[Tim]

I see where you are going, Ratneck, but how would you measure it? What game mechanics would you propose to make it so that RP can't happen on the non-rp server? That seems like a tough distinction to draw, and an even tougher one to design for.

As to knowing who is using which second, that would only work for folks purchasing a single account. Purchasing a second account - which many, many folks are happy to do - makes hiding behind alt accounts very easy regardless of multi chars per account or etc.

[Ratneck]

Originally Posted by Tim

I see where you are going, Ratneck, but how would you measure it? What game mechanics would you propose to make it so that RP can't happen on the non-rp server? That seems like a tough distinction to draw, and an even tougher one to design for.

As to knowing who is using which second, that would only work for folks purchasing a single account. Purchasing a second account - which many, many folks are happy to do - makes hiding behind alt accounts very easy regardless of multi chars per account or etc.

It's more the use of a second character I don't like then the role play. I'm only bringing that into the equation because that seems to be the argument for allowing multiple characters. In general, RP doesn't bother me as long as you don't expect me to RP back, but I just want to know who each pilot is that I fly with or against.

As far as the second account thing...That is true, that would be a way around having your characters identifiable. At least the the person doing it would have to pay for the additional account, thus putting more money in the coffers and helping to ensure the game continues. I admit there isn't a 100% way to make sure people are responsible for their actions, I'm just hoping we can find a way to cull the herd.

[Istanbul]

Ratneck, all I've been trying to say this whole time is that whether we have multi-character accounts or not (and are apparently as close to guaranteed as it can be before release) there will be 'asshats'. Quite honestly, going on about making that PLAYER accountable for their actions is pointless. Unless you want to find out where they live and go blow up their house or something, and that'd just be stupid. People who like to be asshats get a kick out of being asshats, and all the attempts (and successes) you have in killing them in game really doesn't make that person accountable for being one.

[Jump]

Yes but with multiples for free there will be far far more asshats than if they had to pay.

[Istanbul]

Really? having a second character doesn't make a person be an asshat. It's completely impossible to fly 2 characters on one account at the same time. Therefore the only increase in asshats I think we'll see is the increase in numbers in general.

I don't think I have anything else to say about asshatery, since I think we're all starting to repeat ourselves now. But, I'll be watching to see if anyone actually says anything new.

[Jump]

Hah, Dopleganger flew 10 counts at one time and griefed the whole server.

[Istanbul]

that's accounts. you can't fly multiple characters from one account at the same time (unless they do something really funky in Jumpgate Evolution that is way different than multiple char per account implementation i've seen in every other game I've played)

[Ratneck]

Originally Posted by Istanbul

Ratneck, all I've been trying to say this whole time is that whether we have multi-character accounts or not (and are apparently as close to guaranteed as it can be before release) there will be 'asshats'. Quite honestly, going on about making that PLAYER accountable for their actions is pointless. Unless you want to find out where they live and go blow up their house or something, and that'd just be stupid. People who like to be asshats get a kick out of being asshats, and all the attempts (and successes) you have in killing them in game really doesn't make that person accountable for being one.

Yes, there will be no matter if there are multiple characters on an account or not. There will be far fewer if you have to PAY to do it then there will be if you just have two empty character slots sitting there. Why do you think all of the corps in EvE always ask for a screen shot of your login screen? They know it's just not possible to prevent people who have a fully second "account" from turning on them or doing whatever it is they're afraid of, but they're taking every measure they can to prevent it.

I am still yet to see anything that would prove to me that additional characters will draw more people into the game, and thus I have to believe that reducing the amount a pilot has to THINK about the ramifications to his reputation before acting outweighs multiple characters. The fewer people you have acting without thought for the penalties for their actions, the more players will stick around since the likely hood of them getting ganked by an asshat....I'm getting tired of that word, I'm going to change it to "idiot" for the rest of this post. While this may not be an issue on a PvE server with the "safe zones", it WILL be one on the PvP server. I'm not concerned with what they do with the PvE server, they can make the whole thing into a "no shooting other pilots" zone, I'm concerned about the effects on the PvP server.

And the house blowing up comment was stupid. You know damn well that I'm talking about actions against them in game. Actions against them in game would not be pointless. If they are spotted online, a PvP group can go hunt them down and force them to dock...one way or another. Players on the PvP server will have the ability to know who is trouble before they have a chance to cause it. Sure, they won't be able to prevent it 100% of the time, but even 25% would be an improvement.


Would you have an issue with 3 characters per account but only 1 per server? It would allow role playing different characters, which seems to be the main reason people want multiple characters, and would also allow for accountability of a pilot on their chosen servers. It's the best compromise I can think of between the two camps, do you have a better idea that would make everyone happy?

[Ambrosius]

I was thinking of a coupe of approaches:

1) You have to choose a faction. All "characters" then must be from that faction, though one could be a fighter, another a trader and a third an explorer; and/or

2) You have a primary account and a couple of "alts" with all "alt" accounts marked as such. Perhaps penalties for lameness of varying sorts could be more severe for alt account.

[netburnr]

I'll put it this way. I plan on paying for one Jumpgate Evolution account. If multiple characters are allowed, my first will be a factionalist, netburnr, and I will definitly start a second as a pirate, who will be called an asshat by some I'm sure.

So yeah, there is a clear case of free 2nd accounts causing asshattery.

[Istanbul]

Perhaps we should have a poll and see how many people would be a downright jerk with one character and a super nice tree hugging carebear with the other if they had multiple characters available to them.

*edit* And perhaps we should more clearly define the term asshat while we're at it.

To me, an asshat would be one of two things. A) a person going on a noob and/or defenseless pilot killing spree (not a pirate engaging in pirate activity) or B) a person attempting to wipe out gear by splashing it. There may be a couple others, but those are the major ones i've seen/heard of.