News Elite Dangerous - 2.4 and beyond

[CMDR Rusty Dog]

- So no mention of mission system bugs (highlighted by the abuse of Quince) being fixed or even looked at. The fix is easy when you determine what mission types can or can't be stacked. Fix so that you HAVE to take your passenger to the beacon they asked you to in order to complete the mission.

- 2.4 Will likely be Thargoids

- No detailed thoughts towards deepening the core gameplay ? THIS is what needs addressing and soon. Bolting on new features won't fix the game. It just makes the 'mile long' get even longer while the 'inch deep' remains. Can Anarchy systems be made to be anarchic ? Dangerous to be in perhaps ? Various NPC ships with engineered weapons, shields and hulls.

- Forget the proposed 'karma' system, it's way too hand-holding. A proper crime & punishment system is needed and one that's as harsh as being killed for pad loitering - just for consistencies sake. Revoking insurance re-buys was a good idea though so I'd keep that.

- Pushing forward without sorting out current game-wide issues will not be good in the long run.

- Multicrew to allow SRV usage would be handy to at some point btw.

- Equip SRV with standard issue welding laser so when in the black we can source rare/very rare materials to repair our ships hulls using the turret (don't even think about hull repair limpets. It's boring and rehashing already used game mechanics).


I'm at an all time low with Elite atm and the failure to address core issues, turning a blind eye to Quince along with the lack of depth overall is contributing to this. I know I'm very much not alone.
My YT channel is the ONLY thing pushing me on with this game atm but soon even that won't be enough.

 

[Lhynn]

Season 3 hasnt been mentioned either. Or if there will even be a season 3. I think, we dont know what the updates are or if they will have any cost. Theorize all you want, it wont get you anywhere. But do remember all the free updates t core mechanics we have now, and the cosmetic store. Frontier have no shortages of revenue between that, the base game and season 2. Thier biggest problem right now is how the community views the game. Charging for updates to the core game peopel are complaining about will only further damage that view. No one is going to be buying a 3rd $45 set of expansions for a game no one plays. So no, they most defiently do not have to charge for the next core game updates as that will likely lose them money. Its not like those updates arent already underway anyways. Do you really think the only things devs work on is the new feature for each update? Its already confirmed many new features are underway, why would core feature updates be underway?

You know, consumers do have the option of simply not paying for something and then not having it? It's a choice m8.

What you both say is nonsense. Of course there will be a Season 3, Horizons was the Season 2 and it was planned to include 4 patches - 2.1, 2.2, 2.3 & 2.4. So once 2.4 is released, the next patch will be patch 3.0, everybody knew that since 2015. That's for one.

Two, of course it will be a paid DLC. Development takes time and time is money. And since Elite is no monthly-subscription based MMO, Frontier will need to get money from somewhere. Currently it comes from ship kits, skins & bubbleheads, but don't worry that when 3.0 rolls out, it will have a full €30 or even €45 price tag. "No one is going to be buying a 3rd $45 set of expansions for a game no one plays"? Are you really sure? Let me remind you what happened with Horizons: those who didn't want to/couldn't afford to buy it could still play the base game. Fine. However, with every knew update more and more features were added to Horizons which people not having it were locked away from. One blatant example is the Engineers, which are 100% inaccessible since they require planetary landing. So, can you play the base game and choose not to buy Horizons ever? Sure, dude. But then you purposedly lock yourself away from almost half the game. Which indeed leads to the only valid conclusion that yes, you're indeed being FORCED to buy any new season. Frontier even stated at some point they were aware of the issue of splitting the community between Horizon & non-Horizon owners and planned to make Horizons the base version to make everyone equal. So, believing Season 3 will be free is hilarious; of course it won't.

Now, to get things straight - can you blame Frontier for that? No, for sure. They are people and need to eat too. What some people here wanted to (clumsily) point out is the slightly disappointing fact that the changes to core gameplay announced didn't come earlier, possibly even BEFORE Horizons, so that we'll have now to wait for Season 3 and pay another God knows how expensive DLC to see fixed stuff that certainly should have been fixed 2 years ago. But what's been done is past now so, despite of the fact this announcement brought nothing concrete nor really new on the table, we'll have to wait & see what comes next. And stating core gameplay will be fixed acknowledges the fact that a great part of it is broken, which is already a bold move in the right direction, so we can probably give Frontier the benefit of doubt on their good will to make finally things right, and hope they won't break too many other stuff along the way.

