We seem to be getting away from the PvP/PvE antagonism on the board, which is progress. Some of the most notorious player gangs say they're moving on, while some of the best known PvP groups are embracing the BGS and even recruiting PvE players. I think this is a good thing both for our collective in game experience and for the long term viability of the game. Griefers are always going to be present in on line gaming, but one of their main shields- the pretence that they're 'just interested in PvP'- has been lost. The groups who have proven themselves to be most competent in player on player combat and most willing to embrace other game activities to support their PvP focus are thriving. At the same time player gangs insisting that the game is somehow deficient because it doesn't force every player weaker than themselves to offer themselves as a sacrifice to their 'Eve in cockpits' fantasy are getting bored, restless and considering playing something else. While losing players is never a good thing, perhaps losing a small number of the most vocal exponents of activities that many consider griefing is better than losing large numbers of players to the annoyance, frustration and aggravation that their activities invoke.
Naturally, we're going to have to find something else to moan about!
Naturally, we're going to have to find something else to moan about!
The hot topic at the moment seems to be a feeling that it's far too easy to accrue vast amounts of cash and assets. Whether it's the ongoing hate for long range smuggling, or the bizarre jealousy inexperienced pilots in end game ships are subject too, it's clear that some of us are pretty hacked off about the ease with which some players can buy and maintain the biggest, most expensive models.
It's rather revealing that the people complaining the loudest are those who also have large, expensive, end game ships... but that's a ok because they earned theirs, unlike the Johnny come latelys!
Long range smuggling will probably get nerfed next patch. I'll be sorry to see that happen, but I don't think it'll bother most of the player base much. Low to mid level/experienced Commanders don't have the trade rank or a suitable ship to properly capitalise on the game mechanism yet, while high level/experienced Commanders will just move on to whatever else is most profitable. I confidently predict that whatever that mechanism proves to be will attract the ire of the posters complaining about Robigo now.
I know why that is, but I can't claim to understand their reasoning.
There will always be a quickest and best way to grind up to and maintain an end game ship. Some new players will do exactly that as will many experienced Commanders with a need for credits- anyone seriously considering PvP being a case in point. This will upset a vocal minority who will demand that changes have to be made.
The big question is why? I don't often fly in warships, so if I meet a Commander in a Murderconda my only real hope is that they're not going to be experienced enough to overcome whatever advantage my current ship has. It's something of a relief to find the big, scary battleship is being piloted by a novice. I don't have any problem with more experienced, PvP focused players swimming in cash, either. My issue is keeping my Commander alive, not where they got their Rail-de-Lance or it's custom weapons! Either player having a big shiny doesn't bother me in the slightest- quite the reverse, I sincerely hope they're enjoying themselves as much as I am in my go fast.
I suspect that the reason so many of us have our panties in a twist is that the desire to get that big shiny toy overcame the desire to enjoy the process of getting it. Grinding away became such a habit that it's left huge piles of cash lying around with nothing to spend it on, leaving a vague feeling that something's missing.
Naturally, that's FDs fault, since they came up with the grind in the first place, right?
So they should do something to alleviate the boredom and frustration. Que lots of suggestions about strangling the money supply, timing out rebuys, grinding modules and so forth.Guys, just say no. Look at your fellow players, ask yourself why they seem very happy with the game as is and seem genuinely excited by new developments. Don't assume they're ignorant of the deep understanding of the game that you- and only you- have developed. Before you dismiss them as fanbois (or gurlz) just take note of what they're so delighted about. Consider the possibility that they, not you, might have 'got' what this game is all about. Try playing their way for a while?
If not, there's always iron man....
