Player Features and Ideas Discussion

Greetings New Eden!!!

Hello, I don't normally post, but I just wanted to put my 2 cents out there. Recently, there seems to be various attempts and
'schemes' by CCP in order to induce more casual players into playing EVE Online and to play it for longer. Now, maybe I am wrong about this and these recent events like Recurring Opportunities and Shadow of the Serpent are genuine attempts to make EVE better, but I think not.

It appears that someone or something that is in the ear of CCP, convinced them that the way to induce more casual players to play EvE is to lure them with rewards and timed events. I just want to make clear, that if this is true, its totally foolhardy and will only lead to ruin. I want new players to come play EvE as much as anybody else, but these lousy events aren't the answer. So, let's ask the question: How do you get more players to play EvE?

Well, I've thought about it, and it's pretty simple, you have to get players to become emotionally invested about the game. There are various ways to do this, but the way in which I believe EvE is sorely lacking in is: Story and Characters.

If you think about it, New Eden is a rich a dynamic place with history, characters and drama. But we hardly ever hear about any of it in the game itself. I mean, just try to name one character from the EvE lore. Now, tell me that person's history, their personality or something relevant about them. Maybe if you read about the lore or watched some scope videos, you could name one or two, but you would be the exception. I doubt that most players playing EvE now know even the most basic of EvE Lore.

What EvE needs is basically something akin to a single-player campaign. The key to this campaign is have a good story and interesting characters. In a way, EvE already has this, but it's entirely player driven and this is actually a great thing. The problem with this, is that some of you may not realize, but many players of Online MMO's are not necessarily the most sociable of people. Depending on “everyone” to join a Corporation and become part of a larger group where they talk, work and play together is a bit unrealistic in my opinion. For many people, it works, but some people prefer to play by themselves, or at least need more time before they get comfortable enough to seek out other players. Therefore, I would argue it is critical that you engage these players with fictional story and characters that make New Eden a richer, more accessible and dynamic place. Look, most games these days, even games whose entire game-play is seemingly player-driven, have some sort of enriching single-player experience.

One of many criticisms of EvE is that it's complex. Well, there is no better way to simplify it than to explain some of the complexities through a story. You could have a story explaining the origin of how 'Concord' brought peace to various Hi-sec regions, why there are lo-sec regions and null-sec as well. Interesting characters are key as well. There needs to be an old man with a scruffy voice and eye-patch telling you about the great Kernite rush of the past! And I think most everyone in New Eden could possibly benefit from some more story-driven content as well. There is a certain desperation for story content, I believe. When dust was here, I believe many people were excited that they could interact with dust if only a little bit because it created the illusion that there was some sort of plot or story going on.

Well, saying EvE needs more story-driven content is easy enough, but how do you actually implement it, you ask? Well, for the most part, I think I would leave it up to CCP to decide, but a few suggestions I would make. First, we probably want some sort of special story content that is very different from the missions EvE already has. In my opinion the mission 'stories' in EvE, are bland, generic, boring and not interesting. A big wall of text just won't do. I feel that during these changing times, EvE needs something a bit more dramatic: Voice-acted characters! Obviously, not every little bit of text should be voice-acted, but I think that putting the time into getting good writers and talented voice-actors can really help to keep New Players engaged. Even a little bit can help. Also, I've noticed there has been voice-acting in the new CCP VR games and it seems decent enough! Why not throw some of that effort into EvE as well?

So, that's basically my idea. It requires a dramatic shift in thought from CCP. This requires no change in game play mechanics or anything like that. Instead of putting your efforts into reward schemes, CCP, you ought to invest in a writer two, and create some interesting stories that are inside the game! In short CCP, you need to make New Eden Great again.


Short Version: Add Voice Acting

This is all that was really needed.

that's like saying "oh, i can play this game solo if i wanted, so CCP might as well make single player stuff."

What post on F&I isn't geared towards CCP itself? The thing is, CCP also listens to those that want to disagree/offer a different view. It's all a part of the forums.

I don't deny that i solo stuff, like exploration. The difference is that I realize that those things can become multiplayer very fast, and unexpectedly. That's just how Eve is.

But the gameplay in your psuedo solo campaign is not going to even be remotely similar to the gameplay in the rest of eve? Unless you particularly enjoy levelling up your raven. I'm not judging, but



Hell. Isn't the newbie epic arc already exactly what you're looking for, except with the chance of actual meaningful player interaction happening while you're doing it?

Your right, let's add voice acting in it, ideally with improved dialogue.





Well, for me, it helps to feel like I am part of a real universe that has a history, has characters and interesting things going on. I enjoy the mystery that comes with the Sleepers or the drifters. The various pirate factions offer intrigue and drama, but the problem is that all these various Lore elements are poorly explained with little story behind them. (in-game anyway). What I think we need is a better understanding of who these various factions really are. Who really are the Guristas? What is the goal of their founder? Why did the Blood Raiders experiment on humans? Why exactly are Caldari and Gallente enemies again?


There are two ways you can approach the NPC's in EvE, either you can be intrigued by them or you can merely see them as as a loot dispenser. In my opinion, when NPC's are treated as merely as just loot factories, the game is a little bit cheaper as a result. If your Caldari, you ought to be more enthusiastic to fight Gallente! and etc. Obviously these story elements are not for everyone, they are more geared towards newer players, in order to give them a better layout of the universe. Seeing the Guristas as blood-thirsty pirates is better than just seeing them as those NPC's that are weak to kinetic and thermal damage. It gives them more personality and life. If CCP wants to draw in more players, the best way to do it is by giving EvE more personality. Remember, these story based content is not meant to convince you to play! You already playing, it's meant to help CCP draw in more casual-type players without compromising any core game-play.

Also, ask yourself, why does CCP still release scope videos from time to time? Go look at some of those scope videos and read some of the comments in the you-tube section, I think you will see that there is a demand for more story-based content.

quote=Vash Bloodstone] Well, I've thought about it, and it's pretty simple, you have to get players to become emotionally invested about the game. There are various ways to do this, but the way in which I believe EvE is sorely lacking in is: Story and Characters. [/quote]
Your opinion I do not share it.
There is a huge story and a rich fictional history to EvE and all of it can be found on the internet for those who want it.
For the rest of us that do not give a damn about any of that we can simply log in and enjoy a game while writing our own "story" based on out actions within the game unhindered and unencumbered by stories of things that have no effect on what we do in the game.


I find myself in agreement with the others, EvE dos not need a good story line for solo players, we need more things that encourage group play.

However there is some merit in your idea we would just need to re-purpose it. A group of tutorials for new players that were set up more like a story that walked people step by step through some of the basics of the game is something that CCP could and should look into.

You mean like the afore-mentioned newbie epic arc?

I think the idea of voice acting to add to/replace walls of text is a really good idea. Players can focus on flying their ships and navigaing while listening to someone explain the task, instead of stopping to read a wall of text while another player could potentially be getting ready to tackle you.

Depending on the voice dynamics, players could be put into mind-set that helps them understand the situation.

Adding more lore into the game would be cool. What is Tibus Heth up to these days?