Pvp server is a very large part of it. Just before the pvp server came out, I recall 700+ pop's (800 at best). And then about a week after I came back and saw that it had plummeted to 400+ (500 at best).
I think it will gradually go up to 500 and 600 as the pvp server loses people. I don't anticipate the pvp server to keep everyone who started there. They'll probably come back to this one. The pvp server will have to find new people. It's just the way pvp servers/mmos tend to go unless it's eve-online or a more controlled kind of pvp in a modern game (WoW). Once people get ganked they quickly grow irritated.
Our highest pop's were just before and after kunark was released. 1100+. I think a large part of it was that sony had been hacked and we were getting some of them. Server also had an exp bonus to attract them.
I think this server will go the way of the mac (capped at PoP) server on live. Major difference between this and the mac server is that this is not legally sanctioned by sony. Sony could kill this server at any time. But the likelihood of that's low because: a) is a small pop b) still must pay to play live (and live is -the- game) c) emulators cannot charge players to play d) a billion-plus dollar company -will- tend to create a LOT.
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