One of the forever problems facing RvR MMORPGs – really any multi-sided PvP MMO, but three-way RvR the most – is the inevitable population imbalance. This week, classic RvR MMORPG Dark Age of Camelot brought back one of its tested methods for dealing with that imbalance. Broadsword calls it the Dynamic Population Bonus feature.
“This system will reward underpopulated realms with bonus realm points to help offset and stabilize population imbalances,” the studio explains. “The current bonus status will be displayed to players when viewing the realm selection screen and in-game on the /realmwar ‘bonuses’ window.” The more you’re outnumbered, in other words, the more realm points you earn, and so the faster you rank up.
Of course, you could argue that’s merely incentive to swap to a server with a more favorable balance – not necessarily something that helps the underdog actually win in the short term. How would you solve the RvR MMORPG balance problem? What’s the best way you’ve seen it done in a live MMO?
Every morning, the Massively Overpowered writers team up with mascot Mo to ask MMORPG players pointed questions about the massively multiplayer online roleplaying genre. Grab a mug of your preferred beverage and take a stab at answering the question posed in today’s Daily Grind!
