EVE Online players got some more tweaks, as well as more concrete info about changes coming to Equinox following weeks of player feedback.
EVE Online players have pushed back against many of the changes that came with Equinox, the most recent expansion to the long-running sci-fi MMO. Changes such as a reintroduction of scarcity in Nullsec, as well as sweeping changes to how sovereignty works were meant to reinvigorate Nullsec space, but many of the largest factions in the MMO have pushed back against changes that have negatively affected the region.
Last week the developers made some changes, such as increasing the yields in minefields, as well as removed the smallest rocks that added tedium to the mining loop, while promising more changes as we move through the coming weeks. This week some of those changes were implemented, while CCP Games laid some of the groundwork for changes to come.
Via the news post announcing the changes:
"While we strive to get everything right, often it is not until capsuleers start interacting with the features in the live universe of New Eden that we can identify aspects that require fine tuning, balancing, fixing, or updating. During the post launch period we address issues that we have identified, actively monitor and gather data, and collaborate with the CSM and the larger community to make iterations based on your feedback."
As such, CCP is working towards three key areas of improvement, stating first that it is striving to improve and balance the "Equinox sovereignty system and structures," while they are also looking at balancing the AIR Daily Goals, which have also been a point of consternation. Finally, they mention they are looking to improve the newly added SKINR for Ships tool, which allows players to make and sell custom ship SKINS on the in-game Paragon market.
As far as sovereignty is concerned, the team heralds the improvements so far thanks to the changes made to anomalies last week, and mentions that work is still ongoing to improve this further. Much of the focus right now is on the new Orbital Skyhook structure that was introduced with Equinox, with the team looking at how they can make things more balanced between defenders of the structure and raiders looking to cause chaos in nullsec.
Additionally, Zarzakh, the region of space added in the lead up to last year's excellent Havoc expansion, is also mentioned in the post, as its presence on the map is causing issues with force projection by the major alliances. Zarzakh is technically accessible from all pockets of space, meaning it can be used as a shortcut to move fleets through (though that's not without its own host of dangers, of course), and as a result, it has the knock-on effect of making a map feel "smaller." CCP says that this is being looked at for a fix this coming Fall.
For the AIR Daily Goals, players are getting more goals to choose from, as well as some barriers to completing them - such as proximity to the goal - have been removed. SKINR enthusiasts are also seeing some improvements to the new system, with a new skill reducing Paragon Hub vendor fees, as well as general cost and time requirements reduced to gauge their effect long term on the health of the system. Additionally a new preview system is being added where you'll have access to all nanocoatings, whether you own them or not, to design to your hearts content before plopping down the ISK or PLEX to go secure the dyes. Finally, SKINR players will soon be able to share skin designs in chat, use more filters when searching for elements, whether in the design hub or market, and more.
