We on the MFleet Server have been testing some interesting dynamics aimed towards shifting gameplay towards a more Survival-esque style. This is quite fine - it's enjoyable, even. The issue we have been having involves both the map bug (where normal players are unable to see any stations or shops on the map) and the reliance of factions on the accessibility of shops.
Essentially, quite a few factions on the MFleet server have tons of resources from crafting, just no full shops to sell them to to buy credits to get prefab ships.
To solve that problem, our fearless leader has decided to convert the server to buy-by-block. But it isn't a perfect solution.
Here's an alternate for schema and friends:
Why not implement a system that allows a hybrid of both the block and credit purchasing system? So, you spend blocks from your inventory to buy the ship, but you can spend credits to make up for the blocks you don't have. In this system, you could buy the entire ship with blocks, or the entire thing with credits. Or, you could make many of the essential systems (like power, thrust, and the like) and buy the rest of the hull with credits.
Essentially, quite a few factions on the MFleet server have tons of resources from crafting, just no full shops to sell them to to buy credits to get prefab ships.
To solve that problem, our fearless leader has decided to convert the server to buy-by-block. But it isn't a perfect solution.
Here's an alternate for schema and friends:
Why not implement a system that allows a hybrid of both the block and credit purchasing system? So, you spend blocks from your inventory to buy the ship, but you can spend credits to make up for the blocks you don't have. In this system, you could buy the entire ship with blocks, or the entire thing with credits. Or, you could make many of the essential systems (like power, thrust, and the like) and buy the rest of the hull with credits.