id like to see how ccp can code something only a player can do....

Well, I like the idea, but I doubt we can get AI sharp enough for what you describe, Vel.

I could go for a simple test range.

But for any real training, I'd simply like for us to deploy into our own districts. If we have to have training AI, simply put fast-moving floating targets that would shoot a scrambler pistol round at you every so often, just to keep you on your toes (Star Wars Jedi training orb-style).

Thanks for the reply. I think I may not have been clear enough. The intention of the AI is for testing different fits and weapons, not for the PC strategies idea mentioned.

In other words, if I'm a new player and I want to see what it's like to try to snipe using a maxed-out sniper spec against a target that's dancing around, I can make that happen. Maybe I learn that I hate it and decide to make a shotgun scout instead. Or if I want to see how well a fully shield tanked Proto Caldari Assault suit can absorb damage when going against a MLT fit AI using a SMG. I can repeat it with an armor tanked Gallente Assault. I can test that out by having the AI shoot me. This may guide the direction of my training. Or if I want to see how well my tank fit can handle incoming fire from a rail tank, then I can set that up too. Or if i want to try out the upcoming ion pistol, and CCP has made it available in the testing mode, then I can play around with it there. Maybe i decide I love it and so I start saving up SP for it to use when it becomes available in real matches, or maybe I was saving up for it, but hated it and so it frees me up to spend those points in something else. Or maybe I test it out and find a hit-detection bug, so I make a video and post a thread in the feedback section which helps CCP correct the problem before it goes live.

The point of the AI is so you can test, not for training. If the test range is simply static characters, that would be a major missed opportunity IMO. A lot of bugs and a lot of tests can only really be found/done if something is shooting back at you, or moving around. Allowing squad mates into your test with friendly fire on (remember suits won't cost anything here) could alleviate some of this, but I still think it would be really nice to be able to quietly test out things on your own. A buggy/rudimentary AI would be perfectly sufficient for this purpose.

The training aspect would be like you suggest where teams can deploy to their districts and practice strategies/tactics together. It would focus on which squads go where, which guy in the squad calls in what vehicle, how do we counter when the enemy pushes to x objective from y etc.? It's not about shooting AI bots, because you're right, that would be so far away from how a real PC match would play out as to be completely and utterly pointless.

Ok I see what you're saying. An actual place to test all theoretical fits. Live theory-crafting.

I know CCP has said they're working on building a test range. With the importance of testing fits, I think it would be great if we could get an unpolished version sooner > later. Here's what would be one way to quickly implement the mode. Use one of the existing maps and spawn in static npc players and vehicles with progressively better stats the closer you get to the other side. You can call up a test skills window, and a test fits window and select your skills (The color of the skill window would be red or something just to be clear that this is only for testing) with infinite SP available and also select your weapon/fit that all cost 0 ISK.

You can approach any enemy NPC or vehicle and push "O" and you'll be able to select any skills/fits for them as well. You will also be able to "wake them up" either aggressively or defensively. An NPC on defense will sprint/dodge/juke/weave/bunny-hop around and hide behind cover in a 10m radius or so. An NPC vehicle will drive/fly along a pre-defined path. The AI can be very simple and not clever (e.g. if the NPC guy/vehicle gets hung up on the geometry, it's no-big-deal). On agressive, The NPC will try to kill you as best it can until it's destroyed, and if it's a vehicle it will use it's weapons to shoot you after a delay of x seconds. This allows you to see how well your tank can withstand incoming fire for example. Again, the AI can be very generic/basic and buggy. This is only for testing. Once killed the NPC will respawn after a brief delay and return to its original static state.

This mode could be created with minimal effort reusing 100% existing assets. The only major coding effort required would be for the AI components, but these can be very simple and buggy. The hard part about AI programming and the thing that takes the most time/effort is debugging the edge-cases. Here a quick/dirty AI that a CS college intern could whip-up for an assignment would probably be sufficient. Perhaps, they could reuse an existing AI engine. The main point is that minimal resources/effort could be expended on the project, and the benefits would be tremendous. At some point they're going to have to create an AI anyways in order to implement the PvE modes they're working on. Who knows, maybe they've already coded something they can use. It would also be a nice way for CCP to play test their AI.

I'd love to see a custom-designed, highly polished test map/facility one day. I'd much rather see something crude and useable get released quickly in the meantime. I suspect this might also help with player retention, by giving people more things to do, and allowing new players to practice and get a feel for the weapons outside of being massacred in pub matches. It also allows people the option to try before they buy regarding skill point investments. And it gives the players something to look forward to working towards if they put in the time and effort.

Sounds not entirely unlike this:

https://forums.dust514.com/default.aspx?g=posts&t=93506&find=unread