Alena Ventrallis
Osmon Surveillance
Caldari State
24
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Posted - 2013.07.24 18:54:00 -
[1] - Quote
Have a PVE "Hi-Sec" analogous area, where players are introduced to the mechanics of the game, similar to the training bots eve players get when they are going through the tutorial schools to practice with. As well, have dedicated PVE areas in which new players can practice the basics (how to hack, how to fit suits) and a place where veteran players can go to if they lose all their money and suits in order to build up isk to replace them, however slowly.
Also, have the matchmaking go off of people's sp totals (500,000-2 mill in one bracket, for example) So that there isn't a powerful player base protostomping new joins and making them not want to play. Sure, an experienced player can create a new character and have better skills as players in the same bracket, but at least they will have to give up their powerful weapons and suits in order to do so. Alternatively, have the academy last until 1.5 mill (or similar number) has been reached, so that new players aren't at a complete disadvantage when they get put into regular matchmaking.
The idea is to give players a place where they don't have to worry about being destroyed because they are lacking the sp to compete properly. Yes, player skill is an important factor in who wins a 1v1 gunfight, but proto gear is a large advantage with two equally skilled players, if not for the extra fitting slots, then for the extra damage the proto weapons do. EVE has Hi-Sec to give new players a relatively safe place to build up money while they learn the ropes, doing lvl 1 missions and such. Dust needs such a place, with its own rewards separate from regular matchmaking. Maybe they earn LP as capsuleers do, for faction suits or what have you.
Personally, I think these suggestions will go a long way towards fixing the sp farming issue. Of course there will be those who will exploit it anyway, but I have afk farmed myself, because there's no point in running out to face a protostomp that I have no hope of winning. You can talk about tactics all you want, but that requires the other blueberries on your team to want to cooperate, a factor that, unlike choosing how to spend your sp, you have no control over. Even if you do manage to work together, proto gear gives players a far greater advantage over the other players. Tactics should be what separates winners from losers, not who has the best gear. I think a lot of people afk farm because honestly, what's the point of being a wp fountain for the other team?
To recap: Have an area similar to hi-sec in EVE, where new players can learn and accrue money and sp in relative safety. Implement sp total based matchmaking, or have the academy last until new joins have a competitive amount of sp, at or around 1.5 mil. This would help solve some of the afk issue, and would attract new people to the game, and more importantly to Dust and to CCP themselves, convince them to stay. |