CCP’s latest devblog reveals what most knew already – that the first iteration of ‘Incarna’ (previously known as ‘walking in stations’) will be somewhat limited. Essentially we will be able to access our own Captains Quarters which, in and of itself is pretty cool. Sadly we wont be able to invite or host anyone else within that space which is likely to come as a bitter blow to the RP crowd.
Perhaps a better way to view this first element of Incarna as more of a ‘sneak peak’, preview or limited Beta than a true addition to EVE. There are of course pros and cons to such an approach. The Pros being that CCP can tweak and adjust the Incarna experience in increments according to player feedback. Bugs and glitches can be ironed out as the world expands from a singular living space to more social and larger environments. The Cons of this approach is that the over all effect – the ‘OMG OZZOM!’ impact might be reduced. CCP Chiliad’s comment that “these first Captain’s Quarters are designed mainly as an entry level capsuleer environment with basic functionality” are likely to annoy some Veteran players. They will no doubt wonder if this is a new feature intended for them – or for a new breed of player who will replace them.
Equally worrying is the continued persistence of the CSM to demand that CCP provide equal levels of functionality in space, in station and within Incarna. If the ‘game’ functionality is the same why replicate it with two different graphical representations – i.e spaceships / stations?
Whilst Incarna looks draw dropping good I am still finding it hard to see either any embedded game play, or any emergent game play featuring in it. Perhaps, in time, this will come.
C.
