Planetside 2: Lore Integration

Prepared by
Shane A. Boulware, aka Lanzer

CONTENTS
Executive Summary .......................................................................................................................................................1
Implementation .............................................................................................................................................................2
1. Create New Character ................................................................................................................................2
2. In-game Integration ....................................................................................................................................6
Acknolwedgement .........................................................................................................................................................7
Conclusion .....................................................................................................................................................................8

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Planetside 2 (PS2) is a game that features large-scale gameplay, and incorporates elements of both Massively
Multiplayer Online (MMO) and First Person Shooter (FPS) styles of play. PS2 has written game lore that explains
the historical context of the conflict between the three factions: Terran Republic, New Conglomerate, and Vanu
Sovereignty. This lore enriches both the understanding of and interest in the game.
Entertainment Software Association (ESA) releases an annual report that shows detailed sales, demographics, and
usage data in the gaming industry. In the 2015 edition of this report, analysis has shown that 22% of a consumers
buy decision is due to an interesting story or premise (Reference: Page 12, Factors influencing decisions to
purchase video games).
Currently, PS2 game lore is separately available to the player to read at their leisure. However, the majority of the
playerbase is unaware of this lore. Game lore inclusion in actual gameplay is negligible. PS2 stands to benefit from
stronger incorporation of lore into the playable game. This proposal contains a detailed plan to improve the
average players familiarization with PS2 game lore. This low-cost plan will result in an increased likelihood of
attracting new players, in addition to creating stronger player loyalty.

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IMPLEMENTATION
1. CREATE NEW CHARACTER
Lore integration can begin for new players at the Create a Character screen. Incorporating game lore in the form
of Choose your faction questionnaires and in-depth explanations, immediately familiarizes players with culturebuilding content. Below are suggested ways to implement the initiative.
Add each factions motto underneath the faction name and logo
Add a fourth option Help me choose!
Tile factions into cards, which will save space for videos and descriptive faction text
Replace stock character with Choose us videos that PS2 has previously published (links below)
Enlarge the descriptive text for each faction to give a full explanation of the side being considered
See below for layout options and descriptive text

Recommendation 1

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Recommendation 2

Descriptive Text

Terran Republic (TR)

Primary Characteristics: Loyalty and Strength
Common Traits: Duty, law, honor, justice, order, power, collectivism, tact, conservative
Motto: Loyalty Until Death, Strength in Unity.
Explanation: The Terran Republic is a conservative, authoritarian, collectivist nation who strive to regain
contact with Earth and reunite the warring factions. The TR leverage military might to maintain strict
control over colonial citizens, and are obsessed with the preservation of law and order. Duty is
paramount to a TR soldier, with emphasis placed on teamwork and speed.
Video: https://youtu.be/CHN9CdBqSYM

New Conglomerate (NC)

Primary Characteristics: Freedom and Courage
Common Traits: Independence, unpredictable, opportunistic, competitive, fierce, merciless, unorthodox
Motto: Freedom Through Force.
Explanation: The New Conglomerate are a separatist faction determined to remain free of the
domineering Republic. The NC believe that any form of control is oppression, and that a miserable free
man is better off than a contented slave. The NC operate as a loosely organized band of rebels,
vehemently opposed to the stranglehold of the TR. Led by an unusual quorum of outcasts, industry titans,

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pirates, and former military leaders, the NC is unwavering and prepared to achieve their goal by any
means necessary. The NC places emphasis on brute force and relentless offensives.
Video: https://youtu.be/ErA4jNfVSIM

Vanu Sovereignty (VS)

Primary Characteristics: Faith and Enlightenment
Common Traits: Progressive, sophistication, devotion, zeal, transcendence, absolution, intelligence, might
Motto: Technology Equals Might.
Explanation: The Vanu Sovereignty is a transhumanist group of academics, intellectuals, and technology
worshippers who believe that human destiny lies in the further development and exploitation of
knowledge. The VS is extremely advanced, employing powerful alien technology on the battlefield. Their
singular purpose is to uncover the secrets hidden away in ancient artifacts scattered over the surface of
Auraxius, and will annihilate anyone who interferes. The VS place emphasis on advanced weaponry and
maneuverability.
Video: https://youtu.be/JkTnvST9Teg

