The people still reading/commenting on the forums at this point are the ones who kept this game going as long as it did, and also the ones who have dropped the most money on this product since the beginning. I hope our voices are heard and at least considered when decided the direction of this next game.
The announcement is bittersweet, as I was hoping the next version of Dust would remain on consoles (preferably cross-console), as that would leave EVE for the PC's and (EVE-FPS) for the consoles, grossing a larger overall player base (IMO), I just feel it's pointless to have both games on the same system, but that's just me. But with that hope dashed, I am still happy to see a concrete plan for the future, and I'll make due and probably be investing in a better PC soon.
With all that said, Dust was the best gaming experience I've had, and here's what I'm really hoping for in the next release.
--- Stay true to what was great about Dust ---
The player-driven drama: The corporations, fighting for pride and land. Corporation ranks, spying, treachery, deception, high-stakes PC battles, alliances etc. No other shooter offers that really.
The RPG elements: While this needed improvement, it was quite addicting building your suits, attaining skills etc. The hard part is having good RPG elements, while making it possible for new players to join the game later on. Make it happen
The market: We didn't have this until late, but it offered some players an entire reason to play. Needs a lot of improvement, but we had was fun even in it's very limited version.
--- And improve what wasn't so great... ---
Performance: One of the most pressing matters. Crashing, lag, framerate, small player limits. etc. I'm assuming modern hardware will fix all of this.
Missing content: Maybe now we can have all the weapons/vehicles/pilot suits etc... ?
More free-roam type stuff: I think "quick battles" are still important to have. But in a New Eden game it's important to do more. Walk around stations, interact with EVE players, perhapse customize a corporate HQ, etc. etc. stuff like that.
Better New Player Experience: Perhaps Dust's biggest problem? New players need to be able to turn on Dust and have fun. No matter how late they get into the game.
Better EVE link: Orbital Strikes were neat, but almost everyone expected more. Perhaps Dust players could find resources only usable in EVE, and vice versa, leading for reasons to cooperate? The Dust and EVE players should 'need' each other in some sense.
Crafting: I think you guys were already on the right track with this, but It will be nice to see it come to be.
PVE: Or at the very least some sort of gameplay that isn't pitched 16v16 battles.
Customization: One thing I always pined for. We always needed more. Custom dropsuits, custom vehicles, custom HUD's, custom merc quarters, custom guns, etc. Customization is addicting. Make it happen.
I hope other community vets weigh in on this.
What do you want changed? What do you want left alone?