Lastly, many of you have expressed concerns and dissatisfaction about recent issues. We hear your concerns and remain committed to eliminate/minimize the occurrence of issues and improve our processes/technology.
Let me put that through the universal translator:
"We didn't realize the backlash for the knee-jerk reaction and over correction we had would be so large. Please don't go. We like your money too much."
I think the damage has been done and this is not a fix or solution. I don't know that anything would be good enough at this point. If those bans were lifted within hours, then maybe. But 24 hours is 20 hours too long. I have a lot of thinking to do before I decide what I'm doing, but let me just say that I'm about 80% towards keeping the game uninstalled forever.
Are they parsing out the stuff to the banned accounts? Because right now everything of mine related to crew retrieval is zeroed & I have no in game communication, no special pack available, nothing, nada, zip, zilch
Are they parsing out the stuff to the banned accounts? Because right now everything of mine related to crew retrieval is zeroed & I have no in game communication, no special pack available, nothing, nada, zip, zilch
Restart your client, you should get a message with few items and polestars.
Yea i was in 1st place , lost all that it took me to get to that spot, not good, very angry over all of this, keep going all take it for the win cause i cant catch ya now , not your fault dont have ash in mouth im rooting for ya now...
If they had listened, the post would have an actual apology inside it, not lawyer speak for "bans were harsh but appropriate", it should have seen. "We are sorry we made a mistake and penalized the players for it. It was inappropriate and misdirected blame in a rapid response to the deployment of a new feature"
It's a start but it's not enough. The friends who've quit the game over this travesty are worth more than your digital currency. Bye until the next DB-up.
• too little, too late... the damage has been done
• communication is still one of, if not the biggest issue, that TP has
• this includes internally as they are clearly not on the same page, and one hand (department) doesn't know what the other is doing
• there is absolutely no proper oversight, quality control, procedures for handling issues such as these, etc., and they are just making it up as they go and hoping for the best
• nothing they have done properly acknowledges their poor choices, actions taken in bad faith, or compensates the entire player base for what was lost... not to mention takes ownership for the fallout that came from all of this
Maybe they've learned that it's a bit hard to undo the damage after you go full scorched earth and burn everything to the ground. Take the time to think things through before you take actions that can't easily be undone. Maybe.
• too little, too late... the damage has been done
• communication is still one of, if not the biggest issue, that TP has
• this includes internally as they are clearly not on the same page, and one hand (department) doesn't know what the other is doing
• there is absolutely no proper oversight, quality control, procedures for handling issues such as these, etc., and they are just making it up as they go and hoping for the best
• nothing they have done properly acknowledges their poor choices, actions taken in bad faith, or compensates the entire player base for what was lost... not to mention takes ownership for the fallout that came from all of this
Maybe they've learned that it's a bit hard to undo the damage after you go full scorched earth and burn everything to the ground. Take the time to think things through before you take actions that can't easily be undone. Maybe.
But I'm not holding my breath.
Welcome to the club. I believe badges are in the back and we have all you can eat popcorn.
• too little, too late... the damage has been done
• communication is still one of, if not the biggest issue, that TP has
• this includes internally as they are clearly not on the same page, and one hand (department) doesn't know what the other is doing
• there is absolutely no proper oversight, quality control, procedures for handling issues such as these, etc., and they are just making it up as they go and hoping for the best
• nothing they have done properly acknowledges their poor choices, actions taken in bad faith, or compensates the entire player base for what was lost... not to mention takes ownership for the fallout that came from all of this
Maybe they've learned that it's a bit hard to undo the damage after you go full scorched earth and burn everything to the ground. Take the time to think things through before you take actions that can't easily be undone. Maybe.
But I'm not holding my breath.
Welcome to the club. I believe badges are in the back and we have all you can eat popcorn.
*attaches his new shiny badge*
I never thought I'd see the day that they made me feel so bitter and cynical. I hate it 😕
Oh, I forgot. You're supposed to just leave the windfall.
It's not a big deal.
Really.
The fact is that any extra "positive" in the pool raises overall competitiveness.
This means that everyone eventually has to wade into the pool either by a) spending, or b) playing harder.
Bugs are bad and they hurt, but they don't hurt as much as kicking your golden goose.
So just don't release bugs as much.
• too little, too late... the damage has been done
• communication is still one of, if not the biggest issue, that TP has
• this includes internally as they are clearly not on the same page, and one hand (department) doesn't know what the other is doing
• there is absolutely no proper oversight, quality control, procedures for handling issues such as these, etc., and they are just making it up as they go and hoping for the best
• nothing they have done properly acknowledges their poor choices, actions taken in bad faith, or compensates the entire player base for what was lost... not to mention takes ownership for the fallout that came from all of this
Maybe they've learned that it's a bit hard to undo the damage after you go full scorched earth and burn everything to the ground. Take the time to think things through before you take actions that can't easily be undone. Maybe.
