Sandro 2.3 Q&A Summary

VR Golgot

VR Golgot
Many many questions answered by Sandro 'Really Really Kinda Wanna Do It' Sammarco ;)

VID





  • List of Multicrew ships & number of seats [7m20s]


  • Keelback was designed before MC, and missed out. Might still get a spare seat.


  • No bobbleheads for crew


  • Why do crew see a Holo UI? Awareness of ship's movement, especially if not near window.


  • Why MC toned down to dreadnought gunners only? Dev process. Time, resources, priorities, unforeseen stuff. Depending on how well MC received, and other updates, there's no reason why it couldn't be expanded, other than time and resources. Take step at a time. At the moment it's fulfilling a specific role of quickly linking players and having fun shooting time together. They have concepts for taking it further. [9m30s]


  • CQC assets etc, what gameplay will be added? Standard gameplay (bounty hunting) all there, but megaships are a gateway feature. We've got datalinks coming up, but nothing more to announce now.


  • How will Holo Me etc work with VR? Same, avs don't twist head. Depending how thing's go it's probably possible. They can't get up at the moment so not worth sticking a camera to the head yet.


  • Can we not combine Wings and Multicrew? (Would be awesome for Fuel Rat rescues). Tech reasons why we can't now. Told not insurmountable. Will look at depending on how well MC received and other factors. [12m30s]


  • Allow Solo players to switch to Gunner role? Not at the moment as would undermine MC experience. Have AI turrets and fighters for Solo for now.


  • Can join crew mid-combat? Yes


  • Will MC ships be identifiable to other players? Not at the moment. Will consider if it's an issue. Think it is do-able. (EDIT: Oh Sandroooo, it seems it's already in :D)


  • Can crew access station menu? Nope, need clarity of control for now. Could look at it.


  • How will system permits work? Only Helm is checked. Crew just get in if Helm cleared.


  • Helm authorisation, IE allowing crew to use synthesis, with Helm saying yes or no, or be given further clearance? Would complicate it, undermine ease of access a bit, UI tricky, but got fire groups working, so possible. No plans at mo [16m30s]


  • How will MC work with private groups? For matchmaking can only match within your private group. Open will connect with anyone. Players can be indiv blocked via history tab.


  • Split-screen for MC? No. Could run two versions but couldn't really recommend it.


  • Steam family sharing? Don't know.


  • Xbox getting joysticks? Not that I know of.


  • If ship has 2 seats do NPC take one up? No, NPC crew live in the hanger...


  • SRV style recall while in MC to join Wing? Not going to allow players to jump to each other (if understanding this correctly)


  • SRV to be added? Way Helm joins SRV (without telepresence) is an issue. Lots of edge cases. No plans at the moment.


  • Can Gunner target sub-systems? Not at mo, but definitely are considering. Will see how it works live. [20m15s]


  • Can Gunner use 360 view to surface scan in SC? Not available in SC so no.


  • Can prospector limits be fired in 360 arc? Yes


  • Switch stations after joining? Yes, crew can switch at any time? You join in Idle then take any available seat etc


  • Can crew plot routes? They can view maps and nav panel but not plot routes [23m45s]


  • Add target bounty in gunner view? We should add, will discuss with UI


  • Who controls utility mounts? Gunner


  • Can NPC crew be the Gunner role? Sorry no. NPC crew at the moment are all fighter pilots.


  • Do gunner targets have sway or jitter? Centre circle adds generous auto aim. Prioritises nearer ships. When you target lock it switches off the auto target. Belives they don't get jitter, is supposed to be one of the benefits [26m00s]


  • In-lore explanation of Gunner view? Small micro camera that orbits ship. Too small to be attacked or targeted


  • Why are gunner + camera view not a purchasable and damageable module that consume power etc? Cool idea but unnesc barrier. There's already a barrier in ship selection. Not sure of the gain [27m35s]


  • Does destroying all the turrets destroy Gunner's camera view? Gunner always has access to the camera


  • How would you like to see Gunner UI develop? First person we discounted, too restricitve, wouldn't work well with other player at the helm.


  • Indiv target view moving between turrets? Not at the moment. Could be reasonably fun, but could be less effective than current mode.


