[ALPHA] Donation System Re-work

[Feweh]

CM Version (alpha or Regular):
Both

Summary (a quick, 2-3 sentence summary):
With alpha coming there's something that I've noticed I really enjoy... The RP element of everyone being properly maintained and looking organised.
I myself am a Donator and I personally find it EXTREMELY distracting and odd to have people running around in gear that doesn't fit the servers RP element.
Since no gear has been added yet to Alpha I want to propose a new system to the donation. No custom gear or gear that is out of character.
Instead, replace it with Admin/Dev approved gear that donators can choose from that FIT the CM quality and aspect of the game. Perhaps a unique weapon model? Perhaps a normal Helmet with a different decal? Special designed Armor that stands out better? Unique Backpacks? Unique Commander Armor?

Essentially, my suggestion is to have Re-Skins of all the basic gear that Donators can choose from. So they'd donate and be able to choose from various variants of the different standard gear ranging from the..

- Backpacks - Helmets - Standard Armor - Gas Mask - Gloves - Boots - *Unique Weapons?
All of these would maintain the basic attributes of the standard gear/weapons.

Benefits (How this will benefit the server and game as a whole):
CM is currently struggling to maintain it's RP element, with Alpha we've had a increase in players and for sure will maintain this.
By having donor's maintain a unique set of gear they still feel like donators with the privileges of the fluff gear all while the RP Element is maintained.
Not only this BUT this will also help the spriters because you'll streamline sprites. As most of the donation gear will be simply re-skins or colors.. Example: Fatigues being re-skinned different colors, saves time than having to custom make unique sprites.

As well, I think non donators would appreciate this a lot more than the current system we have. Having people run around with different gear is confusing as fuck and at times frustrating. A lot of people want everyone to maintain the standard gear system as it helps to maintain RP and classify people into their proper roles. Personally, I'd much rather see a donator run around in a different Camo fatigues and helmet than a trenchcoat/solid snake uniform.

Details (Description of how you think this would work, the benefits, etc):
Benefits -
+ Easier sprites for Josh etc.
+ Maintain actual CM clothing.
+ Increase the RP element.
+ No more people running around with solid snake gear and trench coats.
+ Easier to manage donation system which is faster and more efficient.
+ People would maintain their visual roles better.
+ Less server confusion and useless gear.
Implementation (Optional, if you have an idea how to implement it):

Code/Spriting

[Lostmixup]

I disagree from making people choose from a pre-defined list. People should find what they want and get what they payed for (for 10-15 dollar donations). The system is already supposed to be like this anway.

[Feweh]

I disagree from making people choose from a pre-defined list. People should find what they want and get what they payed for (for 10-15 dollar donations). The system is already supposed to be like this anway.

It detracts from the current gameplay and RP of the server currently. Having someone in complete custom gear is confusing to newer players and having to shift+click just to see someones position in a squad is annoying. It's also ridiculous to see some of the current custom gear in, some of it would never make any sense in the CM universe.

With a pre-defined layout it would be easier and more streamlined for Apop and the spriters. They could still get custom gear, but it would be recolors or remodels of existing gear in place with slight variance. You'd also better be able to advertise the fluff items on a basic viewing by putting all the gear they can choose from and lay it out on a donator page.

While I understand that current donators will be biased towards this I ask that you view this from a Neutral stand point.


Edit: This is coming from a donator who has custom gear.

[Biolock]

I also disagree; while I personally choose to wear donor armor that fits the military lore with only modified colors and decals, the system is designed so players can have what they want. Limiting that limits donations, which defeats the purpose.

[Lostmixup]

It detracts from the current gameplay and RP of the server currently. Having someone in complete custom gear is confusing to newer players and having to shift+click just to see someones position in a squad is annoying. It's also ridiculous to see some of the current custom gear in, some of it would never make any sense in the CM universe.

With a pre-defined layout it would be easier and more streamlined for Apop and the spriters. They could still get custom gear, but it would be recolors or remodels of existing gear in place with slight variance. You'd also better be able to advertise the fluff items on a basic viewing by putting all the gear they can choose from and lay it out on a donator page.

While I understand that current donators will be biased towards this I ask that you view this from a Neutral stand point.


Edit: This is coming from a donator who has custom gear.

You're supposed to choose gear that matches the military theme in the first place, people wearing gear that doesn't match the theme is an admin issue (that is admittedly our fault). The recolor's are for lower than $10 donations, which is why I wouldn't have a problem with this for lower $ donations.

[Feweh]

I'm not saying the current method is terrible, however logically for CM and the fact that we are a Medium RP server my variation of the donation system is the more logical and proper system to follow.

The current system is great for the freedom of choice and it's awesome to have custom shit, but it causes issues in-game and a lot of the gear isn't proper to CM universe or logical at all.

[TheCubscout]

The current system is great for the freedom of choice and it's awesome to have custom shit, but it causes issues in-game and a lot of the gear isn't proper to CM universe or logical at all.

No offense to be made at all about this but your character in particular has Pink hair.
I know this off topic but if we're looking at a logical standpoint in the CM universe then having such hair (and even hairstyles) doesn't exactly fit.
Having a bright green afro hair with a purple neckbeard is god awful looking in my opinion and I can't stand seeing it.
On another note the hairstyles aren't exactly immersive. (some of them)
Having your golden locks all braided down to the floor like Rapunzel? Cute, but not realistic.

Back on track here:
I do honestly understand the problems with this situation however I don't agree with the resolve.
It is a bit aggravating to see someone in certain gear:
Example: Walking around with a Medical Insignia and Chestplate when your not even a medic.
--- Baldy: "Yo can you heal me up."
---- NotDoctor: "Lol no I'm not a medic."
--- Baldy: "Oh."
Example: Watching the Sulaco Doctor strut about the ship in the DOOM outfit.

► Show Spoiler

However, despite all of this, it's still SS13.
In this game we have variety.
If you want to look like a weirdo with your orange mullet then go ahead. (I will just internally criticize you)
Same goes for the gear.
You are paying for it after all so I think it's "earned."
I can see how new players would be confused due to the gear, but for those who are active enough I'm sure they'd know who's who.
Besides, it's fun seeing Santa every now and then.

P.S. Nothing against you and your hair, you're someone I personally accept and respect. It looks fab.
P.P.S Nothing against the lovely people whose custom items I mentioned. They are all unique and I meant no offense. Thank you~

[TopHatPenguin]

On another note i'm fairly against this on the grounds that.. people have already paid for their gear what is the point of delaying the Alpha even more by changing everything for donors...

I understand your point with Rp, but at the same time not many players even bother to Rp.

EDIT: I also see the current donor system to be fine.

Another problem is.. the people who paid $15 for their unique gear that nobody else can get... how can you solve that by giving them pre-defined gear.

[apophis775]

There are going to be more "requirements" for donor gear to get approved, so we don't have anymore pimps or Santas.