Feedback:User/Goodhugh/The Possibilities of Timed Instance Runs
The Possibilities of Timed Instance Runs | |
|---|---|
| User | Goodhugh |
| Categories | Player vs. Environment |
*This is coming from someone who's always enjoyed PvP, but has never really enjoyed the end game PvE aspect of mmo's*
Preface[edit]
I've always felt implementing this kind of feature into a mmo would appeal to a larger portion of the player base than strict PvP/PvE aspects do.
Many games have tried forcing PvE players to PvP through zones which have to be overtaken in order to run a certain instance, but that has never worked out all that well. PvE players merely get their hands dirty with the PvP until they've gotten the targeted loot out of the instance. They never go back after that.
PvP players might enjoy the large scale PvP somewhat, but the main reward is for them to be able to run an instance, which many of them don't want to do. This can sometimes cause problems for the PvE players if they're looking for more help to run the instance, but the PvP'ers already left the building.
No one has really been able to mesh the two aspects together correctly. Rather than focus on trying to get PvE'ers to like PvP, I'd rather see devs go in the timed instance direction in the hopes of getting PvP'ers more interested in PvE. There are many, many possibilities to be discussed in this area. I'll lay out a few ideas.
The Suggestions[edit]
1. The simplest option. Give every group the option of timing their instance run (it would be untimed as the default option) and recording that time into both personal and guild record books. Maybe keep track of their top 5-10 runs through each instance/dungeon.
2. Taking #1 a step further - Have server wide guild leaderboards for the best times so people can see how their guild fares versus their peers.
3. Building on these ideas, you could also have mirror matches where you compete versus another group by running an instance/dungeon at the same time. Each team would run the instance and be able to see how far the other team has progressed by scanning running text (which would say where the other team is currently located, whether they're fighting a specific boss, etc).
The times could still obviously be recorded for the boards if they wished, but this would be more of a win/loss scenario. You could use this feature for something as innocent as guild/group bragging rights or for other things, which brings us to. . . . .
4. Using the head to head, win/loss aspect could lead to leagues where your team would play at scheduled times of each and every week. If you had players unable to make it, you'd have to forfeit the game. Obviously, you'd need to have designated 'bench' players for this before the season began so you couldn't bring in a "ringer" to help win a big game. The great thing about this idea is that people could run these leagues themselves. They wouldn't technically need ArenaNet to run it for them, though it'd be fun to see the standings in game.
5. Similar to ArenaNet's PvP tournaments, they could also have timed instance run tournaments or head to head league tournaments for cash prizes.
Conclusion[edit]
I think incorporating some or all of the ideas from above would go a long way towards giving a mmo's PvE content much needed replayability. Something that goes beyond merely grinding for a piece of gear that barely increases your overall stats or trying to attain an achievement.
This would in no way affect PvE'ers who do not want to get involved with an "esport". The timed and head to head/mirror ideas would be optional settings. The game's default wouldn't incorporate any of these ideas. You'd have to specifically select them prior to entering an instance. However, I'm confident a large portion of PvE'ers who do not care for PvP, would get a kick out of implementing this sort of competition to help get their juices going every now and then.
Please help me build on any or all of these ideas. Also please bear in mind if you DO NOT care for this idea, it wouldn't affect your enjoyment of the game in the slightest. Thank you.
