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Director of First Edition
By MidnightLich (Charlie Plaine)
 - Director of First Edition
 -  
Prophet
#586284
Hi all,

Today's question is an introspective one. There have been discussions lately, both here and on Facebook, about what the CC can and should do differently. We want to know what you think we can improve upon and what we need to do differently (for the better).

This isn't about telling us we shouldn't exist, or that we made a mistake when we made X card or Y mechanics. If you think those things, we'll give you the chance to express them at a later date. Today, we want to know where we need to make systemic changes to address the issues you have with us. For example, here are some things we have in the works (though some are closer than others):
  • Coming up with a policy to ensure that our Continental championships are played with a consistent game state.
  • Working with the OP department to update the concession rules in tournaments.
  • Updating and renaming our tournament formats to make it easier to identify what they mean.
  • Providing more/official support for Decipher-era traditional.
But we want to know what else you want to see us work on. More cards? Less cards? Bigger or smaller releases? Are there types of cards we should make more of, or never make again? Mechanics and themes we need to avoid or highlight? How can we better with communication?

I can't wait to hear your feedback.

-crp
 
By Se7enofMine (ChadC)
 - Delta Quadrant
 -  
Moderator
#586289
MidnightLich wrote: Fri Sep 30, 2022 3:57 pm More cards? Less cards? Bigger or smaller releases? Are there types of cards we should make more of, or never make again? Mechanics and themes we need to highlight? How can we better with communication?
More cards? Less cards? Bigger or smaller releases?

Definitely not less cards. But, personally, i prefer smaller sets more often. Not counting TMPRemastered (which, if im not mistaken, was nothing 'net new'), SSttR came out in Dec '21 and PLost came out in August '22. Im certain covid and all its garbage played a part in that but that's essentially one set this year, 9 months apart (again not including TMP). Im not sure how it could be done but a set of new stuff (not including rereleases) every few months. Say 1 big set and 2 smaller sets..small set beginning of the year, a big set mid-year, another small set near the end of the year).

Also, to be fair, im not in design so its easy for me to say "oh do moar slaves" ... while not knowing the amount of work you guys do on a given set. So, grain of salt, to be sure.

Are there types of cards we should make more of, or never make again? Mechanics and themes we need to highlight?

This is a tricky one and is all intertwined. I think the BBSD is a mechanic that needs a lot of work. So, if nothing is going to be done with it, making tactic cards seems wasteful. If the mechanic is going to be fixed, then great. More tactics. On the same note, i know the project has been on the back burner for ages (cant remember its name) but a new mechanic for personnel battle, a la BBSD for ship battle would, i think, be awesome.

How can we better with communication

I mean, just be better. Communication is tough for some and easier for others. So giving advice on how to communicate is hard as it may not work for everyone. Just do whats best for each person and do more of that.

These weekly questions have been great. I dont post in all of them but i read every single one and i love them. Some topics havent appealed to me and thats fine. But i read them and appreciate the outreach to the community.

My $0.02 from the peanut gallery.
 
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
#586314
More cards is better (bad grammar is funny!). But I wouldn't mind if you guys padded the sets with more reissued cards from previous sets with new franchise logos, pictures and lore.

I posted an idea about episode cards a while back, but really it was just an expansion of what you guys were already doing, so more of that would be better.

Keep giving us reasons to play things we normally don't. Here's a rough example:
Give us a reason/way to play Quark's Bar with a Quark without Deep Space 9 / Terok Nor in play.

Better Call Quark

Seeds on table, allows you to seed/play Quark's Bar as an abstract location and download Quark here. Allows you to use some or all of the play mechanics of Quark's Bar. Maybe even work the Holosuit into this. It could let you stack personnel there that are compatible with Quark's Bar. Maybe your computer skill / acquisition character can 'call Quark' once per turn to use a skill on a personnel there. There could be a mechanic that let's you send/exchange a waiter/dabo girl to your outpost or to the same location as your bartender as compatible. That kind of stuff.

