Single Player Online Mode
****Resolved****
Is the single player mode still going to feature an "online" mode where individuals can connect to the server?
This could be incredibly important to service members across the world who want to play while abroad, but do not wish to be forced to start over when they do have internet access. It could also be important for testing features, practicing, exploring, or online series. Perhaps I want to record a show but don't always want others involved whereas if viewers wish to team up for an episode, or make a cameo, I can have an online session with them.
For example only; Imagine that I'm doing an online show utilizing Elite as an educational medium, I've been playing in "single player online mode" to minimize on hazardous encounters so that I can cut back on the ridiculous amounts of hours spent dodging conflict while focusing on something specific for the series. Imagine that I get a hold of someone like Scott Manley or another privy scientist who agrees to make a cameo, so I load up the multiplayer server, loading my last "SP Online" save. That could give Elite a million more possibilities.
Not only this, let's expand on this topic. I'm an explorer and have discovered hundreds of solar systems with very detailed data regarding each. I sell the data to the Pilot's Federation and now, those systems that I've mapped are also available to those who strictly play online. While this might mismatch on some levels, there are nearly half a TRILLION systems which will literally take YEARS even with the most basic concept of location to map it all. I would think those willing to play strictly in Single Player Online mode would also benefit and appreciate the available expanding map data, if not, simply don't buy map data or play while disconnected from the internet or start a strictly offline save batch.
Now instead of letting this lead into a cheaty way to avoid pirates or to escape pursuit (albeit with time limits into "instances" during a pursuit, this shouldn't affect it too drastically) there could be a requirement to meet to return online. Something simple and not very complicated. Perhaps being forced to jump into the nearest mapped high security system or simply a populated system regardless of security or faction. Perhaps even a limitation on cargo, if the goods in your hold are worth more here than where you acquired them you will be forced back to the system in which you acquired them. Something simple can solve this issue.
Hm.. an idea... if you started out online and went into the menu to switch into single player online mode, it would take a certain amount of time, or a certain distance until it took effect. And, instead of them simply restarting Elite to immediately go back to single player, a timer would tick with a steep penalty if the player decided to ignore the timer. The penalty could of course be something like a "toll bridge" or "demanded credits" based on a percentage of the players current credits. Upon loading the single player Universe while the timer is still ticking a batch of AI would demand credits and, if ignored, pursue the player a certain distance, or until the timer had reached zero. The size, class, and proficiency of the force could be based on the class of the players ship and/or the size of their wallet.
This would definitely mitigate certain unfavorable behavior while still allowing for a "Single Player Online" functionality to be pursued.
I know that I would definitely use both functions and I think in the end most players would.
