i think a built in support network for new and lowbie players would make the server more attractive to a wider group of players than an ffa ruleset. it would partially curb single guild hegemony and even encourage more pvp than raid contest pvp alone with a zone control system. there is also that aspect of "team pride" that people get off on, in addition to guild accomplishments. not everyone is going to be raiding end game Velious shit, but enjoy making sure the "Shorties" or "Evils" or whatever are holding their own.
likewise, a teams dynamic brings a little more to the table to differentiate the red server from blue, currently many more timid blue players view red as the same as blue, but with an abysmally low pop + someone can Harmtouch them when they're fighting a puma, then call you a faggot and thus decide to simply opt out. a hard coded teams with initial language barriers system makes the red server more distinct in terms of mechanics and mitigates verbal toxicity at least until one mastered opposing team languages at higher levels should one so desire if at all depending upon implementation.
also along the lines of server distinction is item loot, a concept the devs said they wouldn't implement on an existing server, but would on a fresh one. i think you'd be surprised as to how many blue players would play an item loot server instead of the current system just because it makes the servers more different.
the economy and viability of obtaining certain gear considering cross-team trading has been implied would be disabled would make teams99 even more different, likewise is certain teams are barred the use of certain classes (Perhaps no bards, or no shaman, or no unstunnable warriors for all guilds) raids will even be different to a certain extent. If nothing else, new servers bring new blood. People love the rush for guises and mana stones, ideally with 2+ years of PvP beta out of the way and kinks worked out you'd see a higher level of player retention.
If this server ever happens, that is.
|