Odyssey Going Forwards

[MagickFoozle]

Greetings Commanders.

With the release of Update 5 on 1st July plus a few smaller server updates since, and Update 6 currently in development, I wanted to take a moment of your time to talk about the next steps for Elite Dangerous.

We are aware and fully accept the frustration that many of our players have had with their experience of Elite Dangerous Odyssey. The community have spoken, we have heard the feedback clearly and we will act on that feedback.

As you may remember in our recent development article, the significant amount of updates and development effort that has been done to fix and improve issues since the launch of Odyssey has meant work on our console release has not progressed as quickly as we had hoped. What’s more, we can see that the strides we have made through the last five major updates are positive, but we must continue on with this progress to give the experience that you and we expect on PC.

With those things in mind, we have spent a lot of time discussing and re-evaluating our previous plans and we have made the decision to prioritise the core PC experience for Elite Dangerous. Ultimately, we believe it is right to focus our efforts on the core Elite Dangerous Odyssey experience for the platforms that we have released on, before opening up to more. We know that the work that we do to improve players’ experiences of Elite Dangerous Odyssey on PC will benefit other platforms in the future, but the dates and details of the console platforms are going to change. We do not want to rush into confirming any dates or changes this has on our console release, as we must remain fully focused on the core Elite experience. Only when we feel that the foundation of the PC release is solid, will we be able to re-lay our console roadmap on top.

Elite Dangerous Odyssey is an important step on a complicated journey, and we must get this right, before we can consider moving on to these new platforms.

So what does this actually mean for Elite Dangerous and Elite Dangerous Odyssey?

It means that we will see more game updates over the coming months. We will continue to work through Issue Tracker, fix bugs and improve performance, but we will also be able to explore and add additional features, content and improvements into the game.

We will continue to give open monthly development updates where we discuss WIP content, challenges, the issue tracker and more. We know that the previous levels of detail for the roadmap and developer update have not met expectations, but we are grateful for your patience while we shift and adjust plans, in the face of such clear feedback.

Please remember that our team here at Frontier are working hard to support the game and our community. Behind every bug fix, design decision and community post is a person who cares a lot about giving our players best possible experience. I would ask that everyone remains calm and respectful when sharing their thoughts and feedback.

We all have the same goal and we will get there, together. Please bear with us.

o7 Commanders.

Unironically galaxy brained decision to prioritise PC over console. Maybe settlements will stop eating my power regulators soon.

 

[[PS4] Filthymick420]

Again, welcome to real life.

Sucks, don't it?

I mean I would have thought you of all people, a PlayStation user, would understand how easily FD is able to say "nope" and never deliver.

Game devs are not your friends, not even if you backed a kickstarter. Seriously, I think it is downright bonkers to put money in concepts like that. But hey, what do I know? I have to be smart with how I spend my cash.

Oh trust me I'm aware. I see it everywhere in everything everyday. It kills me that no one person can ever change it because there are way too many sheep willing to allow bad business to go unpunished. They just let it happen and happily spend too much on too little or too poor quality.

This is the way.


Doesn't mean it should be.

 

[rootsrat]

FD never, ever so much as hinted at interiors for this DLC.

Actually, not true.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Odyssey: Update on VR and Ship Interiors

Greetings Commanders! We hope you enjoyed our first dev diary release and stream. It was our pleasure to bring you the latest news on Odyssey and needless to say we can't wait to share more info around further locations, missions, combat and more in further episodes over the coming months. We...

forums.frontier.co.uk

While Odyssey will see players explore a wide range of on and off world locations including station interiors, ship interiors will not be included at launch.

This has a very strong implication of ship interiors being released later, as part of Odyssey.

I know that FDEV used that phrase before (infamous PSVR) and I simply can't understand why they keep using it, if they have no intention of implementing something "after launch" - why even mention the DLC name? It's baffling.

But nevertheless, "not at launch" has an extremely strong connotation to "but maybe later". So they did "hint" about interiors being part of Odyssey.

Again, I cannot understand why they keep using that phrase if they have no intention of releasing something within the DLC they mention in this context... Unless they do?

