Coriander Rinne
Federal Navy Academy
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Posted - 2009.07.21 20:31:00 -
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I'm a lifer in the FNA starter corporation, and I spent a lot of time helping the new players there. One thing we cannot adequately prepare a new player for is PvP.
The new player needs to lose not only a ship as has been discussed, but also needs to be podded. This has to happen as part of the NPE so the player understands that it's a normal part of the game, and not the end of the world.
The player also has to learn, by the flip side of this coin, that PvP doesn't mean being a victim. Too often for new players, this is the only PvP they're exposed to. Something needs to be done to encourage them to feel empowered, and to enter into PvP situations with the right mindset. This covers things like fitting correctly, scouting, use of d-scan, and knowing when to engage and when to look for someone else to fight instead.
The NPE can fix the former. I'm sure it wouldn't be too difficult to have a player podded and then continue the tutorial from station. The latter is more difficult.
This is my problem with trying to herd players directly into player corporations. Many corporations that would accept a new player are just starting out themselves, generally with inexperienced people at the helm both in terms of the corporation's leadership and goals, and in the direction of players in fleets.
So the problem is, these player corporations are providing very little to new players in direct benefits, while also offering a smaller and more limited pool of knowledge to draw up on than the starter corps.
I don't know how to fix this, but let's find a point to start from. The tutorial for starting a corporation doesn't really cover what it should offer and what players would expect of it. Maybe start by expanding that? Have the tutorial explain briefly the different types of corporations, what they offer to their players, what they expect from their players both in terms of qualifications and in terms of contributions.
Have more in-depth guides available in game for new CEOs. Perhaps have established CEOs contribute to it.
Basically provide all of the tools and knowledge for a player to start a successful corporation. Because let's face it, Random Player Corp 28902734 that "is looking for all players and does mining and missioning!!!" is nothing more than a chat room that's susceptible to war decs.
Again, improve the quality of these corporations, and I think it makes for a richer experience for everyone.
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