Why would it be "immersion" breaking ? (Unless I misunderstand your meaning ?)
Nothing feels as real as performing a Split-S at full thrust around the rings of Saturn in your Cobra when at half load - you show me a simulator that feels as real as that and I will turn in my wings!
For participants (in uncontrolled environment)
Magic respawns for all players to keep them close to the action
Controlled combat area, forcing combatants to keep within zone to keep within range
Blocking of hyperspace, so people couldn't just jump out for a while
Blocking of docking, so people don't just repair, refill ammo and repeat
Rep damage (allowing friends and enemies to engage without the rep penalty)
Instance switching (or private grouping)
Disconnect and re-log to avoid penalty
Possible control of payloads (specific weapons to keep everyone level (possible game variant) or blocking of weaponary in a race)
Setting a time frame
Setting general rules, which everyone is forced to adhere to
Kill count / objective tracking
To Allow game variants, I can't see how attacking/protecting a base would be set up / managed (stopping vipers coming out and just killing everyone, long term rep damage)
For non participants
Explorers/Traders unwittingly stumbling into a battle (could spoil rep for participants also)
Keeps the people who want to spoil the fun away (I can imagine someone dropping an energy bomb near the end of battle or during a race)
Those that don't want to engage in PvP have a choice
The ability to be a spectator (including the ability to switch view point, follow the action, thinking like a replay from Gran Turismo)
Interference from NPCs
Setting up the above requires specific controls to mechanics which could be considered immersion breaking within themselves.
Sure, its absolutely possible to have player set up unregulated / uncontrolled competitions but it might put people off if they incur long term penalties for a quick free-for-all.
By having an in-game competition system, which doesn't involve magic restrictions in open space allows for many game variants, leaderboards, regulated player entry cost / rewards and the ability to matchmake no matter what instance you are currently in.
in the essence of the topic title 'eSport', other games which are classed as eSports (such as MLG Black Ops II), have tight controls on rulesets and implementation...
like I said, anyone could set up a private match in an unpopulated area of space for a bit of fun, however at some point in the future I would like to see a competitive ED gametype which is controlled and tracked, but still keeping it in-game, within lore and part of the environment?
its almost like keeping the ED experience close to real life... in the universe I am a trader, in the simulator I am a combat legend likewise I have never shot a gun, on black ops I am epic!!!
and... there are lot's of great competitions that could be run in open space, such as Treasure Hunts
Just my 2 credits
I totally get what you mean about doing this in a simulator and to be honest, if there is a way to avoid the above without breaking immersion, keeping it tracked and making sure everyone sticks to the rules, I would be up for it...
... any suggestions?
