Hello commanders! Some ideas here.
Well, I'm a programmer. I do love program things around me. I'm also an Elite player. Ship has a computer inside. Good. May I program it? Nope. So, you probably already know what I mean
Just think about it, what would happen if we'll be able to extend our onboard computer firmware much like one may extend his or her favourite web browser?
To tease you, here are some possible extensions:
Others include:
But the most exciting and immersive thing is the ability to create really complex personal assistant!
Modern voicepacks are amazing pieces of artwork, however essentally those are just talking dummies.
Have you ever seen Turjan Travels series? Have you seen briliant Obsidian Ant's videos? Imagine, if you'll have such a companion that will not only speak when you ask, but have it's own personality if you like. Of course it will also be scripted, no A.I. at the moment. However, if it will have the access to the ship sensors and systems it will be able to live on it's own, be really interactive and helpful.
Ok, let's dive in the possible implementation.
First and the most important question is: how to prevent misuse and cheating if such extensions will be implemented eventually?
Well it's not an easy question, but let's try to analyze.
Elite is the game where player's flying skill and experience is that matters and what makes the game awesome.
So we absolutely need to prevent the extensions from affecting it.
Extensions are not allowed to take the control over ship modules. Otherwise it would be just another bot which fights instead of human player.
So, we must NOT allow extensions to access:
I believe these systems may be relatively safe to use:
If actual scripting VM will be run in the sandbox and have API only to access the allowed systems, then all should be fine.
Actual extensions may even be pre-moderated and signed by Frontier to disallow execution of the untrusted code.
P.S.: One may argue that such a thing will definitely be misused and cheaters will cheat. Well, cheaters may and probably will cheat anyway.
Current online trader assists such as eddb.io may also be treated as cheats, but still, no one complains about that.
If we'll prevent extension from physically controlling the ship all should be fine.
P.P.S.: Check out my other suggestions: regarding planetary landing mechanics and pinned locations.
Well, I'm a programmer. I do love program things around me. I'm also an Elite player. Ship has a computer inside. Good. May I program it? Nope. So, you probably already know what I mean
Just think about it, what would happen if we'll be able to extend our onboard computer firmware much like one may extend his or her favourite web browser?
To tease you, here are some possible extensions:
- Lave Radio right inside your cockpit!
- Emergency button to call fuel rats
- Various stats for Elite Racers
- Tools for traders like automatic notification of best commodities nearby
- Better route planner, exploration journal
- Shame alert! Mark and highlight cmdrs that are proven combat loggers
Others include:
- Guild chat for minor powers
- System Log to log everything
- ...
- You name it
But the most exciting and immersive thing is the ability to create really complex personal assistant!
Modern voicepacks are amazing pieces of artwork, however essentally those are just talking dummies.
Have you ever seen Turjan Travels series? Have you seen briliant Obsidian Ant's videos? Imagine, if you'll have such a companion that will not only speak when you ask, but have it's own personality if you like. Of course it will also be scripted, no A.I. at the moment. However, if it will have the access to the ship sensors and systems it will be able to live on it's own, be really interactive and helpful.
Ok, let's dive in the possible implementation.
First and the most important question is: how to prevent misuse and cheating if such extensions will be implemented eventually?
Well it's not an easy question, but let's try to analyze.
Elite is the game where player's flying skill and experience is that matters and what makes the game awesome.
So we absolutely need to prevent the extensions from affecting it.
Extensions are not allowed to take the control over ship modules. Otherwise it would be just another bot which fights instead of human player.
So, we must NOT allow extensions to access:
- Flight and combat controls
- Power distributor
- Module's power
I believe these systems may be relatively safe to use:
- HUD (text messages, notifications, barkers, etc.)
- Ship sensors, lights, cargo scoop
- Navigation panel, contacts
- Sound input/output
- Galaxy map
If actual scripting VM will be run in the sandbox and have API only to access the allowed systems, then all should be fine.
Actual extensions may even be pre-moderated and signed by Frontier to disallow execution of the untrusted code.
P.S.: One may argue that such a thing will definitely be misused and cheaters will cheat. Well, cheaters may and probably will cheat anyway.
Current online trader assists such as eddb.io may also be treated as cheats, but still, no one complains about that.
If we'll prevent extension from physically controlling the ship all should be fine.
P.P.S.: Check out my other suggestions: regarding planetary landing mechanics and pinned locations.
Last edited: