Expansions to Expansions, something to consider?

[Scoob]

Hey all,

Just pondering this...

We're used to getting solid additions with each main game update for free. Great. We're also used to getting periodic paid DLC that adds new content and features. Fantastic.

However, with some of the DLC's I do feel that there's room to improve, things to build on, DLC-specific features that need fleshing out a bit more. I'll not go into details, it's been discussed elsewhere.

Anyway, so what if Egosoft actually further expanded some of these DLC's in future updates? Say v7.6 - which is more of a "make it work better" type update - gave the same free content to the owners of the Base game as normal, BUT, in addition to that padded out a certain DLC feature some more?

For me, this would be a great bonus for those who already have the DLC, and are getting more free content for it. Also, it might encourage those who've not yet bought a given DLC to buy it, as they're now getting MORE for their purchase.

When I see ongoing support for a game like X4 has, well, I'll basically buy anything Egosoft releases for the game now (Timelines included lol). However, if that support extended to expansions to existing DLC, I think that'd make a real impression on many, and likely shift a few more copies of the DLC as it's still being worked on.

Now, we've already seen this to a degree with certain DLCs, but it wasn't really made into a big deal. However, if I read that v8.0 added the usual base-game stuff (Diplomacy) BUT also added some additional DLC sectors to Boron and Split space (for example) alongside some new Terran ships for that DLC... well, you get what I mean.

While new base-game Features impact everything, including content added by DLC's, wouldn't it be nice to get things developed for those DLCs?

Look, this is an easy one for me, as I just buy everything Egosoft release, have since I was a wee nipper in 1999 lol. Seeing DLC further built on over time with free updates (to those who own the DLC) would be a big deal I think.

What do people think? Which DLC do you think would benefit from a bit more expanding? What sort of things would you like to see? More room to roam (additional sectors added to DLC space), additional ships for a DLC Faction. New modules for Recycling. Plenty of options.

Now, to be clear, core game features should still remain part of the base game. I'm 100% behind that. However, DLC-themed features perhaps belong with the DLC. So, more Terran Sectors should only ever be added if the player has the Terran DLC. Same for other Faction/Race type DLCs. Same can be said about additional ships. You get the new Terran super ship IF you already have the DLC. With features it's a little more tricky. The Tides DLC added the scrapping faction, but the feature was available to those without the DLC too. With the DLC however you got the Compactor-class ship (that's still DLC-only, right?). So, base game only owners got the main feature, but those with the DLC got the bonus of being able to break up larger wrecks.

Anyway, I've not thought this through particularly, it just popped into my head while watching the "What is X4" video...

[BitByte]

Now, we've already seen this to a degree with certain DLCs, but it wasn't really made into a big deal. However, if I read that v8.0 added the usual base-game stuff (Diplomacy) BUT also added some additional DLC sectors to Boron and Split space (for example) alongside some new Terran ships for that DLC... well, you get what I mean.

If I'm not totally wrong this have already happened in 7.50 when those whom own CoH & KE will get new sectors but those whom do not have the DLCs don't.
Also earlier each faction got own construction ships so there's also affect to DLCs in case player have those but otherwise not.

[Scoob]

If I'm not totally wrong this have already happened in 7.50 when those whom own CoH & KE will get new sectors but those whom do not have the DLCs don't.
Also earlier each faction got own construction ships so there's also affect to DLCs in case player have those but otherwise not.

Yes, that's what I was referring to above when I said we've already seen this to a degree. I think this is a really GOOD thing, and Egosoft should shout about it a bit more. So, making factions more distinct is great, more sectors are always a good thing. What else might Egosoft add in a regular update to further enhance existing DLC?

[adeine]

Questlines:
- Proper resolution to RIP/VIG storyline if you eliminate VIG
- Proper resolution to the YAK storyline if you save them (at the very least make them a semi legitimate faction like TEM and claim the sectors you liberated for them)

Universe:
- Making the Terran production tree/economy less bare-bones (same idea as this)
- Giving other factions their own production modules and docks

[TheDeliveryMan]

If I'm not totally wrong this have already happened in 7.50 when those whom own CoH & KE will get new sectors but those whom do not have the DLCs don't.

No, those sectors are part of the base game and can be reached via

Spoiler

Show

Cardinal's Domain and Frontier Edge

. Without CoH or KE they just have dead ends.

[mr.WHO]

Tides of Avarice is currently the only DLC that lack unique Construction Vechicle model for Gannascus.

Been nagging Egosoft about it from day one of CV update

[alt3rn1ty]

After VIG are beaten, RIP ought to expand into their sectors .. But more importantly the VIG fighter swarm jobs need to be culled. The FPS hit from them is a menace to the game.

YAKI, really wish there was a better ending to their story, the last conversation you have with their rep is just too much of a full stop. And having them actually use the sector they now have after the Xenon are purged would be good, instead of letting them get further trampled on by other factions because they dont build.

[adeine]

After VIG are beaten, RIP ought to expand into their sectors .. But more importantly the VIG fighter swarm jobs need to be culled. The FPS hit from them is a menace to the game.

They also need to stop considering VIG's embargo still in effect.

That said, I do not wish to see VIG's fighter swarms reduced. It's the only faction that puts up some fight and to actually use your fleets against, even if it is over after one big engagement. The one thing that needs to change is to make it so when a faction has no sector ownership left they cannot hire builders from other factions except their own and the player. This would allow the player to help rebuild an ally from 0 if they want to, but avoid factions like VIG from being in perpetual cockroach mode once you wipe them out because their allies (ironically RIP in this case) keep trying to rebuild their stations.

[alt3rn1ty]

Yep i'm happy for the big fight to stay the same, I just hang out of sector while it happens and remote control the battle.

I just want the build of VIG fighters after they are beat to be culled. In a long term playthrough they grow to ridiculous amounts again, so those sectors even after the fight remain a permanent no-go territory for me at the moment.

[adeine]

Yep i'm happy for the big fight to stay the same, I just hang out of sector while it happens and remote control the battle.

I just want the build of VIG fighters after they are beat to be culled.

VIG do not build anything if they have no stations, they don't order ships elsewhere either. It's just a pain to have to kill the wharf/shipyard build sites every ten minutes.

[Targ Collective]

I'm not aware on Steam of *any* multilayered DLC products, so I suspect it's a publishing issue. Instead of having DLCs of DLCs, everything must expand the base product.

They would still be at liberty to expand DLC content and raise the price of it. I'm assuming Steam forbids multilayer DLC, however.

[jlehtone]

I'm not aware on Steam of *any* multilayered DLC products, so I suspect it's a publishing issue. Instead of having DLCs of DLCs, everything must expand the base product.

They would still be at liberty to expand DLC content and raise the price of it. I'm assuming Steam forbids multilayer DLC, however.

Check "DCS World Steam Edition". It has for example DLC "DCS: Mi-24P OUTPOST Campaign by Stone Sky", which requires three other DLC.
Granted, it might not be "technically multiplayered".

[Targ Collective]

I did not know that. Okay, then I have no idea why this isn't commonplace. Maybe it's a marketing thing? Two layers of payment feeling like paying for two things?