Spectator sport

[KamiGaijin]

I think there should be a spectator option to accomidate combat photographers. Many other games I play allow you to log in as a non-combatant to make it easy to capture screenshots, make movies, or otherwise document a raid or special event.

The spectator option would include:
- Invunerablity from all weapons.
- Inability to access any weapons and/or weapons lock.
- Differently colored nametag / uniform or some other distinquishing feature to let everyone know you're not the Zerg
- Diferent zooming options (greater range, ability to zoom to specific area) and ability to have limited movement of third-person view.
- Can only communicate with other spectators (to prevent unfair spying)

I don't think this would be a very difficult change with the current coding. Ideas anyone?

[Phaden]

I like the idea, but Teamspeak or something like that woul be abused, horribly. They could be used to scout for AMS. Maybe if they could only be in friendly SOI's.

[Indecisive]

Maybe count it as a fourth empire? Meaning you have the timer for switching?

[KamiGaijin]

I like the idea, but Teamspeak or something like that woul be abused, horribly. They could be used to scout for AMS. Maybe if they could only be in friendly SOI's.

True, but this is something that would occur anyway. It's not too hard to have a seperate computer (either in the same room or linked with TS) with a different char feeding info to you. I know this happens.

Besides, there is no spying a spectator can do that a compotent comander with "reveal enemies" can't.

[Warborn]

Any sort of spectator function shouldn't have a visible model in the game. You should be invisible, and not clip at all. Basically, as it is in Half-life games.

[Sploogey]

yah thats the same with all games which have spectator that im aware of
you can fly and no clip (well not always no clip such as in UT2k3/4 and a few others)

[Sentrosi]

That is what an infiltrator is for. I use one for my photogs whenever I need a still for a movie I'm shooting. Just be sure that you are way out of anyones field of vision.

The times I have been killed have been worth it.

[Velkator]

Ah yes, this surely should be implemented.

- No character model when in spectator mode though.
- Can only use this when you're character is in sanctuary (or maybe on server/character select screen?


It's too bad this could be exploited with the teamspeak. I would say when you are in spectator mode that you didn't see the different empires skin (didnt know which side were which), but that would take away a lot of fun when spectating, and also it wouldn't remove the problem entirely anyway.

[Marsupilami]

NO. we have enough ways to exploit the game already. adding more would be horrible

[SquishyWaffle]

Yeah, this reaks a bit of possible abuse.

You have to consider the benefit of the new feature versus problems the additions will cause when working with feature implementation. In this case, think of the following:

Benefits:
People can shoot movies and take screenshots without being killed.

Problems:
Possible abuse or mis-use.

Conclusion:
Is it absolutely necessary for people to be able to make movies and fly around completely invincible/invisible?