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Syndicate (VIP System)
Star Trek Fleet Command
The Syndicate in Star Trek Fleet Command functions as a VIP system that offers players a range of benefits as they progress through its levels. These include stacking buffs that improve various in-game functions, officer presets, and access to the exclusive officer Ghrush. Players also receive enhanced daily goal rewards, such as increased resources and faction reputation, and can unlock a Multi-purpose Exocomp consumable slot at the highest levels. Syndicate XP, which is required to level up, can be earned through in-app purchases, special events, and free daily claims. A recent expansion added 10 new levels, extending buffs, rewards, and introducing a new Fleet Commander Slot and additional Officer Presets.
ROLE
UX Designer
TEAM
UX Team
Duration
6 months
01 – THE CHALLENGE
The largest challenge in creating the Syndicate (VIP) system was generating real power in the buffs and functionalities to make players feel their investment was worthwhile. The system needed to offer meaningful benefits that had a tangible impact on gameplay while remaining intuitive, visually pleasing, and faction-neutral. It also had to accommodate a large number of levels to support long-term progression, with each level offering a gratifying moment to motivate players to continue. Additionally, a reward multiplier for daily goals was implemented, requiring feedback across various reward screens, further impacting other areas of the game on a daily basis.
Balancing the progression curve was essential to ensure players felt a sense of achievement at each level without making rewards too easy or too difficult to obtain. To maintain engagement, the system needed to offer consistent value, encouraging daily participation without disrupting the game flow. Post-launch, features like a queuing system for grinding hostiles and additional officers were introduced to enhance the system further, giving players more reasons to invest in their progression and experience noticeable boosts in power and efficiency.
02 – FRUSTRATION
Before the introduction of the Syndicate system, players were frustrated by the lack of a structured VIP or progression system that rewarded their long-term commitment and investment. While they could participate in events and purchases, there was no overarching framework that consistently provided cumulative benefits as they advanced. This absence of ongoing, tangible rewards led to a sense of stagnation, with players feeling that their efforts were not fully recognized or rewarded in ways that significantly impacted their gameplay. Without features like stacking buffs, exclusive officers, and enhanced daily rewards, players had less incentive to return regularly, making it harder to maintain consistent engagement with the game. The Syndicate system was introduced to address these frustrations and encourage daily player involvement.
03 – GOALS
The goal of the Syndicate system was to provide a structured VIP progression that rewards player loyalty and investment with meaningful, cumulative benefits while also encouraging daily engagement. By offering stacking buffs, exclusive officers, enhanced daily rewards, and specialized presets, the system incentivizes players to return regularly and invest in their progression. The Syndicate not only adds value for players committed to advancing through its levels but also enhances their overall gameplay experience by making it more rewarding and personalized as they reach higher tiers. The recent expansion, which added new levels and rewards, further supports this goal by ensuring long-term engagement and ongoing incentives for daily play.
04 – RESULTS
The introduction of the Syndicate system in Star Trek Fleet Command has been a significant success, driving incremental increases in revenue while maintaining baseline sales. By offering permanent power increases, quality-of-life improvements, and a new progression vertical, the system has effectively addressed player demand for meaningful rewards and impactful progression. Features like Tier 5, which introduces the Daily Goal resource multiplier and the start of receiving Ghrush shards, have proven particularly attractive, creating a balance between value and advancement.
The system has also boosted player engagement through social incentives, such as the Alliance Leaderboard (ALB) tied to earning Syndicate XP, encouraging both early investments and contributions from free-to-play players. Having a long-running leaderboard incentivized players to buy in early while still allowing free methods of participation, supporting the launch with a slight bump in payments on the last day of the event. The Syndicate system offers core components that players value most, including permanent power buffs, increased resources, and other utility benefits, which further enhance its appeal.
The success of the Syndicate system highlights the importance of features that provide lasting value and meaningful progression. By addressing long-standing player demands for impactful rewards and progression, the system has become a key pillar in maintaining engagement and enhancing the overall player experience.
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