Implementing a PK(PvP) Server

[Kurogaea]

Another issue that pvp general does to MMOs is that it tends to adversely affect the pve aspect of a game. An ability with an effect that is considerably powerful in a pvp environment would end up getting adjusted so that it isn't quite as powerful. However, it results in that ability in becoming lackluster, if not useless, in pve environments (especially raiding). This is my biggest gripe about games with pvp (especially world pvp).

Guild Wars 1 (and I'm hoping Guild Wars 2) eventually started getting it right with giving each ability two effects: one for pve and one for pvp. So they can tweak one aspect without adversely affecting the other.

PvP already has tweaked skills for PvP only. If mobs in the new PvP world need to be adjusted the only difference for them would either be more hp or greater resistance for debuffs. Its not rocket science.

I've been playing MMOs for decades now, with the list of MMOs being a mix of both PvE and PvP and mixes of the two, and have never once found it enjoyable getting killed just because I was there. Not even exaggerating. In Tibia's older years there was only open world PvP servers. I was literally killed twice in Tibia just for being sociable. In Graal, an MMO built to look like a SNES Zelda game, I was killed by players throwing shrubs at me. Once to keep me from reaching the end of a maze where a treasure item was. I really do not get the appeal of PvP, and I hope I never will if past experiences tell me anything.

Did we not mention these servers are separate from PvE players? Also, why would you enter a maze like dungeon alone knowing you can be pk'd? Make a group of friends like you do in PvE (linkshell,fc,guild etc.) and defend yourselves.

People have bad experiences with PvP because they think "Well if I'm nice to everyone they won't have a reason to kill me! X3" Then they walk out in the open wastelands and get wrecked by players waiting for some sucker to come out alone for fun or some loot drops. The idea in PvP servers is to survive. You don't mindlessly go into places thinking everythings ok. You look around corners, prepare buffs for suspected attacks, doing your best to NOT travel alone. In Wizardry I checked every corner as a thief, when I seen a red player (criminal) I'd use stealth and try to avoid they're sight. If I saw one fighting a monster, I'd gank them hopefully getting a kill in. If they are a higher level I run away to the nearest treacherous path to lose their tail usually making them fall to their death (which is always funny). If I'm in a dungeon alone (most of the time) I peak every area for players before entering, if I see a friendly, I team up with the (or just tag along) until we reach our goal.

These scenarios happen very often in that game and happen alot in others as well. Thinking you can just waltz in a PvP server and have no immediate dangers is just... I don't even.

Yes, all content is useless and what can save the game is letting people kill each other on maps. Right.
Anyway, I couldn't care less if it's a separated server. Although I do prefer the man-work on other things.

1. PvP servers build stronger player communities faster as well as complex player driven economies. If the server existed, players would form mutual understandings and norms dedicated to that server. Most likely making PvP servers more alive just by nature.
2. That's what dev teams are for. -_-

Actually it would affect them because a new server means the potential for people to leave their current servers even more.

People already leave servers because of the community. Not only that but new players are constantly coming into 14. There would be no shortage that isn't already present. -_-

[AlphaFox]

So...you want to give people MORE reason to leave servers? Gotcha.

[Solarra]

I think it would be a waste of resources since it seems only a tiny proportion of players want this.

I confess I have absolutely no interest in world pvp at all. It sounds like fun in theory, but reality (going by WoW experiences) is that new/low level players get ganked and geared and levelled players tend to avoid each other.

In FF it would make little sense from a lore perspective unless significant changes were made to the story and gathering would need a complete overhaul to even be viable. Why go to all that trouble for something the majority of players dislike and won't participate in?

[LadyVal]

You mean the time they had to make Diadem, those new dungeons that are basically one-lane rollercoaster rides with pit stops (enemies), glamour that does absolutely nothing to add to the core content of the game, and pointless savage/ hardcore modes which only have players fighting trial monsters like an instant boss run (shouldn't even be considered a raid). Open world PvP has much more possibilities, whether SE goes half-***ed and just make pking possible, players would literally still make it more enjoyable just by being there.

Yes, and I'll say it again, I would rather they put time into those systems than your idea. I like the content we have now over even the idea you have.

