2025 / End of Year DME Message to the Community

[DarkMoonEnigma]

As we close out 2025, I wanted to take a moment to speak directly to the community, and as we look toward the future, I want to share some thoughts on where we are and where we are headed. Developing for Planet Toulan and DSEC9 this year has been a labor of love, as always, but it’s important to reflect on both our shared successes and the complex landscape we navigate as content creators.

Our Vision and Your Voice​

Our primary goal as content creators has always been to remain true to a specific vision for Planet Toulan and DSEC9. We strive to create environments that feel distinct, immersive, and purposeful. However, that vision isn’t a monologue ... it’s a conversation.

This year, we have done our absolute best to listen to your feedback and implement player suggestions wherever they align with the core identity of the content. Balancing "community wants" with "world-building needs" is a delicate process, but it is one we tackle with as much intensity and freedom as allowed, as well as the amount of time we have available to accomplish our goals.

A Perspective on Development​

It is important to remember that our team does not work on content creation full-time. We do this out of a genuine passion for Entropia Universe and this community, and because of this reality:

• Diverse Opinions ... Not every update will be exactly what every individual wants. We ask for your understanding that our decisions are made with the long-term health of our locations in mind. Finding the balance between "community wants" and the core identity of our locations is a delicate task, but it is one we approach with a deep respect for your experience.
  
• Constructive / Over Critical ... While we welcome feedback, an abundance of complaining and negativity, or withdrawal of support when a specific request isn’t met can be incredibly taxing on a small team. We are humans behind the screens, doing our best to provide you with an environment of enjoyment.

The Weight of Uncertainty / The Entropia Universe Expansion​

This year has brought a unique set of challenges with the announcement of The Entropia Universe Expansion and the Genesis Probe Project. While the prospect of new tools and broader horizons is exciting, the current lack of definitive specifics from MindArk creates a heavy atmosphere for Planet Partners. There are ongoing discussions behind the scenes toward a greater understanding of where we go from here, but these discussions will remain private until MindArk decides to share more with the EU community.

As content creators, we are forced to weigh development decisions against dynamics that are not yet public. Without a clear roadmap for how these new utilities will function or integrate with existing systems, there is a very real potential for stagnation. We find ourselves in a position where we must consider:

• The Technical Shift ... Navigating the transition to new systems without knowing the full scope of the requirements.
  
• The Risk of Stagnation ... The difficulty of moving forward in a bold new direction when the underlying "rules of the universe" feel like they are in flux.
  
• Strategic Caution ... Balancing our desire to innovate with the need to protect the stability and investments of our current player base.

This uncertainty adds a significant layer of weight to every development hour we spend, requiring us to be more calculated than ever before.

Cultivating a Better In-Game Environment​

Beyond the mechanics and the lore, the heart of our locations is you ... the community. Lately, we’ve noticed that our in-game chat channels can sometimes become weighed down by complaining and a focus on the negative. Many have told us that they have backed off from engaging in chats as a result.

I want to challenge us all to make our in-game chats more welcoming and supportive in the coming year.

• Help a new player find their way.
• Share your successes.
• Keep the atmosphere light and adventurous.

Negativity often breeds more negativity, and it can be a barrier for new players trying to join our ranks. We are tasked as Planet Partners to work on player retention, and it is more successful if we can work in partnership with the community to give guidance and help toward making the environment more enjoyable. While we understand that uncertainty and change can be frustrating, an abundance of negativity can be draining for both the development team and your fellow players. Let’s make our public channels a place where people want to hang out, rather than a place they feel they need to mute.

Moving Forward Together​

We are grateful for the many players who continue to support us, who offer constructive insights, and champion our three locations. You are the reason we continue to build, even in our "off" hours. Your support is the foundation that allows us to keep building, despite the uncertainties of the broader universe.

Thank you for being part of our 2025. Here’s to a 2026 defined by clarity, creativity, and a stronger, more positive community spirit.