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Cryptic's contempt for my time

SystemSystem Member, NoReporting Posts: 178,019 Arc User
Time is a great commodity. Some people use this commodity to spend with families and friends. Others might go to a movie or enjoy a hobby. Many people spend a great deal of time working to earn money. There are people who evenly choose to spend time devaluing the time of others. I choose to spend my time playing video games. There are moments that my time has been devalued by other players. For example, team killers, cheaters, and others who choose to cause havoc for personal gratification. I have never had my time devalued by a developer. Cryptic has the honor of being the first.

Cryptic accomplished this honor by releasing the Reman Bridge Officer and making it easy to obtain. The Reman has an inherited Bridge Officer (BO) skill called Transfer Shield Strength III (TSSIII). Previous to the Reman, TSSIII was only obtainable by spending an abundance of time trying to obtain a BO with the TSSIII skill, or spending credits to purchase one from the exchange. The required credits to purchase a BO with TSSIII is considerable, thus requires a substantial amount of time to accumulate enough credits. I lacked the amount of funds needed to purchase a BO with TSSIII, so I used my time trying to obtain one through leveling numerous characters. Now that TSSIII is easy to earn, Cryptic has devalued the time I spent to the threshold of pointless.

My situation may be unique. Perhaps, previous to the Reman, other players have been able to obtain TSSIII without putting in the necessary time to obtain enough credits or earn TSSIII through leveling. Unfortunately, Cryptic's callousness to my time and effort is not the only casualty. There are players who sell BOs. I can't imagine how sellers must feel now that BOs with TSSIII are so easily obtainable.

I am certain there are plenty of players who don't care that TSSIII can be obtained with little effort. Keep in mind Cryptic has now set a precedent that any BO skill, regardless of the time and effort to obtain, can virtually be given away, and it may only be a matter of time before Cryptic decides to give away something you worked hard to earn.
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Comments

  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    I worked my way up to ambassador with in a week of the task being released I was privlidged to get their and to get the diplomatic transwarp powers. However withing a few weeks of this the excelsior was released with all its transwarps and the 3 that I had acheived seem meaningless... sure i was bummed for the first 5 seconds But then things changed again and my Diplomatic standing started to matter on missions where I could choose to be a diplomat and talk my way through situations rather then shoot my way through them.

    Any how point being Altho cryptic tries to have a BALANCED game in terms of mechanics and fairness to all, im Sure they don't intentionally waste your time or efforts.

    their are a number of more casual player who may never acheive this skill,

    so thinking Crypticly I'm geussing they made this limited time reward have tss3 in fairness for all player and unintentionally wasted ppls time . the reward is only out for 17 more days so after that I wouldnt worry and knowing cryptic something alse will come in to balance the equation.

    Im not saying you are wrong but to say that your time has been devalued because of a computer game seams meaingless ... well unless you dont enjoy the game and your just grinding it for something to do

    Chin up old bean and all that

    It will get easier
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    The good news is that, by the end of the month, TSIII will be as hard to obtain as it was originally and everyone can go back to their regularly scheduled endless grinding.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    @scottwears

    I appreciate the mature response. There is a distinct difference between the Excelsior and the Ambassador core. The difference is players had to earn the Excelsior with real money. The time spent gaining Ambassador was not wasted because there was a system of fairness.

    I liked your references to balance because that makes my point easier to explain. I did not receive balance in my situation. For example, the amount of effort and time it took me to earn Transfer Shield Strength III, and the amount of time and effort it takes to earn it now is not even close to equal. I guess somehow, I will need to use some voodoo math, the limited time of the Reman reward makes things balance in the long run.

    @Resz

    You are right. My concern is that Cryptic will have learned nothing from all of my crying. Other developers have done similar things to their players, but this game is having a hard enough time keeping and acquiring new players. I may be the only one ****ed off today, but perhaps in time Cryptic will find a way to **** off the whole world...of STO.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Vallden, I really cannot comprehend whats the problem. As Resz stated, the possibility to obtain the Reman BO will only be available for the next three weeks...
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Mannito wrote:
    Vallden, I really cannot comprehend whats the problem. As Resz stated, the possibility to obtain the Reman BO will only be available for the next three weeks...

