PVP Suggestions. (Sensible ones)

I don't know the appropriate devtag for this discussion, so if anyone can tell me that, I'd appreciate it.

I've been talking with my guildmates in Besaid and we feel that the following are sensible PVP additions to help attract a wider audience:

• Consensual PVP (Duel Requests)
• PVP Arenas (Gladiators' Coloseum in Ul'dah, maybe in Ishgard, too?)
• Training Arenas @Home

1. Consensual PVP would be implemented similiar to how non-PVP servers are utilized in some MMORPGs, where PVP can only be done in consensual battlefields (that do not impact the game's content), or through a consensual one-on-one duel request.

2. PVP Arenas can be instanced. This can be 1vs1 or TvT (Team Versus Team), similar to how in the game .hack//G.U. it is implemented with various instances. This allows players to "rent" their own arena for their own use with authorized or public users. This can also have the ability to allow spectators to observe from the stands, provided that the arena is set to "public viewing allowed", or that the spectators know who is renting the arena. This can also allow users to hold impromptu tournaments, or even enable betting on matches.

3. In .hack//G.U., there is something called @Home, which serves as an instanced guild home. I am expecting the Company content to have something like this. If true, it would be advisable to have a private training arena for the Company building, so that players can practice in private with their mentors. This would increase the bonds between guild members.

That said, this isn't about being able to PVP a la Lineage 2. This is about being able to PVP as a means of growing your character and individual self in that world, as a person, to form stronger links with the people around you, for good or bad.

I definately agree that a PvP arena would add endless content for current and potential players. In regard to your points:

1. I'm somewhat indifferent to allowing open-world PvP through duel-requests. I think it would distract from the atmosphere while in town, but wouldn't make much difference outside guarded areas. Having to be a certain distance from guards would make the addition of a duel feature palatable.

2. There is another thread going in the Battle Environment sub-forum in which I've drawn together some of the good suggestions from other players regarding PvP Arenas. Personally, I would pay at least $15/month for the addition of an instanced PvP & PvM Coliseum as I illustrated, and others suggested.

3. I never heard of .hack//G.U. but I played another game back in 2000, Asheron's Call, which had a very similar feature involving player housing and shared mansions. They were both expensive to maintain due to paying rent every couple weeks, but well worth it as players could recall to the manison and duel or try out different strategies.

In regards to PvP and PvE arenas.

For PvE,
I'd like to see PvE arena battles very similar to what we see in Offline RPGs.
So a solo one where you can test your strengths against various foes increasing in difficulty.
4PvE, 4 players vs one enemy or an enemy group.
8PvE, 8 players vs one enemy or an enemy group.
15PvE, 15 players vs Various solo NM, vs NM with minions and larger group battles of 10+ foes or waves of foes.

For PvP,
Similar to PvE, I'd like to see solo vs solo, 4v4 and 8vs8 (15vs15?).
Maybe some other cool ideas taking from other games as well like COD.
Or other successful PvP MMOs.

Anything really but the PvE would be super cool and it would keep us busy forever.
They could just keep adding harder and harder battles that would take time to figure out strategies to beat.

Some sort of friendly betting system with points earned from the arena that can be used on armour might work well also.