NOW is the time....

[Arjin]

I think you'll find everyone wants the same thing, smoother optimised framerates, fixes, bux fixes and more updates. Even FD, I'm 100% sure. Reason why I think it's maybe best not worry too much, and demand ED fix all bugs before any new update, is because the new update can introduce new bugs (so it's buggy again!!) Not just bugs in the new feature, the old features can trip up what's new. eg. Although powerplay does (imo) need CONTENT work, I don't have a problem with FD introducing it (architecture) even on top of existing bugs, because it is (or can be) a strong feature, which kind of cuts across the game and affects galaxy map etc. Fix bugs after, it's OK by me.

I think if they didn't bring in new features, people would complain again they want more content .. I'd rather have the content and put up with a few bugs in the meantime, than no bugs and no content added. Plus, while there are a few bugs, 99% of the time, I find I can play no problem(occasional (interruption sure, but not so bad) .. BUT .. at least I'm used to the bugs! I think if there were no bugs for weeks, then new content and bugs come back .. suddenly you feel like the game has gone backwards a lot. (?)

I think this is the crux of the problem, rushing out new content without having a solid core, look what happened after 1.3 many many problems. We all love content no doubt! but the more mature gamer will understand and have patience that all good things will come as long as the base game is solid. And to re-iterate a little bit, some of these issues have been around since the early beta's that in and of itself does not bode well.

EDIT: I really hate to this say this as I don't really like bringing up other games as comparisons as they are all unique in a way but I will anyways. Just look at what happened to Star Wars Galaxies, a sad tale of a great game that could have been...Epic. Sony ruined SWG trying to make it play like a popular MMORPG that was kicking butt and taking names in market sales.. WoW, If they had left it alone and added content, and fixed all the bugs that plagued it from the start, it would have been the best Star Wars franchise game ever created.

So the morale is a solid game core, expand on that with great content that makes sense for the game, thoroughly test new content for bugs, and the gaming community will reward the business with monies, and loyalty over the life of the game.

I don't want to see Elite Dangerous...die

 

[Arjin]

I started to write a list of all the good things about exploration, but couldn't think of item no 1.

There are lots of good things about the galactic forge, and the star systems. That core infrastructure, and some of the sights you can see, is wonderful. But that's not really exploration: you need all that for trading inside the bubble. The galaxy map is great for trading, but for exploration? Apart from all the silly frustrations (not remembering settings, route planner ignores filters, route planner does not work in dense parts of the galaxy, etc., etc.) it removes all the interest and excitement in exploring. The DDA exploring proposals will be practically impossible to do without a wipe of the database of where stars are (keeping where you have been would be good, but I'm not sure they even know that, apart from things you first discovered). There is a great framework, and lots of potential but, really, what we have struggles to manage to get to the dizzy heights of 'placeholder'.

Well this is a tough one, I have given a lot of thought to your reply. So will start with some good things about exploration.

1. Imagination, exploring opens up the door to imagination more than any other profession, unlock your inner child and go for it. I know it's not for everyone and that's ok, but for those who have vivid imaginations and even some elements of roleplaying exploring the galaxy is amazing.

2. Just being out there, there is a feeling one gets when outside the inhabited bubble. It's the experience of just simply exploring the unknown. Some things we have all seen ingame a 100 times, yet they never get old...

3. We can't do it in real life, It may not be real, but the experience is real, if you get mad goosebumps, or your heart rate increases wildly when you jump into a Neutron or binary system, or even combat that is a real world experience, your body is reacting the same way it would in real life and to a point so is your mind and thus the experience is real.

I will hold off here, I don't really want to dredge up all that is broken with exploration right now, it's like beating a dead horse everyone knows what's wrong.

So there is some good for exploring, it's all in the perpective and it varies with each individual.

 

[Wicz]

I would much rather have had these issues, raised in the OP, fixed instead of.... PP...

Hear, hear!

 

[Darrett]

Generally, new content and bug fixes are done by different sections of the development team... might not be the case at FD, but I'd anticipate stopping new content development won't necessarily help speed up bug fixes.

I think content is exactly what's needed. Interconnectivity between current game modes (better missions for Powerplay, giving every role something they can do for every power), and improvements on existing game systems rather than brand new game modes is what we need.

 

[stevesideas]

I think you'll find everyone wants the same thing, smoother optimised framerates, fixes, bux fixes and more updates. Even FD, I'm 100% sure. Reason why I think it's maybe best not worry too much, and demand ED fix all bugs before any new update, is because the new update can introduce new bugs (so it's buggy again!!) Not just bugs in the new feature, the old features can trip up what's new. eg. Although powerplay does (imo) need CONTENT work, I don't have a problem with FD introducing it (architecture) even on top of existing bugs, because it is (or can be) a strong feature, which kind of cuts across the game and affects galaxy map etc. Fix bugs after, it's OK by me.

