CELESTA AUNGM
Kang Lo Directorate
Gallente Federation
484
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Posted - 2015.03.20 19:46:00 -
[1] - Quote
Vyzion Eyri wrote:Actual video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_RgGJpoUeg (filmed by Soraya Xel) It's a 40 minute video, yes, but it's surprisingly easy to watch through; do it! However, as the title of the video suggests, they are learnings. New stuff we haven't heard of isn't really mentioned, but the roadmap does have some interesting tidbits. Question time Rattati puts up three questions for us to consider: PowerPoint slide wrote:1. How can we strengthen the EVE lore connection, without enforcing 1 to 1 relationships. (which essentially means having connections to NEW EDEN as in the universe, without having people whining about the game not being 'gritty' enough)
2. Making PC lucrative but not exploitable, TO ALL.
3. Progression that is rewarding yet fair. Good points to base discussion around, but the attendees more or less ignore them for now. I presume forum threads will address these points soon.
Let me first say, Vyzion Eyril, a big salute to you for posting this. Threads can always be derailed or badly typed. But the REAL people sitting in a space saying what they mean with mouth/hands/face are still light years ahead of any other communication.
In just that presentation alone, I learned things I can respect about Rattati: He is NOT steeped in EVE ganeplay and mechanics, he has recognized that much of what was holding back Dust's progress was a ambitious roadmap too inflexibly committed to linking to EVE in a very strict specific way; and that he seems determined to keep Dust the way it is now, a tough to climb, very easy for anyone to get killed style of fps play.
(Incidentally, I see all three impressions as GOOD news, and I'm happy to have learned these about him).
It IS a shame though, that his audience just didn't seem even in the same universe of mindset with he and his staff, because THEIR concerns wouldn't even allow them to contribute ideas or even discuss HIS three questions.  Gee, audienceGǪwhat the heck happened?
 One idea that could address Question-1 (Lore) is simply to return the Lore-based, fantasy-based "names" to all our modules and items.
I suspect the names like "Voltaic Energized", "Jovian Powerplants", "Axetropic Ward" and "Carapace" were taken out of the game as part of that rigid 'we MUST make Dust stuff perfectly mirror EVE stuff" ambitionGǪ But Rattati did reveal in his mention about trying to add Lore-based colors to weapon discharge in Dust's rendering, it's not always physically possible.
Changing the "names" back to the flavor we used to have, and adding that flavor at ever opportunity in the game IS possible, while giving Dust some New Eden identity of its own.
One idea that may address Question-3 (Progesssion reward) is to rearange (not remove and reintroduce anything) the kinds of rewards that are given out to the kind of player most likely to be unlocking them at her particular level in the game:
--Example, Daily Missions should give out only the armour/shield/suit modules that will increase the survivability of New players, and the equipment that entices them to interact with fellow blues----not weapons or explosives to make them think a fancier gun will asist in their progression (in Dust, we know that the fancier gun doesn't guarantee longevity or proegression at all).
--Example, eliminate strongboxes and barge-components from Daily Missions or Pub Skirmishes, and place them only in the more in-depth match modes (FW or PC). Since salvage and goodies are more the interest of players interested in a longer-stay in Dust, give them the pleasure of "progressing up" into such matches, while the Pub matches continue to offer the "defensive" and "teamplay" goodies that New and Casual players need for their increased protection and really value.
Takahiro's observation is an important factor in addressing these questions. The CoD-expectaions of ever new player should be viewed as an obstacle that we have to partly satisfy (so as not to turn away new players), but also have to partly "educate" them out of (in order to stay true to Dust as a game that's intentionally trying to be different from that classic fps type).
Universe of good wishes for the 49, especially CCP Eterne...
No story can have life without writers and publishers.
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