sQuatch78
Ultramarine Corp
19
   |
Posted - 2013.11.18 00:07:00 -
[1] - Quote
After seeing yet another post on the topic of Proto-stomping, I thought it is time to share a possible solution I have been pondering. Fair warning, it's a bit looong.
And yes, this is a shameless adaptation of the Games Workshops Warhammer 40K board game.
Background:
The Warhammer 40K board game is a turn-based tactical warfare scenario. You win your matches by either destroying the opponents army or achieve pre-determined objectives (attack or defend of structures etc).
The Warhammer setting is a fictional universe that through game developer and writers became fleshed out with a multitude of races and unique pantheons that drive the overarching story. You might notice certain parallels to another fictional setting...)
Match and Army composition:
So how are games actually being played?
Well, Game Workshops did just a few things and left the rest of gameplay totally in the hand of the players.
1) They released a core of playable factions, each comes as a combination of common and unique units for each faction. In addition factions have equipment that can be attached to units to modify their stock behavior.
2) They released quit a few Rule books over the years for unit behavior and specs (damage, range etc...)
This also has the added advantage of allowing players to play whatever edition of the game play they want as long as they use the same rule books.
3) They introduced a fixed point system for individual units, squads and equipment
4) Matches are than played based on a preset points for an army.
This allows the players to decided on length and complexity of game play before they even start. Players agree on the points, say 1500. And then compose their armies accordingly and start playing.
Have a look here at a sample army.
Again, the scenario of each match, what units are playing etc. is absolutely in the players hand. Sounds again like a certain sandbox game to me...
So how does this translate to Dust514?
Well, how about we introduced similar point system for the different classes of standard, advanced and Proto-tech (Officer) suits? Further, this could also be expanded to include the different tiers of equipment in the future. Through in points for force multiplier like LAVs, tanks or dropships.
As an example, say we use the following:
standard - 10 pts
advanced - 50 pts
proto - 100 pts.
1 ) Matches could then be tiered to different point values for different game modes; 500pts for public matches, 1000pts for FW and 2000pts for PC.
2) Same as 1), but within each Game Mode. (Public Matches come as 500,1K or 2k flavor etc.)
3) If Team Commanders gets an actual role and job to do in the Warbarge at some point, they could also determine what point value the teams gonna go by.
This could also tie in nicely into future contracts for hiring Mercs through Eve Online. Don't have money or want to attack an opponent on multiple fronts? Put up some cheap contracts for 500pts armies for each objective. Have a high value target you really want to capture or destroy? You gotta invest more ISK for a 2k team Protot team to show up.
I am not putting forth a detailed model here. I leave the number crunching in the hands of stats heads that can go to town with this.
But I like to point out that Game Workshops came up with a great system to balance army and unit composition to allow fair game play. It's been around for over 15years, constantly improved and adapted. The similarities between both game developers seem apparent to me. One went table-top board game, the other went for a sci-fi computer game. Both developers supply the game play units and gaming environment but leave the actual gameplay as a sandbox.
anyway, looking forward to hear your feedback.
Love this game and it's sad to hear and see so many rants on CCP.
cheerio
"We are the slayers of kings, the destroyers of worlds, bringers of ruination and death in all its forms."
Cato Sicarius
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sQuatch78
Ultramarine Corp
21
|
Posted - 2013.11.18 02:43:00 -
[2] - Quote
I'm not looking to change any game modes with this. In essence it's idea for an equipment and unit based matchmaking. That's all.
I guess similar how Academy uses skill points for matchmaking if I remember right.
"We are the slayers of kings, the destroyers of worlds, bringers of ruination and death in all its forms."
Cato Sicarius
|