Merry Christmas, Commanders! Like space itself, we know that the holiday period can be a dark place for many, and we want to do our bit to spread some cheer. So we're asking you to share touching, feel-good stories from Elite's history. The tales could be great generous undertakings, rallying behind players in need out-of-game, or just a simple gesture of kindness that stayed with you
You don't have to have been personally involved in the story to tell it. But if it's not a first-hand account, try to find a source if possible, then retell it in your own words. Text entries can win $2 each, whereas video entries can receive $10.
We hope you're all enjoying the holiday period and we're sending our warmest wishes!
On 1 March 2021 the Frontier Developments team announced the wonderful idea of bringing a piece of us into the game; offering player memorials by creating in-game memorial beacons.
The memorial beacons can be found in the following systems:
Sol
Achenar
Aliot
Shinrarta Dezhra
Colonia
Aselo Primus
Dromi
As I have already mentioned several times, it was my father who passed on his passion for Science Fiction to me. When I was a kid, we spent many afternoons playing like crazy on our Amstrad CPC a strange and novel space game that didn't tell us what we had to do, where we had to go, or what was the final goal of the game, it just asked us to play, enjoy the space, and have the freedom to visit and do whatever we wanted... because those white dots and lines on a black background for us were real ships, stars and space stations.
Sadly my father left me long before Elite Dangerous existed, he never got to see those white lines turned into something you could almost touch with your hand...
But somehow, thanks to this great idea on Frontier's part, he is now inside ED...
Travelling to Sol, visiting that beacon, scanning it, seeing the list of names and looking for my father's name... and suddenly seeing him... it was something difficult to describe. From the bottom of my heart, even though it was just a few jumps and a scan, nothing that takes you more than a few minutes and without any playable complexity, I consider it without a doubt the most intense and beautiful gaming session I've had in these 10 years of gaming.
Infinite thanks Frontier team for this detail with so many of us.
o7 commander. The whole solar system was made of star dust, including us. We’re all sons and daughters of a star. And when the Sun die, we’ll return to dust. We’ll reunite with those we love and those we lost. They will be waiting for us at the end of time.
In Elite Dangerous, CMDR Michael Holyland's story touched many hearts. As he faced his last days, both players and the game's developers came together to craft a special audio narrative just for him. This gesture of compassion was featured in the Netflix documentary "Not a Game," illustrating the profound community support in gaming.
In the vast cosmos of Elite Dangerous, the story of CMDR Michael Holyland became a beacon of hope and community spirit. Facing his final days with terminal illness, the game's players and Frontier Developments' team rallied around him.
Players organized in-game tributes, including flyovers and memorials, but the developers went a step further. They crafted an exclusive audio narrative for Holyland, integrating his personal in-game journey into a story where he was the protagonist. This gesture was far more than entertainment; it was about providing comfort and companionship during his challenging time.
The tale was captured in the Netflix documentary "Not a Game," highlighting how video games can serve as more than just pastimes—they can be lifelines of connection and support. The community's response was immense, with many players moved by the solidarity shown, reminding everyone of the profound bonds that can form in virtual worlds.
This story exemplifies how games can break the fourth wall, turning digital interactions into genuine acts of kindness and solidarity, leaving a lasting legacy of what gaming communities can achieve when they come together for one of their own.
Since I don't have any personal stories, I'm going to talk about the Fuel Rats.
For those who don't know, the Fuel Rats are a group of players dedicated to rescuing other pilots who have run out of fuel. They operate altruistically, asking for nothing in return.
Their altruistic work is reminiscent of the Christmas spirit of selfless giving, fostering community, and offering hope.
