Does this mean the background simulation is confirmed for release!?

[Sly]

We have also been able to create a connected experience which lets you play your own story whilst in a dynamic, ever unfolding galaxy that is constantly reacting to what you and every other player is doing, be that trading, combat, exploration or missions. This has become fundamental to the whole experience.

Going forwards, being online lets us constantly both curate and evolve the galaxy, with stories unfolding according to the actions of commanders. Exploration is also a key factor, too, and it is important that what a single player explores matches what other players explore whether single or multiplayer – a complex, coherent world – something we have achieved. Galaxy, story, missions, have to match, and it does mean the single player has to connect to the server from time to time, but this has the added advantage that everyone can participate in the activities that can happen in the galaxy. A fully offline experience would be unacceptably limited and static compared to the dynamic, ever unfolding experience we are delivering.

My interpretation of this section of the newsletter is that a background simulation more in line with what was described in the dev diary and the DDA than what we have now is ready or will be ready no later than release (possibly sooner). Is this interpretation correct? My interpretation is based on the following:

A) What is described above is clearly different than what we have now. Currently, only the markets are dynamic, without any story apart from the manually inserted (and currently static) Erainin and related conflicts. There are really no dynamic stories; and missions do not seem to impact the galaxy apart from the market.

B) "We have also been able to create..." and "This has become fundamental to the whole experience" suggest that this is something that has already been achieved, or will certainly be achieved by launch at the latest; as opposed to saying "We are currently creating..." or "This will become fundamental to the whole experience."

As the dynamic, evolving galaxy is indeed fundamental to the whole experience, a confirmation that this interpretation is correct would be highly appreciated. If this feature is in, I'm going to be tremendously excited for launch.

 

[Cmdr Thrudd]

I really hope so! That's what I feel will add life to the rather empty feeling galaxy we've had so far.
It was really the only exciting point in an otherwise disappointing newsletter. I really expected some solid details.

 

[Sly]

I really hope so! That's what I feel will add life to the rather empty feeling galaxy we've had so far.
It was really the only exciting point in an otherwise disappointing newsletter. I really expected some solid details.

Agreed that it was the highlight of the newsletter. I just really hope I am interpreting the section correctly, as I could see reasonable minds arriving at a different conclusion.

 

[bamber]

My interpretation of this section of the newsletter is that a background simulation more in line with what was described in the dev diary and the DDA than what we have now is ready or will be ready no later than release (possibly sooner). Is this interpretation correct? My interpretation is based on the following:

A) What is described above is clearly different than what we have now. Currently, only the markets are dynamic, without any story apart from the manually inserted (and currently static) Erainin and related conflicts. There are really no dynamic stories; and missions do not seem to impact the galaxy apart from the market.

B) "We have also been able to create..." and "This has become fundamental to the whole experience" suggest that this is something that has already been achieved, or will certainly be achieved by launch at the latest; as opposed to saying "We are currently creating..." or "This will become fundamental to the whole experience."

As the dynamic, evolving galaxy is indeed fundamental to the whole experience, a confirmation that this interpretation is correct would be highly appreciated. If this feature is in, I'm going to be tremendously excited for launch.

we have also had the progenitor cell shortage the fish frenzy and others - background simniulation would get in the way of beta - they've inserted it and tried it and it appears to work

 

[Sly]

we have also had the progenitor cell shortage the fish frenzy and others - background simniulation would get in the way of beta - they've inserted it and tried it and it appears to work

I hope that they tested only a limited part of it to get the data they need, and have developed it more fully but not turned it on yet. What we have seen so far is nothing close to what is described in the DDA and dev diary.

 

[Sly]

It's unfortunate that this issue seems to be buried under the (understandable) drama over single player offline. I really wish the newsletter was more clear... it will be very disappointing if the background simulation we have now is what we are getting for launch.

 

[Im_Lost]

I hope so.

But I hope the FOREground simulation is ready to. The NPCs are not exactly lifelike atm and also seem to be purely triggered by player presence

 

[Sly]

I hope so.

But I hope the FOREground simulation is ready to. The NPCs are not exactly lifelike atm and also seem to be purely triggered by player presence

Good point. Persistent NPCs and news channels are entwined with the background simulation and will help in creating an immersive experience.