Questions for our next Across the Badlands interview with Creative Lead, Bill Trost!

[Derity]

I highly doubt in my question being answered, but I'll try anyway...

My Long Question. Please ask him it, and please read it to him word for word:

My question is on Item Progression.

I understand that this design decision was made originally to keep all players on the same playing field, but a large majority of players all agree that true item progression would greatly improve Defiance as a whole. I also participated in the Beta and going from Beta to Full Release, this was always an often brought up subject on the forums and between players, that was apparently going to be revised in the full release of the game, but no noticeable changes were made.

Having used the same equipment for over 2000 Levels, the current system left me feeling like there is nothing to ever "look forward to", in terms of equipment and leveling up, from early on in the game, throughout.

During the Beta why was the decision made to not include true item progression into the full release version and will there be any chance of improvement to the system in the future?

[Knight776]

I know that some dev teams use brainstorming sessions to generate content ideas, some of which are outlandish and could never be implemented as well as some that sound really, really cool but would be extremely difficult to integrate into the game. What were a couple of those ideas that sounded good at the beginning but we probably won't see? Anything that you and your team would like to see implemented someday when you have the time and resources to do so, but will probably be a few years down the road?

[Cynical Jester]

Have you guys considered things like PunkBuster to combat the cheating?

[Sanguinesun]

The game touts itself as being transmedia with its tv show tie in's; however the transmedia aspect of this does not seem to be as innovative and engaging for the players as it could have been. In conjunction with the above, the social aspect of the game lacks severely in the "innovation" its transmedia concept.

My question then is:

What would you have liked to envision as being optimal for the transmedia immersion to this project in contrast to what is currently implemented in social and most other aspects?

[Warkaiser]

I have 2 questions:

I would like to know if there are any plans, if not concrete plans at least some consideration being given, for more meaningful PvP, especilly for clans. By that I mean something that will actually have a somewhat lasting impact on the game / world rather than just PvP seperated from the rest of the world and only really impacting the people in that particular match at that moment. Things like conquerable towns / bases that clans can gain possession of and fight over and having possession of that town allowing clans to affect other players at least in some small way.

For example, ownership of a town allows you to determine things such as what types of vendors are available and the things that they offer. Perhaps even allow them to create their own custom list of "Specials" which appear for sale to all players.

My 2nd question: Again concerning clans. Are there any plans to provide more purpose to being in and developing / contributing to a clan. Things such as clan levels / ranks with the ability to unlock some sort of rewards such as additional boosts / perks, custom outfits, vehicles, anything along those lines really that would allow you to represent your clan aside from just the tag over your head.

[DejaVooDoo]

Who is he?
(the guy with the reflective vest and grey beard north of Overpass)

[Era]

Why did you scale enemy health and not enemy numbers or a combination of both? Any event with a large group becomes harmless because the enemies can only target so many players at once. This is especially prevalent at Arkfalls which should feel more dangerous not less than say a story mission.