The Proposal – The spectator mode implemented with sPvP holds a lot of potential, which I believe has not been met. I propose that the spectator tools are expanded so that we can watch dungeon runs, WvW, and tournament PvP.
The Purpose – The purpose of this proposal is to fully utilize the spectator tool, which ArenaNet has put in a lot of time in effort to develop, and to expand it so that it can be appreciated and enjoyed by a larger player base.
The Process – To pull this off, the spectator mode would be implemented in the following areas as outlined:
PvE Dungeons
- The option to allow spectator mode should be provided to all members of the dungeon group so that no one is spectated against their will. This could with a yes/no prompt given at the start of the dungeon, similar to when a party member enters a personal story instance.
- Just as in PvP, players should have the option to not allow their build/gear to be shown if they wish.
- Putting up specific spectator cameras like the ones currently in sPvP maps may require more effort than it is worth to implement. However, allowing player-specific camera options only would still be fine.
WvW
- The option to spectate should be an option each player chooses individually. Spectators could then choose through a list of available players to view.
- Just as in PvP, players should have the option to not allow their build/gear to be shown if they wish.
- Putting up specific spectator cameras like the ones currently in sPvP maps may require more effort than it is worth to implement. However, allowing player-specific camera options only would still be fine.
sPvP Tournament Games
- Solo Queue and Team Queue sPvP games should also have the spectator mode available. Similar to GW1, this could be an option only open for viewing games with players at the top of the leaderboards.
The Payoff – By utilizing a feature already built in the game, ArenaNet could generate renewed interest in both the game and community with potentially minimal effort. I will admit that I do not know all the exact technical limitations of implementing this, but I do know that an engaged community keeps a game alive even when interest in the content would otherwise be waning. The spectator mode is a community tool which has the possibility to give a very large payoff in player interest on both a short term and long term basis.