STORMBLOOD: Open World PvP

[Februs]

So, I managed to catch a bit of info before work on the upcoming expansion (next summer), and I came across an interesting rumour. Supposedly, at the Fan Festival, it was mentioned that open world PvP MIGHT be made available during the STORMBLOOD expansion.

The only information I've been able to find on this so far is being taken from a video blog done by Mr. Happy (found here). In his blog, he says that open world PvP was mentioned as a feature that WILL NOT be available for the launch of STORMBLOOD; however, it may be made available later in the expansion. This same sentiment was also offered for several other pieces of content, including an expanded inventory that will supposedly be introduced in two stages.

Another interesting aspect of this, for me at least, was that the first teaser trailer for the expansion does seem to focus on PvP rather than PvE. The lore of the expansion as well is man vs man, as opposed to man vs superior force (dragons, primals, ascians, etc). We know very little about it, however it seems to focus on a more human conflict. So, PvP would seem to fit the theme. That said, I'm sure the ascians and dragons will have their hands in the pot as well, especially given the content of the 3.4 patch, so this could also be baseless. We won't know for sure until we see more.

Regardless, nothing is confirmed so far. We'll have to wait for additional fan festivals, trailers, and live letters for more information, and I don't expect any open world PvP to be implemented until well into the expansion (likely second half of its life-cycle, if at all). That said, what do you guys think of this? Is open world PvP of interest to you? IF it happens, how do you expect it to be handled/what would you like to see or expect to see? We should probably take into consideration the dueling deck as well, considering it is likely the test format for this addition, if it happens. Their decision to leave it un-sync'd, for example, makes a bit more sense to me now; although, I still believe that you should be able to request a sync at the start of a duel.

What do you guys think, though? It's all up in the air at this point, so speculation is the name of the game. Have at it.