Science & Industry

(I almost posted this in the thread for the “New Modules” discussion, but it seems to go far beyond just modules, so I started this thread. If it belongs elsewhere, move it as needed.)


With all the minerals available, and the skill trees as diverse as they are, it seems logical that combining different mineral types (perhaps through the use of the Metallurgy skill) that numerous alloys could be created to make stronger, more flexible, denser, or reflective metals suitable for any sort of scientific endeavor. Ship hulls, modules, parts for parts (I can think of entire lines of new circuit boards etc to add to the rigs category), any sort of enhancement…all could be created through the use of alloys made by combining different minerals (and possibly some of the metals from Planetary Interactions).

Thousands of combinations are possible (even millions based on all the mined minerals, moon minerals, and PI metals, even some of the currently useless “Trade Goods” could be incorporated). It would require a lot of work on the item database, but since that is what the developers and programmers do already, it would be just working it into the schedule! (Sounds easy, right?)

Unlimited possibilities for a future expansion.

Technically, this is already being done. For tech 1 items and ships, the factory just needs the base minerals. From those, the factory is producing all the derivative materials on site.

It is only for tech 2 and tech 3 items/ships that special components are required that the factories (probably due to union rules) can't/won't make on the spot. Those components have to be made separately.

What does this add to the game, except larger spreadsheets?

You do have a point, but if you look at the number of mundane items that are not of any practical use (notably the trade items I mantioned in the original post) making some of them useable in a bigger context would certainly change their trade value. For example, Electronic Parts, High Tech Scanners, MAnufacturing Tools, all could become ingredients in any sort of manufacturing schematic and would raise (or lower) their market values accordingly.

Using the PI materials in other schematics, many of which have already been incorporated, would change the way many players look at PI. And the limitless combinations of moon materials, minerals and other ingredients would make goods of all types become true market commodities.

Yes the spreadsheets would necessarily become bigger, but this is really just one big spreadsheet anyway. What's a few more lines of data?

So, basically, make it so tedious that few people bother? By that logic, why not just make Eve so bad in general, so that only the most obsessed spreadsheet fans stay?

People had to deal with spreadsheets at work. When they come home and play a game for entertainment, they get even more spreadsheeting? Is that a good direction to take a game?

Complexity should come with benefits. Complexity for the sake of complexity is having con without the pro.

ok lets review

Stations were fueld in part by npc stuff and ice.

Tech 2 was suplied by moon goo

Rigs come from Salvage

Boosters were gascloudes

Tech 3 was suplied by Wormhole stuff (granted they finaly found a use for gas harvesters and a new use for salvage)

PI suplied NPC goods to produce some fules parts and station bits.

Odds are rings will for the most part supply parts for something "new" that will need to be processed on planets. . .

I hope they do look at this issue. Planets will need to play a larger role in the production chain. The current system was designed when planets were irrelevant. I think CCP will eventually address this in an industry 'expansion.'

The hard part is adding fun game play without adding hundred of clicks.