so uh
apparently this happened.
http://kotaku.com/eve-onlines-real-life-planet-discovery-minigame-is-live-1796856848
time for me to go on a #gamesing ramble I guess 'cause HOLY SHIT MY DUDES CCP GAMES IS ALLOWING PLAYERS TO DIRECTLY EXCHANGE COGNITIVE LABOR FOR SERVICES RENDERED.
sure those services are just ingame rewards, BUT
and this is a big one so I'm really sorry but I need another toot (or three) for this
BUT - and I have not researched this so hypothetical disclaimer etc - the instant any of the rewards from this new minigame can be converted into ISK (EVE Online's standard ingame currency) then those minigame rewards may be used to pay for a subscription via CCP-approved means.
this would completely bypass the need to involve currency whatsoever, if a player can get involved with and is good enough at the minigame during the trial period.
[voice over PA: Subject has escaped!]
think of how god damned many things that you Just Do in games without thinking, or because the rules say you should.
go look up the pilot for Stargate Universe nevermind I'll tell you
the only reason one of the main characters is a main character is BECAUSE HE WAS BEST AT A MINIGAME
the plot is the military secretly embeds ancient puzzle in video game based off of adventures various gate teams have had, this genius nerd solves it, and the suits politely knock on his mom's door to recruit him.
and now we have CCP Games with the potential of going "y'know what if you're good enough at finding planets then hell you can play our game for as long as you want" to ANYONE WHO CAN PLAY EVE ONLINE.
DO YOU HAVE ANY CLUE WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN FOR THE FUTURE OF HUMANITY
[sfx, background: muffled sobbing, sirens, misc. chaos]
DO YOU HAVE ANY IDEA AT ALL
https://mastodon.social/media/4VHpRqwDatt1CoR6zkY
Alexis