    I think his problem is "I paid big bucks for TSS3 and now you give it away for free" - *sigh* It's the way the world is really. I paid 30 mil for my EFF boff and now it's on Exchange for 15-20. Happens.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    You get a boff with a previously hard to find ability and complain? Heh I'm glad for getting it even though I can't fully use it yet, there aren't any cruisers with Com. Sci seats right now, but I'm sure there will be one soon. And Ambassador has more to it than transwarps, now with extra options in missions if youve maxed it, and the eye candy boff and uniform parts.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Until this Reman BO, i had no idea their was a TSS3.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Since it seems everyone feels that the amount of time and effort should not equal the reward, I have a proposal to solve this problem in the future. All new players will have access to all ships and bridges. Including, but not limited to, the Dreadnought, Excelsior, D'kyr, Nebula, Bird-of-Pray Retrofit, Varanus Fleet Support, Marauder Patrol Cruiser, and all shuttles .New players will start at the current highest rank, receive all available bridge officers, unlimited bank and ship storage, all weapons (space & ground), all Kits, all ship items, special rewards from previous missions, all items from the lifetime membership, all Accolades complete, veteran rewards up to the highest available, all uniforms with unlimited uniform slots, special rewards from the STO anniversary, every mission will be unlocked and re-playable, every trophy and reward from Fleet Actions and STFs, already be an Ambassador, all available titles (player & ship), all playable species and optional traits, any items from per-orders, and all C-store items. All listed items and game features extend to current and future factions. In fairness to all players, any items or game features I missed please post them.

    Remember it is just a game, so who cares what happens.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    This is a very similar complaint to when other exclusives were eventually made available to everyone. The precedent had already been set. I'm not saying it is without merit but I have to admit that I am not as bothered by this. I am however much more conserned over the free nonunique Tractor Beam Mines and the poorly thought out, but very negative, effect that the are having on PVP.

    In the end I do play this game for the enjoyment of it and as long as I'm having fun along the way I can get past some of the frustrations. Without the fun it truly does become a waste of time. So i do hope they fix the spam monster that they have unleashed upon PVP before I start to feel that way too.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    I don't disagree that there are far greater shortcomings that Cryptic needs to spend their time on. For example, the problem with BO falling through the world during away missions. Unfortunately, I did go crazy with the drama to make a simple statement. I searched forums and STO sights to find as much as I could on other BOs that were rewards. I did not find any that had such a coveted BO skill like Transfer Shield Strength. I just hope Cryptic will be more thoughtful in the future with rewards.

    During many a fight with the Romulans I thought about what kind of chaos the Tractor Beam Mine would create if it was ever available to players.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Thanks for the Reman BOff Cryptic. :D
    The TSS3 and TBR3 is awesome for those whom don't have the time to grind out 10's of millions of EC in the game due to time constraints on play.
    Here's hoping the next "limited-time BOff" reward has BOL3, as that would be awesome too.
    Keep up the good work.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    I think Cryptic is doing a great Job. Cryptic is the most pro-active MMO developer I know of. For example, Cryptic informs players about changes they are going to make, want to make, and have implemented changes requested by players. Cryptic also keeps players informed of bugs they are aware of and trying to fix. I do believe I already stated that all Bridge Officer skills should be given away.

    I think all Bridge Officers (BO) or skills should be sold in the C-Store for players who do not have time to obtain BOs in the game.

    Hold on, I have a better idea than that. Cryptic could sell a token in the C-Store that could be used at a BO trainer for any skill a player wanted.

    I am on a roll now. Cryptic should sell a retrain token for player traits.

    Tribble packs could be sold as well. For example, Defense Tribble pack, Offense Tribble Pack, Mixed Tribble Pack, and Advanced Tribble pack.

    For something like $25.00 dollars Cryptic could sell a Build your own Star Ship kit. This kit would contain a ship model of the players choosing. A x amount of Universal Bridge Officer slots (not to exceed five) and a x amount of skill slots (not to exceed four). Ship weapon and console slots will not be separated so players can choose to mix and match console and weapon slots. For example, I want four forward and four aft weapons. I don't want any science consoles so I could use those to increase my weapon or engineering consoles.

    The same thing could be done for ship interiors. Players could buy furniture sets to decorate the rooms how they want.

    Sell Transwarp tokens

    I am on the fence about selling tokens for ship consoles and weapons.

    Well that's all the ideas I can think of for now.

