As an MMOFPS, Planetside 2 has always thrived on its massive battles and intense gameplay, but one area where it could improve is in the social features that make MMOs truly engaging. The chatbox, for example, is a critical part of fostering community, yet it often feels neglected. The outfit chat tab has been unreliable for as long as I can remember—sometimes working, sometimes not. It's small details like this that can make or break the social experience for players looking for more than just combat. Remember when the /orders chat rallied players who were unsure of the map's flow? That feature played a key role in building community and coordinating efforts across platoons. Replacing it with /sitrep was an "okay" move, but it took away a core aspect of the game's social fabric. What makes an MMO truly engaging is the community and the interactions within it. Here are a few ideas to help enhance that experience in Planetside 2: 1. Squad and Outfit Social Hub Virtual Outfits Headquarters: Imagine a shared space where outfit members can gather, socialize, strategize, and customize. This could be a physical base in the game or a more abstract lobby-like environment. Squad Achievements and Leaderboards: Track squad achievements and create leaderboards that showcase which squads are excelling in different aspects of the game. 2. Player Reputation System Kudos and Commendations: Implement a system where players can commend others for teamwork, leadership, or skilled gameplay, contributing to a positive reputation. Reputation Badges: Reward players with visible badges or titles based on their reputation and achievements, fostering a sense of recognition. 3. Enhanced Player Profiles Profile Customization: Allow players to customize their profiles with achievements, stats, favorite weapons, and personal stories. Player Journals: Introduce a journal feature where players can document their in-game experiences, victories, and stories, which can be shared with others. 4. Dynamic Emotes and Gestures Emote Customization: Give players the ability to customize their emote wheel with different gestures, dances, and expressions. Gesture Communication: Introduce non-verbal communication options like hand signals that can be used for silent coordination in battle. These features may seem small, but they add layers of engagement that go beyond the core gameplay, helping to build a more vibrant and connected community. Let's focus on creating an environment where players not only battle but also bond.
