How many "characters" per account?

Obsidian Ant

Obsidian Ant
I'm sure I have seen this asked before, but I totally can't find it now - and I can't remember the answer... :eek:

Does anyone know how many characters / commanders we can have per account?

Back on the previous Elites is was always just the one commander - and this made total sense for a single player game. But in the online universe things are a bit different.

For example, I will enjoy playing multi-player with friends, this is one of the huge attractions of the game.

However another huge aspect will be the ability to travel off into distant systems across many light years.

Problem with that - is before long I will be hundreds or thousands of systems away from my friends. And this would force people to choose between playing with friends or heading out into the unknown. It would be a shame to be forced into that choice.
 

Leonick

L
I've seen the number 3 thrown around quite abit by people on here. Not sure about the original source for it though.
 

Hamerstein

Hamerstein
We don't know for certain yet, but it's more than one. From memory, FD have suggested it may be 3 or 4 - but don't quote me :)
 

jabokai

jabokai
Leonick said:
I've seen the number 3 thrown around quite abit by people on here. Not sure about the original source for it though.
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From here - http://forums.frontier.co.uk/showthread.php?p=150737#post150737

For those that don't have PBF access -

Sandro Sammarco said:
Hello Private Backers!

Your flurry of activity has indeed, worked! Here's our current thinking. Remember of course, that all usual caveats apply; this is not set in stone - we might change our mind.

So, current thinking is to have a small number of characters available per account. Say perhaps three normal characters. These can be "normal" commanders or "perma-death" commanders. Only one could ever be active "in-game" at a time and there would be no concept of links between them (so no shared stash, or reputation ties or any such stuff).

Our reasoning so far is as follows:

* More than one person can have a commander, so family members can get in on the act (of course, to play at the same time you'd need two accounts, but this is still - I think - a benefit. Personally I like to think that multiple commanders allows additional players to dip their toes and hopefully progress into obtaining additional accounts.)

* Player choices in-game can be more about the specific commander, reducing the worry that a bad call will ruin everything achieved so far. This is actually quite important; I want to train people away from the idea that there are "right" and "wrong" ways to play Elite: Dangerous. There are just choices and consequences, and we're trying to ensure that all lead to more fun. I want to remove barriers to player experimentation, whilst retaining consequence; I think multiple commanders helps this cause.

* Any potential exploits for multiple commanders almost certainly exists the the multiple account level as well, so limiting an account to one commander would not save us the time and effort of guarding against multiple commander exploits.

* Any serious player infractions (exploits and cheating, player abuse etc.) would always be dealt with on an account basis rather than at the commander level.

* Multiple commanders allow a player to have multiple roleplay options available at the same time, which could be very useful (e.g. I have a scoundrel pirate and a legit trader available depending on my mood, which friends are online etc.)

* I don't find the terms "main", "alt" or "toon" particularly useful in what we are creating. Whilst at a basic level you could certainly argue that the commander with the best current gear/most money/best contacts is your "main" there are no levels - that money can be lost, the gear can be broken, powerful friends can become deadly enemies.

Now this is not to say that we are casually dismissing potential dangers of multiple commanders. We are and always will be on the look out for exploits and activity that undermines the experience (the "cheapening" effect is a valid concern we have considered). But at the moment, we feel a more compelling argument can be made for multiple commanders.

I hope this gives a clear enough picture of our intentions as they stand currently.
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Bobbydylan

Bobbydylan
I wonder if you can restart a commander. You know, log back in after a few years of playing something else, and start from scratch? I always find the start of games so much more interesting than the end.
 

ZeeWolf

ZeeWolf
Bobbydylan said:
I wonder if you can restart a commander. You know, log back in after a few years of playing something else, and start from scratch? I always find the start of games so much more interesting than the end.
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You can do it in the Alpha so can't see why not :)
 

mrrockitt

mrrockitt
Wow, did not realise you would be allowed more than one character, that's great!

Actually, now I think of it that's not so good....especially when you have two sons who thrash you at every computer/console game you play against them!

Was looking forward to having one game they could not play and beat me at!

Another dream destroyed.....but at least I still the 'West Ham winning the Premiership' dream to rely on :)
 

Bob_H

B
mrrockitt said:
Wow, did not realise you would be allowed more than one character, that's great!

Actually, now I think of it that's not so good....especially when you have two sons who thrash you at every computer/console game you play against them!

Was looking forward to having one game they could not play and beat me at!

Another dream destroyed.....but at least I still the 'West Ham winning the Premiership' dream to rely on :)
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Allowed more than one character on each account but only able to play one character at a time so no logging in on the same account 3 times simulatenously and playing different characters. You'll have to make your sons save up and buy their own copies. That should keep you as Top Dog for a while. :D
 

mrrockitt

mrrockitt
Bob_H said:
Allowed more than one character on each account but only able to play one character at a time so no logging in on the same account 3 times simulatenously and playing different characters. You'll have to make your sons save up and buy their own copies. That should keep you as Top Dog for a while. :D
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Good point. But picture this scenario...

1. I buy a game and think I'm really good at it after a week's play...
2. I recommend it, foolishly, to my sons.....
3. They kick my ar*e at it within a day.....

:)
 
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huwthomas

huwthomas
There needs to be an "offspring" mode flag that you can set when creating certain characters that you wish to be more challenging to play ;)
 
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