 

[Riverside]

Actually, not true.

What reference do you have in mind? The 'not at launch' thread or something else?

ETA never mind, I see your edit

 

[rootsrat]

What reference do you have in mind? The 'not at launch' thread or something else?

Sorry, the forums went rogue on me. I have edited my post now with what I intended to put after that

 

[[VR] James Constantine]

Honestly mate, people here are too obsessed with immersion.

In fairness, that's one of the principle reasons that many people play ED over other games.

Again, I cannot understand why they keep using that phrase if they have no intention of releasing something within the DLC they mention in this context... Unless they do?

The legal definition of misleading advertising generally includes any claim that "creates a false impression about a product or service, even if the information given is correct". So while if you read that same post in the same manner as you would a legal contract, it won't actually make any firm commitment to delivering anything, however it is clear that it is designed to give the impression that it will be delivered "after launch". After anouncing that there would be no further VR development, they still attempted to add a "never say never" caveat, but at this stage they've cried wolf once too often.

I suspect this deception was ultimately the root cause for the backlash we are witnessing. Releasing a clearly unfinished, buggy mess was bad enough, but had all these features that had been implied to come in the future still been on the roadmap, I suspect, while unhappy, people would have been willing to grin and bare it and things would never have reached the level they have. No one likes to be the victim of a bait-and-switch.

If FDev were willing to make a concrete undertaking to deliver these implied features, I suspect this would diffuse the situation hugely, even if to do so would mean waiting a year or two. But I just don't think ED is a priority any more for them and I don't think they're willing to put any further significant resources into the game going forward.

 

[St0rmFury]

I suspect this deception was ultimately the root cause for the backlash we are witnessing.

For me, the biggest deception is how they keep saying the alpha build is only a "branch" while the "trunk" aka the launch build has much more content in store.

 

[Marc_Hicks]

For me, the biggest deception is how they keep saying the alpha build is only a "branch" while the "trunk" aka the launch build has much more content in store.

Yep, that annoyed me too. I feel that the Beyond Season-the free season of content-had far more to it than Odyssey is ever likely to have.

 

[Greasetrap42]

Are you seriously likening video game mechanics to something that is actually important?

Indefensible?

Bro, it's a spaceship video game.

Yes it is a video game. Many players want it to makes sense. ED is supposed to be a semi-realistic game. The introduction of teleporters makes no sense. Why do we have cargo hatches and cargo handling systems if teleporting exists??? Why can't I teleport explosives directly onto another ship? It makes no sense.

The point being made by others is: rather than introducing 'teleportation' as a technology in the ED universe, they could have just had the players press 'E' to enter the ship and everybody would understand the cmdr entered the ship. Just like hundreds of other video games that allow players to enter a door but is lacking the animation. It is generally accepted as ok.

Well sure there are lots of things in the game that don't make sense. But why add more items to the list? Yes its too late now, it has been done. Teleportation now exists in the game. Making the ED universe that much more illogical and inconsistent.

 

[M4RTH4]

Yes it is a video game. Many players want it to makes sense. ED is supposed to be a semi-realistic game. The introduction of teleporters makes no sense. Why do we have cargo hatches and cargo handling systems if teleporting exists??? Why can't I teleport explosives directly onto another ship? It makes no sense.

The point being made by others is: rather than introducing 'teleportation' as a technology in the ED universe, they could have just had the players press 'E' to enter the ship and everybody would understand the cmdr entered the ship. Just like hundreds of other video games that allow players to enter a door but is lacking the animation. It is generally accepted as ok.

Well sure there are lots of things in the game that don't make sense. But why add more items to the list? Yes its too late now, it has been done. Teleportation now exists in the game. Making the ED universe that much more illogical and inconsistent.

When one gets up out of the seat when in a ship, the camera actually shift a little bit, to indicate the character is getting up, as it fades to black, though the outside view is pop out of existence. Something very similar could have been done when re-entering the ships. It would make the most sense with ladders or stairs leading up to the door.

Of course, this could be all for naught if we had ship interiors.

