State of the Universe Address 2016

[Bertha Bot]

[h=3]State of the Universe Address 2016[/h]

[h=4]Greetings Entropians,[/h]2015 was a great year for MindArk and Entropia Universe, and we would like to thank you for your participation and support of Entropia Universe this past year!
MindArk continues to expand and invest in its core product, Entropia Universe, along with initiating exciting new gaming experiences, for example ComPet.

As promised in our 2015 State of the Universe Address, MindArk invested considerable resources in improving the infrastructure of the Entropia Universe platform, enabling MindArk and its partners to provide ever more entertaining and immersive gameplay experiences.
Those investments have delivered valuable and promising returns. Entropia Universe client crashes have been reduced by half since 2014, and overall client stability is vastly improved, based on feedback via support channels.

The number of new accounts in 2015 was 50% higher than in 2014, a strong indicator that our marketing efforts in 2015 were well-targeted and effective. In-game economic activity grew by 10%, evidence of a vibrant virtual economy with a healthy rate of growth.

Many of the development projects and tasks planned for 2015 and presented in last year’s State of the Universe Address were finalized and released, while several others are still in development and slated for release in 2016.



Planet Calypso Land Plots

One project highlighted in last year’s State of the Universe Address which we are very excited about is the Citizenship system, whose early foundations were released during 2015. The Citizenship system is one that will ultimately be available to all Planet Partners, who will work together with MindArk to develop the system further and add innovative features and content. The first cities with land plots were released on Planet Calypso last summer, and the response from Calypso Land Deed holders was extremely positive, with all plots being claimed very quickly.

The Harvesting system introduced alongside the CLD land plots in Version Update 15.3 added a fun and flexible new system for beginners and veterans alike, and will continue to be expanded in upcoming Version Updates, including integration with the land plot estate system.

The long-awaited Taming system received lots of attention in 2015, including new buffs, pets, and interfaces to make pets an integral part of everyday Entropia life. Further expansion of the Taming system will continue in 2016, including potential tie-ins with the upcoming ComPet project detailed below.



Classified Strongboxes were one of the most exciting new additions of 2015, primarily due to the new equippable rings that provide powerful buffs when equipped found exclusively in the Strongboxes. To accommodate all the new avatar buffs available from rings, pets and other sources, a comprehensive buff stacking and buff icon display system was implemented in the Entropia Universe client.

While Entropia Universe’s traditional appeal for many participants is that of an open-world sci-fi-themed sandbox, MindArk and the Planet Partners have also developed content for participants who enjoy a more objective-based and directed gameplay experience. In that direction, MindArk unveiled a universe-wide epic mission chain called Mission Galactica in June 2015. Mission Galactica offers excitement and challenges for participants of all levels, and will continue to be expanded in upcoming Version Updates.




[h=3]New Player Experience[/h]The efforts made by MindArk and the Planet Partners in 2015 to improve the experience for new participants have been quite successful, and have helped to improve conversion rates, grow the active player base, and maximize marketing opportunities. Usability and gameplay improvements have been made to the new participant start room, as well as to the Thule tutorial area on Planet Calypso.

Additionally, a system of community volunteers, known as the Calypso Advisers, was launched on Planet Calypso to help guide new participants. The Rookie channel is also a great resource for new participants to receive tips from more experienced Entropians, and we appreciate the generous support our community members offer to new participants in-game and on community forums.

Conversion and player retention is an important part of MindArk’s long term growth strategy, and as such the new player experience will continue to receive attention during 2016 by the Planet Calypso team and our Planet Partners.

[h=4]Entropia Universe Platform[/h]The improvements to the Entropia Universe infrastructure that began in 2014 continued throughout 2015. Here is a quick review of some of the more significant improvements achieved in 2015:

• Overhauled client installation and update system, Windows 8 & 10 compatible.
• Client crashes reduced by 70%.
• Significant improvements to server performance and capacity.
• Enhanced mission features available to content designers.
• Improved tutorial messaging.
• Modernization of several client user interfaces.
• Overhauled login interface

These improvements have resulted in the Entropia Universe platform being more efficient, reliable, and responsive than ever before, and ultimately enable our team and partners to offer higher quality and engaging content with less downtime for our participants.

[h=3]Planet Partners[/h]
Planet Arkadia
Arkadia Studios continued its track record of producing high-quality, unique content for Planet Arkadia. Arkadia’s reputation for engaging gameplay, along with strong marketing campaigns in cooperation with MindArk have resulted in a steadily growing base of active participants on Planet Arkadia. MindArk will continue to work together closely with Arkadia Studios in 2016 both on the development and marketing fronts to continue this growth trend.

Rocktropia
Development of the unique and popular Rocktropia destination during 2015 was largely focused on streamlining and improving existing content, especially content geared toward new participants. Great strides were made in those areas, with the result that the overall gameplay experience and conversion rates for new participants on Rocktropia are vastly improved.

