I have 294 active crew presently. I am willing to have to sort through all 294 on the first ticket to invest my "thought, planning, and time", I'd be happy to spend an hour+ doing that. But I do not want to do all that work for every ticket, at that point it is no longer an exercise in puzzle solving, it is an exercise in madness.
Skirmishes and Galaxy events may have "mindless tapping", but they are easy. You can watch a show while you do them, you can talk to people, you can even eat a meal. during the last skirmish I did two loads of dishes, cooked three dinners, helped kids with homework, chatted with other players online, and loads of other activities while still managing a top 10 spot, and Galaxies are the same way.
Once the Expedition "puzzle" is solved it still requires concentration to sort through all those crew options, and is therefore painful for a majority of players, as evidenced by Ben's remarks on TT last week and the dozens of player comments on this forum. We can continue to draw these battle lines and argue about them, or we can try and work toward a middle ground where most people can be satisfied, and possibly save this event structure. I have no interest in continuing to argue, but if you guys want to acknowledge some of these pain points and suggest alternatives, I will listen respectfully.
The only ones arguing are the "Never Expedition-ers". A very vocal minority on these forums. There are plenty of players [IN THE ACTUAL GAME WHO DON'T READ FORUMS AND DON'T WATCH DEVELOPER VIDS] who like Expeditions. But we have so few of them now some don't even remember why they don't like them or even what they are. Expeditions just aren't THAT bad. It could easily be tweaked to address the complaints I see here. But there is just this vocal minority on here who just trash it and shut down the conversation with GIFs and stuff. Fine. Whatever. There are plenty of people who like it and want to see it again and see it improved. If TP or WRG or FBI or whatever its called now, wants to do that fine. If not.. Whatever. Keep going with the same events every month and don't change anything while people are quitting due to bordom. If the formula works for you why fix it? It is what it is.
The only ones arguing are the "Never Expedition-ers". A very vocal minority on these forums. There are plenty of players [IN THE ACTUAL GAME WHO DON'T READ FORUMS AND DON'T WATCH DEVELOPER VIDS] who like Expeditions. But we have so few of them now some don't even remember why they don't like them or even what they are. Expeditions just aren't THAT bad. It could easily be tweaked to address the complaints I see here. But there is just this vocal minority on here who just trash it and shut down the conversation with GIFs and stuff. Fine. Whatever. There are plenty of people who like it and want to see it again and see it improved. If TP or WRG or FBI or whatever its called now, wants to do that fine. If not.. Whatever. Keep going with the same events every month and don't change anything while people are quitting due to bordom. If the formula works for you why fix it? It is what it is.
I've always been in favor of expeditions and indeed supportive of a reworking of them but please let us not drag in assertions of whose in a minority and who isn't.
Clearly the devs had statistics of their own that implied otherwise.
[was on Sabbatical/Hiatus] Currently a trialist at Galaxy SquadronSTAY SAFE and KBO
I would like to thank everyone who is contributing to this thread. I have been a long time supporter of these events. I miss them and am glad I am not the only one.
This thread would indicate those stats are flawed. Doesn't jive with what I see in game either. But again.. what do I know?
The WRG staff will know rather quite a lot more about event engagement than any player ever will. It would seem that the vocal minority is actually comprised of people who like Expeditions rather than the other way around.
I haven't found Expeditions particularly painful and I think they are the most fun event type by far. I am typically just trying to place in the 200-1500 range, though, so I can't speak to the pain points of those working their entire crew to exhaustion to place in the top 10. I placed well enough in the last Expedition just by using my best crew to run through each node once for each ticket.
Top expedition rankers aren't running their whole crew to exhaustion; thats too slow (it may have been a valid stat to milk maximim points per ticket when there was a time timit; doing it now is a mug's game). You are correct in that the points from nodes are where it's at. They just keep buying tickets; some even skip the normal missions to cram in more runs at the highest VP. Using all tickets is usually enough to get well within 1500, buying a just few extra tickets each day will get into top 150 easy.
I'm not sure what it is about the expedition events, but I don't care much for them. Maybe they are too involved for me? Faction are by far my favorite because after you get started, you can just come back every three hours and still do well. Skirmish are tedious, but very enjoyable. Galaxy events are my in-between. I like having hybrid events as well.