 

[angusmadmac1]

Well I'm going to admit EDO holds nothing new , 27 hrs of game play, some nice views , even the CM's were bored of the new "exploration" stuff in like 10 mins .
At the begining I was ready to buy EDO because I've had so much fun in EDH for 5 years ?
I have no Wow factor and whilst I understand and agree with fix it on PC first the deadly silence when asking about console is worrying . We have about a month till Autumn and nothing, when asked it's "we aren't working on console til PC is finished" so sit in the corner and be a good commander .
not even a" guess what it's delayed" officially . ( I'm looking at this time next year ) . Is the game dead? nope I'm still playing. Is it doomed ? No we still have EDH ( thankfully) . Am I looking at other games ? yes .

 

[rootsrat]

In fairness, that's one of the principle reasons that many people play ED over other games.

The legal definition of misleading advertising generally includes any claim that "creates a false impression about a product or service, even if the information given is correct". So while if you read that same post in the same manner as you would a legal contract, it won't actually make any firm commitment to delivering anything, however it is clear that it is designed to give the impression that it will be delivered "after launch". After anouncing that there would be no further VR development, they still attempted to add a "never say never" caveat, but at this stage they've cried wolf once too often.

I suspect this deception was ultimately the root cause for the backlash we are witnessing. Releasing a clearly unfinished, buggy mess was bad enough, but had all these features that had been implied to come in the future still been on the roadmap, I suspect, while unhappy, people would have been willing to grin and bare it and things would never have reached the level they have. No one likes to be the victim of a bait-and-switch.

If FDev were willing to make a concrete undertaking to deliver these implied features, I suspect this would diffuse the situation hugely, even if to do so would mean waiting a year or two. But I just don't think ED is a priority any more for them and I don't think they're willing to put any further significant resources into the game going forward.

A lot of big words there like "misleading advertising", "deception" and "bait and switch". I personally don't think either was the case and it's a massive exaggeration to say that. I think it's just bizarre to use that kind of phrasing is all.

 

[[VR] James Constantine]

No we still have EDH ( thankfully) .

For how long? (no idea, personally; for all we know EDH and EDO may never end up being merged)

A lot of big words there like "misleading advertising", "deception" and "bait and switch". I personally don't think either was the case and it's a massive exaggeration to say that. I think it's just bizarre to use that kind of phrasing is all.

What other conclusion would you arrive at then? And if you think what I'm suggesting is a massive exaggeration, then please feel free to point out why. I'm more than open to discuss alternative explanations.

 

[rootsrat]

What other conclusion would you arrive at then? And if you think what I'm suggesting is a massive exaggeration, then please feel free to point out why. I'm more than open to discuss alternative explanations.

I don't know why you are exaggerating. I presume it's because this is a sensitive topic that causes an emotional reposnse from you. And I really am not interested in discussing this or trying to convince you (or anyone else for that matter), because I know I won't be able to and we will just play forums ping pong. I honestly have more important things to do.

 

[[VR] James Constantine]

I don't know why you are exaggerating.

And I don't know why you're claiming that I'm exaggerating. But if you're not interested in discussing your opinion, then that's fine.

 

[zimms]

Again, welcome to real life.

Sucks, don't it?

I mean I would have thought you of all people, a PlayStation user, would understand how easily FD is able to say "nope" and never deliver.

Game devs are not your friends, not even if you backed a kickstarter. Seriously, I think it is downright bonkers to put money in concepts like that. But hey, what do I know? I have to be smart with how I spend my cash.

Should somebody welcome you to real life as well?

If people feel tricked they will not be happy about it and complain. Is that really that surprising to you?

 

[UberMeg]

Actually, not true.

ANNOUNCEMENT - Odyssey: Update on VR and Ship Interiors

Greetings Commanders! We hope you enjoyed our first dev diary release and stream. It was our pleasure to bring you the latest news on Odyssey and needless to say we can't wait to share more info around further locations, missions, combat and more in further episodes over the coming months. We...

forums.frontier.co.uk

This has a very strong implication of ship interiors being released later, as part of Odyssey.