Planet Cyrene
Development of Planet Cyrene also saw a strong focus on content for new participants during 2015, with an eye toward its long-awaited full launch in 2016.

Planet Toulan
The newest Entropia Universe planet, Toulan, saw respectable progress in terms of uniquely-themed content during 2015. MindArk will continue to work closely with the Beladcom team to move closer to a full launch of Planet Toulan.

[h=4]2016 Outlook[/h]
Entropia Universe Systems
As mentioned above, the Citizenship and Housing systems will be a major development focus for MindArk in the early part of 2016. The upcoming Version Updates will include some exciting new content for those systems.

We are also adding new tools to enable our content producers and Planet Partners to create and run more dynamic and exciting storyline events.
Also, the popular Taming and Avatar Buff systems will continue to be expanded in upcoming releases.

Space
Later in the year, we will turn our primary focus to the development of content and systems for space. Some of the space projects on our radar include:
Galactic transport & space missions.
Space vessels - improved balance, modules, upgrades and new ship classes.
PVE space content, including new space creatures.
Improved PVP space gameplay and balance.

Security
MindArk is developing a new two-factor authentication system that will gradually replace the Gold Card Security System currently in use. This new system will be released as an app for popular mobile platforms for all Entropia Universe participants.!

ComPet

One of the more exciting projects undertaken by MindArk in recent years is ComPet, a mobile pet combat game. A unique aspect of ComPet’s development is the crowdfunding opportunity available via ComPet Deeds. For full details on ComPet Deeds, please visit the official ComPet website: http://www.competgame.com.

Development of ComPet is progressing nicely, and has now entered the balancing and tuning phase. The current launch target for ComPet is May 10, 2016, and we look forward to inviting ComPet Deed holders into a closed beta testing period within the next few weeks.

[h=4]Final Words[/h]
Once again, thank you all for making Entropia Universe a fantastic experience. I want you to know that MindArk is committed to deliver on its promises, and to make Entropia Universe the most exciting and rewarding real-cash economy gaming experience available. In 2016 we will continue to expand Entropia with engaging content and deliver a deeper and more rewarding Universe for existing and new participants to enjoy and explore.

Best regards,
Klas Moreau
CEO MindArk PE AB


Originally Posted Here

 

[fluske]

ah fuck no..dont end the goldcards,i dont have an mobile and never will

 

[messi91]

Good luck !

 

[Piotr]

more buffs!!! gimme

 

[Mary Jane]

First Page

 

[Xpl0jd]

Please finish the buff function, sounds do still not work with buffs on alot of weapons, like Imk2.

 

[Harmony.]

Nothing about the promised functionality of stables, guess we'll have to wait till after space gets it's update

 

[Avon(AJ)Jerrix]

Sounds pretty positive. It's good to hear about Space. This is a pretty definite statement from them that would be hard to go back on. But what's also interesting is what they don't mention, including President of VR.

 

[Few Scars]

That's it?.........

 

[AxeMurderer]

hm, gold card was pretty safe, but the app thing sound like acount will be hacked soon

 

[Hypnotyk]

The best news ive heard so far!

Security
MindArk is developing a new two-factor authentication system that will gradually replace the Gold Card Security System currently in use. This new system will be released as an app for popular mobile platforms for all Entropia Universe participants.!

 

[Haruto Rat]

In-game economic activity grew by 10%, evidence of a vibrant virtual economy with a healthy rate of growth.

What's the definition of this variable?

I for one hope it's not "the amount of stuff sold to tt because no one needs it".

 

[golddude]

ah fuck no..dont end the goldcards,i dont have an mobile and never will

An ipod or ipad or some other device like that would also work.

The best news ive heard so far!

Security
MindArk is developing a new two-factor authentication system that will gradually replace the Gold Card Security System currently in use. This new system will be released as an app for popular mobile platforms for all Entropia Universe participants.!

This should have been done awhile ago! It would have been as easy as google authenticator but looks like their taking it a step further with their own app.

 

[The Jetman]

An ipod or ipad or some other device like that would also work.

thats quite an expensive purchase to use as a gold card replacement. i use Windows Mobile 10, so im likely to be screwed too, guess ill just get a cheap kindle fire or put android on my Pii

 

[Ace Flyster]

So let me get this straight.....

Gold card that has never ever ever ever been compromised.....so lets change it?????



Rgds

Ace

 

[golddude]

thats quite an expensive purchase to use as a gold card replacement. i use Windows Mobile 10, so im likely to be screwed too, guess ill just get a cheap kindle fire or put android on my Pii

Yes i know, but to take into account, most people have some sort of device like that. Ebay offers cheap ipods for around 50 bucks.

So let me get this straight.....

Gold card that has never ever ever ever been compromised.....so lets change it?????



Rgds

Ace

As old as the system is, its bound to happen. If you think about it, more accounts will actually be secure because everyone will have access to the authenticator.