But I'm not holding my breath.
Welcome to the club. I believe badges are in the back and we have all you can eat popcorn.
*attaches his new shiny badge*
I never thought I'd see the day that they made me feel so bitter and cynical. I hate it 😕
The secret is that we all do. No one wants to see DB, and now TP, fail repeatedly. But they continue to show no sign that they understand how and why they fail. To be honest, TP makes me long for the days of DB.
I think I’ve had a bit of an epiphany-
Leaving Shan entirely out of this due to the fact that I have a slight hunch that she does, in fact, Grok Spock...
I now firmly believe that the team above her has absolutely no understanding at all of the psychology of Star Trek fans. They have either utterly failed to, or are flat out incapable of, understanding what type of player base they are dealing with. And that does not bode well.
Know your audience.
• there is absolutely no proper oversight, quality control, procedures for handling issues such as these, etc., and they are just making it up as they go and hoping for the best
I've been echoing this since the adira tal incident. A big part of my job is related to quality and change management. Both of these appear to stem from actions being taken without proper or effective review. Having two back-to-back really hurts customer perception.
First of all, that was disappointing because it was NOT an apology - just damage-control-speak...
But as far as their solution is concerned, what first came to my mind was how will this level the playing field in terms of Quantum? Constellations, Polestars, ISM, and credits are all important to Crew Retrieval, but Quantum is THE limiting currency. I would assume that many of the banned players initially retrieved Legendary crew like so many others, but now their Quantum will be "returned to full" (i.e. 1000) plus they will receive an additional 1000 Quantum (via in-game mail) like everyone else. While I sympathize with their 1+ day ban, would that not give them an advantage over other players who have been slowly recharging from around 100 Quantum or so since Wednesday? So based on recent communications, it sounds like the banned players would be able to immediately retrieve 2 Legendaries while everyone else would only have enough Quantum to retrieve 1 Legendary.
First of all, that was disappointing because it was NOT an apology - just damage-control-speak...
But as far as their solution is concerned, what first came to my mind was how will this level the playing field in terms of Quantum? Constellations, Polestars, ISM, and credits are all important to Crew Retrieval, but Quantum is THE limiting currency. I would assume that many of the banned players initially retrieved Legendary crew like so many others, but now their Quantum will be "returned to full" (i.e. 1000) plus they will receive an additional 1000 Quantum (via in-game mail) like everyone else. While I sympathize with their 1+ day ban, would that not give them an advantage over other players who have been slowly recharging from around 100 Quantum or so since Wednesday? So based on recent communications, it sounds like the banned players would be able to immediately retrieve 2 Legendaries while everyone else would only have enough Quantum to retrieve 1 Legendary.
Did I miss something?
While it's fun to talk about competitive balance, this game's limited RNG mechanics really just bring it down to cash.
And there's a lot of RNG between the loot and the result too.
Because of all that any 'advantages' will be quickly wiped out and will average out over time.
In other words, even if I luck into, say a Gary Seven, I still need to level him up (RNG, chrons, shuttles), use him effectively, have an event that boosts him, etc.
That's without accounting for the fact that while I might have gotten 1, someone might have gotten 2 in a pack.
Ultimately, what you do in the game that will impact your experience more than someone possibly having an extra doodad because the devs screwed up.
First of all, that was disappointing because it was NOT an apology - just damage-control-speak...
But as far as their solution is concerned, what first came to my mind was how will this level the playing field in terms of Quantum? Constellations, Polestars, ISM, and credits are all important to Crew Retrieval, but Quantum is THE limiting currency. I would assume that many of the banned players initially retrieved Legendary crew like so many others, but now their Quantum will be "returned to full" (i.e. 1000) plus they will receive an additional 1000 Quantum (via in-game mail) like everyone else. While I sympathize with their 1+ day ban, would that not give them an advantage over other players who have been slowly recharging from around 100 Quantum or so since Wednesday? So based on recent communications, it sounds like the banned players would be able to immediately retrieve 2 Legendaries while everyone else would only have enough Quantum to retrieve 1 Legendary.
Did I miss something?
While it's fun to talk about competitive balance, this game's limited RNG mechanics really just bring it down to cash.
And there's a lot of RNG between the loot and the result too.
Because of all that any 'advantages' will be quickly wiped out and will average out over time.
In other words, even if I luck into, say a Gary Seven, I still need to level him up (RNG, chrons, shuttles), use him effectively, have an event that boosts him, etc.
That's without accounting for the fact that while I might have gotten 1, someone might have gotten 2 in a pack.
Ultimately, what you do in the game that will impact your experience more than someone possibly having an extra doodad because the devs screwed up.
