Cross Atu
Conspiratus Immortalis
775
   |
Posted - 2013.01.12 08:50:00 -
[1] - Quote
I've said it before and I'll say it again, I love to see actual beta testing taking place especially when those findings are being reported rather than hidden or exploited. Best that we highlight weaknesses in the game mechanics now prior to live when they could sour the reception of the game in some quarters.
Granted as a beta game the current system is most likely a work in progress, but barring any clear statement of intent from CCP regarding the coming features it is incumbent upon us as testers to stress and provide feedback for the mechanics which active within the current iteration of the game.
Once the game goes live we as Mercs will have an array of choices facing us and as the pleasant voice in the war barge reminds us before the match Loyalty is key.
Right along with AUR, LP (Loyalty Points) are a fundamental part of current New Eden mechanics generally and Faction Warfare specifically. LP unlock discounts, rewards, and upgrades. What officer gear but don't want to wait for that rare drop? Cash in some of your LP and you can get it. We're Mercs but it doesn't mean we should or must have no loyalty or lasting alliances. Granted some certainly will sell their skills only for a quick buck, but others will choose to forge relationships within the faction militias that offer longer term prospects.
Beyond that more setting related lore there are simple mechanical aspects which need to be addressed, if the current mechanics of Faction Warfare allow you to sidestep battle then something in that needs to be reworked prior to heavy integration into New Eden.
Open beta is coming soon, the 22nd if memory serves, and in a certain perceptual light open beta will be the 'release' as the influx of players and removal of the NDA creates word of mouth buzz. If Dust is to thrive that word of mouth needs to be on balance positive. As such in game mechanisms which imbalance or dilute gameplay are detrimental to D514 if left unaddressed prior to open beta.
Lastly it is important not to overlook that Faction Warfare and it's mechanics are in many respects precursors for the Sovereignty mechanics planed for Dust. Sov space is a major aspect of CCPs EVE product (and thus revenue stream), as such handling Dusts integration into New Eden Sov is key to the healthy longevity of the game. We need to push, pull, and stress this system from every angle to ensure it is as robust and dynamic as possible.
Dust is a long term project which while it gives time for aspects within game to develop it also makes the foundations all the more vital. And in a game like D514 set in a persistent world, driven by profit and loss, risk versus reward a mechanic which gives out ISK rewards while allowing players to sidestep most/all of the associated risk that mechanic clearly needs to be tested, reported by we betas and iterated on by the devs so that it can become more robust rather than setting itself up for future stagnancy.
0.02 ISK
Cross |