There's a very good chance you already have a card like this and I missed it because I focus on ships and personnel too much, lol. My point is, we need all of the McGuffin devices we can get, it's a valuable technology. The above is just an example.
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By Enabran
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
2E Austrian National Second Runner-Up 2022
#586324
3 sets per year with about 50 cards and maybe a small one at Christmas would make me happy.

How about a "Unbroken Links" Set? There must be enough broken links for a full set in this game.

If you want to do something new, make the Xindi-affiliation :shifty:

Do something for [Purs]. This Icon seems very useless. 2 cards (and one bwc 2E) have it and one can download such a card.

Do something for [Crm]

Undo some errors from the past. (Defend Homeworld :shifty: )

Change the [BB] Rule so that a player cannot spy the next seed card, if a [BB] is on the mission.
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By boromirofborg (Trek Barnes)
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
1E North American Continental Quarter-Finalist 2023
2E North American Continental Quarter-Finalist 2023
#586340
Communication:
- Embrace giving rulings for more cards on how they interact and list the rulings on the card pages. Similar to how we accept that dilemmas have a dilemma resolution guide, it's not unreasonable for cards to have it as well. First stop to finding out how a card works should be the page of the card, not searching in the glossary. New cards should come with “release notes”, explaining the intent and guidelines for rulings.

Errata:
- Don't be afraid of *more* minor clarifying errata, even if the cards don't get a new image. For example, the IKS / IKC klingon ship names are fine.

Mechanics:
- More mechanics that tie together cards in a set. I like the [SKR] icon in the recent sets. What I don't like is the waste of space on each card saying they work together. If5-10 cards in a year/block have the exact same text/special skill, that where most other games would use an icon/loaded keyword. And to avoid the issue of needing the rulebook to understan each icon/keyword, take a page from Magic and on cards where there is room, have reminder text.

(For example, instead of Spock having a [SD] saying he's compatible with [SKR] , as long as 1-3 [SKR] cards have a reminder text saying that [SKR] means they can all work together.)

- This can also be used for things like Mission Specialist and Support Personnel. Instead of AMS/ASP being needed to define what the terms are, let the terms be rules-based with reminder text on those cards. That opens lots of design space for other cards like dilemmas to refer to Mission Specialists and Support Personnel.

- More Double Faced Cards. Decipher was one of the first games I remember that used both sides of the card, and with self-printing, it's not like there's a budget concern for the printers having to handle it. More missions that flip to show rewards, Objectives that flip instead of downloading the next step, etc.

- More cards that use [Down] [Flip] as effects, outside of battle. Encourage the use of the BBSD for more then just battle. Also more Defensive tactics.

- As good as I think the design paradigm of [1E-DS9] [TNG] has been overall, I think there's also a place for more encouragement to break them, and do more "what if?"

- Speaking of "What If?" when we return to th DQ, I really hope we get to explore what if a Romulan Warbird was grabbed instead of VOY, etc. Let the AQ affiliaitions take the place of the Federation in the story and see what happens.


Be Bold
One of my managers told me his motto is "Always be making new mistakes."

There's two halves to that:
- Avoid old mistakes so you don't keep repeating them.
- If you aren't making new mistakes, you are playing it too safe.

Especially in card games, some of the most fondly remembered cards are mistakes that "shouldn't" have been made, but were, and found a role in someone's heart.
 
By StuartL
 - Alpha Quadrant
 -  
#586487
As a purely kitchen table player, I don't really understand what half the drama on the forums is about. From my point of view, the CC is doing a great job with new cards and sets, but I know I lack the critical viewpoint of the more competitive crowd. (I don't mean that in a negative way, there is nothing wrong with playing tournaments and the like).

Personally what I would like to see is:
More regular releases. Even if it is just a small set of cards, it is always nice to have something new to try out.

