We’ve added a new way to measure the value of a sighting: Ocean Points (◎p).
What are Ocean Points?
Ocean Points are awarded for first sightings — the moment a contributor spots an Ocean that has never been reported before. They’re extremely important and meaningful internet points.
The formula is simple:
◎p = 1 ÷ (first-sighting rate over the previous 200 sightings)
When we started, almost every sighting was a first sighting. The first-sighting rate was high, which meant ◎p was low — just 1 point per discovery. As more Oceans have been found, first sightings have become rarer. That rarity is now reflected in the points.
What does it do for the game?
- Contributors joining today will be hard pressed to catch up with some of our long time players in Sightings or First Sightings, but there are big ◎p opportunities in the future. New contributors can grab some huge wins if they find the unseen Oceans.
- It’s possible that we’re not looking in the right places for the Oceans we’ve never seen. If we’re all looking in the same place and driving first-sighting rates down, ◎p will be relative easy to get if you’re off finding new territory.
Why 200 sightings?
The trailing 200 sightings give a reasonable estimate of how hard it actually is, right now, to go out and find a new Ocean. Not how hard it was six months ago, and not a theoretical ceiling — just a rolling window of recent experience. 100 was too erratic, 500 seems too slow.
How high can ◎p get?
If 199 sightings go by without a new Ocean and then someone finds one, that contributor earns 200 ◎p. If the window ever needs to stretch beyond 200, we’ll extend it. For now, 200 is the cap.
We’ve backfilled everything
◎p has been calculated for every first sighting in the dataset, going back to the beginning. The points reflect what was actually true at the time — how rare a first sighting was when it happened.
Where to find ◎p
- The feeds page — first sightings now show their ◎p value
- Your confirmation message — when you report a first sighting, you’ll see how many ◎p you earned
- The stats page — ◎p totals appear alongside total sightings and first sighting counts by contributor
If you’re out there finding new Oceans, you’re earning points. Go find one.