Outer-Empires.com

Subscription System Changes

We've decided to change the way that the subscription works - all players who are not subscribed now only get half the XP and Credits for any mission they do, regardless of their level. Additionally, players are no longer stopped advancing at level ten.

However, unsubscribed players still only get one colony (of a maximum size of 20) to develop, and anyone who's subscription ends will only be able to access their first colony ever created until they resubscribe.

Additionally unsubcribed players can not use any ship that requires a rank of MCC1 or higher (so they can't fly the System Defence Craft, Heavy Cruiser, Carrier, Battleship, Dreadnought or the Palatial Dreadnought.) - we may be lowering the level here, comments welcome! Having thought about this, I think we're going to drop it so they can't fly any medium class or high class ship, so that would include a whole load more - see here for details : http://wiki.outer-empires.com/index.php ... Experience

We believe that changing the overall subscription method to the game will allow us to get a larger player base, meaning the economy will flourish more, resources will become more sought after, manufactured items more important, etc. Overall, we believe the "free" players will enhance the experience of the "paid" players, while not degrading what the paid players get (faster game play, money gain, the ability to have as many colonies as you can manage, access to the full range of ships, etc).

We, of course, welcome comment on all of the above - I'll be sending out emails to everyone who has tried the game today but not stuck with it telling them about the recent enhancements (like combat jobs ) and that the subscription method has changed... I think we'll be able to tempt a fair few people back to play and that can only be a good thing!

I think you have done a good thing. Allowing free play in this way will help improve the game overall. I believe that before the game shut you off just as you were reaching the time when the game really started opening up for some serious fun. With these changes that can now be accessed somewhat which will probably help in more subscriptions.

I think that's a wonderful change.

Previously, if you were unsubscribed, you would play a bit and get a feel for the game, but not being allowed past level 10 meant no Explorator, no Freighter. Both of these are actually vital to contribute to the economy. You can't explore far enough without a 3k fuel range, and can't haul enough to make it worth your while without the 1k cargo. Now unsubscribed players (I suggest we call them nomads for short, since they don't have a true territory) can go on exploration spree and sell their scans, or grind through jobs and amass some money to spend on better equipment for their ships. And imagine what they'll contribute once the player jobs are in place!

And the 1 colony limit is still a powerful incentive to get subscribed and settled.

Hagar Lucky

Edited to add: The subcribed players might be called "homesteaders".

YES PAUL! this is good, it'll help form things better.

Am I the only one that thinks half payout without subscription is a bit harsh? It takes a lot of starting missions to afford a clipper, explorator, or freighter as it is, at half payout . . .

I think there is still plenty of incentive to subscribe with the 1 colony and light ship only restrictions, I think half payout will be too discouraging for people to even bother.

paul needs to encourage subscribers, if theres no serious downside then he wont get any subscribers

1 colony and light ships only isn't a serious downside? I just can't imagine putting up with grinding for my first clipper (or whatever) at 1/2 experience and credits. Not trying to be negative, but I don't see the recent change as a "boost" to trial subscriptions, if that is the intention.

Well that stinks for the people that already paid cause they wanted better ships etc.

You still do get better ships than everyone else.. as per the details above.

My point is, the people that werent subscribers before this, had to subscribe to get the colonies and ships they wanted badly. and now everyone can get the ships and colonies they paid for. the only "up" side to subscribing now is more xp/creds