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Season 5 Dev Diary #11

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
edited January 2012 in Galactic News Network [PC]
Stephen gives a preview of what the team is up to for the New Year in this entry of the Season 5 News Dev Blog series.


Link to the news article.
Post edited by Unknown User on
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Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    First! :)

    Wowiehowies, I must say, this is an awesum announcement. Details for Season 6, and sum sort of a quite detailed plan for the next weeks and munths on what's gunna happen. Thankies so muchies! :)

    ~ Meowrika
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    I hate to say it but everyone is thinking it...

    I will believe it when I see it.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    So 6 months until the next Season. Either development has slowed down or its going to be double size. And what is the ETA on the FE series 5? D'Angelo said it takes approximately 3 months to make a FE series, so if FEs4 is ending in March(meaning it was finished before then) we should be seeing FEs5 in May/June.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    All told, it’s my goal to have something new in the game nearly every week starting with the second anniversary event and running through the end of April.

    Yeah, let's see how this turns out :rolleyes:
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Some reallty good news, if you manage to stick to track it looks like Season 5 will have given us 6 months of really good stuff.

    I delighted to read the words content in there, and indeed featured episodes, but I have some niggling concern.

    There was a pledge sometime ago by the great Stahl that we could expect possibly as many as ten featured series per year. Since his departure I have not seen or heard this restated, or indeed anything close to it. Like many in the community I was overjoyed when I heard that. They are THE best thing about STO. I worry that this idea for expanding high quality content may have been dropped somewhere along the line.

    F2P in my epxerience leads to content death... please assure those of us who plan to continue with our loyal subs, that this will be a key development area for the game!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    that all sounds pretty sweet but i will take it with a pinch of salt until it arrives.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Oh boy oh boy, here comes the Odyssey, I can't wait!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    In what manner(s) will the Odyssey Class and the new Klingon ship be obtainable?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Usually I'm skeptical on these dev diary announcements, butt as I said above, this time it sounds like it's got hands and feet. FE Series 4 is set in stone almost as it seems, however as Nagus said, no FE Series 5 yet ... butt there's much else to read, so I don't need that many FE series in a row, if the rest is going nicely.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    We’re kicking off the month with a second anniversary event that includes the introduction of the new Odyssey class starship for Federation play and a brand new Klingon flagship for KDF play. Look for more information on these awesome ships later in the month.

    A quick PR win can be achieved by confirming these ships will NOT be C-Store exclusives or grab-bag prizes.

    CapnLogan already suggested as such. But given the lack of trust Cryptic has engendered these past months, a solid confirmation from the top could only help.

    CapnLogan's a good 'un - don't make him a liar.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    also i like the sound of #the first expansion of the duty officer system'

    im glad its not a fire and forget feature they added.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Question. If STO is going FTP Jan 17 and I have a paid subscription until March, what's going to happen with the time that I paid for?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    All told, it’s my goal to have something new in the game nearly every week starting with the second anniversary event and running through the end of April.

    LMAO, we have heard this all before. I will believe it when I see it, and when we see it it will appear in the C-Store I am sure :rolleyes:. It's all too little too late, with no FE for nearly 12 months I have a bitter taste in my mouth.

    ... leaves room and turns on lightsaber ;)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    also i like the sound of #the first expansion of the duty officer system'

    im glad its not a fire and forget feature they added.

    *cough* foundry *cough*


    But yeah, I agree - I'm more than a little curious as to what it might contain, I love the system as is so the more the merrier...I hope.


    Series 4 coming along at last is VERY much anticipated, we've had content for sure, but it's not been seen as content as it's not episodic - I'd be interested to hear if/when the next series might appear, but I don't want false promises so maybe just as much as a "Yeah, we're going to do one, at some point" would be coolest.

    And as for season six, don't keep rushing features, it's content that keeps people playing - put more in THEN go season 6 ;-)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    It reads well, but nevertheless there is absolutely no new playable content until end of February and lets face reality...even the FE won't be the snip of Q and resolve the major problem of content drought...STF grind isn't content after the 100th time sorry...
    It will be the aniversary of the last real gameplay content by march since the last FE was released last year at the same time.

    So instead of making fluff I would rather see playabie stuff in the game... and one other important thing: I really hope the Odyssey and KDF Flagship are obtainable without the absurd and unfair Bug ship fail...
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    So going on past posts on the foundry, that we won't see anything new until S6. We won't see any new content for the foundry for another 6 months, on top of the 6+ months we have been waiting?.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    I'm pretty worried about the Odyssey now, especially since they seem unwilling to talk about it now. It's going to have an advanced version on the c-store right away (probably for 2000 points or more, so that it doesn't completely devalue the Galaxy retrofit) and if it's available in game, it'll be through a hilariously unfair system.

    2nd year anniversary grab bags anyone?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Following rapidly on the heels of the event is the new Dominion featured episode story arc, with five new episodes coming your way through February and into March. March should also see the first expansion for the Duty Officer system and the next set of game features, with some more events and content following though April and May.

    Yay! 'bout time.
    By "content" does that mean missions or just more eye candy?
    The game goes to warp speed in February. We’re kicking off the month with a second anniversary event that includes the introduction of the new Odyssey class starship for Federation play and a brand new Klingon flagship for KDF play. Look for more information on these awesome ships later in the month.

