Riffix
Synergistic Arbitrage
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Posted - 2012.02.24 00:20:00 -
[1] - Quote
I could write a novel about this but I will just make a list, some of my own thoughts and some echoed by others in this thread in a few categories:
General changes that would benefit all EVE players, including new players:
- Improve the gameplay UI, specifically situation awareness. It should be VERY clear who is doing what to you, what you are doing to them, what you CAN'T do, and what you COULD do. Remove the ability to make commands that can't happen (like warping when scrambled). Remove the reliance on the crappy black pop-up box and make damage (incoming and outgoing) clear in terms of what is being done, what is being resisted, and damage type.
- Make the rules of engagement / timers in a given system more easy to identify and understand. (Can I legally shoot others here?, can they shoot me? what will happen if I steal from this can? etc)
- Remove crappy AI from empire and make all combat, PVE or PVP, utilize the same warfare concepts. Remove the UI distinction between AI and players. It shouldn't matter. All anyone should should care about is ship type and that pilot's relationship to them. The most obvious visual indicator of another ship (the icon) should not simply tell whether the ship is a dumb AI or not.
- Create a PVP simulation arena where players can fight and test fits/tactics without fear of losing their ship. You can charge a fee per fight so it costs something but players (especially new ones) don't lose their ability to make back the money (their ships).
- Utilize a multi-lingual chat system (see Final Fantasy XI) that allows players who speak different language to communicate functionally using base terms.
Things for new players specifically:
- Better guide to fitting
- Create starter program were individuals/corps/alliances can mentor incoming newbies. This is already happening informally but there needs to be a formal system with tangible rewards for the trainers based on either newbie rating or subscription conversion or something. This MUST be available to individuals as well as groups.
- Give players a better understanding of where pod pilots fit into the lore, how they got to be one, what that means about them, where they come from, what are their limitations, their place in the galaxy, etc.
- It shouldn't be an accident that players start in a "school". The system should put the new players together with other new people so they can figure out things together. There is a certain camaraderie that forms when you work with other people who are new to an experience/place like you. This could help form bonds for new players that will help them have a reason to be part of the game and possibly help them find direction later in life.
- Localize the tutorials. If you are going to localize the game proper, the tutorials should be no exception.
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