Edit: I've had my post redirected here so I'll just drop it into the maelstrom and see what comes out
Hello there,
I've been a backer for Elite Dangerous for a few months now and as a life long fan of the games it's so amazing to see this game being reborn with modern day game tech.
I wanted to write an open letter to David Braben and his team, supporting your game but more notably offering my support for the recent change to the games inclusion of an offline mode. I have been horrified by how such a small change to the game could turn so bitter. The official forums for this game up until these last weeks have really reflected a more mature and pleasant type of gamer, sure there are a few characters but it's such a good group. It's upsetting then to see a small percentage of this community attack the developers with such relentless bitterness. I felt like it was important someone show there are many who still fully support this game (starting with the hundreds of members in my own gaming community) and the incredible places it will go.
The development of a game is no set thing, often a game will barely resemble the original concept with features being added as well as some that don't work dropped. I would argue that this game is one of the most ambitious games I've ever seen attempted, the team are literally creating am entire working galaxy.. that in itself deserves an award. I would also argue that when the team set off making this game they clearly did think an offline mode would be possible. However as they work on the games meta systems it has become clear an offline mode would severely dull the game and as such they had to make the decision to drop that part (the only course of action any good developer would make). I struggle to see how this is something they should have to say sorry for, as the game has developed it's become apparent an offline mode can't work with what they are trying to accomplish. This is not going back on commitments, this is not betraying the backers. A game this complicated absolutely must be in a constant state of self assessment as new systems come online.
This notion feeds into my next point, when you back any project (not just games) unless you have a legal contract stating otherwise your cash is none refundable. Lots of people are talking about getting their money back or even pursuing legal action. It's a gift of faith that the people you are giving the money to will make a product you believe in. It's not what some clearly think it is, a stick to pull on when things don't develop exactly as you want. In my opinion FD have made an incredible game which already is like nothing out there. You just have to meet David or watch one of his dev diaries, you can see up he's such a humble, lovely bloke with a dream of making this game for us. This is why I've been frankly embarrassed this last week by the way which a small percentage of my fellow gamers have turned on him and made a huge fuss over something that while sad isn't something the team could have known at the start.
I do sympathise with early backers, I know a game totally independent of the internet was an important feature which appealed to many. However as I've stated above, the people acting like they've been betrayed need to remember how a game develops and that sometimes an end product does have to differ from the original design. That's why games are developed and don't just appear (although COD might do that)
Let's move forwards guys, we are so close the release now. This game is going to be incredible and the best thing we can do is play as much as we can and pour our constructive feedback onto these forums.
Best regards,
Genophix.
Nicely put! Thanks for taking the time to add your perspective and a dose of reason to this blown out fiasco.
