Jan Raymond suggests that CIG should make flight blades a rare loot drop from ace pilots rather than a pay-to-win purchase, to better balance skill and effort in gameplay and reduce perceptions of unfairness. He emphasizes the importance of emotional perception in gaming and advocates for solutions that maintain both fair play and CIG’s monetization model.
The video by Jan Raymond addresses the controversy surrounding the new flight blades introduced in the game, which can adjust a ship’s acceleration metrics. These blades are only available for real money, leading to accusations of pay-to-win mechanics. Raymond explains that CIG likely tested these blades extensively in various scenarios to ensure balance, but emphasizes that in gaming, balance isn’t solely about numbers—it’s also heavily influenced by players’ emotions and perceptions, which can lead to feelings of unfairness regardless of actual game mechanics.
He highlights how human decision-making is often driven by emotional and subconscious factors rather than rational analysis. Players tend to feel that certain upgrades or gear give them an unfair advantage, even if, statistically, they are balanced. These emotional reactions are rooted in personal experiences, memories of past battles, and gut feelings about what feels right or wrong. As a result, even balanced game mechanics can be perceived as unbalanced due to emotional biases, especially when players invest money into these upgrades.
Raymond points out that CIG’s business model relies on players purchasing early access to premium items, like these flight blades, which are expensive and not easily earned in-game. This creates a tension between the intended skill-based nature of PvP combat and the reality that gear and upgrades can influence outcomes. He argues that the core of PvP should be skill, not gear, but acknowledges that the current system incentivizes spending money to gain advantages, complicating perceptions of fairness.
To address the issue, Raymond proposes a simple solution that aligns with CIG’s monetization model: make these blades a rare loot drop from ace pilots, who are already part of the game’s content. This approach would make acquiring the blades a matter of skill and effort rather than direct purchase, while still allowing players to buy them if they choose. It would also integrate these upgrades naturally into the game world, reducing the perception of unfairness and maintaining the excitement of hunting for valuable loot.
In conclusion, Raymond advises patience and perspective, acknowledging that some players will always seek the most powerful gear, but emphasizing that true skill should be the main determinant in PvP. He reminds viewers that CIG’s business model depends on sales, so solutions should respect that while fostering fair gameplay. He ends with a light-hearted note, teasing a giveaway and encouraging players to stay safe and keep enjoying the game, emphasizing the importance of emotional perception in the ongoing debate over game balance.