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Star Trek fans have been eagerly awaiting the chance to adventure in the time of the United Federation of Planets in a massively multiplayer setting. Perpetual Entertainment is developing just such a game. While much work lies ahead, this initial FAQ should address some fundamental questions about the upcoming game. We realize that plenty of unanswered questions remain, and we will be updating the FAQ as we pin down the answers.
General
What is the game? Star Trek Online (working title) is a persistent world where thousands of players will immerse themselves in the life and times of the Federation. You will explore the galaxy, defend against incursions, and pursue the needs of the Federation in space, on planet surfaces and in star bases.
Who is making this game? Perpetual Entertainment is a two year-old company founded and built by MMO and game industry veterans with the express purpose of developing ground-breaking persistent-world games. We've spent the last two years developing genre-defining game designs, server and graphics technologies and we're excited to apply this work to one of the best-known franchises in the world.
When is the Beta date? 2006.
Will there be a monthly fee? Yes, the fee will be competitive with other products in our genre.
Will the content grow during the lifetime of the game? Yes, through updates and expansions.
On which platform will this game be available? PC.
Game Play
What is the point of view? You are a person, not a ship. We're considering both first and third person, and potentially both.
Will you be able to travel and explore space? Yes. Space travel is going to be a fun and unique experience. Mission assignments will include dozens of ship types which are open environments that move through space.
Will you be able to explore the surface of planets? Yes. Action on planets will be an important part of game-play.
Will there be starship versus starship combat? Yes. You and your crewmates will work together to navigate and fight your way across hostile space.
Will there be ground combat? Definitely. Ground combat will be fast paced and unique to the genre.
Will there be player vs. player combat? Some. PvP will not be a primary means of advancement at game launch, but there will be opportunities to test your skills against other players.
How will grouping and team play work? Groups of both \"pick-up? players and more permanent crewmates will have access to interesting missions, ships, ground-battles and game-play opportunities.
How will solo play work? It will be possible to advance and have fun while playing solo, but you will miss out on some exciting team-play experiences.
Will there be missions or quests with a storyline? We will use dynamically-created space and ground areas to provide missions that will include conversations with non-player characters, key decision points, interesting puzzles and enemies to dispatch or avoid.
How will characters advance and grow? Characters will gain skills and rank by completing missions assigned by Starfleet command or by otherwise advancing the needs of Starfleet.
Setting
Which time period or series does this game occur in? The game will take place primarily in the 24th Century. However, there will be missions with storylines and characters from much of the Star Trek franchise.
Will I be on the Enterprise? Can I be a famous character from the TV show? You may encounter the Enterprise and characters from the Star Trek series, but you will be your own hero discovering your own story.
Which races can I play? You can play several of the expected Star Trek races; the exact selection is yet to be determined.
Which enemies will I encounter? You will encounter many of the classic enemies from the various series ? as well as some new ones.
Ownership
Can I or my crew own a starship? You and/or your crew (clan, guild, etc.) can be made responsible for a starship for the purpose of an individual mission or an official commission.
Will there be housing? The exact design is yet to be determined, but even Ensigns should have a cabin.
Will there be crafting? At launch, the closest activities to crafting will be related to ship modification, repair and improvement.
Star Trek & Online Gaming to Break New Ground Perpetual Entertainment Discuss the new game in the Online Message Board