In the video, Ricardo discusses the upcoming release of “Elite Dangerous: Ascendancy” on October 29th, highlighting significant changes to Power Play based on player feedback, including the deactivation of Power Play Hunters and adjustments to security forces’ detection ranges. He also notes reductions in merit rewards for certain actions and encourages the community to stay engaged as Frontier Developments continues to refine the gameplay experience.
In the video, Ricardo discusses the upcoming release of “Elite Dangerous: Ascendancy,” set for October 29th. He mentions that players participating in the partner program have been testing the new features and providing feedback, which Frontier Developments is actively considering. The update includes significant changes to Power Play, particularly in response to player experiences on the test servers.
One of the major adjustments involves the deactivation of Power Play Hunters and a reduction in the spawn rate of non-Power Play Hunters. This means that players will encounter fewer aggressive AI opponents, especially in engineering bases, which had been a point of frustration for testers. Ricardo highlights that the developers are listening to player feedback and making necessary tweaks to improve the gameplay experience.
Additionally, the video addresses changes to the detection range of Power Play security forces. Previously, players faced excessive hostility when entering certain areas, but the adjustments aim to create a more balanced environment, especially for players engaging in non-hostile activities. This change is intended to ensure that players feel safer when navigating around stations without being unfairly targeted.
Ricardo also notes that the update includes a reduction in merit rewards for certain actions, such as hacking advertisements. He expresses concern that this reduction may require further balancing, as players should still be adequately rewarded for their efforts without feeling underappreciated. Furthermore, adjustments to exploration data payouts and organic data sales percentages for specific powers have been implemented, indicating a broader effort to refine the Power Play system.
The video concludes with a reminder of the upcoming release date for “Elite Dangerous: Ascendancy” and an invitation for viewers to join him in experiencing the new features. Ricardo emphasizes the ongoing evolution of Power Play version 2 and encourages the community to stay engaged as these changes unfold, showcasing Frontier’s commitment to improving the game based on player input.