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New dev blog: What's in a name

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Author
Bent Barrel
#381 - 2012-03-01 14:47:21 UTC
Daedra Blue wrote:
Bent Barrel wrote:


How about adding the meta level to the item icon ? Like we have the T2 designation (yellow corner), we can have another corner with the meta number .... problem solved, no need for renaming ....


Because you can not search for numbers in pictures....


Because you cannot search for meta level anyway.

IF YOU ARE ALREADY SEARCHING THE MARKET/ASSETS THEN YOU KNOW WHAT YOU ARE LOOKING FOR !!!!

Any newb will look through the market tree/groups and check the skill reqs/prices/show info !!!

It's the veterans getting the short stick here ....
Bent Barrel
#382 - 2012-03-01 14:49:48 UTC
Jenn Makanen wrote:
Alec Freeman wrote:
The meta names are only confusing for like the first week of playing and the add depth too the game.

You are also screwing over your existing fanbase by forcing them too learn entirely new terms


Well, given that the changes are to a consistent scheme, it should be far less than one week for the existing not to be confused.

Personally, I don't understand the sheer volume of the whining on this. Do people really think about their afterburners other than 'I'll go for the best' and 'I'll turn it on'?

I could /almost/ understand things like missiles. Almost.

Ugh


then why not rename the whole meta range but just the sub t2 ? after all the gistii/gistum/gist naming is sooooooooo confusing .....
Vyktor Abyss
Abyss Research
#383 - 2012-03-01 15:02:23 UTC
Szilardis wrote:
Pallidum Treponema wrote:

Illustrating what I'm talking about: http://i.imgur.com/1TMtE.jpg


This is awesome!


Yep, apart from not being able to tell the T2 stuff quick enough.

But if the Meta was in the top right or bottom left corner, it would keep the T2 and faction stuff clearly identifiable.

Having played 7 years now I am rather annoyed you'd go changing names on us. Knowledge is one key benefit to playing for a long time and you appear to want to sabotage my knowledge of in game items for no good reason.

People learn the names and although there are a few misleading names dotted around, on the whole most are fine. So I really dont see why you'd mess with EVERYONE's knowledge, the legacy of items on killboards too for example, just because some new clod can't be bothered to take the time to learn what I took time to do.
Vegare
Bitslix
Lolsec Fockel
#384 - 2012-03-01 15:11:26 UTC
Confirming the new launcher naming convention, is no convention. What?
JamesCLK
#385 - 2012-03-01 15:27:10 UTC  |  Edited by: JamesCLK
Yet another way to represent these things would be to incorporate meaningful numbers into the named modules in a similar way to the new implants. Merge them into the name of the module in a way that keeps a scifi feel - by this I mean using a naming convention that respects the race/faction that are the primary developers of a module.


For instance: missile launchers are generally patented and developed by the Caldari, so their names would integrate tech and meta levels into serial codes. The old examples of this were modules like the "XT-2800 Heavy Assault Missile Launcher" and "Large F-S9 Regolith Shield Induction".
However, XT-2800 has the potential to become an indicator for the developer and quality (meta level) of the item.

In this case, XT would be a 2 letter symbol for the faction who patented the specific module - examples:
XT -> No faction (tech 1/2)
CN -> Caldari Navy
DG -> Dread Guristas

Adding a code letter before the tech and meta level representation could signify calibre:
R -> Rocket Launcher
L -> Light Launcher
A -> Assault Launcher
H -> Heavy Launcher
C -> Cruise Launcher
T -> Torpedo Launcher
CT -> Citadel Torpedo Launcher
CC -> Citadel Cruise Launcher

Finally, 2800 could be truncated down to a 3 digit number which directly displays the Tech and meta level of the item, making visual comparison a lot easier (comparing numbers is easier than names, and more efficient- like the Caldari):
Meta 1 -> 101
Meta 2 -> 102
Meta 15-> 115
Tech 2 -> 205

For example:
A "Caldari Navy Cruise Missile Launcher" would translate into "CN-C108 Caldari Navy Cruise Missile Launcher".
At a glance, you can tell it is a Caldari Navy (CN) Tech 1 meta 8 Cruise Missile Launcher.
Another example:
The "Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II" would become the "XT-A205 Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II"
Here, you quickly learn it is a non faction Tech 2 HAM launcher.