    Nice....wonder if they'll be worth what they cost in the Cstore...:rolleyes:
    The wallet's kinda empty lately...
    All told, it’s my goal to have something new in the game nearly every week starting with the second anniversary event and running through the end of April

    Please, let this mean more new missions not just more stuff to look at....*see above*
    We’re already at work on the design of Season 6, which is being targeted for a June release. So what’s on the short list of features being worked on? We’re looking at doing some major upgrades on some key parts of the game. Foundry, PvP, and crafting are scheduled to get significant improvements, and there should also be some new features such as a fleet advancement system. We’ll share more details later as Season 6 comes into better focus.

    Since I see no mention of it, any news on the "loosening up" of the KDF so they can start a new character from the beginning as KDF without having to start at level 25?
    I was kinda hoping that would be higher on the list of priorities of things to do before reworking existing things.
    I think many would appreciate it. :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    I believe I will take this announcement as the vague and wishful thing that we all know it to be, assuming the Devs mean well but reserve the right to change their minds as events unfold.

    I will not consider any of that to be a promise and I will resist the temptation to dismiss it as empty hype. It's just talk. Interesting talk with hopeful signs, but that's all.

    Three solid months of actual mission content would be quite welcome. If content comes up lacking from May to Julyish, well, I just won't sub and I'll spend my time grinding dilithium and DO's for free. No big deal.

    An enhanced Foundry, now, THAT would be something. As long as it doesn't involve another massive code merge a-la Season 4.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Looks good. Hope to season 6 we will see revamp of exchange for duty officiers. Its pain now look for some we need
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    As far as the Odyssey and the new Featured Series... may I say it's about damn time?! :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    My only question is: define content. For me, new content equals new missions. I'm a trekkie, and I love stories about star trek things. So, I'm looking forward to see if I get answers on what happened to Empress Sela, and about the Iconians etc. The rest of things is game improvements, game events etc. Not content. Don't take me wrong. I like game improvements, and welcome they, but after one year of only seeing game improvements, I'd like to see a bit more emphasis on new missions that advances the plots already in game.

    Nevertheless, the path it'ss being laid until April seens good. Just hope it becomes real without "dilithium conversions" and "bug ships" popping on the road.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    I would like to see solid confirmation that the Odyssey and Klingon flagship will not be C-Store ships, Grab Bag ships or almost unobtainable from any kind of "luck" based system.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Hey SD, or Branflakes:
    The game goes to warp speed in February. We’re kicking off the month with a second anniversary event that includes the introduction of the new Odyssey class starship for Federation play and a brand new Klingon flagship for KDF play. Look for more information on these awesome ships later in the month.

    Oh so long ago, it was said that the Odyssey and KDF Flagship would be free in game unlocks.
    CapnLogan wrote:
    It is my understanding that this ship will be given for free, it will not be a c-store ship.

    CapnLogan said the Flagship would be free to his understanding.

    Can we get an OFFICIAL word of this?
    Will the Odessey and K'Flagship be free in-game via with no C_Store involved, or has the "plans changed"?

    I just don't want another "The Excelsiors will be sold as a bundle" issue with what was said to be free ships.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Alexraptor wrote: »
    I would like to see solid confirmation that the Odyssey and Klingon flagship will not be C-Store ships, Grab Bag ships or almost unobtainable from any kind of "luck" based system.

    This. I will not spend a penny in the C-Store on anything but the Odyssey between the day the ship is available and the moment I have it. No random boxes, not for a Federation ship!
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    Thank you for yet another speculative and content-free update, Stephen. At least you're consistent when you feed us empty garbage. Count me among the "I'll believe it when I see it" crowd. And as for the weekly additions...keep in mind this guy's idea of "something new" differs wildly from ours...see Season 5 as the primary example.

    This guy and PWE are the worst things to happen to Star Trek Online in...well, pretty much ever. Just wait until those FE's come out (late) and then they don't do pretty much anything else for months.

    Priorities are so screwed up it's not funny...why do new and revised mechanics keep taking precedence over new gameplay? I could see if it was laying the foundation for new and varied career progression but that's not on the radar. Tinkering with stats and DPS is really missing the point, which is...thanks for the new skills and point allocations BUT THERE'S STILL NOTHING TO DO WITH THEM.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    This ALL makes me happy! Thank you for updating us. I am really interested in the "fleet advancement system" :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    That was a ton of vague comments.

    Hopeful, yes. Nothing besides the FE was really 'promised' which of course is a good thing. This Diary was more of a... 'so we know whats on the agenda' kinda post. not a hard facts post.

    Also, toss me in the boat with the NO Odyssey and KDF flagship to grabbag crowd. I will be furious about things if that happens.

    Now i understand why a grab bag can be a good thing for cyrptic and i'm not 100% against them. But from the PR side of things, putting super highly desired items in a grab bag is a disaster. The bug ship... well its nice, but the Odyssey will be on a whole other level. just don't do it. Save grab bags for nice, but not :cool:NICE:cool: items.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    JadRaynar wrote:
    Question. If STO is going FTP Jan 17 and I have a paid subscription until March, what's going to happen with the time that I paid for?

    nothing. there are two types of members. gold and silver. you will remain gold until march and then you have the option of subbing still and keeping gold perks (the 400 c point stipend, continuation of vet rewards) or you unsub.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited January 2012
    JadRaynar wrote:
    Question. If STO is going FTP Jan 17 and I have a paid subscription until March, what's going to happen with the time that I paid for?

    You will be a Gold member from January 17th til such time that you either cancel your subscription, or Cryptic/PWE is unable to bill you for your subscription.

    At that point you will become a Silver member.
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