Moral of the post? I don't mind if expedition events are laid to rest, maybe some other kind of event for those who want 4 types, but that's beyond my abilities to come up with a new event type.
I have always said that Expedition events were my favorite type. Due to events IRL I barely got to play the last one. My understanding is that the issue with these events is not actually participation but is in the time required to develop them. It's the same reason that it takes so long for us to get new episodes added to the game. For quite some time the development team was overwhelmed with trying to get new content out to us. Que the rerun and flashback events. They simply dont have enough time to code a expedition event. Hopefully that will change under TP with the added staff
I have always said that Expedition events were my favorite type. Due to events IRL I barely got to play the last one. My understanding is that the issue with these events is not actually participation but is in the time required to develop them. It's the same reason that it takes so long for us to get new episodes added to the game. For quite some time the development team was overwhelmed with trying to get new content out to us. Que the rerun and flashback events. They simply dont have enough time to code a expedition event. Hopefully that will change under TP with the added staff
One of the heads of TP said the problems with expedition events were both low participation numbers and the high amount of coding for an expedition event. TP has not been doing them to focus on bug fixes and new features. I think it could work though for TP to put an expedition event or two that are reruns in the flashback events. Flashback events are already rerun events and lower turnout.
I have always said that Expedition events were my favorite type. Due to events IRL I barely got to play the last one. My understanding is that the issue with these events is not actually participation but is in the time required to develop them. It's the same reason that it takes so long for us to get new episodes added to the game. For quite some time the development team was overwhelmed with trying to get new content out to us. Que the rerun and flashback events. They simply dont have enough time to code a expedition event. Hopefully that will change under TP with the added staff
One of the heads of TP said the problems with expedition events were both low participation numbers and the high amount of coding for an expedition event. TP has not been doing them to focus on bug fixes and new features. I think it could work though for TP to put an expedition event or two that are reruns in the flashback events. Flashback events are already rerun events and lower turnout.
I could believe that earlier. But even before they stopped doing them they were re-using the same mission map. Using the old map and maybe changing where the stars are shouldn't take that much more effort than creating new shuttle missions.
As it was the missions side of the game that initially attracted me, having completed all the missions , distress calls and cadet challenges I would like to think that I could still have some of that sweet away team action somewhere.
As it was the missions side of the game that initially attracted me, having completed all the missions , distress calls and cadet challenges I would like to think that I could still have some of that sweet away team action somewhere.
I'm sorry that I cannot remember the time index, but this is an interview with the QA team lead at WRG.
And I find it extremely hypocritical for you to call anyone a troll, Bratt. You completely ignored Bylo's post which explains why some players do not like expeditions. You go on to say that it is simply haters. If you're not going to listen when people list reasons, then you are just trolling when you call them haters. Your tone is constantly shrill and negative. That is why people will stop engaging in threads. Talking to you is like beating their head against the wall - painful and useless. I'll give you the same advice as before: be positive, constructive, and present solutions. Since I prefer to do exactly that, I will engage the OP in a helpful dialogue so you can see what that looks like.
@Roxton , I applaud this thread and the very neutral poll that you started. I am not particularly a fan of expeditions, but I do like the way that they break monotony. I would like to see expeditions return in a limited capacity. Firstly, I would like them to only be part of a hybrid so we don't have 4 days of expedition. That's just too much, imo. Secondly, due to the difficulty the devs have stated in coding them, I think they should be infrequent and reusable. By reusable, I mean as a new chapter or distress call. If devs are going to take the time to design away missions, why not use them to add to the game? They can't be adding distress calls monthly, but maybe a couple times each year, they could take some away missions from expedition and some ship battles from skirmishes and turn them into chapters or distress calls. Maybe even pull them from the same mega event to allow new players to experience the story/lore. This seems a more efficient use of dev resources and a compromise with the players who like expeditions.
@Prime Lorca [10FH]
I appreciate your comprehensive response.
I just wanted to give people an opportunity to express themselves on the subject of expeditions.
It nice to see a well mannered (mostly) debate on the subject.
I fully understand the difficulties in coding and the time and effort it takes to put any event together. Especially one as intricate as expedition.
