Dear FD,
Having had the opportunity to explore in Odyssey I would offer two suggestions that allow players to pseudo-name planets and/or biologicals. I expect the default names are essential for the proper working of the game, so naming by players is something that would need to be additionally displayed in a way that still allows the game to function.
The following suggestions are intended to apply only to first discoveries and first footfalls, the rationale being that both relate to things that no 'human' has seen. At present planets that have never been seen or walked upon already have a name which contradicts that idea of first discovery. With planets it is reasonable to assume that the system has been detected (although not actually visited) so the default name is logical and necessary for navigation. However, visiting the actual planet would normally give rise to naming in conventional terms (e.g. planets in our own solar system have distinct names given by those who discovered them). With biologicals, a default name is inexplicable given that the planet has never been walked upon. Without any criticism it simply makes no sense.
In terms of gameplay, allowing players to give first discovered planets and/or biologicals a name would add enjoyment and immersion, particularly in the area of exploration where discovery of planets and biologicals in the deep is the only activity apart from the base game play (i.e. scanning and flying around). Being able to name something discovered for the first time therefore has the potential to enhance to the existing gameplay in a material way.
With those things in mind the suggestions are:
1. On first discovery and mapping of a planet the player has the option to name it. As stated above, the default name may be needed for navigation but the player name could still appear in the description in the system map and elsewhere. Ideally, the default name is simply replaced meaning that someone going to e.g. the HIP-XXX system may well find a planet named "Lost World" (or at least the default name as a prefix followed by "Lost World" similar to the naming convention used with fleet carriers).
2. In the case of first footfall and the scanning of a biological the player has the option to name the plant. In this respect the default names are botanical in nature (as with plants on earth) which is inexplicable and contradicts the idea that it has never been seen before. The default name ought be one that can be accepted or replaced giving the player to ability to name the organic as would happen with any explorer. This would be consistent with the notion that the discoverer of a new species names it. In the background a default name may still be used for processing so the codex or other game mechanics do not break, but the player name can be displayed where the game UI allows.
Well that's it really. Cheers.
Having had the opportunity to explore in Odyssey I would offer two suggestions that allow players to pseudo-name planets and/or biologicals. I expect the default names are essential for the proper working of the game, so naming by players is something that would need to be additionally displayed in a way that still allows the game to function.
The following suggestions are intended to apply only to first discoveries and first footfalls, the rationale being that both relate to things that no 'human' has seen. At present planets that have never been seen or walked upon already have a name which contradicts that idea of first discovery. With planets it is reasonable to assume that the system has been detected (although not actually visited) so the default name is logical and necessary for navigation. However, visiting the actual planet would normally give rise to naming in conventional terms (e.g. planets in our own solar system have distinct names given by those who discovered them). With biologicals, a default name is inexplicable given that the planet has never been walked upon. Without any criticism it simply makes no sense.
In terms of gameplay, allowing players to give first discovered planets and/or biologicals a name would add enjoyment and immersion, particularly in the area of exploration where discovery of planets and biologicals in the deep is the only activity apart from the base game play (i.e. scanning and flying around). Being able to name something discovered for the first time therefore has the potential to enhance to the existing gameplay in a material way.
With those things in mind the suggestions are:
1. On first discovery and mapping of a planet the player has the option to name it. As stated above, the default name may be needed for navigation but the player name could still appear in the description in the system map and elsewhere. Ideally, the default name is simply replaced meaning that someone going to e.g. the HIP-XXX system may well find a planet named "Lost World" (or at least the default name as a prefix followed by "Lost World" similar to the naming convention used with fleet carriers).
2. In the case of first footfall and the scanning of a biological the player has the option to name the plant. In this respect the default names are botanical in nature (as with plants on earth) which is inexplicable and contradicts the idea that it has never been seen before. The default name ought be one that can be accepted or replaced giving the player to ability to name the organic as would happen with any explorer. This would be consistent with the notion that the discoverer of a new species names it. In the background a default name may still be used for processing so the codex or other game mechanics do not break, but the player name can be displayed where the game UI allows.
Well that's it really. Cheers.
