Something I would like to see when CCP decides to further expand Planetary Conquest out of Molden Heath (or even within it) is a version of PC that might provide improved access for smaller corporations.

[TL;DR]: 8v8 Matches, Smaller (3-point) Maps, Less ISK Payout, Less Salvage, Smaller Bonues

Greater Participation

I think most Dust 514 players like the idea of Planetary Conquest and want to be involved in some aspect of the Meta Game. PC as it stands right now is restrictive and exclusive. The necessity of fielding 16 players consistently on consecutive nights is just not possible. To that some might say "tough kitten". But in a title that seems to be hemorrhaging players as the development team scrambles to fix core mechanics, wouldn't it seem fitting to provide even access to premiere game modes to all corporation...just in the interest of retention?

Joining alliances is the only way small corporations can participate and even then we are penalized through high taxes and low participation for all but exemplary players. With no mode that supports player development properly and a Faction Warfare system that does everything within its power to turn away serious competition, Planetary Conquest is the only way for good players to become better and better players to become great players because (ideally) you are fighting players that are most skilled and organized.

Smaller Matches

Most small to medium size corporations could support sustained 8v8 gameplay. Fought on smaller (3-point) maps, teams can still used proper tactics and strategies through organized play, while fighting meaningful battles. Vehicle limits could also be halved.

Smaller Reward

Obviously things should be scaled back some. Smaller districts should provide less incentive, especially to larger corporations/alliances that have the capability to fight full 16v16 matches. ISK payouts can be smaller, say somewhere between half to two-thirds current levels. Salvage recovery could also be reduced.

The bonuses and capabilities, inherent within the districts themselves, could also be less than standard sized territories. Stunted clone production and reduced storage capabilities would be required.


In the end you have a version of PC that is accessible but does not undermine the current model supported by larger organizations. More importantly you provide incentive to smaller groups without forcing them into marginalized game modes or living under the thumb of mega corps and alliances.

Lets call it a Small Business movement within New Eden.

EDIT: I failed to mention the impact such a change could have on recruitment for smaller corporations. Lets face it, there is not a deep well of players out there right now. Those that are serious about the game are obviously going to favor recruitment options that might provide them some opportunity to participate in PC. Right now smaller corps struggle because we generally do not have that to offer a prospective recruit.

In the case of my Corporation, we are actually part of a larger gaming community with over 500 members supporting multiple titles. Even internal recruitment is tough when you cannot offer something unique like PC.

Ultimately these opportunities could grow a corp to the point that they can begin to dip into the larger stakes and offer more competition at all levels. It certainly can't hurt the game in any substantial way.

While I agree with the majority of your statement. I feel that match timers are needed. The idea that a small corp could ever participate would forever be out of the question if timers were taken away. Bigger is the way to go for sure. I even feel that if there were battles that could be run with 50/50 teams it would promote some very interesting changes in the way current corporation operate.

However I agree that the need for smaller corps to have the ability to be involved in certain game modes should be addressed. PC will lead to a PvE aspect within the game with drone infestations. It isn't fair that only district holders will be able to participate within that aspect of the game. (Although, I am not 100% on how the PvE will be worked.) If a district is needed to participate in PvE events then that is now 2 game modes smaller corps will be left out of.

When I think of the beginning of small corps being able to hold some sort of claim over a region I think of Wormhole space in EvE. Where a 5 member corp can make something for themselves as long as they understand what is needed. Why can't there be something to that effect in Dust.

New Eden caters to the long term players there is no doubt, but Dust is a different monster then EvE. If smaller corps get overlooked you end up hurting the game as a whole.