We need a miniaturization tree. Some of the items take up to much space!

I dont think it is needed, all you have to do is add deck space. Ive been adding 5 decks a level since rank 15.

perhaps we could miniturize exotic matter?

Its already .01 space. What do you want it? .00000000001?

If we could reduce the size, smaller ships could be more powerful and capable.

or they could play the game, rank up, and get more space. Crew has started to become a more valid option for rank points due to the new ceiling caps and what nought, small ships dont need smaller modules. If you want bigger/more powerful modules put more rank points into decks.

well that may be just a teeny bit much... maybe just 0.000000001

i like that idea tho cause look at most 4x games they have miniaturization and even in real life they have it. plus i would love to see it for planet structures.

I think miniaturization is factored into the equipment, and thus is not needed as a separate research tree.

IF miniaturization were to be implemented it should follow the Master of Orion type system where you get mini for 'previous' tiers of research.

Example:

Autocannon -- Tier 1 -- Size 3
Heavy Autocannon -- Tier 1 -- Size 4

If I have researched Tier 2 fully (Linear Induction 3), then I subtract '1' space from each tier 1 weapon.

So now:

Autocannon -- Size 2
Heavy Autocannon -- Size 3

If I have researched Tier 3 fully (Laser Focusing), then I subtract '2' space from tier 1 and '1' space from tier 2 weapons.

Now:

Autocannon = 1 and Heavy Autocannon = 2
Light mass = 4, mass = 5 and heavy mass = 6

If I have researched (Ion) fully

Autocannon = 0 space (free), heavy autocannon = 1, Light mass = 3, mass = 4, heavy mass = 5

If I have researched (graviton -- tier 7) fully

Auto, heavy Auto, Light mass, mass and heavy mass would be space 0 and free (who the heck would use these if you have tier 7 mastered anyway?)

The same system could be applied to 'shields', 'defense', 'scanners', 'power', 'armor' and 'cloaking', but would not make sense for planetary structures (and should never affect them because in essence the new tier already builds mini. in).

Whilst that would be cool, I don't agree with modules costing 0 space. The only modules that should cost 0 space are the artifact rewards. Perhaps there should be a minimum size of 1 or something.

miniturization is already built into the system as the higer level items you get (such as weapons) give a better effect to deck space ratio. Adding another research tree would just mean another research tree to spend Rp's in, and later research trees are VERY expensive to research. Just level up a bit, it get's better.

WE DO NOT NEED THIS, just rank up, get decks, be happy.

Exotic matter has now been changed to 0 space taken.
And silentknight is correct. An upgraded cannon may take 1 or 2 space larger, but it will increase attack much more. Think of it this way, any miniturization is offset by the increase of the module iself, so would you rather have 6 light mass drivers or 1 BFG of a disruptor cannon?

Hull plating could be 1 deck each, you could swap for better or add layers. And maybe the Mk III reactors could be the same size an their Mk I, but better. But better and different weapons and devices should be bigger.

No, I like it how it is

Glad you mentioned HULL Plating.... It goes on the OUTSIDE, it cannot take up space inside when it is outside the ship. It can not be 2 places at once. It should take up ZERO space.

cannons, scanners, cloaks, platings, jammers, these are ALL on the outside. It's a game mechanic designed to be balanced, not actual space. You change the size of modules you risk unbalancing the game, I love this game so please don't throw this off.