No one will argue that there is plenty of RNG in this game, but then why did TP/WRG initially ban players for 3 days? Because of perceived competitive imbalance caused by players gaining too many Constellations, ISM, and Credits...
My point is that Quantum is far more important that those other currencies as far as Crew Retrieval is concerned. But based on their communications, it sure read like previously banned players will end up with 2000 Quantum while non-banned players will end up with about 1200 or so. This is far more impactful than hoarding hundreds of Polestars because you can immediately retrieve 2 Legendary crew.
Would it be so hard for the powers that be to type the word "apologize?" Or "sorry?" Even the mealy word "regret" would go a long way. Giving nice presents shows effort and sometimes even a guilty conscience, so it's definitely progress. But forgiveness begins with accepting responsibility for the pain you caused. Without that acceptance of responsibility, how can I believe that it won't happen again next month. And the month after that. It's kindergarten manners, not computer science. Without it, I just feel like I'm in an abusive relationship. So thanks for the gifts, but what I really need now is one little word.
Would it be so hard for the powers that be to type the word "apologize?" Or "sorry?" Even the mealy word "regret" would go a long way. Giving nice presents shows effort and sometimes even a guilty conscience, so it's definitely progress. But forgiveness begins with accepting responsibility for the pain you caused. Without that acceptance of responsibility, how can I believe that it won't happen again next month. And the month after that. It's kindergarten manners, not computer science. Without it, I just feel like I'm in an abusive relationship. So thanks for the gifts, but what I really need now is one little word.
Companies as a general rule do not issue apologies because apologies can make them more liable to lawsuits because the company has admitted fault.
Again, that impact is infinitesimally small because you have to have the polestars to align the right legendary.
And even then, you'd need a really simplistic roster to super-benefit from an extra 1/5.
On average, the "advantage" would be microscopic.
(BTW, I have 2000 quantum, but I'm I'm losing the quantum regrowth while I sit on it. So having more isn't necessarily a blessing or a benefit either.)
You could also think of it this way... Mirror Picard, EV Archer and Prince Bashir. These are toons that players in the past have received for free, but if you started today you don't get any of those. Advantage, yes. Gamebreaking or destroy-your-experience level? Ehh.
Or... A guy bought their 5/5 for this event... It improved their experience, but it doesn't really impact yours.
The spare junk and quantum is the same way; some got it, you might not have, and it ultimately won't really affect your experience.
Maybe you need to send one more shuttle for an event... So did everyone else, it's inflation.
I appreciate that bans have been lifted and a step toward restitution made. However, I am still waiting to hear TP apologize for insulting their customers instead of accepting responsibility for the company's mistake. While I will be playing, I will do so exclusively as a F2P player unless and until TP makes a heartfelt apology for maligning their customers.
Without that apology, I will also not be updating the reviews I have left on the Play and MS Store. As much as I love this game, I cannot in good conscience allow it to be run by a company who treats their customers like this and then pretends that they didn't. Future players need to know what they're getting into.
If/when I see a positive change in TP's behavior, I will revise my reviews accordingly.
As a leader, I know that it takes a long time to build someone's trust and an instant to lose it. Once lost, it takes even longer to rebuild trust. TP broke my trust, and if they want it back, they're going to have to prove their sincerity consistently over time.
Comments
Let me put that through the universal translator:
"We didn't realize the backlash for the knee-jerk reaction and over correction we had would be so large. Please don't go. We like your money too much."
I think the damage has been done and this is not a fix or solution. I don't know that anything would be good enough at this point. If those bans were lifted within hours, then maybe. But 24 hours is 20 hours too long. I have a lot of thinking to do before I decide what I'm doing, but let me just say that I'm about 80% towards keeping the game uninstalled forever.
Restart your client, you should get a message with few items and polestars.
Than wait, it will show up eventually.
Proud Former Officer of The Gluten Empire
Retired 12-14-20. So long, and thanks for all the cat pics!
• too little, too late... the damage has been done
• communication is still one of, if not the biggest issue, that TP has
• this includes internally as they are clearly not on the same page, and one hand (department) doesn't know what the other is doing
• there is absolutely no proper oversight, quality control, procedures for handling issues such as these, etc., and they are just making it up as they go and hoping for the best
• nothing they have done properly acknowledges their poor choices, actions taken in bad faith, or compensates the entire player base for what was lost... not to mention takes ownership for the fallout that came from all of this
Maybe they've learned that it's a bit hard to undo the damage after you go full scorched earth and burn everything to the ground. Take the time to think things through before you take actions that can't easily be undone. Maybe.
But I'm not holding my breath.
Both the bug AND the DBacle.
Welcome to the club. I believe badges are in the back and we have all you can eat popcorn.