This is only an example for missile launchers. Every module type should have its origin analysed and named based on what race patented it and what makes sense. Keep in mind that if you're going to use descriptive words as meta representations there needs to be a big enough difference between the weight of the words to make an impact on the user.
E.g "Prototype" and "Experimental" are two words with roughly the same weight when we compare them.


TL;DR:
Variety is the spice in this case, and I feel the way to tie this into more descriptive module names without loosing too much diversity is to use the already established races. I think it is a bad idea to homogenise ALL of the modules into one format for naming - rather, have the player figure out how certain races name their modules.

Just my 0.02 ISK.

EDIT: Spitballin' ideas:
Gallente are a more artistically oriented race but share a lot of culture with the Caldari.
Minmatar value functionality and versatility, the higher quality the module, the more it should reflect this (PWNAGE over PWN).
Amarr would probably emphasize on their modules using holier names for higher quality modules (reflects increasing levels of perfection or devotion) - hell, they could structure their meta level indicators like passages from the Bible!

-- -.-- / -.-. .-.. --- -. . / .. ... / - --- --- / . -..- .--. . -. ... .. ...- . / - --- / ..- -. -.. --- -.-. -.- / ... - --- .--. / .--. .-.. . .- ... . / ... . -. -.. / .... . .-.. .--. / ... - --- .--.

Bent Barrel
#386 - 2012-03-01 15:31:45 UTC
JamesCLK wrote:
Yet another way to represent these things would be to incorporate meaningful numbers into the named modules in a similar way to the new implants. Merge them into the name of the module in a way that keeps a scifi feel - by this I mean using a naming convention that respects the race/faction that are the primary developers of a module.


For instance: missile launchers are generally patented and developed by the Caldari, so their names would integrate tech and meta levels into serial codes. The old examples of this were modules like the "XT-2800 Heavy Assault Missile Launcher" and "Large F-S9 Regolith Shield Induction".
However, XT-2800 has the potential to become an indicator for the developer and quality (meta level) of the item.

In this case, XT would be a 2 letter symbol for the faction who patented the specific module - examples:
XT -> No faction (tech 1/2)
CN -> Caldari Navy
DG -> Dread Guristas

Adding a code letter before the tech and meta level representation could signify calibre:
R -> Rocket Launcher
L -> Light Launcher
A -> Assault Launcher
H -> Heavy Launcher
C -> Cruise Launcher
T -> Torpedo Launcher
CT -> Citadel Torpedo Launcher
CC -> Citadel Cruise Launcher

Finally, 2800 could be truncated down to a 3 digit number which directly displays the Tech and meta level of the item, making visual comparison a lot easier (comparing numbers is easier than names, and more efficient- like the Caldari):
Meta 1 -> 101
Meta 2 -> 102
Meta 15-> 115
Tech 2 -> 205

For example:
A "Caldari Navy Cruise Missile Launcher" would translate into "CN-C108 Caldari Navy Cruise Missile Launcher".
At a glance, you can tell it is a Caldari Navy (CN) Tech 1 meta 8 Cruise Missile Launcher.
Another example:
The "Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II" would become the "XT-A205 Heavy Assault Missile Launcher II"
Here, you quickly learn it is a non faction Tech 2 HAM launcher.

This is only an example for missile launchers. Every module type should have its origin analysed and named based on what race patented it and what makes sense. Keep in mind that if you're going to use descriptive words as meta representations there needs to be a big enough difference between the weight of the words to make an impact on the user.
E.g "Prototype" and "Experimental" are two words with roughly the same weight when we compare them.


TL;DR:
Variety is the spice in this case, and I feel the way to tie this into more descriptive module names without loosing too much diversity is to use the already established races. I think it is a bad idea to homogenise ALL of the modules into one format for naming - rather, have the player figure out how a certain races name their modules.