 

[UnaAlconbury]

Nothing about the promised functionality of stables, guess we'll have to wait till after space gets it's update

In case you haven't seen it before, from the FAQ @ competgame.com:

In additon, the recently auctioned Entropia Universe stables will have the ability to sell pets and services to ComPet players.

So I am guessing this will come with the May launch?

 

[Svarog]

Having an authorization app for those who dare to trust it is fine, but a complete replacement of the hardware solution? I'm not excited. I once changed my bank irl when they did the same.

 

[Hypnotyk]

Having an authorization app for those who dare to trust it is fine, but a complete replacement of the hardware solution? I'm not excited. I once changed my bank irl when they did the same.

I agree with you on this point, they should have an option for gold card or new app authentication. However, I can see that being a hassle from a maintenance/operations point of view (handling two systems for authentication).

 

[golddude]

Having an authorization app for those who dare to trust it is fine, but a complete replacement of the hardware solution? I'm not excited. I once changed my bank irl when they did the same.

Why would it be any different? Because you have an app? The app will likely generate a 6 digit number every 30 seconds so the chances of that ever being guessed is about .00001% chance.

 

[Ace Flyster]

Yes i know, but to take into account, most people have some sort of device like that. Ebay offers cheap ipods for around 50 bucks.


As old as the system is, its bound to happen. If you think about it, more accounts will actually be secure because everyone will have access to the authenticator.

You can't hack a GC, you can hack an app.

If they did something via text message, like google and outlook.com, ie we just texted you a code to access. Then i would be a little happier....but a f**king app?

I would not trust that. Too much money in game to risk.

This would be a game changer for me.


Rgds

Ace

 

[golddude]

You can't hack a GC, you can hack an app.

If they did something via text message, like google and outlook.com, ie we just texted you a code to access. Then i would be a little happier....but a f**king app?

I would not trust that. Too much money in game to risk.

This would be a game changer for me.


Rgds

Ace

But you can steal a GC.

 

[Ace Flyster]

But you can steal a GC.

Seriously?

You don't need to steal a phone to hack an app!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (not that i am an expert)

You would have to break into my home and steal my gc, to get access to my online account.


Rgds

Ace

 

[golddude]

Seriously?

You don't need to steal a phone to hack an app!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (not that i am an expert)

You would have to break into my home and steal my gc, to get access to my online account.


Rgds

Ace

I'm sure they'll test the hell out of it for any bugs. *Looks back at past....

 

[levithanikos]

I wouldn't trust an app ...

Maybe is better to keep both options!

Oh and BTW , 70% reduction of what? When? Who? Maybe in your office...10m from EU servers? Maybe

After 2 years i started playing again so many things changed ingame , but the fantastic MA still is the best company out there.. sure

 

[Dan59]

The Harvesting system introduced alongside the CLD land plots in Version Update 15.3 added a fun and flexible new system for beginners and veterans alike, and will continue to be expanded in upcoming Version Updates, including integration with the land plot estate system.
Originally Posted Here

Quoting from here http://www.planetcalypso.com/guides/professions-activities/harvesting/

//
The resource gathering system allow Avatars to harvest natural resources that can be used as raw materials in the crafting of more advanced materials. The harvested natural resources have a guaranteed TT value and can be traded on the Entropia markets.


The first phase of the harvesting system features wood harvesting. Trees containing wood resources, e.g. planks and wood shavings can be found in certain parts of the terrain so knowledge of the local environment will allow one to locate these valuable resources more easily.
//

What is plan with TT value of other resources?

 

[Fiona Simmons]

I dont want an app for smartphones, tbh i dont own one and never will. Im perfectly happy with my gold card!

 

[maxwellhawk]

If it works don't fix it! I don't need no stinkin' ap.
This must be why they won't replace my 10 yr old gold card without standing on my head and doing a dance.

 

[matthew]

Another interesting state of address read.

I am pleased to hear that accounts and activity are up, this is very promising indeed . I would like to see more regular updates on account activity and creation rates, perhaps broken down to a planet by planet statistic.

It sounds like 2016 will be a year of mainly improving and polishing what we already have and that's a good thing imo.

The gold card app is a good idea for people who don't want to spend the 200 ped on a physical GC (or however much it costs these days) and keep the current physical GC system for these who want it/already have it.

200 ped for a gold card is a high price for a new player, some players probably start with $10-20 a month so it is not so realistic for them to want to blow a months play money on the device. A free app is more accessible and might even encourage new players to deposit and act as a reminder on their phone to stick around.

 

[Aio]

Wouldn't fret about the authentication system.

MA used the word "gradually". Considering updates that they deem urgent and immediate regularly land in the "years" time scale, I wouldn't expect the GC to be phased out before 2020.

Positive notes, 10% YoY growth sounds good - but would love to see some figures of how this is calculated. Fingers crossed, they have been genuine and looked at total TT turnover from all activities, as this in my opinion is the best judge of the USD-PED economy (rather than the in-game economy which matters little for the operation of the company).

(10% growth on TT = 10% increase on net revenue).