*attaches his new shiny badge*
I never thought I'd see the day that they made me feel so bitter and cynical. I hate it 😕
It's not a big deal.
Really.
The fact is that any extra "positive" in the pool raises overall competitiveness.
This means that everyone eventually has to wade into the pool either by a) spending, or b) playing harder.
Bugs are bad and they hurt, but they don't hurt as much as kicking your golden goose.
So just don't release bugs as much.
My wallet will stay firmly closed. I am not going to buy the Premium Track for the first time ever.
If things get better I may buy it just before the end.
I am still dealing with what TP thinks of its customers.
I may be completely done with the game.
The secret is that we all do. No one wants to see DB, and now TP, fail repeatedly. But they continue to show no sign that they understand how and why they fail. To be honest, TP makes me long for the days of DB.
Leaving Shan entirely out of this due to the fact that I have a slight hunch that she does, in fact, Grok Spock...
I now firmly believe that the team above her has absolutely no understanding at all of the psychology of Star Trek fans. They have either utterly failed to, or are flat out incapable of, understanding what type of player base they are dealing with. And that does not bode well.
Know your audience.
I've been echoing this since the adira tal incident. A big part of my job is related to quality and change management. Both of these appear to stem from actions being taken without proper or effective review. Having two back-to-back really hurts customer perception.
But as far as their solution is concerned, what first came to my mind was how will this level the playing field in terms of Quantum? Constellations, Polestars, ISM, and credits are all important to Crew Retrieval, but Quantum is THE limiting currency. I would assume that many of the banned players initially retrieved Legendary crew like so many others, but now their Quantum will be "returned to full" (i.e. 1000) plus they will receive an additional 1000 Quantum (via in-game mail) like everyone else. While I sympathize with their 1+ day ban, would that not give them an advantage over other players who have been slowly recharging from around 100 Quantum or so since Wednesday? So based on recent communications, it sounds like the banned players would be able to immediately retrieve 2 Legendaries while everyone else would only have enough Quantum to retrieve 1 Legendary.
Did I miss something?
While it's fun to talk about competitive balance, this game's limited RNG mechanics really just bring it down to cash.
And there's a lot of RNG between the loot and the result too.
Because of all that any 'advantages' will be quickly wiped out and will average out over time.
In other words, even if I luck into, say a Gary Seven, I still need to level him up (RNG, chrons, shuttles), use him effectively, have an event that boosts him, etc.
That's without accounting for the fact that while I might have gotten 1, someone might have gotten 2 in a pack.
Ultimately, what you do in the game that will impact your experience more than someone possibly having an extra doodad because the devs screwed up.
No one will argue that there is plenty of RNG in this game, but then why did TP/WRG initially ban players for 3 days? Because of perceived competitive imbalance caused by players gaining too many Constellations, ISM, and Credits...
My point is that Quantum is far more important that those other currencies as far as Crew Retrieval is concerned. But based on their communications, it sure read like previously banned players will end up with 2000 Quantum while non-banned players will end up with about 1200 or so. This is far more impactful than hoarding hundreds of Polestars because you can immediately retrieve 2 Legendary crew.
Companies as a general rule do not issue apologies because apologies can make them more liable to lawsuits because the company has admitted fault.
And even then, you'd need a really simplistic roster to super-benefit from an extra 1/5.
On average, the "advantage" would be microscopic.
(BTW, I have 2000 quantum, but I'm I'm losing the quantum regrowth while I sit on it. So having more isn't necessarily a blessing or a benefit either.)
You could also think of it this way... Mirror Picard, EV Archer and Prince Bashir. These are toons that players in the past have received for free, but if you started today you don't get any of those. Advantage, yes. Gamebreaking or destroy-your-experience level? Ehh.
Or... A guy bought their 5/5 for this event... It improved their experience, but it doesn't really impact yours.
The spare junk and quantum is the same way; some got it, you might not have, and it ultimately won't really affect your experience.
Maybe you need to send one more shuttle for an event... So did everyone else, it's inflation.
Without that apology, I will also not be updating the reviews I have left on the Play and MS Store. As much as I love this game, I cannot in good conscience allow it to be run by a company who treats their customers like this and then pretends that they didn't. Future players need to know what they're getting into.
If/when I see a positive change in TP's behavior, I will revise my reviews accordingly.
As a leader, I know that it takes a long time to build someone's trust and an instant to lose it. Once lost, it takes even longer to rebuild trust. TP broke my trust, and if they want it back, they're going to have to prove their sincerity consistently over time.
Nnnhh...
Okay, not exactly apples and apples, but apologizing isn't exactly too hard.
Also helps to have less bugs.
(Why doesn't STT have maintenance outages anyways... Maybe QA would go up if it did...)