David Braben Powerplay AMA Part 2

[clavain]

Thanks for taking the time to answer some of these questions at least. I, like many, am concerned with the new mechanics being introduced with Powerplay, both for Powerplay itself and as a seemingly new direction for ED more generally. Does FD intend to take on board any of the beta testers' suggestions for improving these mechanics, such as those suggested in these (and other) threads?

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=149919

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=148803

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=149852

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=149415

If so, what changes are envisaged, and will they be implemented before Powerplay launches in an extended 1.3 beta, or after its launch?

 

[Serpentstar]

So many questions, but I will try to keep it simple.

Will we ever get the ability to set a route from within a given mission?

Will we ever get the ability to expand on modules from within outfitting? The current list is absolutely huge and being able to expand shields, or drives, or weapons would go a long way to clean it up. I would rather see Module type in alphabetical order and then expand from there.

Will we ever get the ability to set preferences inside the navigation panel? Say to remove all planets, resource sites, and other fluff to keep given system down to Stellar primary and Station/Outposts?

Will we ever get an in game Pilots log so we can select from a list of last 5 or 10 stations/systems visited? Navigation is still a pain in the OR.

What is the purpose of putting URLs in Galnet when they cannot be selected? Who is going to type the full url while playing the game? Currently they are superfluous and add nothing.

Are we ever going to get our additional commander slots?

Are we ever going to get the ability to have stored ships brought to our current location (for a fee of course)

Are we ever going to get the ability to change ships without having to sell all cargo? Especially if the system continues to allow missions to deliver cargo but do not check destination to make sure the ship is capable of docking before allowing it to be accepted.

I guess that's a good start...

 

[Jakreem]

1. Are there any plans to make smaller ships relevant "end game"? With the current ship progression, bigger almost always means better for trading and combat.
3. If there aren't plans to make any of the current set of smaller ships relevant for end game ship progression, are there plans on making more expensive variants? A new Viper MK4 worth ~50 mil capable of accepting better parts for example.
2. Tying into number 1, are there any possibilities of looking into updating rares trading? Maybe highly expensive rares so smaller ships can carry equal value payloads to some medium-large ship counterparts?

The Courier and Diamondback are good examples of small ships that are Frontier has devoted resources to. These ships are for the most part temporary stepping stones for anyone who wants to progress and not feel gimped or limited in any way.

 

[Retrograde]

Thanks for all the work that's gone into Powerplay. It really does add a lot of dynamism to the game. Here are my questions:

1) Powerplay has introduced a lot of quite "gamey" elements that are now exposed to the players, e.g. merit points, CC points, and a weekly update tick. In comparison, system-level changes are still largely in a black box. Are there plans to bring this disconnect more in line, e.g. by exposing more intra-system information? Personally, I'd like stellar data and minor faction stuff to be in separate tabs.

2) How much should we look forward to E3? Hyperventilation levels or just casual interest?

 

[EAGLE 5]

Oh great David, conqueror of the silicone, master of virtual space, creator of galaxies, sultan of the pixel!


Thanks for continuing to wreck my free time.

Sincerely your humble follower.

 

[Agony_Aunt]

Direct question: What is the rate of decay on merit points per cycle?

I seem to have lost over 50% of merits from one cycle to the next.

Also: Please tell me who was responsible for the decision to lock 2 of the slots of the Orca so it cannot fit optimal shields. I would like to have a word with them... in a darkened room, with a baseball bat.

 

[xondk]

Hey David:

Got a few questions.

1: Will over/under 3d mode be added at some point in time, would be really nice, and as far as I know a fairly simple thing to add, and would be very nice for those of us using passive 3d televisions as monitors.

2: Any chance that voice comm will obey the windows voice standard playback device setting anytime soon? I personal have a heatset for all voice comm normally because it makes it much easier to hear the voices of those speaking.

3: Will there be more big ships? is the anaconda meant to be the end game/ biggest ships around with no other in its weightclass?


Keep up the good work

 

[XCaliber]

The Mining Experience in Elite Dangerous

Mr. Braben

Thank you Mr. Braben for such a lovely game. Sandbox gaming is my kind of fun.

I would like to know your thoughts on the "Mining" experience or game play.

Do you like where Mining is now as of 1.3 beta?

Are you pleased with the results of your efforts so far in Mining?

Are you listening to the community about their thoughts on Mining?

Will you consider improving "Mining" after 1.3 beta?

What are your thoughts on Mining as of 1.3 beta?

Will there be future updates to Mining?

I would hope you will answer all of these Questions, but if you do not, would you please just talk to us about your thoughts on the "Mining" Experience in as much detail as you can?


Also, thanks for Taking the time to Do Q & A.

 

[Agony_Aunt]

How will Powerplay effect the game for those players who choose to remain unaffiliated? and in what ways will they be able to interact with the political landscape that unfolds, without actually pledging to one of the powers?

Currently opting out of Powerplay leaves it as a huge part of the game that has seemingly little effect on unaffiliated players.

As one of the many players who hasn't progressed to the point (made enough money) where participating in Powerplay would be beneficial, and one who doesn't have the spare time that it demands in its current form, I was wondering how Powerplay will interact with the rest of the game?

