Realism in ship docking space

In EVE Online, gameplay balance and design often take precedence over strict realism. While some may argue that EVE functions as a naval simulator, it’s important to recognize that certain design choices are made to enhance playability.

Reflecting on a past experience in nullsec, I witnessed a fleet of Titans and other capital ships emerging from a Keepstar citadel. The sheer number of massive vessels appearing from a single structure seemed disproportionate, seriously challenging the game’s immersion.

To address this, I propose implementing docking capacity limits for stations, scaled by ship size. For instance, a Keepstar could accommodate a limited number of Titans, while allowing a larger number of smaller ships.

Additionally, introducing external berthing structures adjacent to stations could visually represent docking capacities. These could vary in design based on faction aesthetics and indicate the types and quantities of ships housed within. These would be relative to active ships, clearly.

For example - a Caldari station might have Caldari comparible hexagonal extensions extending from the main structure indicative of containing Frigates/Destroyers. Another shaped structure might suggest specfically storage of giganormous industrial resources. These extensions would appear automatically in case of NPC stations BUT consistently players might have to pay a token fee if they were to park particularly large numbers of vessels inside. Titans parked in a keepstar would necessitate consistently shaped Titan modules or “berths”. These berths could radially extend from the main body of the station, giving a clue of the strategical importants of this structure.

If anything this would look completely awesome.

This approach aims to enhance immersion offering a more tangible connection between a station’s appearance and its docking capabilities.

*I kindly request that responses remain constructive and respectful, focusing on the merits of the suggestion rather than personal attacks or assumptions about motives. *

External docking was the original plan. It didn’t work and we got tethering instead

@Daugar_Draaken Nope, I don’t like the idea. It would add nothing to immersion ( and believe me I’m a big fan of immersion ) and would only complicate things for everyone including the devs who are already very busy as it is.

While hundreds of Titans and Supercarriers outside a station would indeed be hard on FPS, the sight would be truly impressive.

This idea led me to propose a system where each Upwell structure could have its own dedicated entrance for capital pilots, transporting them to a separate instance, similar to another system. This space would be specifically designed for capital ship docking, with a limited capacity based on mass. For example, a Fortizar would be able to accommodate only one Titan but could handle multiple Carriers.

Fps wasn’t really the issue. It was more a restraint on the structure models as well as having a hard time coming to a similar capacity as a large pos. Coupled with trying to find a way for players who logged out in space would still be protected when they logged in near the structure.

They decided to just increase the capacity and go with the tether as it solved all the other issues.

Why??? its a video game…