(I'm calling this next phase of the game's existence 'Season X' just to suggest that its a defined phase we'll be going through.. it won't stay like this indefinitely.. There will be a reset at the end of it.. And I suppose its X because its, experimental? - But really just because i've completely lost track of what phase we're in :] Anyway..)
Season X - Coming Spring 2023
The main goal of this season is to support players to build your own worlds (and explore those created by other players). Secondarily, there will be space exploration & a galactic economy, but in a slightly different (and more limited) form than previous. We'll also be building some 'staff' worlds and trying out new (and old) ideas there.
- The 'season' should run at least 3 months, possibly longer.
- Anyone will be able to make worlds and make them publicly available in the galaxy if they wish.
- Everyone will start in space (Initially. A new-player world may be added during the season)
- You'll need Gal credits to buy autopilots, infimp, stardrives, space weapons, new ships etc
- Gal credits can be gained through:
- Playing on worlds & exchanging world wealth/kudos/etc at a planet’s starport. (Like the old galactic prestige system, different worlds will have different exchange rates and monthly exchange limits. i.e. Each world will have a different maximum number of credits you can earn there each month).
- Mining in space
- (Possibly) By attacking players who either are carrying mined materials or have a bounty.
At some point (probably :] ), Season X will end, we'll take the learnings from what happened during the season, the universe will be reset and we'll start again with something that will hopefully be a bit more structured and balanced.
The game will remain closed for a while longer until we're ready to start this new season. It is unlikely to be ready to go before the end of April, probably later. If you can't wait, subscribe to the Patreon and you'll be able to join the alpha universe and help test and build the work-in-progress version.
With the game now being over 20 years old and having just spent the last 3 years closed - and with all the other things to do in the world - it'd be foolish to expect many people will want to play.
But who knows.. if we make some good worlds and keep improving things, maybe we'll develop something that people might want to get into again.
Did I mention we have a patreon page now? :) Sign up to hear our podcast, join our private discord and all the other good stuff.