Layout of the galactic map

Hi friends!

Most of you are aware of the changes to the galactic map this timeline (http://www.legendsofthejedi.com/player-tools/galaxy-map/). For those of you who aren’t, we essentially changed the layout of the map from a ‘blob’ layout to a more linear layout. What this means is that there is a definitive core (Coruscant, Lorrd, etc.) a Mid Rim, An Outer Rim, etc.

Here is the explanation for our internal documents:

Make your star systems distances so people have to follow the route. It controls expansion and wars. Start rebels on far side of the galaxy and Empire has to double jump and refuel to get there giving warning and delayed attack preparation. Also if players have to jump 4 systems to go from Coruscant to Tatooine, then blockades, interdiction etc become important.

I think the consensus is that this approach has been successful (if you don’t think so please let us know why!) but I’d like to hear any ideas on how to improve the situation.

One area I think that could improve things is by adopting what I call the ‘hub and spoke’ mentality. This is something that’s kinda been a guiding principle of LOTJ a long time (and probably other muds) but it basically goes like this: You have ‘hub’ worlds like Coruscant, Lorrd, Arkania where you find clan bases, etc. Then you have your questy ‘spokes’ planets like Ryloth, Nim Drovis, Naboo, etc. It shouldn’t be a hardline thing (‘clan bases can ONLY be on x y and z’) but in terms of laying things out I think it helps streamline where players are.

I got a little distracted but I wanna open the chat up to all y’all about how we can better improve LOTJ’s planet layout and where things are located.

I think in the grand scheme of things this arrangement has worked pretty well as far as expansion and giving the galaxy that LARGE feel. The only problem I’ve seen with it so far is the inconvenience it creates for the average ship goer. The hyperjumps can get pretty lengthy, anywhere from 5 – 15 minutes, so sometimes it’s better to just AFK and return a short while later unless you expect space combat. This isn’t really how players like to spend their time.

I like your hub and spoke idea, I think it maay be able to fix this for some people if the places of attraction are kind of centralized. Another possibility could be shorter jumps at the cost of higher fuel.