5 replies to this topic

[LordSkippy]

The devs mentioned that they will look into some sort of scheme so that the attack phase of CW does not always end during prime time in North America. This is obviously desirable for our European and Oceanic Mechwarriors, as they currently feel their contributions are not worth as much as those made in the last couple of hours of the attack window by the NA players. So, here's my suggestion for how to mix up the attack windows so that no time zone is given an advantage.

Variable length attack windows

Instead of a static 24, 28, 32, or 36 hour block of time for the attack window, have it variable. Each attack window should be 24 + 0 to 12 hours. For example, one attack window is 27 hours, the next 25, the next 33, then 24, and so forth. This will naturally move the end of the attack window around, so that each major player zone has a chance to be the zone where the attack phase ends.

Per Planet Attack Windows

Have the attack windows be set on a planet basis, instead of a global timer. This will cause each faction to have attack windows in multiple player zones at the same time, as the random length of the attack windows cause them to drift apart. Allowing each player zone to focus on the battles they feel their contribution will count the most.

Variable gaps between planet switches

Instead of the current one hour ceasefire, have a variable amount of time between the battle for one planet ending and the next beginning of between 1 to 4 hours. This will further help the attack windows drift apart, and give the factions some time to focus a bit more on the other battles.

Hide the end of the attack phase time until it's close to ending

Don't let players see when the attack phase for a planet ends, until it's within 2 to 4 hours of ending. When the attack phase gets within the set warning time, have a pop-up or other UI element tell players of eligible defending and attacking factions that hostilities on the planet are drawing to a close, and it's final push time. This will help the players active at the time to know where they should focus their efforts and create a sense of urgency.

[Wintersdark]

Watch the townhall.

Russ is looking at implementing >24hour windows so the turnover time rotates from day to day.

[Peiper]

I agree that rotating attack windows would be a good idea. Or, have three major attack windows during the day. Each 7.5 hours long. One for EU, one for N+SA, and one for the pacific rim. The only possible problem from some perspectives is that it could speed up overall planetary capture and map changes. From my point of view, that's alright. A dynamically changing map is exciting, and people who play during hour 4 don't feel like the hour 8 people are stealing the show. Every major time block has a chance to make a serious impact. We can always reset the map, right? Loyalty points won't change, just the map.

[Von Falkenstein]

Peiper, on 19 December 2014 - 05:15 PM, said:

I agree that rotating attack windows would be a good idea. Or, have three major attack windows during the day. Each 7.5 hours long. One for EU, one for N+SA, and one for the pacific rim. The only possible problem from some perspectives is that it could speed up overall planetary capture and map changes. From my point of view, that's alright. A dynamically changing map is exciting, and people who play during hour 4 don't feel like the hour 8 people are stealing the show. Every major time block has a chance to make a serious impact. We can always reset the map, right? Loyalty points won't change, just the map.

This.

[Asatur]

Another good idea for lots of players.

[Bagor Aga]

Any spread of windows should tilt\shift forth and back to really fit prime time of different units related. Like today we start, tomorrow all windows tilt 1\3 of window's duration forth, next - back.