Player Group NPC Faction Help

[ph1Lt0r]

This is sort of a last ditch effort posting here...
.
We applied for a NPC faction for our player group around Christmas. We had a few hiccups when we initially requested. I logged a new request for the faction via the google docs form. We were told it would be in month after month, and finally was told it would be going in with 2.1... and we're not in (waited till after the PP patch last night just to make sure). There were folks who came by my channel asking about player groups and requested NPC factions after we did, and they are now in game. Our members are getting very frustrated; frankly, so am I at this point. I'm really hoping someone from Frontier sees this and can either help me with a status update or a date.

 

[edgar]

I recommend you send Brett C a PM about this https://forums.frontier.co.uk/member.php?u=52

 

[Morgrhim]

I recommend you send Brett C a PM about this https://forums.frontier.co.uk/member.php?u=52

We have. And emails. And tweets.

We're not trying to be pushy. We're just continuously told that it will be in with the next update. We were told that for months, and Ph1lt0r was also sent pics of it being bundled for deployment. Then, shortly before 2.1 we were told that all player group NPC factions were on hold until after the update. Now we've had 2 PP updates without it going in since 2.1 went live. It gets a little frustrating.

 

[ph1Lt0r]

We have. And emails. And tweets.

We're not trying to be pushy. We're just continuously told that it will be in with the next update. We were told that for months, and Ph1lt0r was also sent pics of it being bundled for deployment. Then, shortly before 2.1 we were told that all player group NPC factions were on hold until after the update. Now we've had 2 PP updates without it going in since 2.1 went live. It gets a little frustrating.

That pretty much hits the nail on the head. Feels like we've been strung along for months on this.

 

[the100thmonkey]

Player factions are not "PP eligible." I don't even know what that really means.

If you're talking about becoming a Powerplay faction, you've got at least a year of work ahead of you before your faction might even be eligible, from the criteria that went into the Rise to Power program. Add to that the fact that most of the player factions don't even have the first clue about what they're doing (five of the five automatic qualifiers have solid software, some very analytical minds in the background, and a rigorous methodology behind them that few outside the groups even know exist) and the idea that just being a faction with a bit of flavour text in a system qualifies them for Powerplay is great comedy.

Stupid names are a thing. And they do mean something. Just not what those in possession of the names think.

*edit*

With reference to the OP, I do wonder what you're doing wrong. Is it because you haven't specified a home system? I've seen other groups get passed over again and again because they basically don't give the devs enough information.

 

[ph1Lt0r]

Player factions are not "PP eligible." I don't even know what that really means.

If you're talking about becoming a Powerplay faction, you've got at least a year of work ahead of you before your faction might even be eligible, from the criteria that went into the Rise to Power program. Add to that the fact that most of the player factions don't even have the first clue about what they're doing (five of the five automatic qualifiers have solid software, some very analytical minds in the background, and a rigorous methodology behind them that few outside the groups even know exist) and the idea that just being a faction with a bit of flavour text in a system qualifies them for Powerplay is great comedy.

Stupid names are a thing. And they do mean something. Just not what those in possession of the names think.

We understand everything about what it takes to be even considered for a PP faction. All Morgrhim said was it was possible. REGARDLESS, player NPC factions are a thing, we will get one, who knows how far we'll take it... we're just getting tired of waiting, and waiting. This is all this thread is about. If folks would like to discuss the validity of NPC factions and what they mean (and if the name is stupid) please create a new thread on the subject.

 

[the100thmonkey]

We understand everything about what it takes to be even considered for a PP faction. All Morgrhim said was it was possible. REGARDLESS, player NPC factions are a thing, we will get one, who knows how far we'll take it... we're just getting tired of waiting, and waiting. This is all this thread is about. If folks would like to discuss the validity of NPC factions and what they mean (and if the name is stupid) please create a new thread on the subject.

I haven't commented on the name of your particular faction.

I'd also suggest that you don't understand what it takes to be considered for Powerplay, as the criteria were ad hoc enough for The Border Coalition's individual members to individually account for three spaces out of the five automatic qualification slots before Communism Interstellar and The Winged Hussars withdrew to stop the forums getting flooded with tears. The initial criteria were basically "how many systems are they in and what's the population?" That's all. Should FD choose to do it again (there's no guarantee that they will, and they've never suggested anything beyond what they're doing now with the Dangerous Games,) no one knows, not even FD, what their criteria will be, if there even is a next time.

In short, forget Powerplay (it's rubbish, by the way, and I want no part of it,) and get on with getting your head around the BGS.

 

[ph1Lt0r]

I haven't commented on the name of your particular faction.

I'd also suggest that you don't understand what it takes to be considered for Powerplay, as the criteria were ad hoc enough for The Border Coalition's individual members to individually account for three spaces out of the five automatic qualification slots before Communism Interstellar and The Winged Hussars withdrew to stop the forums getting flooded with tears. The initial criteria were basically "how many systems are they in and what's the population?" That's all. Should FD choose to do it again (there's no guarantee that they will, and they've never suggested anything beyond what they're doing now with the Dangerous Games,) no one knows, not even FD, what their criteria will be, if there even is a next time.

