The problems with low sec
Lack of a unique resource
Low number of people
Non profitable for corporations
2 different, non relate, crowds using the same space (FW and Pirates)
My solution is to expand the FW to include the pirate factions that we have in-game. Players will be allowed to join Sanshas, Blood Raiders, etc... And this factions will fight for the control of systems in LS.
Here come in play the unique new resource: the possibility of building pirate and special issues ships. FW have access to unique ship through loyalty points, same for pirate ships that can be bought in LP stores. So why don’t give the players the possibility of buying BPC with 10 runs for example, instead of build ships, and make only possible to build this ships in conquered systems in LS? This ships could be built in specials structures that would be produced by PI, and they would be invulnerable until the system change control to another faction.
This would encourage pirates to bring and protect systems so industrialists and miners could build this ships, mission runners to collect the loyalty points to buy BPC, which would increase traffic and number of targets for rival factions and solo pirates.
Now you have the umbrella to increase the production of whatever you want. Boosters, black codes, you name it. Just link them with this concept of sovereignty, and you will have all the goods that you need to smuggle to hi sec.
The FW already have a mechanism to control territory in LS, needs fixing, but its there, and is a system much more dynamic then null sec sov warfare.
This solution bring something for every game stile in EVE. Industrialist, pirate, PI, miners, mission runners, but more important, brings profit and a unique activity to low sec. At same time, it would multiply the number of targets, encourage small gang pvp, link the in-game pirates with the pirate factions of the game’s lore, the profits wouldn't be good enough to bring null sec alliances to play, etc...
This solve all the problems that I mention: bring a unique resource: production of pirate and fleet issues ships, potentially increase the number of people by increase activities, bring profit to corps, sell of ships and other goods, and put together everybody in LS to play the same game. This also increase the need for capital ships, that will be needed when your corp decide to join a null sec alliance. ;-)
P.S. be kind, English is not my first language, and this is just a sketch, I can complement based on the comments.
Comments (5)
I do like the idea of bringing more factions into fw (so I agreed with your proposal) but I think it is a bit premature. First CCP must fix the occupancy mechanics of FW. You need to realize that they are currently so bad that only a small percent of fw pilots actually do occupancy plexing. (occupancy is supposed to be the backbone of fw!)
It is boring pve style “hide and seek” game play when it should be exciting fast paced pvp style game play not found in null sec.
Your recommendation gives people a carrot for engaging in the currently boring pve style game play. I think that will just mask the underlying problem. The fight for occupancy (like other pvp in eve) should be done by players because it is fun.
First make occupancy a fun way to play eve. Then when more people join fw because it is actually fun expand out to other factions.
Here is a link on how fw occupancy can be a non-blob fun and dynamic way to pvp:
http://www.eveonline.com/ingameboard.asp?a=topic&threadID=1329906
This is just one of a few different proposals that would work.
Love this, especially combined with fixing of occupancy mechanics. Nullsec can get their large fleet battles, lowsec can have medium/small-sized gang fights.
I like this amalgamation of the other ideas. Something along these lines would be really excellent. I think there will have to be a balance so everyone isn't flying dramiels, etc, but the concept in general is interesting.
Like the basic premise, but dislike the solution of trying to force pirate players to work together as de facto FW participants. Don't believe it would fly or that their player-type would be interested in doing that, or they would be doing FW already. FW and piracy should definitely be linked by some dynamic, though, where the FW is the adequately incentivized law enforcement in the area.
Fixes to FW could be of great benefit to Low Sec as a whole. The idea of "Pirate Factions" has to happen eventually.
Fixing the occupation mechanic is absolutely necessary. But also more ideas that tie into the consequences/benefits of actually occupying a system are needed. Linking industry in Low Sec to FW is a good idea. It just makes sense.