Just my 0.02 ISK.



now THIS I could live with !!!
Steve Ronuken
Fuzzwork Enterprises
Vote Steve Ronuken for CSM
#387 - 2012-03-01 15:58:22 UTC
JamesCLK wrote:
For instance: missile launchers are generally patented and developed by the Caldari, so their names would integrate tech and meta levels into serial codes. The old examples of this were modules like the "XT-2800 Heavy Assault Missile Launcher" and "Large F-S9 Regolith Shield Induction".



I'm sure the factions at war with each other will respect each other's patents Blink

On a more serious note, I like the rest of the suggestion.

Consistant, keeps flavor, not too hard to pick up.

Woo! CSM XI!

Fuzzwork Enterprises

Twitter: @fuzzysteve on Twitter

Desert Ice78
Gryphons of the Western Wind
#388 - 2012-03-01 16:02:53 UTC
Leave the launchers naming alone. It works fine already.

I am a pod pilot: http://dl.eve-files.com/media/corp/DesertIce/POD.jpg

CCP Zulu: Came expecting a discussion about computer monitors, left confused.

otto leading
Sebiestor Tribe
Minmatar Republic
#389 - 2012-03-01 16:28:02 UTC
First, let me start with a positive comment. The numbering (slot/percentage) at the end of the implant names is an excellent idea and provides some inspiration for my other suggestions.

Second, names are always less intuitive and provide a less internally consistent and logical system that some form of numerical indexing. (Just ask anyone who lives in a city with names streets, exspecially in themed subdivisions) vs people who live in cities based on a grid of numerical streets and avenues beginning at an origin downtown somewhere.

However, names give some flavor, some historical context and some interest to what would be an otherwise very sterile, pragmatic system.

Third, by changing from one relatively non-intuitive system to another relatively non-intuitive system you are creating a lot fo work and learning for the existing player-base and throwing away a huge pile of history. This is ostensibly being done to accommodate new players. (We have a bank commercial in Canada with the tagline "even kids know it is not right to treat your new friends better than your old friends") And, new players have to learn whatever it is anew anyway. Really all a wholescale renaming convention is going to do is **** off the current player base which, as students of recent history know, is unwise.

Fourth, (more constructive suggestions), at the end of the existing module names tack on an "M1", "M2", etc. Then there is really no mystery. Like wise Ex, Th, Em, Ki, etc can be used to indicate damage or resisteance type.

Fifth, i'm sure that for almost all proposed name changes a short little cluster of letters and numbers can reveal the necessary information and leave the current names and their culture and history intact, aside from the odd anomolous naming that could use some cleanup such as when ammo naming doesn't match module naming. (i'm surprised no one has mentioned the mismatch between pos gun sizes and the ammo they use.)

In any event, I hope my comments have been balanced, ease of use is a laudable goal, one that needs to be balanced and implemented thoughtfully and carefully.

Cheers,
otto
Garr Earthbender
Imperial Shipment
Amarr Empire
#390 - 2012-03-01 16:33:44 UTC
I see the 'Light Missile Array' being that cool new missile swarm mentioned in the last CSM minutes.

Just food for thought.

-Scissors is overpowered, rock is fine. -Paper

Steve Ronuken
Fuzzwork Enterprises
Vote Steve Ronuken for CSM
#391 - 2012-03-01 16:40:37 UTC
Garr Earthbender wrote:
I see the 'Light Missile Array' being that cool new missile swarm mentioned in the last CSM minutes.

Just food for thought.


New meta game tactic! Melt your opponent;s graphics cards with millions of missiles needing rendered Blink

Woo! CSM XI!

Fuzzwork Enterprises

Twitter: @fuzzysteve on Twitter

Plaude Pollard
Aliastra
Gallente Federation
#392 - 2012-03-01 17:15:04 UTC
Indahmawar Fazmarai wrote:
Quote:
Meta Level 1: Upgraded

Meta Level 2: Limited

Meta Level 3: Experimental

Meta Level 4: Prototype


Reporting cultural issue:

To my non-English speaking ear, "Limited" sounds completely inferior to "Upgraded".

Why do a I want a "limited" effect rather than the "whole" one? And since when something that is not even full or complete is better than something "upgraded"?

I personally do know enough English to know that "limited" also means "non-standard", but I assure you that this is not what will think a non-english speaking player reading that some implant is "limited" vs an "upgraded" one.