The name comment was for posters above.
I don't think you understand that it was just a reference to the fact that there are possibilities with NPC factions. TBH, I wouldn't WANT it to become a PP faction because I very much dislike PP. Please read into the context of the post as it's just as important as the content.

 

[Gedemon]

This is sort of a last ditch effort posting here...
.
We applied for a NPC faction for our player group around Christmas. We had a few hiccups when we initially requested. I logged a new request for the faction via the google docs form. We were told it would be in month after month, and finally was told it would be going in with 2.1... and we're not in (waited till after the PP patch last night just to make sure). There were folks who came by my channel asking about player groups and requested NPC factions after we did, and they are now in game. Our members are getting very frustrated; frankly, so am I at this point. I'm really hoping someone from Frontier sees this and can either help me with a status update or a date.

AFAIK none of the "2.1 groups" have been added yet.

Player factions are not "PP eligible." I don't even know what that really means.

If you're talking about becoming a Powerplay faction, you've got at least a year of work ahead of you before your faction might even be eligible, from the criteria that went into the Rise to Power program. Add to that the fact that most of the player factions don't even have the first clue about what they're doing (five of the five automatic qualifiers have solid software, some very analytical minds in the background, and a rigorous methodology behind them that few outside the groups even know exist) and the idea that just being a faction with a bit of flavour text in a system qualifies them for Powerplay is great comedy.

I think my group will never be (or want to be) "eligible" to PP, but some others may, and having to wait 6 months to be included in the game when you know that you need "a year of work" after that may not help to motivate people to join a player group...

 

[Morgrhim]

I haven't commented on the name of your particular faction.

I'd also suggest that you don't understand what it takes to be considered for Powerplay, as the criteria were ad hoc enough for The Border Coalition's individual members to individually account for three spaces out of the five automatic qualification slots before Communism Interstellar and The Winged Hussars withdrew to stop the forums getting flooded with tears. The initial criteria were basically "how many systems are they in and what's the population?" That's all. Should FD choose to do it again (there's no guarantee that they will, and they've never suggested anything beyond what they're doing now with the Dangerous Games,) no one knows, not even FD, what their criteria will be, if there even is a next time.

In short, forget Powerplay (it's rubbish, by the way, and I want no part of it,) and get on with getting your head around the BGS.

I have my head around the BGS. And, regardless of your personal feelings on PP, with the introduction of the Dangerous Games player factions ARE PP eligible. Is it going to take time? Yes. Is it going to be easy? No. We understand this. Doesn't change the fact that:

A) A player faction will soon be a PP faction.
B) The current Dangerous Games have wildcard slots with goals our faction could meet were our NPC faction in the game.
C) The devs have already stated that the Player faction PP slots will be expanded over time.
D) If a player group can't keep it's faction sustainable in PP it will collapse, leaving a void for other player factions.


You may not care about PP. I'm not saying we necessarily do at the current time. The fact is, it's now a thing. Whether we as a group choose to go that route or not is currently irrelevant. We would need our NPC faction in game to even consider it.

 

[the100thmonkey]

cool man, cool
I don't think you understand that it was just a reference to the fact that there are possibilities with NPC factions. TBH, I wouldn't WANT it to become a PP faction because I very much dislike PP. Please read into the context of the post as it's just as important as the content.

There are possibilities for NPC factions! Yes! Unfortunately, they don't seem to mean that much unless you want to do Powerplay (which I don't.)

As I said in my first post, if FD are dragging their feet about your faction's insertion, I really do wonder why they're doing so - have you requested a definite system? Is it a high-traffic system (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand; ) is it a lore-rich system (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand; ) is it a starter system (they won't insert into those any longer, I uderstand; ) does it have a rare good (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand.)

You get the picture.

 

[Morgrhim]

AFAIK none of the "2.1 groups" have been added yet.

We have had our request in since December 2015. We've had to tweak a few things, but our original confirmation was in February if I recall. We've been waiting since then.

 

[ph1Lt0r]

There are possibilities for NPC factions! Yes! Unfortunately, they don't seem to mean that much unless you want to do Powerplay (which I don't.)

As I said in my first post, if FD are dragging their feet about your faction's insertion, I really do wonder why they're doing so - have you requested a definite system? Is it a high-traffic system (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand; ) is it a lore-rich system (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand; ) is it a starter system (they won't insert into those any longer, I uderstand; ) does it have a rare good (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand.)

You get the picture.

I get what you're putting down now.

Thankfully we don't have any of those issues with our system. It's a fairly backwater area with the only traffic generally being created by the player group members who have moved out there. The only real rare thing we have is we have great mining available to us in all flavors of belts.

PS. Sorry if I was getting a bit snarky. It's been a frustrating process!

 

[Morgrhim]

There are possibilities for NPC factions! Yes! Unfortunately, they don't seem to mean that much unless you want to do Powerplay (which I don't.)