I think if they didn't bring in new features, people would complain again they want more content .. I'd rather have the content and put up with a few bugs in the meantime, than no bugs and no content added. Plus, while there are a few bugs, 99% of the time, I find I can play no problem(occasional (interruption sure, but not so bad) .. BUT .. at least I'm used to the bugs! I think if there were no bugs for weeks, then new content and bugs come back .. suddenly you feel like the game has gone backwards a lot. (?)

Are you basically saying that until FD stop releasing new updates (not game fixes) for ED we are going to be playing a game that is buggy. Sounds like we will be playing a buggy game for some years to come then !

 

[Arjin]

Generally, new content and bug fixes are done by different sections of the development team... might not be the case at FD, but I'd anticipate stopping new content development won't necessarily help speed up bug fixes.

I think content is exactly what's needed. Interconnectivity between current game modes (better missions for Powerplay, giving every role something they can do for every power), and improvements on existing game systems rather than brand new game modes is what we need.

Understood but it's a very bad practice to continue to push out new content on top of a faulty core, make the core solid then everything else from that point is easier to manage bug wise. Think of the multiple compounding issues the game is developing because of this approach.. Content flows better if the core is solid.

 

[EUS]

Agree, fix the bugs, and quit breaking basic gameplay.
It's in their best interest, especially if bringing out chargeable content.
I mean who would plunk down more money for something "new", which, from the track record, will be broken and half unplayable, with the bonus of breaking the "old" game too?
I wouldn't.
P.S. this topic has me humming 'Now' by Prince.

 

[Baggy MacDouche]

It really kind of floors me what could be going on under the hood of this game that could cause the horrible stuttering in witch space that has at least plagued me since early beta. No amount of tweaking or driver updates have done anything on my end, so I can only assume that it is ED, and I'm not the only one. Even whenever I see a line in the patch notes about increased framerates/improved stuttering/etc. I never do. If anything it seems to get worse.

My rig may not be top of the line anymore, but it is by no means a slouch. An OC'ed 4GB GTX 680/i7-3930k@4GHz/16GB RAM/SSD @1080p/60Hz, should have no problems. But whatever is going on in that witch space to cause that kind of stuttering must be some of the <insert non-forum safe excrement superlative adjective expletive here> code ever seen in a modern game.

It's just one example that gets under my skin the most, because it takes me out of the game every time I have to jump, which of course is pretty damn often. I can only assume then that this is not a universally widespread issue or they would have nipped it in the bud long before the game went live. Ha. Haha. Hahahahahahahcoughcoughchokecoughhelp...

 

[Arjin]

It really kind of floors me what could be going on under the hood of this game that could cause the horrible stuttering in witch space that has at least plagued me since early beta. No amount of tweaking or driver updates have done anything on my end, so I can only assume that it is ED, and I'm not the only one. Even whenever I see a line in the patch notes about increased framerates/improved stuttering/etc. I never do. If anything it seems to get worse.

My rig may not be top of the line anymore, but it is by no means a slouch. An OC'ed 4GB GTX 680/i7-3930k@4GHz/16GB RAM/SSD @1080p/60Hz, should have no problems. But whatever is going on in that witch space to cause that kind of stuttering must be some of the <insert non-forum safe excrement superlative adjective expletive here> code ever seen in a modern game.

It's just one example that gets under my skin the most, because it takes me out of the game every time I have to jump, which of course is pretty damn often. I can only assume then that this is not a universally widespread issue or they would have nipped it in the bud long before the game went live. Ha. Haha. Hahahahahahahcoughcoughchokecoughhelp...

I think it is more widespread than anyone is willing to let on, In the end if it is not fixed it will kill the game, because you cannot having that particular issue in a flying game period. I just hope they find the cure soon, and my definition of soon is yesterday.

 

[Khalis]

All those are true, though personally I think the fact that 3 out of 6 professions (mining, smuggling and piracy) still don't work properly (and if you say they do, compare them to bounty hunting or trading, and then come and say it with a straight face) is far more serious.

I feel like killing player ships should reward the victorious player/wing with a bounty equivalent to the destroyed player's rebuy cost, or perhaps some fraction of it. Maybe this could only be applicable to pledged players as incentive from their factions to attack enemy commanders, but there should definitely be some reward for going after the bigger fish.

 

[HipToss]

Hear, hear!

I also agree. Get the game working before pumping out additions and add-ons.

 

[Reignhardt]

+1 Yes, Please fix stuttering and every other issue the OP mentions. Whole-heartily agree with OP!

 

[Bomba Luigi]

People who work at bugfixes and people who work at new Content are not necesseraly the same, keep that in mind.

 

[Alex Merion-Turner]

People who work at bugfixes and people who work at new Content are not necesseraly the same, keep that in mind.

Indeed!

Everyone down tools!

You over there, put that Wacom pen down and stop painting that 3D model of a new station. We need you to learn C++ and come help fix this stuttering issue.

