This is not focused on what to change, but on how to deliver changes.

I'd like to see it more in-game. Integrated to game, instead of a "Server-Reboot_New-Rules-On" mode.

Make a series of Events, and the repercussion of these events "results" in faction system changes.

Example, with my choice of changes (just think the changes you like instead):

-Week1: Serco does a major offensive on Deneb and capture all stations, then launch an attack on Eo's border searching the Akhanese base. As consequence, all Serco/Itani lose -500 standing with the enemy nation.

-Week2: Itani does a major counter-offensive and take back whole Deneb. Add Instakill turrets to Deneb B-12 (Goliath mk2). All Serco/Itani become KoS with their enemy, unless (native KoS && good enemy standing)

-Week3: Itani cannons are destroyed. Itani accuse sabotage from UIT. Serco complains about UIT related to cannons. UIT denies everything, but all UIT citizens suffer severe standing penalty. No more 3PoS. Deneb war resumes previous behaviour, with nation-conquerable stations added.

-Week 4: New faction rules implemented, Serco/Itani standings are linked (S+I=0), Standings adjusted for all existing facions. Rumours of a 4th faction are heard... first bots from unknown faction start to appear at random places bordering grayspace...

-Week 5: UIT declares wat on 4th faction. New set of rules implemented... New faction limited optional migration possible on next month, after that must create new alt.

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These weekly events can be simple, automated event missions, or something Dev/Host sponsored and the black convoy event. Or even just the news about it, as if it was fought only by bots/NPCs.

And use the news about war escalation, RP-wise, here in real world... news and rumours... to attract old vets and new players. Promo time during faction redux...

that's it... most changes in gameplay are consequence of events, and backstory gets updated with recent events...

As totally awesome as a huge backstory RP-oriented event like this would be. I'm going to have to say...

-1, because it would postpone the faction standing changes by a month past when they were implemented.

-999 same reason as above

-1, because it would postpone the faction standing changes by a month past when they were implemented.

Umm, I agree. It would be great to do things that way. At the present time, I'm mostly just focusing on making them actually happen as quickly as I can. Q1 of a given year has been chaos for us for the last couple of years (lots of conferences, device launches, co-marketing options, related opportunities), and this one is no different.

So, I applaud the idea, but this is probably not the best time to use that approach.

Inc, you can do a simplified version... with only 2 weeks /stages. Don't even need the events. Just make sure the NEWSPOSTs bring news on war escalation.

Those same news can be send to all gaming sites...

and gives much better polished reason for changes, instead of "was like that, out of nowhere all changed."

Simplified version:
-Week 1: News about war escalation, Serco ships attacking Eo, Itani ships attacking GR. All "enemy" standing are dropped, new Serco/Itani standing rules implemented.

-Week 2: News about grayspace and UIT involvement on war actins. Jallik, Pyronis and Initros being attacked. As response, all UIT citizens lose Serco/Itani standing. New universal standing rules implemented.

I am sure that many players here can produce some fancy backstory to fill out the gaps, and give a reason why standing rules change.

While me goes into vacations mode! See you in a month!

Good luck, and have FUN!