More rewards for playing themed decks. One of the most appealing aspects of the game is the setting. I like to theme my decks based on a series, and if possible an episode or two. Cards that make themed decks work smoothly are a great boon for this type of deck construction. As an example, You Could Be Invaluable is a great way to make Maquis playable.

More differentiation of affiliations. A lot of the time playing [TNG] Romulan or Klingon decks feels like you're simply playing a slightly less skill heavy Federation deck. This has improved since the days of PAQ, but not as much as it could have. Borg and to a lesser extent the affiliations introduced from DS9 onwards do have their own styles, but I think things could be made more diverse than they are. Which leads to...

More ways to score.
Games where an opponent speed runs through two missions and wins don't sound like a lot of fun. (Though in a tournament with a time limit I can see them being practical). That said, I would like to see more objectives that reward you for doing something besides missions, or that fit an affiliation's character. E.g. Reward Romulans for playing espionage cards, Klingons for dying honourably etc. Yes, I can have Martok File a Mission Report, but I can't imagine Gowron reading it. :D

More innovation.
It is perhaps inevitable that a comparison is made to MtG, as it one of the biggest and longest enduring collectible card games. With each new release they introduce new mechanics and ideas that haven't been seen before. Most of the time these are only in a single set and are never seen again, and very rarely see any use outside that set's draft format. Trek has occasionally dabbled in such things (Tribbles and Tactics cards), but by and large I haven't really seen that type of innovation here. I do understand that MtG has a team of full time designers who have to come up with something new or look for a new job, but I'm sure there is space in Trek to boldly go where it hasn't gone before. Heck, we had Gowron of Borg and that was never a thing that happened in the show. Maybe Boromirofborg's "What If?" [1E-AU] set could happen without breaking tradition or precedent.

Formating.
As new cards are all digital, more full art, borderless cards with variant art would be cool. Introducing variant affiliation borders and designs for primary characters would also be a nice touch.

Anyway, I really do appreciate all of the hard work the CC does. Even if nothing changes I'll be happy. Keep it up! :thumbsup:
 
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
#586496
StuartL wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 10:13 am Personally what I would like to see is:
More regular releases. Even if it is just a small set of cards, it is always nice to have something new to try out.

More rewards for playing themed decks. One of the most appealing aspects of the game is the setting. I like to theme my decks based on a series, and if possible an episode or two. Cards that make themed decks work smoothly are a great boon for this type of deck construction. As an example, You Could Be Invaluable is a great way to make Maquis playable.

More differentiation of affiliations. A lot of the time playing [TNG] Romulan or Klingon decks feels like you're simply playing a slightly less skill heavy Federation deck. This has improved since the days of PAQ, but not as much as it could have. Borg and to a lesser extent the affiliations introduced from DS9 onwards do have their own styles, but I think things could be made more diverse than they are. Which leads to...

More ways to score.
Games where an opponent speed runs through two missions and wins don't sound like a lot of fun. (Though in a tournament with a time limit I can see them being practical). That said, I would like to see more objectives that reward you for doing something besides missions, or that fit an affiliation's character. E.g. Reward Romulans for playing espionage cards, Klingons for dying honourably etc. Yes, I can have Martok File a Mission Report, but I can't imagine Gowron reading it. :D

Anyway, I really do appreciate all of the hard work the CC does. Even if nothing changes I'll be happy. Keep it up! :thumbsup:
THIS!
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By winterflames (Derek Marlar)
 - Delta Quadrant
 -  
#586509
I like the missions that do things when you accomplish them, the objectives that do thematic things when you solve a specific mission, and the Play engines which give you a specific goal to hit.

I like when we know the thought process behind changes, bans and watches, even if I don't agree with the reasons.

I firmly believe that there should be an Outreach Coordinator whose sole nerd job is to reach out to former playgroups and reconciling with them if possible, and after that is done reaching out to potentially forming play groups and encouraging them along with assistance, even if it is just connecting them to their local Ambassador.
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By ShipNerd
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
#586636
Keep OTF and more expansions
Yet also have a format that is easier, more focused on real decipher cards, yet still balanced. Also make easier and more powerfull pre-constructed decks.

