Thoughts of a lurker.

[Gilgamesh]

Small disclaimer - I have not played the game and this is all my opinion.

So with the above being said the question becomes why am I posting. I post out of pure selfish intent. I want the game to grow. "But You haven't played the game" Indeed I have not. But let me hold your focus for a moment.

I am a game career mmoer. I thrive off competition and having the "shiny". So for this I am drawn to mmos. Now my mmo of choice is sci fi. But let's be honest sci fi mmos do not seem to thrive well. Excluding the holy grail, EvE. So for this I support all growing sci fi mmos.

Now to the point, I lurk this forum nightly reading the posts and keeping up with news. My first thought is I love the community here. Very mature, dramatic at times, but mature. I have no negative thoughts on the community. My negative thoughts come from people opposing plug and play qualities. While CQC is to it's very base a matching system it is a step in the right direction. As well as pulling in console market since there is a drought for game of this context on console. However CQC must Never become a staple for open space combat. That may hurt more then help.

My second thought is while I see how vast the world is I see from information that it's vastness has no real purpose outside of recently introduced PP. Which I full support. May I recommend maybe having triggered events that would cause to explore your massive world?

My third thought, the shop is brilliant. Cosmetics sell. Just a fact of life. You can even have gamble boxes to help stimulating revenue. I support this direction it's slippery though make sure not to venture in to F2P. However I believe you will need more. May be its time to work in some form of a sub bonus. Before in lynched hear me out. This game is by itself right now. Its traveling a unique path in the form it's a more plug and play friendly sci fi piloting simulation. It needs to dip it's toe in many ideas before becoming solidified. So I'm just suggesting it as a thought. It doesn't have to be ground breaking sub bonus, simply convenient.


My last thought, may I suggest looking in to forcing more direct player interaction. I feel as though even in open mode your players do not clash enough. PP helps this of course I'm simply saying keep on this. Solo games do not last. Swtor is barely alive. ESO is gambling on console and cash shop sells. Multiplayer content is the life juice of games.

Anyway just the rambling of a lurker. My resume to make such comments are 10+ years of EvE. 16+ in mmos just in General. Twitch stream of 20k and up. But none of that matters. Maul over what I said. Best of luck. I might join in the fun if PvP gets more intense.

 

[Indy Original]

I don't own the game either, but I've still followed the game's development and even posted on these forums from time to time... I've even helped a few new players get started, despite never having even played it myself! And with your experience of MMOs, you probably have more right to post here than I have, so you should not be afraid to speak your mind...

Having said that, the reason this thread has not had many replies is probably because everyone agrees with most of the points you have made, and there is nothing more to be said. The idea of a sub bonus is pretty controversial, and I think that David Braben himself has said in the past that they are dead against any Pay-to-Win shenanigans - but apart from that, I think we are all on the same page. Well, as a lurker, you already know.

As for triggered events, and forcing more direct player interaction, I think that was the idea behind Community Goals - but yes, something more is needed if the game is to grow. I'll be watching the way things develop myself, because I would like to play Elite Dangerous one day... but for now, I'm happy to play the waiting game.

 

[Psycho Romeo]

My last thought, may I suggest looking in to forcing more direct player interaction. I feel as though even in open mode your players do not clash enough. PP helps this of course I'm simply saying keep on this. Solo games do not last. Swtor is barely alive. ESO is gambling on console and cash shop sells. Multiplayer content is the life juice of games.

Seriously. Personally I feel it hardly holds on to its MMO tag from all the instancing and segregation. That first M stands for Massively. That means everyone, together, same place, same time, in a persistent setting. Is dark/demon souls multiplayer an MMO? Because ED is not far from that at all.

 

[Colonel North]

I don't own the game either...

Having said that, the reason this thread has not had many replies is probably because everyone agrees with most of the points you have made, and there is nothing more to be said.

Alright, I've tried not to, but I'll bite.

The reason this thread has not had many replies is probably not because everyone agrees, (I disagreed with most points) but unlike me most of the others on this forum are not daft enough to respond to posts by two muppets who don't even play the game.

 

[Stigbob]

The problem with basing your opinions on others forum posts and Dev newsletters rather than playing the game and deciding on your own (informed) opinion, is that you'll hear from the the loudest people most often. The loudest are not necessarily right or representative of the game itself/most players.