It would be way clearer this way:

Meta Level 1: Standard

Meta Level 2: Improved

Meta Level 3: Experimental

Meta Level 4: Prototype


And it would make all sense in the world this way:

Meta Level 1: Standard

Meta Level 2: Improved

Meta Level 3: Elite

Meta Level 4: Experimental


Why? Because prototypes are clumsy and prone to break down = inferior stuff. It took long unitl I read the stats of "protoype" weapons to learn that they are actually better than the Meta 1. Lol


But hey! Don't take my word for it! Just ask your players who don't speak English as a first or second language!

Then I honestly think "Advanced" would be better for Meta Level 3, rather than "Elite". The way I see it, "Elite" either implies the item itself is very skilled at what it does, rather than just improving the ship's stats, or it implies only elite pilots should use it. I could be wrong though. Advanced just sounds a bit more... sci-fi-ish...

And maybe Meta Level 1 shouldn't be called "Standard", as that would imply it's no different from its raw T1 version.

Instead, if we have to change names at all, how about:

Meta-1: Upgraded

Meta-2: Improved

Meta-3: Advanced

Meta-4: Experimental

How about those names instead, if we have to change anything?

New to EVE? Want to learn? The Crimson Cartel will train you in the fields of _**your **_choice. Mainly active in EU afternoons and evenings. Contact me for more info.

MisterNick
The Sagan Clan
#393 - 2012-03-01 17:54:37 UTC
Liking the hardwiring implant name changes, makes a lot of sense. Not so sure on the module naming changes, I still have trouble remembering exactly which mwd is the one I want now that catalysed cold-gas is gone, but i'll get used to it in time Roll

"Human beings make life so interesting. Do you know that in a universe so full of wonders, they have managed to invent boredom."

Obsidian Hawk
RONA Midgard Academy
#394 - 2012-03-01 18:08:11 UTC
How did the meeting go today CCP? did you reach any conclusions. We need the info?

Why Can't I have a picture signature.

Also please support graphical immersion, bring back the art that brought people to EvE online originaly.

Nova Fox
Novafox Shipyards
#395 - 2012-03-01 18:57:32 UTC
I am wondering that myself I have seen other good suggestions to make a good sized tarball execute this name changes for awsome enough.

Dust 514's CPM 1 Iron Wolf Saber Eve mail me about Dust 514 issues.

Sturmwolke
#396 - 2012-03-01 18:59:45 UTC  |  Edited by: Sturmwolke
There's barely any details in the blog to comment on anything much.
Don't expect quality feedback when you're holding back.

1 - Generalized Meta 1-4 naming schema
To be completely honest, I don't like it. It kills the flavor (which is EVE) since almost every items will have Upgraded/Limited/Experimental/Prototype tacked onto it's name. Upgraded Shield Booster, Upgraded 10MN Afterburner, Upgraded Warp Scrambler? See the blandness in that sentence. People more often will register the first one or two suffixes for an item, for identification. By running those 4 classification cross the board, you will manage to single handedly degrade EVE's exotic variety and uniqueness into simpleton handles. It does not evoke any sort of emotional recognition from a player. Quoting "Arbalest" or "Rolled Tungsten" or "FS-9 Regolith" and etc is far more satisfying than those 4 simpleton terms.

Have you ever wondered that all those inconsistencies are part of the charm that makes EVE unique (despite the annoyance)? Overstandardization will kill the flavor. Imo, this schema is a major mistake that will have intangible repercussions in the future for EVE.

Meta1-4 identification isn't hard. It's like learning your tables. It's part of the experience.
Overall, it's not broken but there are a few inconsistencies. Fix those inconsistencies instead and scrap this schema.

2 - Skill Hardwiring
Now this is the correct target for such an initiative. The old schema was debilitating.

3 - Armor/Shield stuff
Several minor confusions which needed to be fixed, but overall they're fine.

4 - Missiles Launchers
There are two issues with the new schema, a) the unique cruiser class Light Missile Array (old name Assault Missile Launcher) utilizing a suffix for identification and b) the (confusing) pre-fix naming order between the frigate vs cruiser launchers e.g. Light Missile Launchers vs Assault/Heavy Missile Launchers. Messing with the old names didn't solve any problem, you've managed to propagate the same confusion & inconsistencies in the new schema - what's the point?

