Seven Reasons Why The Klingon Empire Will Survive

Not a week goes by that I don't read some doom and gloom about the Klingon Empire faction in Star Trek Online.  Cryptic has been very candid that the KDF side is underpopulated and not as profitable, so they spend less time creating content for the Klingon faction.

On the other hand, they did spend time developing KDF Starbases and KDF Fleet Ships for Season 6, and they spent time adding new ship materials and costume options for the 900-Day Veteran Rewards.  It's not fair to say that they have stopped adding new things for the KDF entirely.

I know that Cryptic has not totally abandoned the Klingon Defense Force, and I believe that the Empire will survive.  Here are seven reasons why:

1. Klingon Fans - While they may be outnumbered by the Federation, Klingon fans are very passionate about their devotion.  Klingon cosplay outfits (including makeup) are amazing compared to the relatively easy makeup and dull-looking Starfleet costumes.  They even have their own language!

2. Klingon Culture - The history of the Klingons goes all the way back to the original series and they've been around in most of the different series and movies one way or the other.  Starting with The Wrath of Khan, a lot of creativity went into creating a cultural backdrop for the Klingon Empire and there's still room for more.  As such, Klingons are one of the most interesting races ever introduced into Star Trek.

3. Orions and Gorn - These two major subcultures of the Klingon Empire have a long history in Star Trek.  Even more than the Klingons, they have a lot of room for development and to tell new stories about them.

4. Klingon Ships - The Devs admit that they enjoy creating new KDF ships, even if they can't focus on them.  They look "wicked cool" and they have a lot more freedom to interpret that look than they do with Starfleet ships.  Frankly, KDF ships have some of the best abilities in the game.

5. PvP - We all know that the KDF were intended to have a heavy focus on PvP play and that PvP has been something of a mess and underdeveloped for a long time.  But, Season 6 will begin to introduce new PvP code that Cryptic can build on.  Cryptic knows they need a diverse gaming experience and that PvP is a part of that.  Revitalized PvP will also have its' effect on the KDF.

6. Alternative Gameplay - Once you've levelled through the Starfleet content a few times, the game can start to feel kind of dull.  Having the KDF around gives players something else to do for awhile without actually leaving STO.  Eventually, Cryptic will have to add more KDF-specific content.  Just because they can't focus on it right now doesn't mean they won't ever do more.

7. The Foundry - KDF fans + Foundry authors = More to do + Interesting storylines.  Cryptic might not be able to focus on KDF content right now, but there's nothing stopping KDF fans from rolling their own in the Foundry.  The Foundry is also getting more enhancements in Season 6 and I can't wait to see what possibilities open up.

I admit that I am not as active a Klingon fan as I am on the Federation side, but I can still appreciate that the game is richer than it would be if they were merely two-dimensional, computer-controlled "monsters".  I too look forward to more KDF content and I believe it will come in time.

Qapla'!