An RTS would have been a better option.

I'm still trying to wrap my mind around the DUST 514 announcement. I know that is too early for me to judge their direction and the impact it will have in EVE, but nevertheless I feel that there is something wrong.

I don't directly participate in the 0.0 sov game, but any changes to it will directly affect me since I'm a Providence resident (region controlled by CVA). I also understand that a change or probably a complete overhaul of the sov mechanics was due. I've read multiple blogs and forum posts criticizing the current way sovs are defended.

I understand CCP decision for a console game. Consoles are very popular and will likely increase their income. But an FPS? Really?!? I haven't done a study neither I'm quoting one, but FPS is probably the most crowded category of console games. It seems that every month a new FPS hits the market. Never mind the long list of existent and very popular FPS franchise like Halo series, CoD series, Quake/Doom series, BF series and R6 series just to name a few.

Even if they achieve huge numbers at launch I can't see them being able to keep them with this type of competition. I'm not saying CCP can't compete at this level. They will probably put a very decent product, but we are talking playing in the major leagues on their first time at bat. It will be rough.

What about an RTS? I think this would have been a better option. Not only there is more room in the RTS market, but I believe that this type of gameplay would be a better fit for the EVE world. There are so many possibilities that an RTS/MMO combination could give to players. Imagine using your Rhea or you Ark to bring provisions or more weapons or a battalion from one planet to another to reinforce your RTS forces? Also the scale would be significantly bigger. Even if you have 256 players in a single battle (feat which only MAG supposedly does) that number seems ridiculously small to determine the fate of a planet. With an RTS you can have 50 players in one planet going at each other with armies representing thousands of troops. This epic fight between armies makes more sense than 100 or so players shooting at each other.

I also question the capability of the current holder alliances to gather dominant FPS forces to control the planets they currently posses. Even though many of these alliances bolster a big roster, I don't think that they can field an army for protection. They will rely exclusively on contracts made with the FPS players for this. We know how ruthless players are in EVE. Can you imagine how much more the FPS crowd will be once they understand how much power they have? They will likely have no ties to the alliance in EVE except for their pay. Basically, if someone pays them more they are likely to flip. All those sacrifices and hard work to obtain and keep your sov can go out of the window regardless of what you do.

If you look around there is only one alliance that has the numbers to take advantage of this addition... Goons. The Something Awful community is one of the largest internet communities. There are hundreds of members just looking for the next FPS in the market. The Goons should have no problem getting members from their ranks to play the FPS side. This can give them an overwhelming advantage. Hmm... the Delve holder getting improper assistance from CCP. What does that reminds me of?

Anyway, only time will tell. Maybe I'm right, maybe I'm not. In any case, if you were eagerly waiting on the addition of planets to the game since this clip, you got PUNKED!