Lone Wolf - Able to join a battle on either side between factions, will not reap rewards of either faction (loyalty points aside if they're still being used). Play is very similar to how it is right now.
Faction - Set structure with set ranks created by PGI, passive bonuses given for players of certain ranks and for systems/battle fronts controlled by Faction. Examples may include "control this system and all players within faction have their heat sink purchase cost reduced by 10%", or maybe allow a head start on a map for a tactical advantage when defending it from attack if you already control it, or if you are of a high enough rank "all airstrikes and artillery strikes cost 20% less" or "new assault mech cost reduced by 10%". This could also possibly include access to faction specific equipment, for example, let's say PPC's used by house Steiner produce 10% less heat but have 10% less range. Again, just an example, and you'd be able to decide if you use faction/manufacturer specific equipment or just standard IS equipment.
Additionally, all mechs within your bay when joining a faction or a specific unit within a faction are painted in that units'/factions' colors. Faction may also include an officers' lobby where high ranking individuals can coordinate efforts in privacy.
Merc Corp - Custom structure controlled by player(s), custom ranks, can receive additional rewards/bonuses given for contributions to factions such as large C-bill rewards or even MC rewards. Unknown cost associated with starting merc corp (based on Bryan Enkman's statements on twitter). This is most likely to be either a VERY large c-bill initial cost or moderate MC cost. This most likely will include a central bank system used by the merc corp at some point. Think WoW guilds. Merc Corps can be hired on contract basis by members of Faction that have high enough rank OR it's an automated system controlled by PGI where Merc Corps bid against one another for rights to represent said faction, OR it's even easier than that, where merc corps will get paid on a performance basis for whoever they're aligning with and it's an automated system. The more wins and higher the contribution, the bigger the payout.
Community Warfare Phase 1
Allow players to form units and congregate and join factions. Battle for control of fronts/systems not yet implemented. Ranks may not yet exist on this level, subject to change.
Community Warfare Phase 2
Let players start to fight for something, control of fronts/systems, etc. Ranks introduced if not already, Merc corps able to fight on behalf of faction. This would be the meat of CW.
Community Warfare Phase 3
Introduction of clans, additional story/events after launch.
Edited by borisof007, 01 April 2013 - 12:45 PM.