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« on: May 11, 2021, 10:13:32 AM »
Even if we do choose to go further with the idea of RPG elements, I'd argue that ultimately story points are still an unnecessary and very washed-out placeholder for much more engaging ideas. In terms of interpersonal stuff, even if you didn't put a second's worth of more work into it, the reputation system that already exists... Is there, and frankly could use being more useful other than on a faction level.
This isn't a tabletop, nor does it resemble one. And even in tabletops, 'GM points' are something I more tolerate than want. If I do something heroic, my reward should be being a hero. If the GM really wants to award me, maybe give me a feat (read: skill), more experience points, or maybe there was a treasure involved behind the nasty monster / from the grateful civilians. That's solid. That's tangible, real, immersive, and allows me to feel like 'Yes, I earned this, and I can't wait to use it'.
Fighting an IBB fleet is hard, long, and often requires me to think on my feet to adjust my strategy and come out alive. My reward, though, is tangible; here's a not-insignificant amount of credits (Yes these are a bit easy right now; I would say make them less easy so I actually want to do trading and bounties and be selective about colonies, and also ships are way too cheap), here's some reputation, and here's a big salvage pile full of some probably nice ships and also a unique one, have fun with that mate.
That's the crux of this issue that I don't think there's a lot of defense for. Story points are far too easy, far too disconnected, essentially meaningless, and either let you cheat the game in ways where there were obviously better options, or they artificially prevent you from doing things that have no business having a magic paywall.