I understand the dilemma of time-gating cooldowns in game development; it can be challenging when players are burning through a game faster than expected. That means either the game company needs to really add new content fast so there’s more for players to do OR if there isn’t time or resources, slow down players from absorbing the existing content too quickly.
However, the downside of time-gating cooldowns, is that it also pushes players (some more than others) into “not playing.” I experienced this feeling again just this morning: I earned a few gypsum that I want to craft into an orb and raise my expertise. So I go to the forge, only to find my gypsum orb crafting ability is on cooldown for another 1 and a half hours. So now what?
I could play some Outpost Rush? But I want to craft.
I could do some expedition runs? But I want to craft.
I could do some chest runs? But I want to craft.
I could gather some resources to sell on the Trading Post? But I want to craft.
I don’t really feel like doing those other things right now. And the one thing I want to do is the one thing the game won’t let me do. So, I could go watch a movie or read a book or play some other game.
I know the Devs said they planned to add global cooldowns in the future; if I understood correctly, I think they were anticipating around the summer of 2022. I would highly recommend speeding up that timetable as the current cooldown system, while gating current content, is also having some negative side effects. Just FYI for the Devs.