  • Possible to have 2 gunners? Port and starbord? Ships aren't designed to support that well. Possible that wwe could do it, but not trivial. Not anything we'd look at any time soon. Restricting gunner view to one side generally frustrating if nothing in arc of fire.


  • Can 2 fighter pilots pick same loadout? If both bays same then yes.


  • Anything Fighter pilot can do when not in fighter? Passive menu screens, vanity cam mainly.


  • Set NPC crews active via multicrew menu? No must be done in station. They have to board ship.


  • Possible to switch activity type mid-session IE Bounty Hunting / Piracy? Not poss mid session right now. Wasn't included due to lack of time. Keen to revise. [33m20s]


  • Camera crew role? Yep that's the Idle role. Nothing planned for anything more just yet but will see how it goes.
  • Spectator / embedded reporter mode? No ETA, but would like to see that.


  • Will MC be extended to roles beyond combat? Let's see how it goes, kinda hopes so. Nothing to announce at the moment.


  • How can get playstyle added to the list? Let us know! suggest on forums etc. Dangerous or Beta discussion on forums.


  • Did they test roles of Engineers etc and find them lacklustre, or hit a technical roadblock? Mainly lack of time and resources. There was a principle that grew up that it's gotta be accessible and usable. Could they come back? It's possible, but it would take a lot of thinking through. Out of combat stuff, the longevity becomes more important, that affects how the rewards work. Wouldn't want to rule out but nothing just yet. [36m15s]


  • Extended content? Gunners for Capital ships, defending bases? At the moment it's player ships. Have discussed using for cap ship and bases guns. No guarantees but have discussed. Probably on a list somewhere ;)


  • Plans to expand MC? Wings? Same applies. Let's see how it does and where it can be improved.


  • Why can't enter outfitting with crew? Thinks it's a tech / UI limitation


  • Breakdown of shared rewards? Bounty vouchers and combat bonds shared for MC. A tithe of every trade, and every other voucher, except exploration, as that would be cheating. Credits only. If you take those benefits you also take any fines etc too. [40m00s]


  • No rep means no minor or major faction gain? No loss either? Yes rep is frozen in MC [41m00s]


  • Do you earn rankings towards trade, combat etc? Yes, will see gains on voucher hand ins etc. (Seems to include exploration here on voucher hand in?)


  • Multi-account exploits? Double profits by being idle and pip bonus etc? Don't really see that as a problem. If someone's willing to buy game twice to get mild benefits, maybe big benefits, we're not going to stop them.


  • Rebuys? Just for owner but discounted dependent by number of crew. Has forgotten exact numbers [42m30s]


  • Can players use multicrew to top up cash reserves if they're below they're own rebuy rate? We don't think so. Need to look into it [44m00s]


  • How do exploration and MC tags works? MC can't benefit from exploration. No effort by the crew.


  • If players have missions when joining MC will they be counted? Crew can't bring missions into a MC session, and don't have control of mission board as crew. Great idea, but quite complicated to do.


  • Will combat bonds and vouchers earned via MC affect BGS? They don't, but Helm's will. Not 3x as powerful when affecting BGS.


  • Plan to make mission rewards split between crew as with NPC. Poss to set the split? No plans right now, going with full rewards, added to Wings too. [46m15s]


  • How does MC affect combat logging and 'ungraceful exits'? No effect. That's still an issue they're interested in though. Not his remit but looking at a karma system. If we get that in, or something like it, we'd be able to affect it.


  • Shadow banning for combat logging? Will MC crew be held accountable? Doesn't think so.


  • Declared activities? Is it essentially illegal acts prohibited vs anything goes? Essentially yes. Kicks if do illegal acts twice in the former. Other player styles are just about doing like-minded activities.


  • What happens if Helm breaks lawful playstyle? Will end the session. [49m00s]


  • Buy a space loach? It's one of a kind.


  • How does MC affect PowerPlay? No distinction, other than ship has a 'force multiplier'. Only Helm affects stats etc though.


  • How will voice comms work? Essentially the same, and does have static as with Wings. (Maybe it shouldn't)


  • Male voices with female avatars....? You could always use text....


  • Directional voice chat? Doesn't know


  • Head movement and mouth movement? Would be awesome. Not currently.


