Dark, I really like both your Dean's ideas (I read your other post, too). Before I got to your post above, I was actually thinking that a cool way to implement Dean Harvey's idea was to allow those of us who want such an experience to be able to unlock it somehow. I was glad to see that you were thinking along the same lines. Now, personally I don't see how exploring with a few friends of your own is a bad thing. Imo it would deepen the exploration aspect of the game. I know that every new Bungie gameplay video hits on this theme, that there'll be so much to explore. So why not give some of us the chance to look deeper into game lore wihtout forcing us into completing a mission with set objectives? One could say that this is what exploration 'mode" allows, but no it doesn't really. We all know that exploring Old Russia wasn't really that after visiting it a few times. I read somewhere, too, that as the game progresses we'll revisit previous locations and the person saying this made it sound like, hey, more exploration opportunities coming your way! That's great. but that's basically saying a mission will require us to go back somewhere and do something in order to complete an objective. Of course I want that and I'd also love it if Bungie down the line could incorporate the option of private areas. For me, the appeal of Dean Harvey's suggestion is to deepen my understanding of the Bungie universe they've created in Destiny.

I really believe they will in some form or another eventually incorporate private areas. I think the main reason they've held off (other than obviously fine turning the game they already have completed) is so the whole community can interact and grow together. I can understand them not wanting to segment the players until the world builds a solid foundation.

I agree with that and I also hope you're right given that what attracted me to the game was the exploration aspect. But I get mixed signals from Bungie on this. I try to keep up with all things Destiny and so far I can't say one way or the other. I also think it might not make sense from a financial angle.

Actually I believe it is something that will eventually create more longevity to their game (which translates to $$$). They wait to add these features in a future expansion after the community has grown and become stable. There will always be casual players that drift from game to game (and there is nothing wrong with that), but there will be those that fall in love with this universe. Just like those that play FPS and can't wait for those new map packs, or those that play MMORPGs waiting for that next expansion. Destiny's DLC offers both of these. But both types of these games (FPS and MMO) find ways to unite people together under common causes. Clans and Guilds. Being able to share your achievements with friends adds a level of connection to a world. Being able to jump into a world and 'hang out with friends' is a reason to repetitively come back. Having a little 'sandbox' area to just chill with those friends makes it feel like you have a home in that universe. You create those private areas for these people, they are not only likely to hang around for a very long time (especially if new content is being added, which we know it will be in Destiny), but they'll likely keep trying to invite others to join them so that family will grow. Hope that made some sense... I am severely sleep deprived at the moment and this is all train of thought...