Help Me Choose!
Explanation: Each faction has its own unique culture and style of play. While one faction may place an
emphasis on teamwork, another emphasizes brute force. If you are unsure which faction is for you, take
this short questionnaire to help you decide. [Show questionnaire below]
Video: None, [instead, combine the video pane with the descriptive text pane to make room for the
questionnaire]
Questionnaire: [At the bottom of the questionnaire, show Recommend a Faction! button. It would then
highlight one of the three faction selections. This is a point-based exam, dont show the text in
parenthesis]
1. To fight an oppressive regime, I would...
a) I wouldnt, this society represents our best chance at survival (TR)
b) Fight, until we obtain our freedom (NC)
c) Declare my independence and start anew (VS)
2. To win a war, I would
a) Build the most technologically advanced weapon (VS)
b) Use tactics and strategy to overcome my opponent (TR)
c) Do anything and everything necessary to win (NC)
3. In order to deal with a rebellion, I would
a) Crush it mercilessly (TR)
b) I am the rebellion! (NC)
c) If there is no reasoning with them, annihilate them (VS)
4. My ideal government would be
a) Centralized leadership (TR)
b) Small council of elders (VS)
c) Representation of the majority (NC)
5. My ideal leader...
a) Is the most intelligent (VS)
b) Is the strongest (TR)
c) Is the most successful (NC)
d) Is confident and has a plan (TR)

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6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

e) Shares their power (NC)

f) Believes in the common good (VS)
When someone opposes my view
a) I feel the need to prove them wrong (VS)
b) I reason with them (NC)
c) I want to destroy any argument they may have (TR)
Progress is....
a) Something that should be properly controlled (TR)
b) To be pursued relentlessly (VS)
c) An opportunity (NC)
Rank these in order of importance, (one being most important)
a) Faith (VS)
b) Loyalty (TR)
c) Strength (TR)
d) Innovation (VS)
e) Courage (NC)
f) Independence (NC)
The individual should...
a) Properly adhere to societal norms (TR)
b) Be one with society (VS)
c) Be free to choose ones own path in life (NC)
Rules...
a) Are good, but should have their limits (NC)
b) In place for a reason and should be followed (TR)
c) Limit progress (VS)
Freedom
a) Isnt free (TR)
b) Never dies (NC)
c) Is an obsolete concept (VS)
Which set of colors appeals to you?
a) [show color swath for VS] [Purple and Teal]
b) [show color swath for NC] [Yellow and Blue]
c) [show color swath for TR] [Red and Black]
My idea of victory is
a) Complete and utter domination (TR)
b) Independence and the freedom to choose (NC)
c) Being left alone to pursue my interests (VS)

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2. IN-GAME INTEGRATION
Once characters are created and are regularly playing PS2, continual familiarization with game lore is encouraged.
Below are methods that can be employed, which would keep lore concepts at the forefront of a players mind,
without impeding gameplay.

Recommendation 1
Summary: Show holograms of prominent faction characters at friendly controlled bases, which proclaim
propaganda and offer words of encouragement.
Explanation: Faction controlled bases could serve as outlets to demoralize enemy invaders and inspire
allied players. In addition to displaying the faction symbol, a large hologram figure could be projected at
the top of a tower, or at the point of a base, which would make statements in favor of the faction in
control of the territory.
Mechanics: For example, a VS controlled tech plant could project a hologram of Henry Briggs at the point,
which would make a monologue about the will of Vanu and why technology is the key to unlocking human
destiny. Another example is at a forward TR outpost, a large hologram projection at the top of the tower
spire shows Brent Waterson making a grand ovation about duty and honor. To limit impact and
distraction within the game, sound and subtitles can be restricted to immediate proximity of the
hologram. The presence of these holograms should be most noticeable in faction warpgates and VR
training rooms.
Effect: This would further grow a culture within PS2 that each faction is struggling against the other. It
will help combat the monotonous login and shoot em up mentality that continues to segment the FPS
and MMO element of PS2.