I know that FDEV used that phrase before (infamous PSVR) and I simply can't understand why they keep using it, if they have no intention of implementing something "after launch" - why even mention the DLC name? It's baffling.

But nevertheless, "not at launch" has an extremely strong connotation to "but maybe later". So they did "hint" about interiors being part of Odyssey.

Again, I cannot understand why they keep using that phrase if they have no intention of releasing something within the DLC they mention in this context... Unless they do?

I think Ship Interiors will come because if they don't Frontier will lose players (customers) in their droves to Star Citizen. It's happening already, because people have become disenfranchised with Elite Dangerous Odyssey and have started to look elsewhere. And the problem Frontier is that Star Citizen have absolutely nailed it. And what's more, SC is that good that players don't actually seem to care that it's in perpetual alpha!

If you watch all the famous Elite Dangerous YouTube streamers, CMDR's Will and Kate (brilliant), Hawkes Gaming, Down to Earth Astronomy, Just Dave (the list goes on), they are all getting immersed into Star Citizen. And it's compelling viewing. I open YouTube every day hoping to see more.

Anyway I'm banging on. My point is if Frontier don't take on the competition head on, Elite Dangerous as we know it will die. So that's why I'm saying Ship Interiors will come. It needs to.

I just want to add one more thing. Ship Interiors, I believe, won't be enough to save them either. FDev need to remove the grind almost in it's entirety and replace it with quality immersive game play. I've enjoyed Odyssey but I'm sad to say that it's already losing my attention. Elite has so much potential. I mean an unbelievable amount of potential. But they need to lose this 'minimal viable product ' mindset and start throwing everything at it. I really hope they pull it back I feel a bit sad about it really.

 

[rootsrat]

I think Ship Interiors will come because if they don't Frontier will lose players (customers) in their droves to Star Citizen. It's happening already, because people have become disenfranchised with Elite Dangerous Odyssey and have started to look elsewhere. And the problem Frontier is that Star Citizen have absolutely nailed it. And what's more, SC is that good that players don't actually seem to care that it's in perpetual alpha!

If you watch all the famous Elite Dangerous YouTube streamers, CMDR's Will and Kate (brilliant), Hawkes Gaming, Down to Earth Astronomy, Just Dave (the list goes on), they are all getting immersed into Star Citizen. And it's compelling viewing. I open YouTube every day hoping to see more.

Anyway I'm banging on. My point is if Frontier don't take on the competition head on, Elite Dangerous as we know it will die. So that's why I'm saying Ship Interiors will come. It needs to.

I just want to add one more thing. Ship Interiors, I believe, won't be enough to save them either. FDev need to remove the grind almost in it's entirety and replace it with quality immersive game play. I've enjoyed Odyssey but I'm sad to say that it's already losing my attention. Elite has so much potential. I mean an unbelievable amount of potential. But they need to lose this 'minimal viable product ' mindset and start throwing everything at it. I really hope they pull it back I feel a bit sad about it really.

People were claiming ED will die since day 1 and yet here we are 6 years later.

Also, the grind in Elite is almost entirely optional. That's a fact. The quality immersive gameplay is there, but unfortunately the majority of the game guides from most of the "famous streamers" only tell people to grind (Robigo, Jameson Cobra, Dav's Hope etc.), so they think all there is in Elite is grind, because they don't know any better.

 

[Vinman]

so they think all there is in Elite is grind, because they don't know any better.

Out of curiosity, how do I continue to do ax combat without grinding?

Or do I just stop doing what I enjoy, because I don't know any better. No disrespect just an honest question.

 

[rootsrat]

Out of curiosity, how do I continue to do ax combat without grinding?

Or do I just stop doing what I enjoy, because I don't know any better. No disrespect just an honest question.

That's why I said "almost entirely optional", but this is the part you forgot to quote AX definitely requires grind. So does competetive PVP and keeping up with the meta. For both of these activities the grind is pretty much mandatory. Odyssey engineers definitely feel more grindy than EDH ones too, which is a massive shame.

But for the rest of the game it really isn't that bad and you have a choice of either playing and enjoying the game to achieve your goals "organically" or speed things up by grinding it out.