Hi all,
TL: DR; When you press the insert button (or press instant action), the squad you join should be led by one of a network of 'volunteer' squad leaders. This will ensure that experienced players who want to play just for 30 mins can enjoy the co-op aspect of the game, and new players can join a helpful squad from the first login.
I was listening to the
AGN/reachcast show and Torkz made a very good point (about 1 hour 30 mins in) that for players joining the game for 30 minutes or so, there is not a great deal that you can do in-game apart from lone wolf. This form of gameplay can be pretty unsatisfying compared to taking part in well-organised squads.
Additionally, there are many players in game who don't want to take part in an outfit because they are too formal/over-organised etc., however they would be interested in joining a well-led squad for the 30 minutes they are online to enjoy a more inclusive, directed experience. However at the moment this functionality is not really there. The 'insert key' squads that are currently available often do not communicate at all and have no leadership, meaning that often, new players and lone wolves are not able to participate in the social element of the game and play in effective squads, even if they want to. The 'squad tab' squads run by outfits are not easy to find for the new player, and are still pot luck for the experienced lone wolf, as the outfit squad may be doing something boring for 30 mins (e.g. backcapping or waiting at WG), may be a day old and in fact be led by pubbies or may be ultra-intense as it forms part of the outfit's op nights.
Torkz suggested that there should be a system where squad leaders could 'opt-in' to lead 'instant action' squads (I've extrapolated a bit from his idea, but I hope it's in the spirit). Lets picture how this would work: you enter the game and you press insert. Instead of joining a 'random squad', you will join a squad which is led by a volunteer 'Instant Action Squad Leader' whose aim is to run a squad where everyone can have fun for the duration of their game time (whether that is 30 minutes or more), and also to help guide new players in what they have to do during their first log in.
I think this system would give a much better experience for lone wolves who want to enjoy team play without the long-term commitment, and new players who don't really want to be dropped into a random squad without any communication or direction the first time they log in.
What do you think of this idea? Do you think that the current 'random squad' or 'outfit squad' functionality needs to be changed? Can you think of other ideas to improve the co-operative aspect of gameplay for lone wolves who want to play with others casually, or new players thrown into the game?
Sonny
2013-04-05, 06:31 AM
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