    Another idea just hit me. Expanding on the build your own ship concept. Ships could be sold according to the tier level. Say something like:
    Tier.2=$10.00
    Tier.3=$15.00
    Tier.4=$20.00
    Tier.5=$25.00
    This might work as a free to play model. A person would be able to play up tier 2, then purchase a ship and access to the next set of missions.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Vallden wrote: »
    Time is a great commodity. Some people use this commodity to spend with families and friends. Others might go to a movie or enjoy a hobby. Many people spend a great deal of time working to earn money. There are people who evenly choose to spend time devaluing the time of others. I choose to spend my time playing video games. There are moments that my time has been devalued by other players. For example, team killers, cheaters, and others who choose to cause havoc for personal gratification. I have never had my time devalued by a developer. Cryptic has the honor of being the first.

    Cryptic accomplished this honor by releasing the Reman Bridge Officer and making it easy to obtain. The Reman has an inherited Bridge Officer (BO) skill called Transfer Shield Strength III (TSSIII). Previous to the Reman, TSSIII was only obtainable by spending an abundance of time trying to obtain a BO with the TSSIII skill, or spending credits to purchase one from the exchange. The required credits to purchase a BO with TSSIII is considerable, thus requires a substantial amount of time to accumulate enough credits. I lacked the amount of funds needed to purchase a BO with TSSIII, so I used my time trying to obtain one through leveling numerous characters. Now that TSSIII is easy to earn, Cryptic has devalued the time I spent to the threshold of pointless.

    My situation may be unique. Perhaps, previous to the Reman, other players have been able to obtain TSSIII without putting in the necessary time to obtain enough credits or earn TSSIII through leveling. Unfortunately, Cryptic's callousness to my time and effort is not the only casualty. There are players who sell BOs. I can't imagine how sellers must feel now that BOs with TSSIII are so easily obtainable.

    I am certain there are plenty of players who don't care that TSSIII can be obtained with little effort. Keep in mind Cryptic has now set a precedent that any BO skill, regardless of the time and effort to obtain, can virtually be given away, and it may only be a matter of time before Cryptic decides to give away something you worked hard to earn.

    I think that is a pretty petulant prospective.
    Try as I may, I fail to see what the problem is here.
    I don't think anyone would say that their favorite part of their mmo of choice is grinding yet, it's a natural and required part of every mmo. Is there an excessive amount of grinding required in STO? I have no idea, any amount gets tedius.
    I can certainly sympathize with the OPs frustration of grinding for a long time to get a BO skill that is now available (for a limited time) via the weekly. However, I'm hoping the OP can take a step back, relaxe a bit, and perhaps see this from a different perspective.
    While the OP may be on the 'losing end' this time, the OP may very well find him/her self on the winning end next time.
    I make a choice on what to grind for and that BO skill was not even on my radar yet. It's nice to be able to get the skill (for a limited time) without having to grind for it, I have enough to grind for already.
    Next time, something could be made available that I've already grinded for.
    Oh, well...
    I would rather have this scenario than to have anything of value in game be only obtainable by grinding for hours on end and if it results in the occasional scenario that has played out for the OP...It's worth it.
    IMHO
    Occasionally, the devs should be able to give worthy rewards without having to create something completely new to do it.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Vallden wrote: »
    Transfer Shield Strength III (TSSIII)

    I have an all female crew, if that makes you feel any better.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Your complaining about the new bridge officer having TSSIII. You call Cryptic callous because ur seller buddies can't sell this special BO power for 100 million credits. Come on man get a grip everyone else needs to have the same powers that you have. I don't care how long you struggle to get it, so what. This game belongs to us all not just the few who think they can corner a market and make everyone else pay. What cryptic has done is leveled the playing field so that the majority can enjoy all of its greatness. Some people have jobs and can't grind to possess a special power. What about them? Some people can only play on the weekends. What about them? I'm trying so hard not to cuss you out I'll just say this, your selfish and greedy you should be happy and that the long grind to get this BO ability is over. Keep on keeping on Cryptic I love you.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Roach wrote: »
    Thanks for the Reman BOff Cryptic. :D
    The TSS3 and TBR3 is awesome for those whom don't have the time to grind out 10's of millions of EC in the game due to time constraints on play.
    Here's hoping the next "limited-time BOff" reward has BOL3, as that would be awesome too.
    Keep up the good work.

    he he he only problem with that Roach is then all the whiners will start moaning ..
    sommit along the lines of Oi cryptic first you give us TSS3 & TBR3 then you give us BOL3
    I already have EP2S3 & AUX2SIF3 So hows about giving us a defiant refit where
    I can use all those BO in game .

