you blockade Godel Ring and lie in wait?"
 
I would say it's FD's attempt at promoting an empty Open mode. I would view this as a way to encourage use of the underused Open mode. They can't change the balance between the modes, but they can incentivize it through 'Race to Elite' and the giveaway. It is used to highlight a neglected aspect of the game. In retail it's called a 'loss leader'.

More conjecture. I've played in Open since Beta. I'm not even in the "dangerous systems" and I regularly see other CMDR's at stations and in Supercruise. I don't know what "Open" mode you're talking about, but it's definitely not empty.
 
More conjecture. I've played in Open since Beta. I'm not even in the "dangerous systems" and I regularly see other CMDR's at stations and in Supercruise. I don't know what "Open" mode you're talking about, but it's definitely not empty.

It's the same kind of conjecture that points to one off promotions as a sign that FD considers Open more important than Solo/Group. I see the promotions as a way to attract more people to the lower population mode. It cuts both ways.
 
Having competitions like this to encourage Open mode participation and bunfights out in the open is great. In fact, if that's the way FDev are going with the modes, then I'm happy with that. If it gets players in to the open and seeing how harmless it is outside the few griefer systems, the more dues to them. It the choice that matters.

But when it comes down to the game-play itself and how the game works - if they write off a whole heap of players on the basis of a handful of foot-stamping PvP advocates - that's a whole different kettle of fish. A player in Solo should not be *worth* less than someone playing in Open, and vice-versa. Influence on events should not be based on another player's perceived view of risk.
 
Twisting facts... lol. Pot, meet kettle (not you personally unless you're part of the "nothing needs to change" crowd). I've seen the DDA selectively quoted and thrown into debate as irrefutable and unchangeable "fact" enough that my using this contest to do the same is sweet sweet irony.

Yeah obviously there are a lot of different facets in this thread from different people and of course we all have a slight selective bias it is after all human nature.

I can only speak for myself and not anyone else. Personally I am fine with competitions in all, and I agree that something needs to change in combat zones in all because 16 people all on the same team with no one to shoot is not great for anyone..... But IMO this tirade trying to stop players from playing in solo or for ever be barred from MP has to stop or wose still demanding dropping solo all togetber .........As does crying carebear for those who have no interest in PvP.

This is not aimed at you BTW.
 
It's the same kind of conjecture that points to one off promotions as a sign that FD considers Open more important than Solo/Group. I see the promotions as a way to attract more people to the lower population mode. It cuts both ways.

I'd like to see actual numbers. I'm not saying Solo is not the most populous mode, but with 400k copies sold (heard this, not stating it as fact) and a PVE group like Mobius only sitting at around 5-6k members (again, heard, not stating as fact), there remains A LOT of room for reality to be quite different than individual player perceptions (like mine and yours).
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Until there are actual numbers, then any discussion based on the merit of "the most populous mode" is conjecture and achieves nothing in these discussions.
 
It's the same kind of conjecture that points to one off promotions as a sign that FD considers Open more important than Solo/Group. I see the promotions as a way to attract more people to the lower population mode. It cuts both ways.

Except it doesn't. The reason FD wants promotional stuff to take place in Open only is because only Open is completely true to the spirit of the game, not to mention fair, for all players involved. If they allowed any mode to be used, who do you think would have an easier time? A solo player causally docking at Godel Ring like usual, or an Open player having to wade through a pirate blockade?
 
There's a big difference between official competitiona with big RL prizes and standard in game events such as Lugh whose outcome has no real meaning.
 
DB STATING that players being able to change modes thus dodging player blockades being part of the design.... That means far more imo and that came from the horse mouth.

Hate to bring this up again, but DB once also said that you would be able to play this game offline.

Things get said all the time. It's what they do that matters. And what they do is clearly moving into making Open Play the main selling point of the game. Other modes are a convenience, not a necessity.

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There's a big difference between official competitiona with big RL prizes and standard in game events such as Lugh whose outcome has no real meaning.

The only difference is that the stakes are higher, which illustrates the need for fairness in a stronger light. Just because you lower the stakes doesn't mean you also lower the need for fairness.
 
Hate to bring this up again, but DB once also said that you would be able to play this game offline.

Things get said all the time. It's what they do that matters. And what they do is clearly moving into making Open Play the main selling point of the game. Other modes are a convenience, not a necessity.

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The only difference is that the stakes are higher, which illustrates the need for fairness in a stronger light. Just because you lower the stakes doesn't mean you also lower the need for fairness.

Obviously FD thinks they are a necessity to capture the huge PVE market.
 
If you believe what FD said... And if you don't then this even more pointless....

But if you believe them they did not want to drop offline but it simply did not work from a technical POV.

Clearly mode swapping does work because it is working. Maybe it needs some tweaks but IMO it is, and needs to be, here to stay.
 
As I mentioned in the competition thread there's technically one mode to ED and solo and group are there for players to self police the amount of perceived griefing they encounter (Sandro's words not mine, Robert Maynard the mod posted the quote a few pages back).

Whilst FD might have had the best of intentions for pvp to be a rare and meaningful occurrence they made the mistake many developers have done over the years and not factored human nature in to the equation.

The problem has been the labelling of group, solo and open as modes as it gives the impression that they are actual different modes of game play rather than the way to set a pvp flag.

The other problem is you have essentially two entirely different communities wanting to play with completely different values that are anathema to each other as seen in this thread. The problems aren't pvp vs pve it's all down to FD's labelling and lack of communication on how the game is supposed to work, well that and the awful punishment mechanics for player killing.

As usual I doubt anyone will read or comment on this as it's more fun to argue and beat a dead horse :D
 
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