2 x PR attack in top 5

top 5 on ultra goes down to 8millon PR, just saying that is rather low. And we have action going at the moment.

Sarek the turn based servers aren`t as stuck as you make it sound. Sure, normal is because 80% of the big empires are in the same fed, but if you look at fast, ultra or slow you will see that it`s only 3-4 ppl who fight. No matter how nice a top 5 bonus is, there`s no way they can hold the ranks if they are outnumbered, but it would take more than 1-2 ppl building up at a time.

And that`s no different from earlier, I remember when we took over the fast server from EoC, DoTV and such, we had to coordinate a huge deal and had a forum for fleet info and such. A little coordination today and the opposition on most servers could turn things around. At least I only see the dominating fed on normal to be in majority concerning active rank players.

wow we got of topic, I guess the turn based servers will stay stuffed then with the current rules favoring the dominant feds.

I totally agree that making the game more feasible as far as mobile access goes is a great idea. The game will never be super playable on a mobile device, but a lot could be done to make it easier on those of us who want to check up on our phones and stuff.

I also disagree with changing DP - a lot of us have lives and 24 hours of dp is really perfect.

Browser games are in decline, but yes, appealing to new markets like China would help a lot. Theres not THAT much text in game outside the missions, so I dont think translating what is there would be super problematic. I mean, my browser translates most any page to a readable point anyways.

Improving interface would help retain newer players massively. Again, Im not asking for live action video of fleets battling. But a more modern interface would help tremendously. Even just think UC`s high graphics mode - thats something Id consider pretty low graphics at this point in time, but its got a much cleaner and more modern sort of interface. Just being able to have the screen divided up into a couple portions is actually really nice, especially nice if we could control what each portion was (you cant on uc, but would be nice).

UC also has a few user created backgrounds, and I dont think it would be hard at all to have them and others implemented in game and giving players the option of the background or interface options they wanted. Some of us will always stick with black, but others might go for something a lot more modern looking

I wouldn`t touch DP in my opinion as that gets into a tricky area. Some people barely log on and need those 24 hours. While I can see the argument, that would be a perk of the game I wouldn`t want to mess with since I sleep and work and can`t logon at work for 20 hours of the day almost.

Otherwise agree with what you have mentioned

Mobile accounts for 40% of my total Crack time, and is one of the main reason why I managed to get further than I used to, so I have to agree with Pistol on this one. It`s something that can really make life easier.

However, the game has to become something that can retain people in the first place, else why not check something else instead? Like Whatsapp or games like Clash of Clans.

So Ankaar made a very good point, if there`s no one to attack and defend against, there`s nothing to lose/gain by checking, as you can just do things at your own pace. Then it becomes not so much of a priority to them.

Another thing would be the change in gamers nowadays. I`ve shared this game to a few of my friends (the younger ones age ranging from 17-20). Just so happen that I was on the "manage fleet" page one time and 1 comment that struck me was, "how did webpage filled with text and numbers, that looks like an excel spreadsheet , become a game."

These people I`ve asked are just 5 years younger than me at most, and already a huge portion of them have never experienced web browser games, much less comprehend the joy of it. Its not just about the graphics, its also about being engaged, which our game really need to find a way to do this. Not just engaging for the first time they log in, but the feeling that makes them want to come back, that kind of masoch.. I mean magical feeling.

Just some of my ideas here, but I feel that to tackle this issue, we may have to shorten dp to 16/20hours, disable certain features (something to do with vm and reinforcement troops), npc that are increasing challenging as pr level increase, or npc that only appears to new players, so there`s more opportunity for growth for them, but also engaging.

Each idea however though, would affect several key areas that we love though, so just putting it out there, see hows the reaction like, while I evaluate the ideas before starting a thread for it.

Hopefully we can push the game to where i

Well.... I may be wrong here. But lets not forget how the world has developed since we started playing it 15 years ago.

For a game you need to log in now and then, just to check up on the status, a web browser is not the ideal platform as little people interact with their digital devices this way anymore. Fundamentally this game has something that could still attract a lot of people. But its simply at the wrong place.

I think the game needs an app for Android and iOS with an updated user interface for all those people who need a game to check up on when they wait for the bus/train/plane or when they are eating breakfast. You can do smart things to keep people in the game, etc. Giving them push notification when they are, sold something, someone pm`ed them. etc.

You cant get hooked on space crack if theres nobody to do it with you.

A major part of games like this is obviously the ability to play with other people. If the chats dead for half the day, and theres nobody to attack whats the point in playing.

There are people out of dp in the first 5k pr, and then half the time nobody else until a couple million pr. For a new player, that gap is super difficult to cross. Sure, they could just sit and do research for a while while saving money, but thats so boring. And dont say, oh, but I can make a few billion day one after a restart - sure, if you know quite well what youre doing. I think when I started I didnt make a billion for weeks

Ive had the same problem.. alot of new players.. each one so hopeful..
Ol Space Crack has a few additives and preservatives that fail to meet todays FDA requirements...and is not clinically approved...

We just need more players in general playing the game. And the problem isn`t just new signups, but actual retention beyond the first 2 month. Can`t tell you how many times I`ve accepted new, 0 day players into the group only for them to never return to the game after a week.

Dat space crack isn`t what it used to be I`m afraid. =/

Eh, I will say it is a contributing factor, but not the primary factor. Most new players never play in the top 5 for a long time and don`t think they really care about being in the top 5 anytime soon. As for the paid vs non-paid part I disagree, but in my opinion I was playing terran and viral and could retake the ranks with some fed help.

Admiral, why are you distraught? On Normal, we control the server. No need for new rules. Why the sudden change of heart?

Put it this way, currently the 3 turn based servers I play on are dead and I think the main reason is that new players can`t get anywhere. I joined Fast and Ultra deliberately to try and unbalance the top feds. Double PR attacks in the top 5 was probably meant for when there was a lot more players than there are now. Currently without burning artifacts the servers are pointless.

Well on the turn based servers you have 4 people sit in the top 5 and you own the server. Payers can`t build fast enough without artifacts, which due to the time zone nonsense with digging is simply not possible.

You should have to fight to hold the ranks, currently you get it you keep it.

My point was it was built into the game for a reason was all I was trying to say. Is there any reason to be in the top 5 honestly?

Omegian, so it still gives a massive advantage to the home team whats your point? other than that the home team can play the massive advantage several ways?

So, I have been on both sides of this Sarek. When I was on TB using 2x, there were times when it was used to build up stronger fleets and then disband to clean the ranks. Other times it was used to guard someone who is slow building to prepare an UW if he/she was not using BTC`s or rushing his or her UW. So, to me, 2x was used for strategy purposes and not as an abuse.

I never used artifacts but maybe a handful of times on each server over the years to retake the top 5 ranks, otherwise I have worked with other players to win it back. As PP said, spamming or having more people helping you is the way to go. I don`t want 2x removed as it is still considered a critical strategy for the game.

Yeah... On normal, we like sitting lower.