It was my day to do the dishes.

Stuck in RL. :'(

Work Sucks

Yea, I've noticed the playerbase going back to Itani/UIT again more like it did last summer... the other day there were 38 or so players online with only 1 Serco, and it was a newb (on a trial account)

Serco are always the least in numbers. Why? coz they suck.

End of discussion.

Indeed, jex. The Serco Dominion players have the roughest possible way of starting out, in addition to the dark image the backstory paints of them. I've gotten used to it over the years, but it still smarts.

Doesn't help that said backstory attracts all the mouthy types either.

There really does need to be two (or three) versions of the backstory. I suggest a contest.

edit: with no guarantees (in case all the entries are shiat), but with a hefty prize (say 1 year subby, so that people actually enter).

There are a few who have been working on a Serco-biased version of the backstory, but due to Real-Life workload it kind of stalled.

Maybe work on it will be resumed at some point in the future, but not anytime soon from where I'm standing.

I thought there was a serco family reunion in Disney Land this week.

We're waiting to get a whole bunch of UIT and Itani online, then we'll jump out and say "boo".

The reunion was a sucess, and a good time was had by all. We enhanced the Small World ride - you may want to keep your head down, or your world may become even smaller.

Non-Itani-Biased VO Backstory: The Short, Short Version

Use This Link and select the link to it near the bottom of the page if the above link does not work

<sigh> I suppose that's *A* version of the story, with all the important parts left out.
Serco propagandists! Brainwashers! Spinners of information!

Yeah, something really needs to be done about that backstory. If they start advertising the game and players choose sides in the proportions that they have been for the last 2 years or so, then imagine the numbers.

Personally I think the backstory just needs a little tweaking. Most Itani were genocidal killers in the past, the serco are unable to forgive. That seems understandable. But, if more detail was added for the Serco, that might attract some attention. I mean the Itani have Oernon and Eo among other well known leaders. The Serco heroes besides Karun hardly get any mention. How about some brave Serco leaders who fought and died for their nation. Or well known Serco who accomplished great things. That and more description of the technology the Serco have developed. Little details like that could add a lot more attraction to the Serco.

I can put my articles about Serco cybernetic technology online, if you so wish.

Hmm, Interesting thread.

I have set up a little experiment . I have printed out the map of the universe in two versions. One is standard , in the other I have swapped the colours so that itani now appears red and serco blue.

Over the next few days I shall ask folk with no knowledge of vo which "nation" they would choose to play for . It may be argued that the experiment is geographically skewed since it takes place in Scotland rather than globally ; anyone else feel free to join in.

Experimental results to follow....

ecka

Blue is generally used for friends in the western IFF systems. Sometimes it is even in the name (the US "blue forces tracker" system).

But I doubt it explains it all. Try switching names too.

Edit: see, 2 sec random search on google and Serco appear red again :D http://www.axisto.com/images/case/side/serco.jpg

This, is the way the game should be, always. I propose we ditch the War from the backstory, and rename the Itani "smurfs" and the Serco "Little Red Riding Hood" :P

And while we're at it remove Mac and Linux support too.