I don't see any problems in implementing such a system (yet), maybe if EQ2 or WoW gets desperate and pulls a SWG-NGE perhaps? :)
I like the idea of geographic hotspots as a way to keep PvP'ers away from those who don't wish to participate and as a way to concentrate a limited pool of the players who do. It is also important, as you stated, for the players to be notified of where these points of interest are.
If I may add a bit...
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Consider chronological incentives such that holding a Castle at a certain time would yield a greater bonus than it normally would capped.
Also reprieves would be in the form of shutting off the contested-flag for some interval of time allowing the current holders of the hotspot the ability to soak up quite a bit of whatever the bonus is, unchallenged. Time of reprieve should probably come near the end of a server's prime time, or reprieve could come after a certain amount of contested holding.
Once people max their characters they wont have much incentive to hold a hotspot, some recognition could be given to those who have a held a hotspot the longest. Giving people who have no need for more rewards a goal to work on.
Also, if the hotspots will be noticable from afar why not add dynamic hotspots? If there is a lot of lore centric fighting going on in an area that is away from PvE areas throw up a hotspot beacon and let people get some bonus points!
Re: Loose brainstorming session on PvP blended with PvE
I don't see any problems in implementing such a system (yet), maybe if EQ2 or WoW gets desperate and pulls a SWG-NGE perhaps? :)
I like the idea of geographic hotspots as a way to keep PvP'ers away from those who don't wish to participate and as a way to concentrate a limited pool of the players who do. It is also important, as you stated, for the players to be notified of where these points of interest are.
If I may add a bit...
--
Consider chronological incentives such that holding a Castle at a certain time would yield a greater bonus than it normally would capped.
Also reprieves would be in the form of shutting off the contested-flag for some interval of time allowing the current holders of the hotspot the ability to soak up quite a bit of whatever the bonus is, unchallenged. Time of reprieve should probably come near the end of a server's prime time, or reprieve could come after a certain amount of contested holding.
Once people max their characters they wont have much incentive to hold a hotspot, some recognition could be given to those who have a held a hotspot the longest. Giving people who have no need for more rewards a goal to work on.
Also, if the hotspots will be noticable from afar why not add dynamic hotspots? If there is a lot of lore centric fighting going on in an area that is away from PvE areas throw up a hotspot beacon and let people get some bonus points!