Board Thread:Game Discussion/@comment-32545704-20180113002501

While we're all talking about changes to the game, here's a potentially divisive idea to consider! I was thinking about how FM could bring some more interesting challenges to the career section. Some would welcome this, others would be opposed to it. Speaking for myself, I'm nowhere near the level of the top players, but special events and WTTT are all that really encourages me to improve. The inadequacies of the AI and TSM systems mean that manufacturing challenging races in career is rather cumbersome. And I'll admit that the need for gold often outweighs my desire for a challenge, and I resort to bot management just to get completion bonuses quickly. Yes I'm lazy! But I'm not averse to being "forced" into some challenges.

My idea was for a new career section similar to the Exclusive Series, I'll call it "Challenge Series" but there is probably a better name. The format is the same as Exclusive, with individual cars getting their own Challenge Series, each one accessible by fully upgrading the car.

Instead of the usual 22 tiers of races, there is a series of special event type challenges. For example 20 goals in total, with every 5 goals completed triggering the 25/50/75/100% completion rewards.

Usual special event fixed targets: time limited races, average speed/top speed targets, overtake x cars, managing fuel etc. Difficulty gradually increases as with special events, but can be completed in any order as with Exclusive Series.

Targets are fixed, as all cars would need to be fully upgraded to access the series. Series has no time limit. Pay to skip is available (or even better, pay to reduce target - at least you have the satisfaction of running the race).

Some pros for the player:

More interesting challenges which can be done at player's leisure. No stress of finishing within a time limit. Players could come back to harder goals when they are ready, or skip to complete. More challenge for those who want it, no obligation for those who don't. Does not block career progress.

Some pros for FM:

Encourages players to fully upgrade cars. Alternative to Exclusive Series for generating new content. Fewer completion bonuses would be paid out, as some series would remain incomplete as players hold out on difficult challenges. Pay to skip would increase gold spending. Wouldn't be too hard to implement, much of the infrastructure already exists. Like a special event, but no need for a story.

Some cons:

Potential to alienate players, as has happened with special events. Currently anyone can complete career series very easily with bot management. Some would like to keep it this way. Many people aim for 100% career completion, frustrating fixed goals in career could put some people off the game at an early stage.

As cars are already fully upgraded, no way to upgrade further to meet targets. The only answer would be to come back to the goal later or skip, but this would not appease everyone. Skipping is unsatisfying and may be seen as more "gold-grabbing."

Could be seen as practice for special events, good for players but not necessarily favourable to FM.

Goals would need testing, not always FM's strength.

I can think of a few other issues, but I'm interested to know what others think. An idea with potential or a load of rubbish? How would you improve this? Any suggestions welcome. 