It's nice to see a variety of opinions on the topic.
Big Smiles.
@Prime Lorca [10FH]
I appreciate your comprehensive response.
I just wanted to give people an opportunity to express themselves on the subject of expeditions.
It nice to see a well mannered (mostly) debate on the subject.
I fully understand the difficulties in coding and the time and effort it takes to put any event together. Especially one as intricate as expedition.
It's nice to see a variety of opinions on the topic.
Big Smiles.
There was a ton of debate in the thread for the last expedition event notes. If you have a lot of time and want to see how players felt while it was going on, then that is where you will see maximum engagement on this topic. I think it exceeded 200 posts.
TBH I don't really want to trawl old posts.
But I do want to keep the subject alive
Some players like expedition and like to express themselves on the subject.
I am not Keen on faction events but do not feel strongly enough about them to comment.
Just my own personal preference and playing style.
Everybody seems to get nostalgic for expeditions, until one is actually brought back. Then we all remember how much time and effort they require, and never want to see another expedition again ever. The last expedition I did two run throughs and then stopped playing the event entirely. I've been playing the game for over 3 years. I have ample crew to use for expedition, I just can't be bothered to actually play them because they are long, boring, and tedious. There's a reason expedition events are the events with the least amount of participation. I hope to never see another expedition event in timelines ever!
I would be onboard for more hybrid expeditions. I get not everyone wants a full one, but partial is doable.
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It seems to me that those who enjoy expeditions are willing to compromise and accept a hybrid whilst those that dislike them would have them erased from history.
It seems to me that those who enjoy expeditions are willing to compromise and accept a hybrid whilst those that dislike them would have them erased from history.
It's unfortunate, but yes, this issue splits the community a bit. I forgot one thing earlier... To get more people on board and to help those who already like expeditions, I think a tweak like a pool of 10-20 crew available per ticket. That would help eliminate the scrolling pain point.
The first expedition I played I really enjoyed. There was a whole challenge to it that was really fun. Though if I didn't have the forums I think it would have been extremely frustrating. I really like doing (new) nodes so I found it a nice change of pace. The second time was disappointing but I think that was because I was blissfully ignorant the first time about rewards.For me it would be ideal that instead of grinding through to get the top spot like all events, the goal would be to finish to get the top reward. Everyone who clears all the nodes get the same thing. The challenge of hitting all nodes once is fun. Doing them all again after that feels kind of pointless. That said I do really enjoy them the first time through. I think the fact that they are so very rare is what makes them appealing. If they were regular or even semi-regular I don't think I'd like them. I've been playing for 2 years and there have only been 2 in that time which seems pretty reasonable to me.
The one Expedition I played I loved with one exception: Day 1 was aweful. Thursday evening 6pm, the next day is a working day. The very first run takes the most planning and time as you cannot play it reverse like lateron. And you know that your tickets will go to void in the morning. I played until like 2am to get all the tickets done, but that was really not enjoyable. All the days after that were just fine.
I would like Expeditions even more if a) the tickets were valid infinitely, b) they reset at the time the event started or c) if we got only half the amount of tickets on day 1 as it is only half a day until they reset.
Also, bonus crew on top like in Galaxies would be great but tbh for me personally this is a nice-to-have.
Wir, die Mirror Tribbles [MiT] haben freie Plätze zu vergeben. Kein Zwang und kein Stress, dafür aber Spaß, Discord und eine nette, hilfsbereite Gemeinschaft, incl. voll ausgebauter Starbase und täglich 700 ISM.
Comments
This. 100%, this.
Plus. Don't like the event? - sit it out.
They would rather complain about it and post GIFs from The Office.
Clearly the devs had statistics of their own that implied otherwise.
It's only my opinion but....
The WRG staff will know rather quite a lot more about event engagement than any player ever will. It would seem that the vocal minority is actually comprised of people who like Expeditions rather than the other way around.
Top expedition rankers aren't running their whole crew to exhaustion; thats too slow (it may have been a valid stat to milk maximim points per ticket when there was a time timit; doing it now is a mug's game). You are correct in that the points from nodes are where it's at. They just keep buying tickets; some even skip the normal missions to cram in more runs at the highest VP. Using all tickets is usually enough to get well within 1500, buying a just few extra tickets each day will get into top 150 easy.
