I'd like to hear any ideas people have that could increase the overall interest and participation in the metaverse. |
Hmmm.. Ideas you say?
I think the leaders of the Empires should take a more active roll in recruiting first of all. When I started playing, and felt confident enough to start posting my games on the Metaverse, I posted a thread about joining an empire. I wanted to see how many people would respond and how interested they would be in acquiring my services. I got one response and that was from Magnumaniac of the Galactic Diplomats.
Looking to ServeNeedless to say I was very disappointed with the lack of options I was given, so I just faded into the background. At the time the Galactic Diplomats were the first place Empire, I wanted to join an Empire that was not on the top, hoping to be a member that would help contribute, and help propel my new found Empire into the top three. I like setting goals for myself. Nothing against the Orcas or the Galactic Diplomats mind you. After several months of posting scores for myself, I finally did some research, and found an upstart Empire with much promise. The High Command Hegemony. I felt awkward just clicking the "Join Empire" button. So, I searched them out, and asked to join.
I think the first thing that needs to be changed is the ability to join any Empire you wish. I think you should have to apply and then personally be accepted by the Emperor of the requested Empire. This would give it more of a hands on approach for the leaders, and more of a sense of belonging and accomplishment for the recruit.
Not to mention foster a greater sense of community.
Something Stardock might be able to do would be host a competition to players only in Empires. Maybe creating a thread specifying certain criteria and game settings to enter the competition, then awarding a medal or something to the victor and his/her Empire. All of those who enter and play in the competition, for example, could get a % bonus to their final score of that one game helping their overall Metaverse score. Maybe have one competition a month and post the winners names in a sticky thread. This would help with the overall competitive nature of the Metaverse, help get players into Empires, and get people to start posting games on the Metaverse, as well as, getting the leaders of the Empires to seek out new members.
It does not have to be strictly Metaverse games either, Stardock could also set up a type of Mod Competition as well. Everyone down loads the same Mod, plays with certain criteria and submits scores. They could place the scores on the Metaverse if the so desired, making it the only type of Moddable games allowed to be posted. Giving even more incentive to join and participate within the Empire structure.
I have no idea what kind of code this would require, or even if it would be possible. I was just trying to give out a few ideas.
Just my thoughts.