Dear Stardock (Frogboy, CariElf, others),
I have been collecting ideas and suggestions on how to improve the Metaverse. You have probably seen some of the dissatisfaction with the current Metaverse in various postings from newbys to oldies. We hereby implore you to ask for and take into consideration ideas that many will put forth as ways to make it better, to bring greater satisfaction to both those just starting out and those who have played for over a year and would like to continue, but for the pain the current Metaverse inflicts upon their participation in this community.

The problem as I see it, and others potentially as well, although there are many ways of stating what the problems are, is that new commers find it hard to get the recognition at the top of the Metaverse withoug being forced into a particulare style of play. For old timers who are at the top, they find that there is no where to go, so they quit playing for a while and find that when they start up again they are penelized for submitting games to the Metavers. One particulare Guardian, number 2 on the list, just submitted a game and lost 75K points - not a real encouragement to continue to participate in the Metaverse community.

How can we meet this diverse set of requirements that will not only attract new players (sell more copies of the game) and keep current players playing (spread the word about how great a game it is to potential new players).

One suggestion that has met with some level of support is to set differnet rules for different levels of players. For example, new players might start out in one level, and as they meet certain milestones, they move up to the next level, much like characters in some of the fantasy games (after all, isn't the Metaverse just a different form of fantasy game? ). One could set up enough levels to satisfy just about anyone, and if not, in the design, make it easy to start a new level.

Some of the things that irritate players most should be fixed - i.e., changed (they may in fact not be broken). For example, losing points after taking a vacation (real life vacation, or just a breather from the game). What you earn should be what you keep. If you stop playing, you just stagnate, or get removed as inactive until you play again, then you get reinstated where you left off.

Others have suggested different levels for different types of games, size of galaxy, etc. A lot of variables here. Some of these are currently implemented in the Metaverse.

But, we are seeing more and more people retiring from the game because they can't stand the pain of losing points. You might respond that they should just play the game and not participate in the Metaverse. But, whether for good or ill, Stardock has created the Metaverse that has spawned a community of players that is probably unequalled anywhere in the gaming world today. Take advantage of this and continue to grow the loyalty. That loyalty has resulted in quite a few upgrading to TotalGaming.Net to play your other games.

Please respond. Ask for input. Listen, report back to your constituants and let us know what you are thinking. Don't leave us in the dark, alone. We will all eventually just go away if you do.

cheers,
Weyrleader