And to be honest: @MidnightLich don´t be in 1e design, nor let inexpierenced player be in charge of the cards balance. let everyone provide ideas, that is great. but when it comes to gamebalance you need experts. Playtest will never has enought time to present "data" either.

Let an really experienced player, like hossdrone, franklingkennter, WBCWowbacker etc. oversee / analyse the cards regarding balance. playtest costs a lot of time. experienced player see the overpoweredness of cards immedialty or after a week of thinking by reading and analysing them. I am not applying. trekcc has enought high level player.

Continuing manage 1e,2e etc. You are a good manager, often. Yet instead of letting me wait 10 month for an answer and still have (almost) no result for the offered work, could be better communication wise and i don´t think it needs to be pointed out what to change i think you do know yourselve that there are better ways to communicate. Instead of ignoring and punishing people with suggestions, read, respond and use them: e.g.

"(Quoted from an earlier post about better moderation)
Do not call people names and be a paragon. Appologize and undo bans yourselfe by trying to understand both sides on your own.

I would like communities where positive behavior is enforced too. Where moderators see both sides. Try reconciliation, or accept both sides sticking to their opinion. Or seek mediation before judgment. Or admit fault in themselves too. Or have CoC, that is less subjective "not be a jerk", like "you may positively and negatively attribute the behavior of others but not calling them negative names as a person". or "don´t use s**ual language, as its a tabu for American culture" that way @VulcanHello would know exactly in advanced which culturally tabus to avoid. I know already that Americans are sensitive to that topic, so I avoided it. "or don´t use XYZ because of "german culture" to also welcome germans here. or more positive: instead of "don´t be..." "be respectfully by using praise (which I did by the way to armus)" or "listen to others (which I tried to armus at a point). or focus on making your point constructively (which I did). And if after X-pages there is no consent: Offer that both disagree and end the discussion (which is basically what I suggested to the authroity/mod by describing the infinity loop)". Or you are free to call the mods and suggest something to them without the risc of being blamed for that. Or: Do not assume you know the intend of other people´s words, know words are subjective and even in the same language in voice chat people talk past each other. Use I language, instead of implying what others meant. Or be paragons in respect themselves, as Mods, because IMO teaching/educating others does not work, others tend to mimic the behaviour that authority live. I did not call anyone a jerk here, though. I stick to I messages and my believes in this post here. I also would consider it better if FYI has a possibility to put in the other points of view. After all if people want to feel welcome giving them a chance to publicly show their point of view if moderators make theirs public. I respect those behaviors more. I also do not feel save, to have to post in a foreign language and have the safety to be understood correctly. Its important to me to be the authority for at least MY words.

Maybe i found my own community then, to have all that. I at least will raise my suggestions for those stuff, see above. :)"
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By ShipNerd
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
#586637
dragoncymru wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 11:50 am
StuartL wrote: Tue Oct 04, 2022 10:13 am Personally what I would like to see is:
More regular releases. Even if it is just a small set of cards, it is always nice to have something new to try out.

More rewards for playing themed decks. One of the most appealing aspects of the game is the setting. I like to theme my decks based on a series, and if possible an episode or two.

More differentiation of affiliations. A lot of the time playing [TNG]
More ways to score.
Games where an opponent speed runs through two missions and wins don't sound like a lot of fun.
:thumbsup:
Would combine some of the points, e.g. Playing Klingon different then playing romulans by getting Points for different stuff. Klingons finally getting some easy usalbe way to score points for personal and ship battle, romulans maybe decreasing points for opponents missions, or caping total mission points to 80 (making bonus points nessecary) or finally removing the easy point bonus for AMS.
All that would make it usefull to have a madatory way to cross quadrants.
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By ShipNerd
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
#586638
Or use some german mentality.
USA = do first, correct later.
German = conceptualize, conceptulize, plan decades ahead, having a list of all 400 yet possible ships to have an overview and think of another 100 ships yet to release in 10 years to come. Worry Worry Worry, find mistakes, being overly cirtical towards own and others stuff, making things perfect. Then release them.
It actually does not take longer it simply replaces: Do THEN correct. With correct THEN Do.

