tiered events -- one approach

There have been prior suggestions for "tiered" events, but most (including my own prior suggestion) basically assume it will follow the "easy/medium/hard" approach (though how they are defined would be determined later)

I would like to propose something a bit different:

Based on how people play, offer events that are plodder/worker/expert (or competitor -- see below), along with a separate "newbie" option (which I will describe after). This approach would definitely not have to be used for all events. In fact, some -- notably the ones where we pick up gifts that we turn in for varied prizes, with no ending limit--won't work well with this approach. However, it could be an option for many events.


All 3 regular options will all offer a chance to get the event cloud row and givers. Most likely, people would not be able to repeat the event, though there might be some option to pick up the "competitor" section after completing other steps. (maybe -- see below)

"Plodder" mode would be geared toward those who "check in" once or twice a day -- those with jobs and families, in particular. They would get the basics (cloud rows, a special pen, but not all the "extra goodies" found in the other levels. In particular, they would not get harvester coupons quite as often, or the coupons they get would be 1 hour (not longer) coupons and they might get only one of any special pen, etc. (this is a trade-off -- and which level people complete will be their choice) Other rewards could be similarly scaled.

"worker" would be geared toward someone who can spend a bit more time, but doesn't want to "sit" at the computer all day long. For the most part, this would be what is now "the" event, though some of the more difficult events might not fit here. (note-- for these purposes, breeding events would not be considered difficult.)

"expert" -- would be for those wanting more of a challenge, those willing to "sit" at their computers for a couple of days at least. Rewards would match the higher requirements. In particular, there would be frequent harvester coupons (perhaps discounts on subscriptions), other items.

"Competition" This would be a new level that would allow some people to turn events into a kind of competition. The reward would be a trophy, along with other rewards commensurate with the challenge. In some cases, this could be a group challenge, but those doing the most would get something extra. It would have aspects that match the harvest festival, but it would not be quite as extreme and would focus primarily on event items, not regular goods. That would keep these competitions from totally blowing out the markets, though there could be some occasions when regular goods would be required (or required in amounts that are not harvest festival extreme). One aspect is that these trophies could allow these players some particular privilege -- maybe a chance to compete in a "master" event held once a year at a time different from the harvest festival. (and with a different structure, though something fun and geared toward these extra competitive players).

In addition, I would like to see a "newbie" layer offered to most all events. I would be available only to those who are either below a certain level (say below level 40) OR for those who have not yet completed an event. It would offer more instruction, hints, etc. Also, it might offer things like a few extra event "seeds" to give these newer player a boost. NOTE: It might be possible for those who finish this to participate, at least to some extent, in the other categories, but that could be debated (might depend on technical issues).
Also, this "newbie" option would be in addition to another proposal (which I am still working on) to have a self-paced event tutorial. They would work in tandem to let people understand events better. I feel that is particularly important now that so many events are being offered.

 

There's some food for thought there. I like the idea of a team challenge. Small groups, with perhaps a dedicated chat board would make the game more social for those that want that. I vaguely remember (at best, normally my memory is blank and covered with a non-sticky material) that there was talk about introducing clans when I last played.

 

Wow woody you really give this game a great deal of thoughtKudoos to you for doing so
There are times that I would fit into all of your categories....perhaps not newbie....well I dunno,sometimes I feel like a newb and play like one once in a while when I am in a rushMy schedule is like the market...constantly changing. I like your categories...as long as one doesn't have to commit to one particular group. I would want to see the groups change after each event...meaning not having the same people in a group over and over again...

I can imagine how much everything would increase in price, real $$$ and farm $$$.

 

Yes, that would definitely be the point!

Why? I am not sure I understand how this would alter current market dynamics. In fact, it could have the opposite impact by reducing the stress... unless you mean the "competition"/"event" level? (which is quite possible) That could be averted by having slightly different requirements for regular goods, though it might not be necessary.

 

good wood, isn't it.