Originally by: Adamantor

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Edited by: Adamantor on 16/05/2011 20:58:14
Not a good change for the long term game. Complexity adds depth and the agent mechanic wasn't really that complex. In the time spent making this change, some drill-downs into agent types and missions could have been added to agent info, giving new players an easy way to learn how agent types and quality worked.

I also think removing the 'depth' of agent quality is bad. Before, you had high end agents you could strive for, now L4 opens all L4 agents. This change shallows the mission mechanic.

This also removes the need for going to low-sec or null-sec for Q20 agents. Yes, it's easier for newer players or players who lack standings, but it also removes the carrot of even attempting those Q20 agents. Again, Risk vs Reward is diluted.

Lastly, the simplification of agent types isn't horrible but making them 100% mission types is bad. Now, courier missions can be completely bypassed. When I started playing, I found courier missions interesting and began to invited in a industrial ship in that hub to complete them. This also lead me to train some non-combat skills. Again, depth, diversification can be a good thing.

If the goal was to dilute some null sec agents, why not consider a dynamic agent where the more pilots running missions for an agent lowered the payout - this could have even go as far we limiting the number of missions available in a given time. This would have the result of pushing more pilots out of commonly run mission hubs. You could also adjust some agents Q level, add agents, or remove agents to balance this more dynamically. This type of mechanic could even lead to more fighting for top agents in low/null?

I was also against the removal of learning skills for many of the same reasons. I realize EVE needs players, but I'd challenge anyone to point to this mechanic as being so complex that new players simply left the game over it.

I'm not a veteran (2 year player) and I don't usually run low-sec or null-sec missions so I'm not personally impacted by the change but I still think it's the wrong change and a dilution of the rich and complex game that EVE is.

I'd love for CCP to elaborate on their new found 'wisdom' for the changes that have been coming. If they continue to dilute their core game in an effort to get new players, they'll find the core players deciding to the game isn't going in the direction they hope - Deeper, and more challenging.

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I find this to be a wonderful, customer-oriented solution to unnecessary complexity.

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