  • Helm shifts around when hit? No, not currently. (Totally does tho, there's a vid on Reddit :D) [52m00s]


  • HoloMe avs affected by ECM or powerplant hits? No, but it's a pretty cool idea. In fact really cool :)


  • Option not to share HoloMe pic in comms panel? No not at the moment. Unlikely to happen. [57m30s]


  • Export Cmdr creations? Save them? Transfer from Beta? Suspect they won't transfer, and sharing not in. Would like to say they'll look at it.


  • Will mission-givers get HoloMe portraits? Will they always be static? Don't know. Feels they use the same system, to some degree. Static for now. Have discussed in office how cool it would be to have animated mission givers.


  • Saves for HoloMe slots and multiple users? Might be looking at multi-saves for accounts. [59m55s]


  • Any truth to the rumour that the Helm is a Holo? The captain of the ship is not a holo. Although they do get the holo effect sometimes, that's not intentional. 60m40s


  • Any diffs between PS4 and PS4 pro? Doesn't know details but pro has more grunt yes.


  • Plan to set mood / emotion on avatars? No immediate plans, but loves this idea. That's his personal response. Lots of tech issues and prioritisations. Couldn't promise. [61m20s]


  • Any word on coats / jackets etc? Not initially but definitely discussed. On the list.


  • More content to HoloMe creator in future updates? Hopes so and will try and find out.


  • Does HoloMe have glasses? Not at the moment.


  • Will a reasonably broad selection of accessories come as standard? Personally thinks accessories are a nice way of monetising. Cosmetic only. Hopefully will get more, but a lot of them will be purchasable.


  • Body mod options to match face? Doesn't know about that, will ask


  • Endowment slider like Conan Exiles? Doubts it....


  • Additional helmet variants, paid or otherwise? Hopes so. Believes that kinda thing has been considered. Outside his remit [65m00s]


  • Body mods like cybernetic arms? Hopes so


  • Be able to pick up other clothes items as mission rewards? Would like to say yes. Special occasion, coming first in CG etc. Non-trivial to do. Systems aren't all in place for that yet. Would like to see though.


  • Will Wings teleport to other locations? No, silly.


  • Why can't I TP to my ships around the galaxy? Because that would be a bit rubbish


  • Data courier and passengers over now we can teleport HoloMes? No reasonable lore reasons for not streaming data IE don't want your data being intercepted


  • Can we cash in exploration data remotely, and get update info? No would change game in ways don't think appropriate and can explain via lore [67m50s]


  • How will Telepresence and Multicrew work in the future with Space Legs and EVA gameplay? 'Just to set the record straight, Space Legs and EVA gameplay, that's way off in the future. That's a goal. I've talked to David and it's always been part of his core vision for what Elite really is, even from way back in the day, it's always been about you're a person in a real futuristic setting, not just a ship. However, I think it's also fair to say Space Legs is effectively dovetailing a whole new game into Elite. We take steps towards it, it's our end vision, but we're not there yet, we're... it's a long way off. And when it does, by the time, if we get there, if we manage it, I'm sure we'll have the time to sort out any consistencies that need to be sorted out. [68m04s]


  • Are we humans or are we dancers now? Eh holograms? Was it a hard enough decision to break down the 4th wall like a bulldozer? It's not a decision we took lightly. We try to back it up with context, put effort into the rendering, think about the lore. Have to balance that against what's best for gameplay. Would argue they're not truly breaking the 4th wall. Doing best to get best gameplay and still contextualise it. That's they're opinion. [69m26s]


  • Option to turn off portraits in chat to show more text? Not at the moment. Have had a lot of feedback about comms. Possibly it's a bit too strong, maybe ability to customise.


  • Are NPC faces generated via their names, or will we see a different face each time? At the moment believes it's the latter. That will change if and when they get towards a more persistent level of NPCs [72m00s]


  • Yellow and orange text unclear, can it be tweaked for release? They're investigating


  • All NPC ship have named? Not sure if all do but a lot of them do. List built in house.


  • Block feature to be made available on main menu so don't have to instance with them to block? Believes you can now.


  • Option to change backdrop for HoloMe creator? Will back that idea if it comes up. Cool idea.


  • Will camera suite be available for Mac users and others stuck at 1.X? Doesn't think so, will check.


