SF-MMO WildStar presents its plans for the year 2015. The focus is on becoming more accessible and not being perceived as a “hardcore” game. Especially solo players want to be offered something. And WildStar is set to grow, grow, grow.
WildStar had a difficult year 2014, for 2015 Mike Donaetelli has now drawn up a roadmap that is supposed to consider solo players more. They want to design more shipboy missions. These are scenarios also for solo players. With a level 6 mission “The Horror of Fragment Zero!” they want to catch players early and introduce them to the system, which was probably a bit too hidden until then.
They are also keeping an eye on the so-called “casuals”, occasional players. They intend to promote game content that can be consumed in 30-45 minute units and announce a new “contract” system for this. Fun is the priority here (and the loot!).
They want to revise the group search tool. This should show everything in the future, as previously they had hidden a few secrets, such quirks Carbine probably does not want to allow anymore in 2015.
Moreover, the developers want to give WildStar players the opportunity to further individualize their characters. Housing is expected to be made accessible earlier. They are still proud of it, but probably some left before they could reach it.
Furthermore, Carbine also intends to reconsider the endgame zones, to avoid “combat fatigue”. This occurs when players have to complete too many strenuous battles in a short time.
Solo players should be able to enjoy a stronger “immersion”. This occurs when players fully dive into the adventure. They want to make another change to the reward system.
For raiders, it will be somewhat less “hardcore” in the future. The 40-man raids are history, the existing 40-man raid will be converted into a 20-man. The 40-man raid was under-accepted. A third 20-man raid is also planned. Just like a new dungeon, the Protostar Academy.
The academy is intended to serve as an introduction for newcomers into group play and have a tutorial character.
The ultimate protospiels, a second new dungeon, will present endgame players with a challenge.
At Carbine, they are working to avoid giving the impression that they have forgotten their roots and repeatedly talk about targeting a “variety of players and playstyles” and wanting to listen to the feedback and voices from the community.
Moreover, they want to “invest further in the game.” Thus, WildStar is not meant to become a discontinued model, but to grow, grow, grow.
