**The Amateur: Player Progression Part 1
Feature Topics**
Each week, we will be selecting a feature or component of the game to discuss in detail. Not only will this give us the opportunity to share some of the things we have planned but also to listen to the community feedback and possibly adjust these elements based on your suggestions. Some topics discussed may be a bit further out on the roadmap than others and likely will evolve overtime. When this happens, we will likely revisit the topics again when they are further along to discuss changes and progress.
This week’s topic will be part of a three part series explaining the three main skill tiers that a player will progress through. Unlocking the next tier will have pre-requisites detailed later in the series. With each new tier unlocked, the player will gain access to all new gameplay mechanics, tools and neighborhoods. They can also revisit previous neighborhoods with their new arsenal of tools and abilities in search of missed opportunities and rare loot.
The Amateur
The Amateur tier is the starting point for all players in the game. This is your basic opportunist with a limited skillset in the realm of breaking and entering.
Level Options
The amount of neighborhoods introduced with each tier are still being determined. However, at the start of a new game, the player will likely be limited to a single neighborhood and unlock additional ones as they progress within the tier.
The only planning option accessible to the Amateur player during level selection will be the time of day entering the neighborhood. We will be diving deeper into the mechanics behind this option in a later update.
Tools
The Amateur player will be armed with only a flashlight and a backpack. Players at this tier often find the best opportunities are an unlocked door or window. However, brute force is always an option. Purchasable tools to aid in forceful entry such as a prybar will be available for purchase once the player has “earned” enough funds.
Inventory
Inventory space will be limited to what they can carry or stow in their backpack. Amateurs will not yet have access to their own vehicle to offload loot mid-level so they must make best use of their limited space to ensure the greatest payout.
Level Completion
When the player is ready to complete the level, they must navigate through the neighborhood to their pickup location where a friend will be waiting. Although this may be the same location as the drop-off point, it’s possible the accomplice was forced to relocate. If this occurs, they will notify the player via SMS or by calling.
If the player is apprehended by authorities or encounters a near-fatal wound by the residences of the burglarized home(s), the level will fail and all loot will be lost in addition to possible financial penalties. We will discuss these options in more detail in a separate update.
Selling the Loot
If the player successfully rendezvous with their accomplice and completes the level, they will be limited to a single option of selling their loot to a pawn shop. Although, the pawn shop option will always be the safest method of selling the items, it is done so at a reduced value. More options for selling and offloading loot with higher payouts (and increased risk) are unlocked in the later tiers.