While still very new to the game, I've read a lot in the forums the last days, weeks, so I hope I am able to give some valid feedback.
While this may work, many players will be upset about this. I've seen more players requesting even new map features, so the map doesn't seem to be to big. I think it is more important to create some points where players are most often. This was also the reason given from the devs, why there wont be more than three factions/cities: to reduce the split of players between the locations. I think a bigger problem is the learning system. In its current state it "forces" players to do their skills one at a time in one block to be efficient. During this block, players often do not rp or are in locations that do not help to rp (like alone in a dark cave). After that, they are unable to learn anymore for quite a long time. They are now "forced" to roleplay. But enforcing roleplay will not lead to great roleplay I think, but reduce motivation. If they then logoff and make a break of one month, they will still have no progress to make, as the learning points (mc?) only reset during online time. So two things happen: Players wont login anymore, as they cannot do anything productive in the game alone and RP is not always possible regarding the current player numbers. Or: Players login to idle their learning points down. Being defacto afk, they wont do any rp and look like statues to other players, who will then have the feeling that nobody does rp these days. I'm quite sure this IS a factor to reduction of rp and/or activity in general.Also, the map is just too big these days. For the size of the player base, there just isn't a need for a map this big. Shove people into a smaller space and you'll get more interactions, by sheer necessity.
This is true. And we need bad guys for it. Two objections here: Bad guys cannot do much things currently. Or to be more precise: all their actions (stealing, robbing, I dunno) are done completely in-rp and are not supported by game mechanics. And if some good guy has the chance to loose an item due to stealing or stopping the thief, they will often choose the latter one. But I think bad guys are not the only source of conflict. We have three factions. Three factions currently seeming to love eachother. These factions shouldn't be so peaceful to each other. I think that would be a nice source for conflict, especially if pushed by some initial gm-quests.From the players perspective: We need more conflict.
From the devs perspective: They need more manpower.
What can we do to help?
Coding is just the last step in creating a game, or any software product. While more developers are always nice too have, creative input can even be more valueable and is perfectly doable by normal players. Some examples:Now, how can we, the community help?
- Magic is missing! While there may be come general concept, I'm quite sure, devs havent defined each spell yet. Show your creative power and write down an idea for some powerful spell! Or in general: just concepts for any part of the game.
- There are not that much sounds and effects in the game. The internet may have many good looking effects under MIT-license. Show them to the devs to incorporate them in the game.
- Story. The story on the mainpage is absolutley unconnected to the ingame story. Rewrite it! Or an easier task: Write an ingame book, about... Gods, Monsters, Alchemy..
- Promote the game. You don't need to open a thread on any gaming forum you know, just pass the word to friends
- Support new players. Go to new players an rp with them. They'll directly be involved in the game and that will make them stay (probably)