For example: How does the dynamic political landscape of Powerplay effect the stability of systems for unaffiliated players looking for conflict zones? Should systems undergoing expansion in the world of Powerplay not be teeming with conflict zones to be exploited by lone-wolf bounty hunters looking for combat bonds? Military strikes only appear visible to players belonging to one side or the other. Does this not break the illusion of a "persistent universe"?

I'm not a trader myself, but will the political landscape of Powerplay have an effect on commodity prices for example?

Will system specific missions tie in with PP events? E.g. An independent system might request your assistance in fending off an expansion attempt by one of the powers.

I'm a huge fan of the game! I'm not PP's biggest fan (as you might have gathered), but that's fine. It's not going to be for everyone. I'm just curious as to how it will effect my experience as someone who won't be participating.

Cheers

Oh, i can field this one!

https://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?t=150228&p=2311236&viewfull=1#post2311236

 

[Helios]

Hello David,

Have you ever been to Heidelberg?

 

[Patrick_68000]

Hello David. The book of concept of the art will be released this year ? After the distribution for the backers (and buyers of the mercenary edition), this book will be on sale in the store ?

 

[Patrick_68000]

Hello David. It could one day exist of the models to build and paint, of spaceships ? A partnership with Revell, Tamiya, Italeri ... eg

 

[Sturmalex.]

Hello David,

first of all: thank you to you and your team to deliver such a marvelous piece of software. Me being a software architect myself know how much work, even modest changes and implementations, can take - let alone deliver such a big project like elite.

Now to my question: I am unsure about what VR gear to buy when they get released at the end of the year. I've read somewhere (please dont beat me if its wrong ) that walking in ships and an FPS module is planned. Thus I am unsure if the HTC Vive - with its augmented reality feature - will be supported. The possibility alone to physically walk in my room and at the same time walk inside my ship would be reason enough for me to buy the vive rather than the rift - even if I had to wait for this feature.
Naturally I am totally clear if you can not make any promises yet, however it would be very very helpful if you could at least tell if you consider it.


best regards,
Sturmalex

 

[dsagent]

Hello David, will this game ever have a legitimate arena mode if so then when? We have high powered players who are flying around bored who just want to shoot things but at the same time don't want to pirate or ruin someone's day.

 

[Karakhian]

Hi - firstly, thank you and all at Frontier Developments for this game. It's already more than I hoped and anything extra is going to be gravy. Seeing a 1:1 scale Milky Way galaxy modelled, where I can fly to a star I see in the heavens, still staggers me every time.

My question is about the Powerplay mechanics. If I'm an independent commander, who doesn't want to pledge themselves to furthering the ambitions of a Power, is there any way I can act against a Power that has has control of or is exploiting a system? Say I have a system I currently consider home - and a Power seizes control of a system within 15 Ly... that system is then exploited by the power, and is possibly subject to legality changes and closing of black markets, etc. Is there anything I can do to try to destabilise the Power's hold on the system (or the control system that exploits the home system)? For instance, carrying out some sort of undermining task, even if it is much weaker than one carried about by an opposing Power's supporters? Or is it best to just move somewhere that Powers aren't going to be interested in taking over?

Thank you again!

 

[Daeron]

Greetings and salutations. The way you join the powers reminds me a great deal of how you pledged allegiance to a side in Star Wars Galaxies. It provides an optional layer, which probably is a good deal for those not wanting to take a side. But will there be long term incentives to stay with a power, with the itemisation they appear more like a shopping list. As a factional player I'm very pleased with the idea of staying with them, rather than toying with them.

 

[Grumbleweed]

How likely is it that the core PP functionality will be revisited before launch, given the helpful player feedback you've received in the last week or so, or was it always intended to have minority appeal?

 

[JordanMillward_1]

Given that they are or will be non-combative/non-belligerent Powers, why does signing up with one Power make you hostile and a fair target in other Powers' territory? Is there no such thing as competitive-but-not-adversarial Powers?

(disclaimer - I don't have Beta access, so I'm not sure about the current Powers)

You aren't a fair target to Powers that share the same Major Faction as them - so Empire-based Powers aren't openly hostile to each other (and you actually lose Merits [what you use to gain favour with your Power] for killing CMDRs pledged to other Powers who share your Major Faction), Fed-based Powers aren't openly hostile with each other, and presumably, if the Alliance gets a 2nd/3rd/4th Power, they won't be hostile with each other either.

 

[Shadowma]

So sounds like you have to choose one of the three & then worry about the other two attacking you ? Thats cool if that is indeed the case but would be nice to know before choosing so as to be more circumspect or careful about your choice, if nothing else you know what your advantages & disadvantages are or will be.

Shadowma

 

[Boston]

Will 1.3 fix all the mission bugs? I've completed 47 federation missions straight and no change in rank. I get missions to kill bounty hunters and I make sure they scan me and I check if they have a warrant scanner but it still doesn't count.

Also decay is . You do understand people have jobs and families, right?

I really like this game. But I used to LOVE it. I even used to tell people that it's not a grindfest, but it really is. Also if you have a 10% restock fee on mods to make it more realistic then you need to let me store my unused mods to make it more realistic.

Please and Thank You.