And you guys over there clustered around Sandy, could you please stop messing around with Unity and mocking up gameplay, we need you to also brush up your C++ as well as learn all about rendering pipelines and come help us with this stuttering.

Oi you people over there in the soundproofed booths, put down those synths, take those headphones off. Put that 7.1 system away. Here catch this copy of Donald Knuth.

 

[Reignhardt]

People who work at bugfixes and people who work at new Content are not necesseraly the same, keep that in mind.

Fully understood! My opinion is give the new content guys a break, and OT hours to the bug fixing, then when new content guys come back, now their job is easier because building on stable code.....

- - - Updated - - -

Indeed!

Everyone down tools!

You over there, put that Wacom pen down and stop painting that 3D model of a new station. We need to learn learn C++ and come help fix this stuttering issue.

I think we all meant new-content CODING, not art..... new content needs coding after all, i would not envy the position of coding on top of already broken code... now how do I test that my changes work accurately??? Oh wait.. i need to fix the bug and then i can see my new changes work properly.

 

[Bomba Luigi]

Fully understood! My opinion is give the new content guys a break, and OT hours to the bug fixing, then when new content guys come back, now their job is easier because building on stable code.....

So instead other people working on other stuff everybody who is not working at bug fixes needs to stop working and do nothing? How does that make sense? And will they get paycheck during this Time or not?

 

[Agony_Aunt]

All those are true, though personally I think the fact that 3 out of 6 professions (mining, smuggling and piracy) still don't work properly (and if you say they do, compare them to bounty hunting or trading, and then come and say it with a straight face) is far more serious.

I'm currently doing mining. Works really great now with the collection drones.

Sure, its not as profitable as trading or bounty hunting, but credits have never been my focus, if it was, i would have stuck to BH and trading. Instead i'm mainly an explorer, because I enjoy it.

The aim of the game is to enjoy playing it. If maximizing your credits is your only goal, then sure, stick to what you want to achieve. Personally, i'm playing the game for the long haul, not for a quick fix. I'll be a billionairre eventually, without grinding my way there.

Been playing since gamma, assets totalling 100 million. If i had been grinding, sure, i could have 10x that amount, but that way would lead to boredom and burnout for me.

There is a reason why we frequently get posts from people saying "I ground to an Anacomda via trading and now i'm bored. There is nothing to do in this game. Mile wide, inch deep. I quit.". Its because some people never move out of the shallows and experience the whole game.

Try it sometime, do different stuff. Drop into random USS. If they are easy, try some SSS. Go mining, go exploring. Do missions. Mix it up, and the game will stay fresher than just sticking to what gives best return.

And nope, Exploration works fine, although i sure would like to see some more interesting things implemented, same as for many aspects of the game.

 

[Snarfbuckle]

-Make armour functional
-Make hull modifications useful

 

[Reignhardt]

So instead other people working on other stuff everybody who is not working at bug fixes needs to stop working and do nothing? How does that make sense? And will they get paycheck during this Time or not?

So how would you code new content based on other code that is not working?
How are you going to test that?
Do you have a version of the game that is working better than what the bug fixers are?
How do you know your last line of code is compatible with the newest line of fixed code that the bug fixers are working on?

Oh i give up...

Look, can't we all agree that if code is pushed out in an orderly fashion, coding for new content is smoother and potentially more bug free?

I understand defending the Devs, I love this game, and that is why I am passionate about fixing the bugs.

This is not anti-content. This is actually pro-content, because squashing bugs helps every other aspect of coding!

--
As far as paying people... good point, but I am not getting into that ok?

I'm done...

 

[Bomba Luigi]

So how would you code new content based on other code that is not working?
How are you going to test that?
Do you have a version of the game that is working better than what the bug fixers are?
How do you know your last line of code is compatible with the newest line of fixed code that the bug fixers are working on?

Oh i give up...

Look, can't we all agree that if code is pushed out in an orderly fashion, coding for new content is smoother and potentially more bug free?

I understand defending the Devs, I love this game, and that is why I am passionate about fixing the bugs.

This is not anti-content. This is actually pro-content, because squashing bugs helps every other aspect of coding!

--
As far as paying people... good point, but I am not getting into that ok?

I'm done...

Not everything in Gamedevelopment has to do with coding, thats the main point I don't get. Why should the People responsible for desgining new ships stop working? They don't interrupt or hinder people who work at bugfixes in anyway.

Also not everything effects everything, a bug may be a problem for certain new addition but it also can be absolute none for others, bugs also may not occure on every setup. Theres a reason there are bugs Players discover the Devs never have seen. Its really not all that simple, not everybody is suited to work at bugfixes and simple tell people to not work does not make any sense. Not to mention that just putting more people on the same task may not actually change anything.

Look, better bugfixes yes there is certainly room for improvment. But "stop doing anything that is not bugfixing" is a bit silly to ask. Diffrent people are hired for diffrent tasks with individual skillsets, you can't just say everybody go do A thats not how that works.