Use this instead :

Rocket Launcher
Standard Missile Launcher

Heavy Rocket Launcher (this should've been its correct name all along since the old HAM is unguided)
Heavy Missile Launcher
Assault Missile Launcher (cruiser class mount for light missiles)

Torpedo Launcher
Cruise Launcher

Capital Torpedo Launcher
Capital Cruise Launcher
Cindy Marco
Sebiestor Tribe
Minmatar Republic
#397 - 2012-03-01 19:07:49 UTC
If showing meta is such a huge deal to you guys, why didn't you just put a meta tag in place of the T2/faction tag for T1? Then when you look through the market list it will be perfectly clear.

It would be quicker, simpler, and you wouldn't be upsetting anyone. You would not be creating a ton of work for people who build tools to support the community.

It sucks loosing all the meta names, its really going to take alot of flavor out of the game. Why don't we just renames guns from hybrids, projectiles, etc as Large gun type A? Railguns, blasters, artillery? That is confusing stuff! Get rid of interceptors, we can just call them fast frigates.

I really hate to see the naming scheme for the target painters go. Its good for a laugh the first time you notice it.

Now that "you're listening" to use why are we seeing changes that no one asked for, and many people are against?
MuppetsSlayed
Angelus.Mortis
ISK.Net
#398 - 2012-03-01 19:08:39 UTC  |  Edited by: MuppetsSlayed
CCP Guard wrote:
CCP Gnauton and friends have been working on the naming structure for modules and implants in EVE. They've taken in your feedback, made some changes to the strategy accordingly, and now they want to talk to you about the future of module names in EVE.

Please go here to read about what they've been up to, and if you don't have some feedback for us...my name ain't Guard!



This bit is my favourite:
Quote:

This is perhaps the most extensive and potentially controversial change we've made in this iteration, because it goes beyond individual modules and all the way into module (and market) groups.

Please make sure you disseminate this information among your corporation and alliance mates as widely as possible.

We have changed the missile launcher names as follows:

Heavy Assault Missile Launchers have become Assault Missile Launchers

Assault Missile Launchers have become Light Missile Arrays

Standard Missile Launchers have become Light Missile Launchers

Siege Launchers have become Torpedo Launchers



Way to fcking confuse everyone.

You have some good ideas in what your trying to do.
I went on sisi to have a play and found it totally impossible to fit out a ship.

I must say that this missile part is bloody stupid.
If you talk to anyone who has never played eve before and show them what you have done I can understand how they would tel you that what you have done is better. But a lot of us have been using the old names for almost nine years now, how do you think we are going to feel when we all log in for the first time after this change?????

I still have absolutely no idea what any of the missiles do after you changed the names. When are you going to fix those so we can tell what damage type they actually do - and why do we have rage and fury as different names for high damage ammo.


Pro tip: Evolution not Revolution and you wont **** off as many people - I can see you being hated amoungst the player base as much as that greyscale idiot with his nerf bat.

One thing I would like to share from my time on sisi is that its virtually impossible to find anything by searching the market and you now have to browse categories like a noob to find ANYTHING AT ALL.
Kingston Black
Federal Navy Academy
Gallente Federation
#399 - 2012-03-01 19:14:34 UTC
Plaude Pollard wrote:


And maybe Meta Level 1 shouldn't be called "Standard", as that would imply it's no different from its raw T1 version.

Instead, if we have to change names at all, how about:

Meta-1: Upgraded

Meta-2: Improved

Meta-3: Advanced

Meta-4: Experimental

How about those names instead, if we have to change anything?


That suggestion i can live with makes perfect sense to me +100 internets good sir
Mioelnir
Brutor Tribe
Minmatar Republic
#400 - 2012-03-01 19:22:52 UTC
Also, after 5 years of eve, I can no longer count the amount of happy rookies I encountered that figured out the easter egg in meta target painter names for the first time.

This isn't all excess garbage. This is also game depth that gets tossed out of the window.