Fractal Muse
Republic University
Minmatar Republic
19
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Posted - 2012.06.21 16:34:00 -
[1] - Quote
The problem for CCP's GM is this: If they define the rules specifically then the smart players of EVE will figure out ways to make use of any newbie immunity rules.
For example, if the definition for a 'rookie' is under 10 days played. What is to stop an experienced player from picking up a new account and making a new character on that new account and running high value cargo? Or going into the middle of 0.0 to cause some mischief?
Looking at the situation, there is something there that would indicate the new player as not a rookie. But, within the game's rule system they would be considered one.
So if time on the account doesn't work, how about skill points? We have the same problem. Veterans making new characters to make use of the rookie benefits.
To me this leaves two alternatives for EVE:
The first is to do what CCP is doing and leaving the definition of rookie open-ended and subject to interpretation in any given event. Unfortunately, this causes confusion for the players and creates "special" circumstances that are subject to calls of favoritism or unfairness.
The second, which I would prefer since it gets rid of the interpretation, is to create newbie starting zones. A small system that is not accessible from the EVE Universe as a whole. When a rookie feels ready to enter the game proper they go through a wormhole and can never go back.
This way there are no questions about who is a newbie and who isn't. There is no confusion. And, rookies are protected within the rookie system. The rookie system should have limited resources within it and it could force players out of it when they reach a certain skill point level.
There would need to be 'safe guards' to keep larger ships out of the rookie system. Perhaps the manufacturing could be restricted solely to what the initial manufacturing missions suggest. This would prevent players from creating manufacturing characters and building 'advanced' ships / stuff in the system.
I dunno, it seems to me that if CCP is serious about protecting new players and providing them with a positive new player experience they need to revamp their new game experience. To me, this has always been where EVE Online is weak. I would love to see retention numbers of new player accounts.
There is a lot more that could be done to make EVE Online more appealing / attention grabbing for new players. The revamp to the initial missions was a great step but it isn't enough. More can and should be done.
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