  • Default keybindings for camera? Thought there were going to be. Will check. [75m40s]


  • Filters and other tools within camera? Hazards a guess that if it sees a lot of use there's a compelling argument there to improve the feature.


  • ETA for 2.3? No exact date. Much to test in the beta.


  • Ship name generator in-game? Don't think so. Just use the community ones. [78m20s]


  • Design intent behind ship ID? Just a nice idea. Just gives players more variety in what they can add. Believes ID provided by a formula but then you can override.


  • If Dolphin specs are improved will Orca & Beluga be adjusted? Orca getting mass halved in beta. Looking at a couple of ships with each update to help those that are falling behind.


  • Transparency option for view screens on Dolphin / Orca / Beluga etc (basically will they get tinted windows)? Will ask!


  • Are Megaships mobile, or like Jaques, or like Capital Ships? And what's their jump range? We can move them around. They are more or less static when in place. Mostl ike Jaques. Jump range will be big. [80m10s]


  • Can players hitch rides with megaships. Can we store ships on them? Nooooo comment. [83m30s]


  • Are the newly locked systems around the Pleiades a temporary Beta measure? Believes they are.


  • Thanks to Alex Brentnall for compiling the questions on the forums.


  • Space Whales? Would love them. Not sure if they're real.


  • Are hull repair limpets planned? They are on a list... Technically still has to say no ETA, no guarantees, but he wants them, has a feeling you guys want them, just a case of when can sneak them in. Along with bounty-tracker limpets. Sandro 'Really Really Kinda Wanna Do It' Sammarco. [86m25s]
 
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SeaFireliv

SeaFireliv
Golgot said:
Many many questions answered by Sandro 'Really Really Kinda Wanna Do It' Sammarco ;)




[*]In-lore explanation of Gunner view? Small micro camera that orbits ship. Too small to be attacked or targeted



[*]Why are gunner + camera view not a purchasable and damageable module that consume power etc? Cool idea but unnesc barrier. There's already a barrier in ship selection. Not sure of the gain [27m35s]



[*]Does destroying all the turrets destroy Gunner's camera view? Gunner always has access to the camera
Click to expand...

So weak. It would have added immensely to giving these remote cameras a chance to be damaged, even if small.

[*]How would you like to see Gunner UI develop? First person we discounted, too restricitve, wouldn't work well with other player at the helm.
Click to expand...

Super weak. Tell that to the WW2 flight sim gamers who sit in the back of a bomber multicrew aicraft waiting for an enemy plane to cross his path. Give it an extra wide opening. It could have at least been an option.





[*]How will Telepresence and Multicrew work in the future with Space Legs and EVA gameplay? 'Just to set the record straight, Space Legs and EVA gameplay, that's way off in the future. That's a goal. I've talked to David and it's always been part of his core vision for what Elite really is, even from way back in the day, it's always been about you're a person in a real futuristic setting, not just a ship. However, I think it's also fair to say Space Legs is effectively dovetailing a whole new game into Elite. We take steps towards it, it's our end vision, but we're not there yet, we're... it's a long way off. And when it does, by the time, if we get there, if we manage it, I'm sure we'll have the time to sort out any consistencies that need to be sorted out. [68m04s]
Click to expand...

So don`t hold your breath waiting.

[*]Are we humans or are we dancers now? Eh holograms? Was it a hard enough decision to break down the 4th wall like a bulldozer? It's not a decision we took lightly. We try to back it up with context, put effort into the rendering, think about the lore. Have to balance that against what's best for gameplay. Would argue they're not truly breaking the 4th wall. Doing best to get best gameplay and still contextualise it. That's they're opinion. [69m26s]
Click to expand...

Could have been so better done for immersion, but "muh moneeeeee!"

A lot of it`s ok, but the whole 3rd person views reason are weak as weak warm beer.
 

Spacecat

Spacecat
"How would you like to see Gunner UI develop? First person we discounted, too restricitve, wouldn't work well with other player at the helm."

I understand how this could be more disorienting/restrictive/difficult to use. Still think it should be a toggle-able option.
 

Gunnet

G
Thanks, these are a lifesaver for those of us who don't watch the streams.

Golgot said:
Multi-account exploits? Double profits by being idle and pip bonus etc? Don't really see that as a problem. If someone's willing to buy game twice to get mild benefits, maybe big benefits, we're not going to stop them.
Click to expand...

