I have been thinking about open world pvp and why its a flawed concept in itself and why no game has been able to actually make it work.

I think what it comes down to is open pvp will not work due to flaw in human nature.

by this I mean there are select people that there whole enjoyment in life is to cause pain and suffering to there fellow humans.

This subset of the human race in my view is the whole reason open pvp will never truly be successful in any game. Imagine a world were there are no consequences no laws no permanent death. In a world like this, you can do anything you want, to anyone you want and there is nothing they can do about it. Yes you can kill them back but in the end what does it really accomplish, for the person who does not get there enjoyment from tormenting others?

Open world pvp in itself is a noble idea that inevitable gets ruined by these people. As the large majority of the gamer community. Generally do not enjoy mixing pvp with pve. this is mostly in part. To the grefing that takes place and a feeling of unfair advantage that most open world pvp situation present.

Either it being out numbered, out geared or just in the wrong gear. Nothing is more frustrating to be in pve gear and be thrust into the middle of a pvp battle. In which your sorely ill-equipped to handle. Forcing you to carry an extra sets of gear. Which in most games presents a whole other problem of carry capacity of the character. Which limits how much loot they can carry.

Then you have to consider the risk vs reward issue. What's the point of open pvp? Does it give you anything for time invested? Does it realy matter if you kill that enemy player? In order for open pvp to be successful it would be my opinion that there needs to be real gains and losses. Something that really matters and makes a big difference in the game. But that in itself is a double edged sword because. What if your always on the loseing side? That could also lead to frustration and lose of revenue.

But in truth it always come back to human nature the large majority do not like to mix pvp and pve

This Is why ideas and concepts of battlegrounds and pvp areas came into being in the first place. Separating the pvp from the pve proved to be a successful way to allow both parties to pursue there desires without causing ill will to either side.

Which leads me to the conclusion that those who argue for open world pvp. Are not truly looking for a pvp challenge against a prepared foe on even terms. But are truly people who are more interested in ganking unprepared and helpless victims. in a pursuit of base need to cause pain to somebody else.

Also due to the low number of players who actual enjoy these aspects. Leads me to the conclusion that open world pvp is a bad investment and will ultimately lead to the downfall of the games who implement it. Do to loss of revenue from the victims of the open world pvp.

there are however a few open world pvp concepts that would be interesting.
If a way to implement them could be balanced and fair to all. such as negative consequences for open pvp such as bounties and jail.

I could you imagine a game were after killing so many people got you branded an outlaw to the opposing faction, and if killed or captured your char has to spend a certain amount of time in jail to pay for the crimes?

I am sure there are many other possibilities to consider but with current need to make a profit, limitation on technology and human nature the conclusion is. Open world pvp will never lead a game to success. due to the fact that anything that would cause grief to any player in a game. Has the potential to cost a company money as people don't pay to have a bad experience.

Final food for thought

It has become common place for gamers playing other games and not playing. The giant world of warcraft to mock it and make fun of others who do play it calling it simple and easy mode. But consider this. there is open world pvp but its a choice that each player has to make if they wish to join it or not. And after 10 years world of warcraft is still going still turning a substantial profit and will continue to be a successful game for many years to come.

so they must be doing something right think on it.