Hi All
Speculation?...
I think it was originally said (By FD) that it would be something never before seen / attempted in Elite?...or words to that effect, can't remember the actual wording of that statement at the moment.
So...is it something not present in the original game dating back to Elite, or in the later games Frontier Elite 2 / First Encounters, or did they mean this current game, Elite Dangerous / Odyssey?
I'm presuming the development team's spokesperson means these current games. If so then judging by the statement I'd tend to start thinking of just two various scenarios.
1.
A more intelligent and complex NPC feature. NPC's that have personalities in the sense that some can be actively engaged with by the player, they can also board your ship (for various reasons) and interact directly, and personally with the player. They could also involve / interact with other players, whether this would mean a player would then be able through choice to also interact with other players, depending of course on what that particular NPC's goals, ambitions or purpose was.
Certain NPC's in other words (simplified) are persistent in the game. Whether they are 'mortal' in the sense they can be destroyed / killed just like the player, or as programming allows they are more of a 'robust' nature.
2.
More diverse features involving various types of planet, water features, varied weather effects and this would also include or effect a planets geology perhaps. Maybe the introduction of wildlife, either primitive or more complex involving land, sea (or water) and air.
I don't suppose it's any of the above, but well... we are of course just speculating!
Jack