That's kind of an unnerving answer.
 

Blaize Meduenin

B
Multi-account exploits? Double profits by being idle and pip bonus etc? Don't really see that as a problem. If someone's willing to buy game twice to get mild benefits, maybe big benefits, we're not going to stop them.
Click to expand...

Such hypocrites!

They said they wont put things in store that effect gameplay as they dont want people using real money to get an in game advantage, but thats exactly what this does!
 

Starwolfe

S
Thanks for the list. I couldn't sit and watch it to find the answers I want - and this makes it easy to get the key ones.

I am extremely dissapointed in how the MC doesn't work in Supercruise and how little it adds to gameplay that isn't combat. Had a friend that would have loved to be out exploring with me, but since they get no perks, and there is no reason to do it (fly-by scanning was the thought) I can't see much going for it on other playstyles.
 

Kayweg

Kayweg
Blaize Meduenin said:
Such hypocrites!

They said they wont put things in store that effect gameplay as they dont want people using real money to get an in game advantage, but thats exactly what this does!
Click to expand...

Wasn't that already a done deal (at least for the PvPers) with engineers ?
They had to buy horizons, just to level the odds, didn't they ?
Ok, they didn't have to, they also had the choice to just walk away from the game. (yes, that was sarcasm)
 
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Brownshortz

B

Gunnet

G
Kayweg said:
Wasn't that already a done deal (at least for the PvPers) with engineers ?
They had to buy horizons, just to level the odds, didn't they ?
Ok, they didn't have to, they also had the choice to just walk away from the game. (yes, that was sarcasm)
Click to expand...

I'd argue that there's something of a philosophical difference between including advantageous content in a new expansion and letting you buy another pip in the store. Buying expansions as they come out is just keeping up with the state of a game under ongoing development.

If they're not going to stop people multiboxing for the pips, it would be more fair to literally just sell extra pips in the store for the same price as a second copy of the game. At least that would make them more accessible.
 

VR Golgot

VR Golgot
Ignition said:
FD continualy shows incresing funds and 2.3 was delayed for 6 months.

Agree.

They have lost the direction and they have tunel vision for consoles now.
Click to expand...

Disappointing as it is to hear Legs cast so far into the future, Sandro's not wrong to state this is basically adding a whole new game to an existing game. Even with the added 6 months that's not 'make a game' amounts of dev time by any means. I was hoping something modular was closer to production than his words suggest, but can't honestly say I'm that surprised. Even broken down into ship internals, EVA, planetary and station Legs, each one is a massive technical ask, and that's before you even get to the gameplay.

Not sure where you got the funds stuff from. Cash balance, revenue and operating profit are all down this financial year. Some of that's due to long term investment (Coaster dev, general dev work on the Cobra Engine, Elite 'Season 3 & 4' stuff), but even so, it's not really the case that they're raking in the cash and sitting back basking. (Sure they could go more gung ho with liquidity they've got, but not sure their investors would be fans of that).

Absolutely no idea why you place the significance that you do on consoles.

But other than that carry on ;)
 
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Kubicide

Kubicide
Caramel Clown said:
Really lack of time and resources shouldn't be used as an excuse anymore. It's just not true. That's all.
Click to expand...


Yep. Some profit is coming in from Planet Coaster and PS4 Elite (soon) but is going to secret franchise #3 for 2018. So what this really means is FDev are simply not investing in developing Elite beyond these limited efforts that we see with the 2.x releases. Frankly, 2.3 being 8+ months late still looks totally rushed and incomplete, and delivers only bare minimums once again. Yet this release once again revolves around mainly modifying existing stuff (aside from the character creator which adds nothing to gameplay).

Cut'n'paste seems to be the style for Elite:

  • CQC copied over to SLF + Wings = Multicrew (SLF)
  • Dev cam copied over to new cinema-camera-thing + polish = Multicrew sole role (gunner)

Back OT: Thanks for the summary OP. Sandro's Q&A replies should be alarming to the faithful as he's basically saying "no" to pretty much everything people are asking for! Yeah, there's that 10 year plan in action with so many "maybe's", "not sure's", "don't know's", "let's see's", "no's", etc. :rolleyes:
 
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