Moral of the post? I don't mind if expedition events are laid to rest, maybe some other kind of event for those who want 4 types, but that's beyond my abilities to come up with a new event type.
Nauti
Level 99; VIP 14
Crew immortalized = 869
Common Crew: 27/27, Uncommon Crew: 54/54, Rare Crew: 89/89, Super Rare Crew: 370/375, Legendary Crew: 363/454
Pending collections = Klingon
One of the heads of TP said the problems with expedition events were both low participation numbers and the high amount of coding for an expedition event. TP has not been doing them to focus on bug fixes and new features. I think it could work though for TP to put an expedition event or two that are reruns in the flashback events. Flashback events are already rerun events and lower turnout.
I could believe that earlier. But even before they stopped doing them they were re-using the same mission map. Using the old map and maybe changing where the stars are shouldn't take that much more effort than creating new shuttle missions.
Each level would have 5 missions.
Each expedition would have 3 levels.
Now, code 75 nodes for distinct rewards, or put a loot box on each but rate it for difficulty.
How long will that take to code? I have no idea. I think they know, though. 🖖
Do you have any data to back this up? It certainly isn't obvious based on the replies to this thread.
Stop trollin me Naut you scoundrel... =P
It's only my opinion but....
Yeah... I agree. Far too little of that of late.
Evidence:
I'm sorry that I cannot remember the time index, but this is an interview with the QA team lead at WRG.
And I find it extremely hypocritical for you to call anyone a troll, Bratt. You completely ignored Bylo's post which explains why some players do not like expeditions. You go on to say that it is simply haters. If you're not going to listen when people list reasons, then you are just trolling when you call them haters. Your tone is constantly shrill and negative. That is why people will stop engaging in threads. Talking to you is like beating their head against the wall - painful and useless. I'll give you the same advice as before: be positive, constructive, and present solutions. Since I prefer to do exactly that, I will engage the OP in a helpful dialogue so you can see what that looks like.
@Roxton , I applaud this thread and the very neutral poll that you started. I am not particularly a fan of expeditions, but I do like the way that they break monotony. I would like to see expeditions return in a limited capacity. Firstly, I would like them to only be part of a hybrid so we don't have 4 days of expedition. That's just too much, imo. Secondly, due to the difficulty the devs have stated in coding them, I think they should be infrequent and reusable. By reusable, I mean as a new chapter or distress call. If devs are going to take the time to design away missions, why not use them to add to the game? They can't be adding distress calls monthly, but maybe a couple times each year, they could take some away missions from expedition and some ship battles from skirmishes and turn them into chapters or distress calls. Maybe even pull them from the same mega event to allow new players to experience the story/lore. This seems a more efficient use of dev resources and a compromise with the players who like expeditions.
I appreciate your comprehensive response.
I just wanted to give people an opportunity to express themselves on the subject of expeditions.
It nice to see a well mannered (mostly) debate on the subject.
I fully understand the difficulties in coding and the time and effort it takes to put any event together. Especially one as intricate as expedition.
It's nice to see a variety of opinions on the topic.
Big Smiles.
It's only my opinion but....
There was a ton of debate in the thread for the last expedition event notes. If you have a lot of time and want to see how players felt while it was going on, then that is where you will see maximum engagement on this topic. I think it exceeded 200 posts.
But I do want to keep the subject alive
Some players like expedition and like to express themselves on the subject.
I am not Keen on faction events but do not feel strongly enough about them to comment.
Just my own personal preference and playing style.
It's only my opinion but....
It's only my opinion but....
It's unfortunate, but yes, this issue splits the community a bit. I forgot one thing earlier... To get more people on board and to help those who already like expeditions, I think a tweak like a pool of 10-20 crew available per ticket. That would help eliminate the scrolling pain point.
It's only my opinion but....
I would like Expeditions even more if a) the tickets were valid infinitely, b) they reset at the time the event started or c) if we got only half the amount of tickets on day 1 as it is only half a day until they reset.
Also, bonus crew on top like in Galaxies would be great but tbh for me personally this is a nice-to-have.