Recommendation 2
Summary: Use the grid wall of the Virtual Reality (VR) Training facility to tell the story of a factions
history.
Explanation: The walls and borders of the VR facility are a good visual to remind a player that this is a safe
environment to learn and test items in the game. It could also be used to project a visual historical
account of the faction.
Mechanics: For example, using the grid wall as an overlay, the propaganda videos of each respective
faction could be periodically played for all nearby to see. A second example could be the displaying of
inspirational messages, pictures, or historical logs.
Effect: Further desensitization to PS2 lore and unconscious incorporation into the game, resulting in
increased faction loyalty.

Recommendation 3
Summary: Use Live alerts or faction objectives to destroy enemy NPC armies that are led by prominent
faction leaders.
Explanation: Faction-specific armies can be created to generate interest and surprise. NC guerilla units,
TR invading armies, and VS surprise attacks can all add a third angle to gameplay that causes players to
rally together. These NPC armies would be led by prominent faction characters, with alerts being to
destroy a factions distinguished figure.
Mechanics: Spawn three NPC armies, each belonging to one faction. Initiate faction-wide Alert! to
destroy other faction NPC army leaders. Army leaders are significant lore characters, such as Tom
Connery, Brent Waterson, or Henry Briggs.

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Effect: Interest and curiosity building of important characters within PS2 lore, causing some players to
research the biographies of these leaders. Although these characters are either deceased or unsuitably
generated during live play, familiarization with game lore outweighs the tradeoff of inaccuracy.

Recommendation 4
Summary: Add lore affiliated text to item descriptions within the game.
Explanation: Items within PS2 generally have interesting descriptions, however, these descriptions can tie
into PS2 lore by including small additions.
Mechanics: For example, the TR Chainblade, add This knife was originally custom-made for the legendary
Brent Waterson, and quickly became a favorite among TR soldiers. Another example, AF-19 Mercenary,
change the description to The AF-19 Mercenary was the first weapon mass-produced by the then
fledging NC rebellion. It remains a favorite among NC troops due to its controllable recoil, which makes it
effective at close and medium ranges.
Effect: As most players read item descriptions to gain an understanding of the weapon they are
considering; it would be a natural step to intertwine lore into these explanations.

Recommendation 5
Summary: Generate secondary quest objectives within live play.
Explanation: As an extension to gameplay meta and further promote the unique motivations of each
faction, quest objectives can be generated to renew interest in PS2 culture. Each faction has a certain
goal which brings them into conflict with the other factions. These lore goals can be woven with live play
to produce actionable objectives that cause players and outfits to work together. These objectives can be
time based, event based, or passive.
Mechanics: (Vanu Sovereignty) Passive objective to find alien artifacts throughout the continents, similar
in function to finding the Christmas snowman. (Terran Republic) event objective to destroy NC supply
crates that spawn in random areas on a continent. (New Conglomerate) timed objective to hack a
particular terminal in enemy territory to steal intelligence for NC command to exploit.
Effect: In addition to expanding gameplay, players and outfits work together in harmony to accomplish
lore supporting objectives. This recommendation also opens growth of the meta into more than back
and forth conflict. One example would be: the more intelligence stolen by NC, the more NC commanders
can see enemy troop movement in their area (or precise enemy player numbers in a given territory).
Another example would be: the more supply crates the TR destroy, the longer it takes for enemy players
resources to be resupplied.

ACKNOLWEDGEMENT
While some of these recommendations are not resource demanding, others are. I acknowledge that a few
suggestions are labor intensive. This is meant to be a comprehensive plan that offers actionable improvement and
lore integration on all fronts of the game, whether the initiative is large or small
If these recommendations were acted upon, I would gladly assist in detailing tangible courses of action necessary
to make them a success.
All services rendered would be pro bono.

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CONCLUSION
This report offered two ways to integrate lore into Planetside 2, rewarding both Daybreak Games and the PS2
playerbase. It is possible to increase the likelihood that a player will be interested in PS2, in addition to growing a
players engagement in the persistent online universe. Currently, very small amounts of lore are featured in PS2
gameplay. As shown in the referenced study above, there are substantial benefits to making an interesting story
and/or premise more prominent in gameplay. There is room for improvement, which can be accomplished at
little cost to Daybreak Games. Your review of this proposal is appreciated.

For your consideration.

Thank you.
2016, Shane A. Boulware (Lanzer)