As I said in my first post, if FD are dragging their feet about your faction's insertion, I really do wonder why they're doing so - have you requested a definite system? Is it a high-traffic system (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand; ) is it a lore-rich system (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand; ) is it a starter system (they won't insert into those any longer, I uderstand; ) does it have a rare good (they won't insert into those any longer, I understand.)

You get the picture.

The frustration is because we have been told numerous times that our faction is ready for insertion. We have chosen a low traffic, non-lore, no-name system on the edge of the bubble. There is literally nothing there that should interest anyone. the only traffic change has been from members of our group being in the system prepping the current factions for an easier takeover once ours is in.

 

[the100thmonkey]

I think my group will never be (or want to be) "eligible" to PP, but some others may, and having to wait 6 months to be included in the game when you know that you need "a year of work" after that may not help to motivate people to join a player group...

This is my point - what is it about some groups that means they don't get added at all, while some others get added only weeks after they apply?

There are either hidden criteria (in which case FD need to be told "BOOOOOO!") or the groups aren't meeting criteria that are known (even if the devs haven't stated them in a clear and forthcoming manner, in which case "BOOOOOOO!")

The whole shebang with player factions is an absolute mess, which is a testament to just how much FD don't really want them at all.

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I get what you're putting down now.

Thankfully we don't have any of those issues with our system. It's a fairly backwater area with the only traffic generally being created by the player group members who have moved out there. The only real rare thing we have is we have great mining available to us in all flavors of belts.

PS. Sorry if I was getting a bit snarky. It's been a frustrating process!

No worries - I can get a bit snarky myself, especially when it comes to player factions, as the whole thing is just amateurish on FD's part! You either do it, and go balls-in, or you say no to it, and have people adopt factions. The chimaera that FD have slapped together is a total bodge, and its implementation leaves so much to be desired.

I think it's like one person handling it, and they don't have the privileges to actually do anything themselves, so they have to pass the actual insertion off to a dev who would rather be working on weapons development. That's what it feels like at least.

 

[Don Alvarez]

This is my point - what is it about some groups that means they don't get added at all, while some others get added only weeks after they apply?

There are either hidden criteria (in which case FD need to be told "BOOOOOO!") or the groups aren't meeting criteria that are known (even if the devs haven't stated them in a clear and forthcoming manner, in which case "BOOOOOOO!")

The whole shebang with player factions is an absolute mess, which is a testament to just how much FD don't really want them at all.

My own faction's inclusion speaks to the fact that there is little criteria at all, but then we were a batch one faction when there wasn't that many submissions. Word spread, and I'm sure there are a lot more submissions now. Perhaps the criteria is different now.

I think what it is testament to is just the fact its still a highly manual process of unknown priority, which needs better management and submission tools. Speaking of which, as monkey suggests perhaps there was some missing info from the submission. Check out the new submission form if you haven't already (https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=241826), and make sure you've provided all the information that's on it. Aside from that, try PM'ing Zac or BrettC, or sending an email to the groups mailbox (groups@elitedangerous.com). That has worked for me in the past. As Andy Duphresne said, they can't ignore you forever.

 

[Gedemon]

This is my point - what is it about some groups that means they don't get added at all, while some others get added only weeks after they apply?

There are either hidden criteria (in which case FD need to be told "BOOOOOO!") or the groups aren't meeting criteria that are known (even if the devs haven't stated them in a clear and forthcoming manner, in which case "BOOOOOOO!")

The whole shebang with player factions is an absolute mess, which is a testament to just how much FD don't really want them at all.

I think there are inclusion batch every 2 months approximately, I can use my group as an example of the process:

- register a faction mid-January
- been told almost immediately (good) that all the data is correct, except the system because it was already reserved by another player faction (Arjung)
- choose another system and submit it at the end of January
- learn that the rules of inclusion have just changed: we must chose a system aligned with the same major faction than ours (we thought that we had to win the system after inclusion, but no, FD immediately give the system to the included faction, hence the new rule)
- miss a faction inclusion batch (February IIRC)
- work the BGS to make the system switch to the same major faction as our by supporting an in game minor faction.
- win the system, contact FD to report that we're ready to inclusion
- miss a second faction inclusion batch, April IIRC (I suppose because FD had checked the system before our victory, or have read our report after the batch, but it's hard to say as there was no communication on that)
- still waiting for inclusion today, we've just won another war to prevent the system to revert to a different major faction, meaning we're working since 4 months to a faction that is not yours just to reserve the system we have requested.

 

[Privata]

Its a shame , your faction sounds cool.
''Privateer alliance''

And yet they let silly factions in that use terms that remind you its a game or even go out of there way to be silly. (like woreshiping food)
I love the EG community but , why are they able to keep that name in game? how is that immersive... what next ''elite dangerous wiki corporation''

Okay its not as bad as EVE were every corp's main goal is to ruin the lore and make battleships called ''bob'' but I dont want to see elite go down that road.
Elite is a dark gritty universe , not a silly one (beyond a few of the stupid system descriptions from older games but they were kept out of sight in those ones)