 

[Sandmann]

Core gameplay? Sounds like a C+P system.

Unfortunately Zac's comment is (as usual) frustratingly vague and can be taken to mean anything an individual reader wants it to mean... from a c&p system to the seperation/removal of solo/group... because we all think our favourite but of the game is a "core feature" and "under-developed". A little more clarity from Zac et all would be appreciated, but is unlikely to be forthcoming.

 

[Ambivalent Squirrel]

interesting times

 

[verminstar]

Logged in fer my daily check with the feeling of general gloom that one is wasting ones time again and one should just stop coming here at all.

Read the news update...Im intrigued again. Not enough to start playing again but enough to keep me checking in and when it happens, we shall see. Im way too skeptical to just accept it at face value, I need to actually see it happen before I believe it.

But I am more intrigued leaving than what I was checking in so Ill be checking in again...happy days all around if its genuine though ^

 

[Drelthar]

My word.... I never thought I would see those words from a Dev.

The next update will be "Focussing on core gameplay"

I'm.... I mean... I might actually get to play the game I so dearly want to again. This is such immense news. I really didn't think this was going to happen.

Thanks.

 

[sorcer3r]

A dev diary about these core improvements would be nice. If it is not about new features and just improvements it does not need the PR secrecy of new features.

 

[Patrick_68000]

That's another thing I forget too.

I also remember telling myself at PB, "Enjoy the ride". Sometimes I need to take a step back, relax, and remind myself that ED has a lot of potential.

I think that David needs to see Elite crossing the generations, since 1984

 

[Kasero]

See! This is what people want!
I mean really there's not a ton of info there BUT, you guys gave us something. I'm personally not asking for a development road map but a bit of insight to what's on the agenda, things you guys are addressing or things that are actively being looked into is exciting.

It wouldn't be a bad idea to do stuff like this a little more often.

The player base feels at ease and getting the devs some interaction with the community has to be healthy. People really appreciate what is getting done.
The crew I fly with on the norm has a combined 25,000 HOURS of game time, and that's not even taking everyone into consideration.

You guys have fiercely loyal fans and players. Work with us just a little bit.

This is exactly what I am thinking.
Good communication goes a long way, even if there is no detailed roadmap.
Thanks FDevs.

 

[Runis]

TBH i would be more impressed with a more prompt response with patches towards the broken things and exploits (heat cannons, Quince etc) than anything else.

Kilometric patches are not impressing if they come once every few months.

Playing a broken game is not appealing, either that we do combat, powerplay or anything else. Many of us are rarely playing because those broken things.

Focusing on core gameplay is the way to go, good choice, but it might be too late if you take forever to fix the game.

 

[Alec Turner]

 

[Vingtetun]

- So no mention of mission system bugs (highlighted by the abuse of Quince) being fixed or even looked at. The fix is easy when you determine what mission types can or can't be stacked. Fix so that you HAVE to take your passenger to the beacon they asked you to in order to complete the mission.

- 2.4 Will likely be Thargoids

- No thought towards deepening the core gameplay ? THIS is what needs addressing and soon. Bolting on new features won't fix the game. It just makes the 'mile long' get even longer while the 'inch deep' remains. Can Anarchy systems be made to be anarchic ? Dangerous to be in perhaps ? Various NPC ships with engineered weapons, shields and hulls.

- Forget the proposed 'karma' system, it's way too hand-holding. A proper crime & punishment system is needed and one that's as harsh as being killed for pad loitering - just for consistencies sake. Revoking insurance re-buys was a good idea though so I'd keep that.

- Pushing forward without sorting out current game-wide issues will not be good in the long run.

- Multicrew to allow SRV usage would be handy to at some point btw.

- Equip SRV with standard issue welding laser so when in the black we can source rare/very rare materials to repair our ships hulls using the turret (don't even think about hull repair limpets. It's boring and rehashing already used game mechanics).


I'm at an all time low with Elite atm and the failure to address core issues, turning a blind eye to Quince along with the lack of depth overall is contributing to this. I know I'm very much not alone.
My YT channel is the ONLY thing pushing me on with this game atm but soon even that won't be enough.

um - did you read the same thing that I read? - QoL and core fixes are EXACTLY what he said....

