TL;DR Implement the PvP systems listed in bold below, and keep us updated so we actually know you haven’t forgotten what you said about making this an eSport.
Well? I can’t help, but feel that PvP is being neglected at this point. We haven’t even gotten a message of what you guys are working on.
Literally just a few announcements that can confirm that you are actually doing something with PvP would be lovely, but I have a feeling that you aren’t doing anything at all, and more than likely devoting most of your resources, and time to the unimportant PvE which is just fine. The thing is at this rate if you take too long you’re going to lose both.
Your PvErs are going to leave. It’s inevitable, there’s simply not enough content. You put work into the PvP aspect of the game, and you are going to get longer term customers who are guaranteed to buy your next x-pac.
You need to start implementing PvP systems here they are, and why (in order of importance):
Rating System
A rating system is something that people can work towards, and more importantly it allows them to actually fight teams that are at their level keeping things interesting instead of just the opposing team just rolling over.
It would be a good idea to add some rewards for reaching certain ratings such as small auras that are only visible in the mists so it won’t hinder the visual based combat, and this way you won’t have to design new armor (though it would be nice).
Spectator Mode
Like any sport if you want it to catch on people need to be able to watch it. The UI has to be simple, and has to have the ability to follow people, and go into free cam mode while showing the health of the teams on each side.
Demo reels would be a nice implementation in the future.
Private Servers
This will allow for skirmishes/practice for the high level players, and it will allow 1 on 1 practice which is quite important in this game, and you can’t really practice anywhere else since dueling isn’t in the game (which confuses everyone greatly).
So 2 birds with one stone.
Game Modes
Different game modes to keep things interesting these don’t have to be competitive in the least they just have to be fun. Just add in things like Capture the Flag, or death match, and they can have their own rating systems with some minor rewards such as glory, or silly titles.
Sorry if I come off as harsh I really want this game to succeed. Everyone does, but you cannot take your time on this like you did with the release (which was a good move), you need to start working on this now, or at the very LEAST keep us updated on how you are coming along to at least remove the feeling of neglect.
PS You can look at the arenajunkies forums if you think I’m the only one who feels this way.