If Open is to get something exclusive then PG and Solo also need something
I would like to stress that we do not need something exclusive because Open gets something exclusive. I think that in itself would be a pointless reason to add anything to the game.
Too my dismay Open has had exclusive gameplay mechanics for a while now:
- Wings
- Crew mechanics
And both of these should definitely be in Solo too. I can not stress that enough.
I am still hoping we will eventually be able to wing up with an NPC, and get a solid NPC crew mechanic.
These things would add a lot to the solo experience.
In the near future Open will definitely get: Squadrons/Fleet carriers.
I do not mind that being exclusive at all. I can see the value of such a mechanic for those who like multiplayer. And I hope they will have a lot of fun with it.
Open might now exclusively get PowerPlay and it might get removed from Solo. I think this needs rethinking, because Powerplay is not just about conquering star systems for Powers.
I do strongly believe that Solo needs something similar to Powerplay but is does not need to be exclusive at all.
What I mean is this: For me, and I believe for several others, PowerPlay adds a lot to how we experience the Elite universe.
It makes the huge human bubble more digestible by dividing it into realms (I love the territorial Powerplay map).
It adds cool characters (the Powers) and it adds a mechanic/an overlay that can be used for personal role playing.
I do not really care about conquering territory for my Power, but I would like some mechanic to fill the void if the Powerplay territorial mechanic is removed from Solo.
Fdev could simply make it possible to still align with a power in Solo, perhaps add advantages for that, add special missions, add bonuses, add dangers etc.
FDev only needs to remove the option to partake in the territory grabbing game from solo, but should then use the Powerplay mechanic to build a deeper, more engaging mechanic for personal roleplaying.
This will add much needed depth and life to our experience. I think it would make the game better for everyone, no matter which mode they play.