Hopefully PGI is reading this thread, I have some questions.
What happens in the kickstarter doesn't make the mark? Beyond a refund ...
Will PGI continue to develop Transverse into a functional Alpha?
Will there be another kickstarter next year with instant access to that Alpha?
How feasible is the vision set out?
Fringe:
Quote
"Human civilization's journey into the fringes of space has only just begun. The Sol system has retreated into a closed society that does not tolerate disruptive influences. On the Fringe, players rule themselves, creating player run factions with their own laws and governance.
Players can choose to stay near the bounds of newly settled space, or take the risk to push into new space, and profit from undiscovered rewards and resources."
Does this mean there will be zero NPC/dev-run/meta factions/corps?
Has a mechanic been envisioned that allows players to enforce their laws without always having someone on?
Player Driven Economy:
Quote
"You, along with other players, are the driving force in the economy. All goods fuel the delicate balance of supply and demand in the Fringe. Every action you take has consequences.
There are no NPC stores, no pre-established mines, and no manufacturers. With the humble colonist goods granted upon entry into the Transverse, it's up to you and other players to establish the economy for the star systems beyond Sol."
How developed is this concept?
How much will everyone start with? Will starting gear be enough to kick off a vibrant economy?
Will there be, not an NPC store, but a dev-run "auction house" or system to handle trading?
Orgs:
Quote
"Band together with other players to create private entities in search of wealth and fame. Recruit investors, distributors, and customers while you design and sell advanced technology as a powerful interplanetary mega corporation.
Control space by forming your own solar alliances and setting your own laws to police that territory. Alliances can be formed by companies and individuals and range from small mercenary teams to massive sprawling interstellar republics. Your alliance can be a force for good, protecting colonies and industry, or one of malevolence, carving out a repressive empire and exterminating the undesirable sects of humanity. Out in fringe space your alliances can unite with humanity or revel in its destruction."
Will investors, distributors, and customers be player-only? Or will there be an automated system to promote the trading system?
"Design and sell advanced technology"; a skill/crafting tree or will there be something?
If it's a crafting tree system, will there be 'rare' items to craft and sell? Possibly unique one-off items from the devs themselves, as an almost 'quest reward'?
Will there be a formal process for incorporating into a mega-corp? Creating a regional/system faction? Other organization?
What sort of "npcs" will exist? And how exploitable are they?
Overall, this looks like it has a large and awesome vision.
And it could be epic and amazing.
Unfortunately, I suspect the kickstarter will not meet the mark.
But even if it doesn't ... it seems like the vision (as I understand it) should be pursued.
Maybe it won't take-off this year ... but I suspect a more fleshed out vision may help it gain traction at a later date.