How about this for a re-work (from a miner):

• Fields of the same total ore but with 20 tiles instead of 200.

• Directional scanning still works as now but resource fields are visible on terrain by tinging it a different colour for each resource type. Not bright pink or anything silly, a subtle tinge.

• Scanner reveals precise resource remaining per tile. Area charges reveal total across all tiles.

• All fields are of mixed type resources but each tile has only one resource type.

• No plants grow on a resource field.

• New laser type which extracts resources without charges. Existing laser type with charges is rebalanced such that only 3 can be fitted to a Riv (4 if you compromise the fit slightly) but extracts more than 6 of lesser lasers, Riv can fit 6 lasers, not 5.

• All mining bots receive special cargo area exclusively for resources.

• Harvesting lasers can have targets queued so they automatically switch. Extension determines queue length.

There's a few ideas to chew on.

I think we have to guard against over simplification otherwise artifacting will could become a grind. At least at the moment it's engaging and challenging. Also you want something which is going to keep a player out on the terrain for a while, especially on Beta/Gamma.

I thought about a "live" scanner (new module maybe) which works exactly the same as the current mechanic but gives a readout of distance to artifacts updated as the player moves. A good balance, I think, between ease of grasping the concept and still challenging enough to stop it being boring.

Now that's an idea with potential. Fixed points to distribute across key module stats at the CT or Build stage. Distributable points can be increased by an extension.

Random stats on T5 is a poor idea in principle ... in fact, it's worse than poor ... it's about as terrible as terrible can be. The random aspect of research used to drive people up the wall, please don't introduce another one.

I can't help but think that somewhere in this re-balance there is room to introduce a new profession/role/module/extension of salvaging for industrialists whereby they gain an advantage of quantity of fragments/kernals and chances of modules/decoders ... maybe more than advantage, maybe the actually ability to get anything other than plasma out of a destroyed bot.

But ... I can't quite work out the details without upsetting solo ratting too much and making fitting said module a necessity.

Could tie in nicely with the Alpha death by NPC Field Rescue proposal too.

Good stuff. I like particularly the introduction of some faction standing based content and hope there is more to come.

I also expect a 2756 post topic on the removal of spark teleports. I really don't think we've covered that one properly on the forums.

Looking forward to seeing what the "over 30" changes were you discussed at your internal.

Following on from my last post I have a suggested new formula format that would allow more flexibility to provide incentives. There is also an image of a spreadsheet to copy should you like to tweak it and find what you think suits:

w = base value: the value below which efficiency cannot fall.
x = multiplier: determines the efficiency level at industry points zero when added to w.
y = diminish rate: one minus the % drop in efficiency for each increase in set number of industry points (z)
z = point threshold: see y
p = points

w + (x* (y^ (p/z) ) )

For something like Anni suggested how about w = 0.9, x = 1.1, y = 0.5, z=200

With these numbers materials required at 0 points are 2*base and hit 1.5*base at about 150 points (scope here to make a real difference between alpha/beta and factions). Current max achievable efficiency at Beta is achieved at around 400-450 points and current max achievable efficiency at a whizz-bang gamma facility at about 550-600 points. 100% efficiency comes at 700 points but if you push it to 900 points and beyond you can get 105% and beyond.

The beauty of using exponentials is that the shape of the curve is really easily tweakable. I have no idea why Avatar didn't use exponentials in the first place.

Spreadsheet Formula Image

I think we need to be more radical in our thinking to balance this one.

Something along the lines of introducing different factory lines for different tech levels would help balance more than just industry.

Alpha's only have T1 and T2 factory lines.
NPC Betas have T1, T2 and T3
Player owned Betas have T3 and T4 only (no T1 and T2)
No T4 on Gamma until Advanced Factory.

I'm also think we should think about not having infinite factory lines and introduce some sort of queuing system for a limited number of public factory lines* and have a separate set of factory lines for a Corp. to rent for 30 days at a time.

* similar to a space based MMO I've heard about. That MMO has many many more facilities game-wide, though, so not exactly the same.

Each factory line should act like a folder.

You load a CT and deposit resources in the  factory line. When you extract a CT  the remaining resources are also extracted.

I take a combat assignment from TMA lvl0 (I have 0.1 relation)

1st Objective: Scout area A
2nd Objective: Kill stuff
3rd Objective: Submit item from blue container at any terminal.

Go to a new field terminal and my current assignment is not available to select from assignment list so I can deliver item. Back to TMA forgetting that I'd left the 'item' in the field terminal storage so undock and go get it. On docking back up at TMA I discover I've failed the mission.

Am I supposed to be able to submit assignment items at field terminals?

Good to know that things are progressing.

Still interested to see exactly what the different templates are. I'm slightly concerned that despite their randomness assignments might still end up a little repetitive if the objectives only vary between, for example, number of NPCs and locations you have to go to kill them. Please tell me the templates are more varied than this.

I like the idea of rewards varying according to what random objectives pop up but equally it would be nice if one did not know what to expect on every assignment. Even if not all objectives are revealed on accepting the assignment one might hazard a guess based on the reward offered. 

The element of surprise, heading into an unknown situation and real possibility of losing your bot are all a lot of fun in their own way.