    So then cryptic say sure no problem give us 10000 atari points & we will give you
    a defiant with battle cloak & the following BO seating.

    commander tac
    lt commander tac
    commander eng
    lt commander eng
    commander sci

    :eek:

    long live the feddiebears;)
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Vallden wrote: »
    I think Cryptic is doing a great Job. Cryptic is the most pro-active MMO developer I know of. For example, Cryptic informs players about changes they are going to make, want to make, and have implemented changes requested by players. Cryptic also keeps players informed of bugs they are aware of and trying to fix. I do believe I already stated that all Bridge Officer skills should be given away.

    I think all Bridge Officers (BO) or skills should be sold in the C-Store for players who do not have time to obtain BOs in the game.

    Hold on, I have a better idea than that. Cryptic could sell a token in the C-Store that could be used at a BO trainer for any skill a player wanted.

    I am on a roll now. Cryptic should sell a retrain token for player traits.

    Tribble packs could be sold as well. For example, Defense Tribble pack, Offense Tribble Pack, Mixed Tribble Pack, and Advanced Tribble pack.

    For something like $25.00 dollars Cryptic could sell a Build your own Star Ship kit. This kit would contain a ship model of the players choosing. A x amount of Universal Bridge Officer slots (not to exceed five) and a x amount of skill slots (not to exceed four). Ship weapon and console slots will not be separated so players can choose to mix and match console and weapon slots. For example, I want four forward and four aft weapons. I don't want any science consoles so I could use those to increase my weapon or engineering consoles.

    The same thing could be done for ship interiors. Players could buy furniture sets to decorate the rooms how they want.

    Sell Transwarp tokens

    I am on the fence about selling tokens for ship consoles and weapons.

    Well that's all the ideas I can think of for now.

    Another idea just hit me. Expanding on the build your own ship concept. Ships could be sold according to the tier level. Say something like:
    Tier.2=$10.00
    Tier.3=$15.00
    Tier.4=$20.00
    Tier.5=$25.00
    This might work as a free to play model. A person would be able to play up tier 2, then purchase a ship and access to the next set of missions.

    and for those who have life time subs ? oh wait thats me does that mean i get anything i want woot
    T5 deiant 5 universal commander slots battle cloak 100k hull 90k shields :p.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Ilaniol wrote: »
    and for those who have life time subs ? oh wait thats me does that mean i get anything i want woot
    T5 deiant 5 universal commander slots battle cloak 100k hull 90k shields :p.

    Sorry Ilaniol, I thought Cryptic already threw life time subscribers under the bus. I did not know any of you were still alive. You do bring up a good point. I will have to think up something for lifers.

    I do believe my proposal to give all new accounts every item was the only way to solve the problem. That way everyone gets what they want. Those of us who already have accounts will just have to keep trying to improve our characters the old fashion way by earning it, or Atari Tokens.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Ilaniol wrote: »
    he he he only problem with that Roach is then all the whiners will start moaning ..
    sommit along the lines of Oi cryptic first you give us TSS3 & TBR3 then you give us BOL3
    I already have EP2S3 & AUX2SIF3 So hows about giving us a defiant refit where
    I can use all those BO in game .

    So then cryptic say sure no problem give us 10000 atari points & we will give you
    a defiant with battle cloak & the following BO seating.

    commander tac
    lt commander tac
    commander eng
    lt commander eng
    commander sci

    :eek:

    long live the feddiebears;)

