This is a follow-up post from a thread I started in the User Interface section (
http://sto-forum.perfectworld.com/showthread.php?t=1316921 ). Unfortunately pictures aren't able to be posted there, so I am cross-posting here to show the graphics.
Currently we have a very nice starting point for the Foundry when the 'Content/Hail' button is pressed on the mini-map. Shown here:
Sadly, it becomes a mess after that. You are dumped right onto the "Spotlight" missions list with a small "Browse all" button hidden along the side of the window to get to other missions. If you find this button, you are then taken to a extremely limited list of only the top 50 rated missions out of 1000's that are available.
This is my solution to the problem. After pressing the "More" button in the above window, you would be taken here:
This would allow a player to easily select any category they wished. Or even do a custom search right from the start (with out the need to find this 'hidden' menu feature).
Cryptic programmers could very simply automate the entire 'category' process for each mission using existing code. 'Spotlight' and 'New' are super easy - they would use what code they have now. 'Story' and 'Combat' would be auto-categorized by simple majority using the existing 'category' system. In the case below, the mission would fall under the 'Story' category (it has more entries in the 'Story' category than in the 'Combat' category).
(continued)
Comments
Implementing this new "gateway" interface as well as removing the 'weighting' system will really open up the Foundry to a lot more plays.
Further integrating the Foundry into regular Sector Space play would also be a huge benefit to the game - effectively adding massive amounts of free content throughout the Galaxy for Cryptic. It would be as simple as adding an additional button to the System window, as shown below:
Clicking the "Investigate Other Available Missions" button would open up a list of ALL Foundry missions which used that system as a starting point. (EDIT: the new Top 3 system is nice, but having a complete list would be the cat's meow here.)
This would also allow for us to get rid of this annoying message at the border to Deep Space areas:
And replace it with the following, opening up Deep Space for exploration by using Foundry missions (although a "Deep Space" starting point tag would have to be added for missions).
I think this is a simple and elegant solution to the issues currently crippling the Foundry. It would certainly open up access a great deal and give every mission a chance to see the light of day. : )
arcgames.com/en/forums/startrekonline/#/discussion/1203368/pve-content-a-list-of-gamewide-polishing-pass-suggestions
I believe it was mentioned in the old thread that the devs had seen it and passed it on. So it's either been dismissed, or held off for a future update.
"Critics who say that the optimistic utopia Star Trek depicted is now outmoded forget the cultural context that gave birth to it: Star Trek was not a manifestation of optimism when optimism was easy. Star Trek declared a hope for a future that nobody stuck in the present could believe in. For all our struggles today, we haven’t outgrown the need for stories like Star Trek. We need tales of optimism, of heroes, of courage and goodness now as much as we’ve ever needed them."
-Thomas Marrone
I've posted this new thread for two reasons:
1) The old thread is a year old and adding to it would be considered 'necroing'. Regardless of how old the idea is...it is still something we really need for the Foundry. (It does surprise me that this has either been pushed to a very back burner or ignored as it is overwhelmingly supported by the community at large AND would be fairly easy (i.e. quick and cheap) to accomplish).
2) I added a new pict showing how the system could be automated using existing code (again, that whole 'quick and cheap' thing :P)
arcgames.com/en/forums/startrekonline/#/discussion/1203368/pve-content-a-list-of-gamewide-polishing-pass-suggestions
Don't forget, it took 500+ pages for them to "notice" the Galaxy thread.
In this case, though, I'd be surprised if we didn't see it happen fairly soon. I can't imagine it would take a ton of effort (as you pointed out), and unlike the Galaxy revamp there wouldn't be any concern about unbalancing the game. Hopefully the final form won't be too different from what you proposed.
"Critics who say that the optimistic utopia Star Trek depicted is now outmoded forget the cultural context that gave birth to it: Star Trek was not a manifestation of optimism when optimism was easy. Star Trek declared a hope for a future that nobody stuck in the present could believe in. For all our struggles today, we haven’t outgrown the need for stories like Star Trek. We need tales of optimism, of heroes, of courage and goodness now as much as we’ve ever needed them."
-Thomas Marrone
proposed above would be a HUGE benefit to Cryptic/PWE. Unless this somehow conflicts with
"insider" elements, it seems a "win, win".
BCW.
but then that may be why they don't do it. can't have amature content more popular then theirs.
Douglas MacArthur - Quote on the dedication plaque of the U.S.S. Ranger NCC-97332-A Armitage class Fleet Heavy Strike Wing Escort.
I have stated this more times than i wish to admit, but i don't understand why they don't utilize that of the Foundry community, giving them specific details of what Cryptic wants and let them do it. Then make the top 10 all spotlight and vote on them being which one should be submitted into the official game or storyline. Ive always suspected that it had to do with the IP restrictions.
arcgames.com/en/forums/startrekonline/#/discussion/1203368/pve-content-a-list-of-gamewide-polishing-pass-suggestions
Everything you said but the above especially. I would LOVE to see this implemented in a way where the game would randomly select Foundry missions and place them at their respective starting systems. The missions would update periodically or when a mission was played all the way through. In this way, with your ideas, there would be a constant rotation of Foundry missions at every system...ENDLESS CONTENT.
Cryptic could run a method for each door at the start of a session or after a set interval to check for Foundry missions with that starting location, pull the list, pick a mission at random, then attach that mission to the door in game.
Joined January 2009