While our event was scheduled to start at 4 p.m. sharp, our detail-oriented QA team narrowed down some important bugs right as we were about to start, and raised the alarm accordingly. Fortunately, our designers were able to resolve the issues quickly, and we got the new build up within 20 minutes or so of the designated start time.

Even though the PVP started a tad late, the preparation ceremonies began right on time. Led by SalamiInferno, players in Earth Spacedock conducted several warm up exercises, including jumping jacks, push-ups, and aerobic dancing.

As the PVP started, I headed over to the QA division that focuses on balance (known as the "Emergency QA Holograms" on our Tribble forums). I arrived just in time to see some of our top testers, ZeroniusRex, Jaguars, and Farktoid5000 setting up some new character builds on the Klingon side.

Farktoid took the time to explain his setup in-detail:

"I'm using a Tactical Escort. Currently, I'm going for Disruptor type cannons, but normally I go Tetryon. Cannons have a fast attack rate, so the chance to proc is pretty high. In this situation, I've got all my ship equipment geared towards damage. Prefire Chambers are key in this build. Additionally, I've got gear that provides me with increased turn rate, so that I can keep targets within the arc of my cannon fire," he stated.

After he confirmed that I was ready to take more notes, he continued explaining his strategy in detail:

"I also keep one beam in the back, so I can target their shields or weapons if I need to. I've also got a launcher back there. When I open up in combat, I start with a Salvo, followed by Beam Target Shieds. Then, I pop Evasive Manuevers, spin around, and nuke them with cannon fire."

"So, what would you say your build is focused on?" I inquired. "Doing as much damage as humanly possible," he replied. His eyes were glued to the status of his cooldowns.

"How much time do you usually spend building your character?" I had to ask.

"Hours."

As they started up their PVP matches, I headed over to SNix's office to see what he was up to. SNix, our primary combat designer, was focusing on the same thing as everyone else: trying out new builds against real players.

"My build is mostly focused on forward facing damage, with some diversity. While I am using the standard Dual Heavy cannons, I've got launchers in the front and the back, and beams (dual beam in front, beam array in back). My goal is to make a Tactical Escort that has versatility."

I asked him about how he was enjoying the recent changes, now that he had a significant amount of experience with them in real PVP matches.

"The PVP is a lot more active now. You used to have to wait a long time for your cooldowns to come back up - that doesn't happen anymore. At any given time, you'll find that 1 or 2 of your skills are available for immediate use. You get more heals, more attacks, and more bridge officer skills."

He seemed pretty pleased with the feeling of the new system. After watching him break through the shields of a few unsuspecting Klingon Cruisers, I headed back to QA, where Jaguars was preparing his Klingon team for the next battle.

Having been brutally defeated 15-2 by Continuum and SalamiInferno's team in the previous match, they were determined to succeed this round. "This time, don't rush in," Jaguars commanded.

The match started up. The remaining two slots on the team were filled by pick-ups, one of which was Moshpet, a well-known contributor on the Tribble Forums. While the other player, who shall remain nameless, elected to repeatedly rush in alone, only to be instantly vaporized by the pretty blue lasers. 

Although their team had one player who was completely oblivious to all things strategic, the rest of them moved as a unit. Moshpet, Jaguars and Farktoid focused fired down heavy Cruisers, while Zeronius used Scramble Sensors, crossing her fingers that her well-timed debuffs would lead to satisfying friendly fire on the Federation side.

Thankfully, the teamwork and coordination led our Klingon team to victory, with a final score of 15-10!

As the event came to a close, several of our developers manned common social areas, answering questions and participating in discussions. We're very thankful for all the players that showed up to our event, and hope you had as much fun as we did!

We've got a slew of meetings scheduled to discuss the various points of feedback that everyone came up with. And, as I'm typing this, our community guys are sending off their organized lists of player comments to all the relevant project leads.

Stay tuned to the launcher and forums, because more are sure to come!

Pro-Tip: Cannon Rapid Fire is hard countered by Feedback pulse