    The whines already exist or did you not read the many posts in these forums? Or the other posts in the forums talking of cheaters in pvp? Posts of why can't we have more than one active shield? Posts on why is my ship so easy to kill, its a not like that in the shows and movies?
    We, the fanbase, have become petulant children asking for things to make our gameplay easier without wishing to earn them instead. Making claims that our time is wasted and the "other" side is getting all the love.
    Frankly I like the Reman BOff as I would never stoop to buy one of the exchange for 10-25million EC a piece, even if I had the money to do so, and I think that future "limited" BOff rewards should come with similiar "rare" abilities as well. They can always put the BOff in the Cstore afterwards.
    The whines already exist and have already been shown they work. I doubt they will ever stop now.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    I am with you all on this. I can only play a few hours a week, I pay money just like everyone else, so I have the right to have these BO abilities. I also don't think I should have to do these stf things to get the borg gear. Like I said, I am paying money to play so I should be able to have it. I think the borg gear should be rewarded after the tutorial. Oh that aegis? Stuff should be given out at each rank. I don't feel I should have to gather materials or learn how to craft it. I am not going to buy it from the exchange. Oh the best part about the rare BO is that two weeks from now we can point and laugh at new players or returning players who have to get like every else did, that will be a hoot. Anyway it's not like other limited time rewards they can still get it by playing the game, and if they like the game they will not mind putting in a few extra hours. Well I got mine so I don't care how other players get it. Heck we all got it the same way as everyone else can right now, they can to. Good job Cryptic way to make the game fair for everyone. Oh and next time can we get that beam over load? that everyone is talking about. I think it will make things equal that I have it like everyone else.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    This thread doesn't have enough sarcasm for my tastes.

    I contend that they do a number of things without properly considering the greater impact across all sectors of the game but I don't believe they do anything with the intent of hurting anyone.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    You act as if the limited edition BOffs will not end up in the Cstore or some other buyable format.
    Do you enjoy the Liberated Borg BOff? It used to be a limited pre-order item only.

    The limited edition BOffs is Cryptics way of thanking the playerbase that currently plays thier game and ultimately secures thier jobs and way of life.
    Who are you to say its unfair to those whom do not play STO but may in the future ?

    Limited has to mean something or its not a limited edition.
    If those who come to STO at a later date dislike it, they should have joined sooner.
    Its the price they pay for not doing so.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    SteveHale wrote: »
    This thread doesn't have enough sarcasm for my tastes.

    I contend that they do a number of things without properly considering the greater impact across all sectors of the game but I don't believe they do anything with the intent of hurting anyone.

    ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
    This

    Moar sarcasm people, I love it.
    & to the OP
    :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Ask not what Cryptic can do for you, but what you can do for Cryptic.

    Editors Note: My client would like to express that previous game features and C-store ideas clearly demonstrates the concern to secure the development team's jobs and way of life.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    You do realize that everything you grind for in this game is ephemeral, and that in 10 or 20 or 100 years none of it will matter?
    Nothing lasts, so make the most of this moment.
    If the process is not rewarding or enjoyable in itself, don't do it.
    Go outside. Live.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Random question: Is someone willing to sell me an officer with Beam Overload III for 250k creds for Maya, my Sci? :D
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Zanshi wrote: »
    Random question: Is someone willing to sell me an officer with Beam Overload III for 250k creds for Maya, my Sci? :D

    Why do you need beam overload for on a science officer? Beam Overload III is a Lt. Cmd skill and science ships have Lt. tactical slots.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    Vallden wrote: »
    Why do you need beam overload for on a science officer? Beam Overload III is a Lt. Cmd skill and science ships have Lt. tactical slots.

    Because you can fly more than one type of ship?
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    What? I don't have to stay in a science ship as a scientist? Why am I now just hearing about this?! Somebody get me somebody on the phone right now! OK, hold on a bit, I need to catch my breath. So I can be a scientist in a cruiser and I will not gimp myself? Skills like, Science Team III, Hazard Emitters III, Gravity Well, and so on work just as good on a cruiser? I don't know how many science Bridge Officer slots are on a cruiser, but not having my BOs use their full potential is ok? How does subsystem targeting work on a cruiser, and will I still get Sensor Analysis? If I take a cruiser should I put my skill points into engineering or keep building up my science skills? Wait, don't tell me I want to find out for myself.

    P.S. I tolerate colds, I accept people for who they are.
  • Archived PostArchived Post Member Posts: 2,264,498 Arc User
    edited March 2011
    So much passive aggressiveness, lol. Hybrid builds do trade off some effectiveness but in doing so they create other effective combinations. I personally enjoy flying around as a Science Captain in a Defiant-R (and I used 2 BO3's at one point:p). Now that we can trade Bridge Officers you can get better powers previously only available to Captains of their class. You do have to think about skill allocation, in fact you should be spending points in Engineering skills anyway (those are passively active and provide boost to everything from Emergency Power to Shields and Weapons to boosting power levels.

    All of that, of course, is assuming you aren't being sarcastic in which case maybe your valuable time would be better spent playing the game more;).

    Seriously, chill homie! ^^
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