Instanced org cities:
We addressed the issue of "instanced cities". I have been asked a great number of questions on this subject and I was thinking I would answer some of the ones I can this week. This will involve some changes to the current way cities now work...so read up if you have one. We'll be announcing the hell out of any changes to current cities before we push this live.
Explanation from Macrosun first:
- Each org has a private playfield with one city plot. Reachable by teleport from <to be decided>.
No markets allowed.
People not in org will be allowed in by <to be decided>.
- - City upkeep payments will be taken from the org bank at the announced time.
- Warnings will be given in org chat at 6, 4, 2, and 1 hour before the upkeep is due.
- If the upkeep amount is not available in the org bank at the time it is due, the city will be demolished. (Also applies to old cities.)
- Any cities that are in debt before the patch, will be immediately demolished on startup. (Old cities)
- Any credits in the upkeep pool will be transferred to the org bank. (Old cities)
Advantages will no longer disable due to controller charge being low.(Old cities and new cities.)
- - City upkeep payments will be taken from the org bank at the announced time.
- Q - Is there one city per instance or is it shared?
A - The instances will only contain one org city.
Q - Plot Size?
A - The instanced cities will be the same size as an "old" small city plot. Old cities will still have the advantage of having a market, so they will retain an advantage over the new instanced version.
Q - Price?
A - There is a lot of heated argument over this issue. My personal feeling is that instanced cities are not the target goal of hardcore orgs. To mean this should mean they lack a hardcore pricetag. Instanced cities should have a similar price to buying a small/medium old city plot. The upkeep will likely be similar to an small old city plot.
Q - Will buildings come with the city?
A - No. You will get to choose and build your own.
Q - How do you get/request a city?
A - If your org currently does not own a city you can simply enter the instance door...and purchase your city. Entering the door from then on will take you to your city.
Q - Plot size options?
A - Not for now. The intention is to grant access to alien content to more players...not to completely devalue the current city market.
Booster pack news:
Metaing tells me the Engi mines (version 1!) will be in for testing in the next build...which I am hoping is this weekend.
The first team instance "Mitaar Hero" will be testable this week too. I'm looking forward to seeing some of you on test to try out the new areas.
Whew..another busy week!
Cheers,
Colin "Means" Cragg
Game Director
Game Director