And yes americans plan also, but not at the extent as people with german worries ;)

Seppel is very experienced guy, who can look over cards balance, even if his rating is low since he tries strange/interesting decks sometimes.
 
By phaserihardlyknowher (Ben Daeuber)
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
#586643
ShipNerd wrote: Thu Oct 06, 2022 10:06 am Or use some german mentality.
USA = do first, correct later.
German = conceptualize, conceptulize, plan decades ahead, having a list of all 400 yet possible ships to have an overview and think of another 100 ships yet to release in 10 years to come. Worry Worry Worry, find mistakes, being overly cirtical towards own and others stuff, making things perfect. Then release them.
It actually does not take longer it simply replaces: Do THEN correct. With correct THEN Do.

And yes americans plan also, but not at the extent as people with german worries ;)

Seppel is very experienced guy, who can look over cards balance, even if his rating is low since he tries strange/interesting decks sometimes.
If my experiences with German vendors is any standard, you also need to blame all subsequent issues on the user and insist the product is entirely faultless. So let's not get too German, please.

To all this I'd like to add updating some of the tools so that rulings, resolutions, etc. are easier to track down. I know CC has done several things recently, and I really like them. After working with tools like netrunnerdb and arkhamdb, I'm glad to see the tools moving in that direction. More tools in general lower the barriers to entry.

At this point I will profess the unpopular opinion that not all mechanics and rules need to be on cards. To reuse the example of [SKR], just add a line in the rulebook and a supplement with the set explaining it.

Finally, I'd like to see more formats as well, but I worry there's just not enough players to play them. It would be great if the [Ref] supporters could have a format and the PAQ players could have a format and the block people could have a format, but it's a two player game and I'm skeptical if it's realistic.
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By ShipNerd
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
#586701
phaserihardlyknowher wrote: Thu Oct 06, 2022 11:22 am
Finally, I'd like to see more formats as well, but I worry there's just not enough players to play them. It would be great if the [Ref] supporters could have a format and the PAQ players could have a format and the block people could have a format, but it's a two player game and I'm skeptical if it's realistic.
I did not write i like more formats. I wrote basicly i like to see a casual format. If other formats are merged into it, then the amount of formats is less.
I also agree to much formats are unrealistic to be played. Which is why i advocate for 2 main formats (actually since 2009). One with all cards and new cards for pros and one with simple rules and balanced chances. Focusing on ONE casual format is my suggestion. concrete examples is what i provided since 13 years and while waiting i created the Multiplayer Format on my own wich is easy + balanced + (also Multiplayer capaple). If people don´t want to understand or claim you understand my words better then me, i just ignore them. If someone rants at me again and claims that i do not make concrete examples, just read the tons of content i wrote in other threads, discord in the last days alone. yet in the last 14 years. Or if you are not willing to: then i am also not willing to write again and again to you personaly.

If you are willing to invest time to understand: See "Why do you not like OTF post" (I Do by the way). Or the Multiplayer Format linked in my signature.
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By boromirofborg (Trek Barnes)
 - Beta Quadrant
 -  
1E North American Continental Quarter-Finalist 2023
2E North American Continental Quarter-Finalist 2023
#586923
So, it's Tuesday. 2 days after the World Championships.

yet, going by the front page of the sites, I don't know the following:

- Who won the different tournaments
- What decks were played
- What the overall meta was.

There are links to the videos, I do appreciate that.
And I don't want to sound ungrateful here.

But for what is really the biggest tournament of the year, it feels like I have to go thru a lot of digging for what should be front page news.

Even if it was a high level summary (X won with Y deck!) with more details coming later, that would be neat.
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