[Kurogaea]

So...you want to give people MORE reason to leave servers? Gotcha.

here's a better answer to your server issue. What is Duty Finder for? Right, its gathering players from other servers to complete Duties. Put simply, there is no fear for having people leave your server, content can and will still be doable.

I really don't even...Why is people leaving servers that much of an issue with you when people have been doing it constantly for multiple reasons? If I wanted people to leave servers more I'd most likely say "there's some player out there that'll freak out if you leave and wants you to stay there forever!" that'll get them spooked now won't it? Seriously, you make it it sound like content won't be doable when, i repeat, players are constantly coming in and out of 14.

[Kurogaea]

I think it would be a waste of resources since it seems only a tiny proportion of players want this.

I confess I have absolutely no interest in world pvp at all. It sounds like fun in theory, but reality (going by WoW experiences) is that new/low level players get ganked and geared and levelled players tend to avoid each other.

In FF it would make little sense from a lore perspective unless significant changes were made to the story and gathering would need a complete overhaul to even be viable. Why go to all that trouble for something the majority of players dislike and won't participate in?

Not sure, ask the players who participated in Lord of Verminion, Chocobo Racing and Hunts. Not everyone liked them but some do and still do them. I'd like to know what the majority actually likes right now because every new idea people seem to give is somehow not worth trying.


Anyways, lore is very EASILY manipulated. We now have

"Warriors of Darkness"

, not to mention the ol' typical adventurer wandering around, so who's to say we won't make different characters just for that server to have an entire different player experience. Putting that to the side assuming some already thinking "that'll take too long to do" then alternate universe causes disruptions in the aether manipulating the minds of the WoL"s" causing them to act differently and they lost all connection to hydalynn and now the wander the new dimension to discover its secrets. Done.

Lore shouldn't even be an excuse at this point with all the crack theories you hear in the lore forums, once I even heard the miqote were allagan experiments because of hinted figures in Azys'lla. Lore isn't a problem, ever.

[Laerune]

I am against the PK servers, because I dont realy see a large group of players heading there to sustain the servers and make it worth for SE to upkeep that server. But I do believe that PvP is part of FFXIV. I believe that we should focus on fixing the current issues that we are having right now.

- Players who want to PvP can not PvP, because of the very long queue, waiting 45-60 minutes for a 15 minutes match during peak hours is not OKE, SE needs to stop making more PvP content and focus 100% of fixing this issue. What is the point of new content if I need to wait 2 hours for each match? Imagine waiting 2 hours for Expert roulette, this is silly and SE has to fix it.

When SE fixes this GC restriction (like srsly, just throw the lore in a bin, if people will bitch about it and be done with it), then we should move on to what makes PvP fun? For me its different modes, like Capture the Flag or Last Man Standing. They could also add big maps with castles and siege warfare, but afcourse nobody can do those things, if they dont fix the bloody queue.

On-topic: I think if there were a PK server, some players would try it out, some players will love it and some players will miss their previous server and go back. I do think the amount of players going to a PK server will be very low, which will make the server empty and results in people going back to their more populated servers. As someone that played 6 years on a Open-PvP server, I can tell you that a medium to large community is a MUST for PvP. PvP players do not need content, but they do need each other.

[Gilraen]

The problem with the PvP queues isn't on Square's end, they've done all they can to improve those outside of divorcing PvP from the Companies. The problem is the players base, both not wanting to be tanks or healers and a general disinterest in PvP among the majority of players. Square has done alot to try and get people into PvP, offering unique mounts and gear with ever more PvE utility (seriously, have you seen some of the stats on the newest PvP gear?). But a good majority of people who play THIS game don't like PvP. It's why they chose this MMO over other, more attractive looking MMOs. Until you can somehow sway these people to get into the PvP aspect your queues will continue to run everlong.

Also, why would you enter a maze like dungeon alone knowing you can be pk'd?

I didn't say it was a dungeon, I said it was a maze. Admittedly, that's not much detail, but to clarify the maze was in the open world. A hedge maze just big enough for one person to fit in the hallways. You must have also glossed over how Graal is styled after a SNES Zelda game.