Give the game a bash, it's easily the best game I've played in years.

 

[Julissa Silver]

may I suggest looking in to forcing more direct player interaction.

I think the word you were looking for there was "Offering". Trying to force a mature user base (and let's be honest with ourselves, it's quite likely that this game has an older, generally more mature user base than your average video game) into patterns of behavior, or into doing things it does not want to do, is a recipe for disaster. Offer things for people that want that interaction and the eager will come and, possibly shortly after, the curious will come, then the offered content becomes a valuable ongoing scenario. Forcing content only leads down a path of frustration, resentment and, eventually, uninstalling.

 

[Psycho Romeo]

I think the word you were looking for there was "Offering". Trying to force a mature user base (and let's be honest with ourselves, it's quite likely that this game has an older, generally more mature user base than your average video game) into patterns of behavior, or into doing things it does not want to do, is a recipe for disaster. Offer things for people that want that interaction and the eager will come and, possibly shortly after, the curious will come, then the offered content becomes a valuable ongoing scenario. Forcing content only leads down a path of frustration, resentment and, eventually, uninstalling.

Forcing content.... You mean how pirates and agents interdict you?

You're correct that there is a point where forcing content down the player's throat is not ideal. But far before that, there's the point where the problems you have with the 'forced' content is actually a problem with YOU (the individual), and not the game. A game should not sacrifice its identity just to please YOU (the individual). The game is a roller coaster, and if it is too much for YOU (the individual) to handle, then you shouldn't even step on in the first place.

 

[Colonel North]

Forcing content.... You mean how pirates and agents interdict you?

You're correct that there is a point where forcing content down the player's throat is not ideal. But far before that, there's the point where the problems you have with the 'forced' content is actually a problem with YOU (the individual), and not the game. A game should not sacrifice its identity just to please YOU (the individual). The game is a roller coaster, and if it is too much for YOU (the individual) to handle, then you shouldn't even step on in the first place.

One of the games plus points is allowing a lot of freedom for players to play how they want and not be 'forced' to interact if they don't want to.

The game caters for 'solo' and 'open' players who in many cases want a different experience. Generally this suits both.

However some open players think the game would be better with more players (they're probably right) but forcing 'open' play would not address this. Solo players would stop playing.

 

[Psycho Romeo]

One of the games plus points is allowing a lot of freedom for players to play how they want and not be 'forced' to interact if they don't want to.

The game caters for 'solo' and 'open' players who in many cases want a different experience. Generally this suits both.

However some open players think the game would be better with more players (they're probably right) but forcing 'open' play would not address this. Solo players would stop playing.

I for the most part agree that removing solo would result in a lot of players quitting. If you're implying what I'm saying is 'force everyone into open', you would have severely misinterpreted.

 

[GeneralIdea1964]

Alright, I've tried not to, but I'll bite.

The reason this thread has not had many replies is probably not because everyone agrees, (I disagreed with most points) but unlike me most of the others on this forum are not daft enough to respond to posts by two muppets who don't even play the game.

I'll have to double bite on this.
I think the OP has some valid points. FD and ourselves have to consider how to make the game not just survive, but also thrive.
The model FD have gone down is a dangerous one as for the most part people are not going to pay for anything they don't have to or need.
The merchandise on the store is good stuff. and I'm thinking they have probably sorted out the supply logistics now.
The paint jobs need a few more options as I feel there are only so many mugs and T-shirts one can own without looking the complete geek
I'm happy to keep away from other players except as a quick say 'Hello' when passing through the same system.
The only other player/player interaction I have is that I have a regular wingman and that adds to the game immensely.
The options for PvP are there and if you want them you can go look for them. Many are instigated and controlled by social media postings and you can join in or not.
We have a busy forum and it is (mostly) full of people with carefully considered opinions.
What other MMO games have had to build in have been created by the ED community. To an extent, FD have been following the desires and wished of it's community. The whole of the PP development has been to implement some of those suggestions, while not forcing anyone to take part.

The hard bit for this kind of game is to keep the income coming in.
Please help by buying your ship's nice shiny paint jobs and buy yourself a nice T-shirt or Mug!
I think a subscription system might be a good idea, but also think that we Kickstarter/Alpha/Beta backers might have to swallow the hit and be expected to pay a little each month along with everyone else, to keep things going.