 

[Lhynn]

Unfortunately Zac's comment is (as usual) frustratingly vague and can be taken to mean anything an individual reader wants it to mean... from a c&p system to the seperation/removal of solo/group... because we all think our favourite but of the game is a "core feature" and "under-developed". A little more clarity from Zac et all would be appreciated, but is unlikely to be forthcoming.

Don't ever expect a dev - be it here at Frontier or elsewhere - announce anything concrete unless the update is only a few days away from release. Devs generally hate to promise stuff they are not sure to deliver upon, and they don't want their community to bash them for that. That's why they only post generic, utterly vague stuff just to show they are alive and give players a bone to gnaw. And if they can seize the occasion to build a bit more hype from the fanboy part of their community, even better. But if you read any details about what will come next, you can be sure that's because the next update will be released in a couple of weeks. In the case of 2.4, that's not even granted since it will certainly have to do with Aliens and as you know, Frontier wants it to be mysterious, hence the announcement that all of the content won't be noticeable straight away. That's why I'm not sure we'll get a detailed patch log with 2.4.

Oh, and another thing - what's that crazy "seperation/removal of solo/group" you're talking about...? Are you mental?...

 

[LKx]

Unfortunately Zac's comment is (as usual) frustratingly vague and can be taken to mean anything an individual reader wants it to mean... from a c&p system to the seperation/removal of solo/group... because we all think our favourite but of the game is a "core feature" and "under-developed". A little more clarity from Zac et all would be appreciated, but is unlikely to be forthcoming.

I don't think there could be more clarity about it without a roadmap, and it's quite clear that it's too soon for that.

 

[Bunkerkind Anni]

great news

and bad news too

2.3.1 is planned for late june - really?

now i REALLY hope it will contain more then those bare multicrew "helm" options that they had anounced weeks ago.

 

[ScarletM!4]

I for one am ridiculously excited. I haven't been here from the start, still a noob, I purchased the game in January after the beautiful missus got sick and tired of my whining about my laptop (was still running vista!!) and bought me a new one.
Started playing the game, had a ridiculously steep learning curve for me, couldn't get to grips with it at all....spent a good few hours flying and docking, fell in love <3
Wish I had known about Elite since the kickstarter, I would have definitely put my money where my mouth is. I am completely obsessed.

Very much looking forward to the future, thanks @zac Antonaci for the update.
Roll on the rest of the year

 

[icon]

2.3.10


This includes the much-requested Anaconda cockpit appearance change

 

[Lhynn]

now i REALLY hope it will contain more then those bare multicrew "helm" options that they had anounced weeks ago.

Like allowing us to cumulate wings & multicrew within the limit of a 4-man squad? *HINT HINT WINK WINK*

 

[Lhynn]

2.3.10


This includes the much-requested Anaconda cockpit appearance change


http://www.reactiongifs.com/wp-content/gallery/yes/tumblr_lm11bt4OaK1qe6xr2.gif

What's that "requested change" everybody keeps talking about?? What's wrong with Conda's cockpit...?

 

[Tel Prydain]

You know, dealing with salty people by being even more crass yourself probably isn't the best strategy for changing someone's opinions.

Fair call, mate.

I saw someone proclaiming that it was a obligation and just went straight for the table-flip

My thoughts exactly. I really hope walking around our ships will be incorporated with this.

That's not a core gameplay mechanic, so unlikely. But I look forward to that day too.

- So no mention of mission system bugs

- No thought towards deepening the core gameplay ? THIS is what needs addressing and soon. Bolting on new features won't fix the game. It just makes the 'mile long' get even longer while the 'inch deep' remains. Can Anarchy systems be made to be anarchic ? Dangerous to be in perhaps ? Various NPC ships with engineered weapons, shields and hulls.
.....
I'm at a low with Elite atm and the failure to address core issues, turning a blind eye to Quince along with the lack of depth overall is contributing to this. I know I'm very much not alone.
My YT channel is the ONLY thing pushing me on with this game atm but soon even that won't be enough.

Errr... did you even read the update? It was specifically about fixing bug and deepening the core gameplay without adding new features.