 

[Colonel North]

I for the most part agree that removing solo would result in a lot of players quitting. If you're implying what I'm saying is 'force everyone into open', you would have severely misinterpreted.

Sorry mate, I though that was where you were going so genuine apology.

 

[Phibes]

Hi,


I would like to add theI too think this is one of the best forums I've ever seen. I have noidea what this forum is about, but that doesn't detract from myopinion.


In addition to me beingsemi-professional forum browser of 10 years, I've also helped otherpeople locate forums in the past. So with that experience under mybelt, I think I am qualified to comment here.


I think the reasonnobody has commented between the two hours the post was made, is downto bad forum design. In the 5 months I've been visiting forums, thisis one of the worst forums I've ever seen. Come on FD get real, Iexpect a reply from the developers within the next 15 seconds.Otherwise I will be forced to reply to myself, using another account.


Just in case anyone iswondering how I have so highly development sense of forum design,I've visited loads of forums, I've even made my own forum, whichpeople said was good. I have 30,0 likes for my Alien abduction videosand I've been referred to as a so called “Forum Guru”.


But that’s of noimportance and I wonder why I even mentioned it, but I think aftervisiting loads of forums, and making my own forum, which people saidwas good. And having 30,0 likes for my Alien abduction video on youtube, and being referred to as a so called “forum guru” isrelevant.


But none of that reallymatters. What really matters is I have no idea what this forums isabout, so in consequence I can offer an impartial, objective andcorrect opinion.

 

[xslam]

Hahaha. He talk about competition/zerosum/red queen in game, where 90% playes are sitting in solo.

 

[Scudmungus]

Hell no sub or any payed bonus oder than wi got already - i.e peripherals. Play not pay fah fi yuh convinience.

An Elite - di shiny gi to fi yuh self. Bigger ship not best shiny.

 

[Araviel]

i think there is a misconception about what forced content actually means in video games, and we are reacting to to harshly on the word "forced" as it sounds negative.
let me make a real world analogy - if you are walking about and keep your eyes open everything you see will be "forced content", you can choose to look another way or walk another direction but something else will always meet your eye and this is forced upon you. if you want to avoid forced content you need to close your eyes, or if its a video game - shut the game down.

when video game developers are talking about forcing you content they are actually talking more about feeding you content in a way that you have to accept in order to play the game.
and forcing you to play solo or online has nothing to do whit "content", that is simply just forcing you.

 

[Stigbob]

Hi,

I would like to add theI too think this is one of the best forums I've ever seen. I have noidea what this forum is about, but that doesn't detract from myopinion.

In addition to me beingsemi-professional forum browser of 10 years, I've also helped otherpeople locate forums in the past. So with that experience under mybelt, I think I am qualified to comment here.

I think the reasonnobody has commented between the two hours the post was made, is downto bad forum design. In the 5 months I've been visiting forums, thisis one of the worst forums I've ever seen. Come on FD get real, Iexpect a reply from the developers within the next 15 seconds.Otherwise I will be forced to reply to myself, using another account.

Just in case anyone iswondering how I have so highly development sense of forum design,I've visited loads of forums, I've even made my own forum, whichpeople said was good. I have 30,0 likes for my Alien abduction videosand I've been referred to as a so called “Forum Guru”.

But that’s of noimportance and I wonder why I even mentioned it, but I think aftervisiting loads of forums, and making my own forum, which people saidwas good. And having 30,0 likes for my Alien abduction video on youtube, and being referred to as a so called “forum guru” isrelevant.

But none of that reallymatters. What really matters is I have no idea what this forums isabout, so in consequence I can offer an impartial, objective andcorrect opinion.

Alien abduction video's are always hilarious, please post a link.

 

[Scudmungus]

An anado ting - game dev and business rep. Yes a mon can be both. Maybe better for gamers, to not encourage dem together? Game makin, de art of entertainment an money makin, de art of making money, makin bad bed fellows. Too easy to sacrifice creation fah revenue generation!

Fah de money makers it great tho! But fah gamers, dangerous road to ride.

Hey, I n I believin art be creation an expression - an good game makin be a form of art

 

[Hanatarashi]

[deleted]

 

[Cody]

Squirrels!

 

[Rauminen]

Just start playing the game mate. Would get you quite a few new subs for sure.