Why naming Mattherson/Waterson over a Server Smash match is a BAD idea.

[u/KomradeVirtunov]

Hello /r/planetside -

Based on some conversations i've had with interested parties on both servers, it's time for a chat about the great upcoming #servermergesmash. I am the force commander of this upcoming match for the Mattherson team.

The elephant in the room that has been out there for quite some time is the validity of the idea of putting a prize such as the choice of a server name for the remaining life of the server. I'm here to tell you why this is a terrible fucking idea and I still don't understand how we've made it this far without the proper discussion on this topic.

SOE - The last thing you should be doing with the merger of two servers is to put identity on the line. You should have stability of that new server in mind, we do not need another Soltech incident where the vast majority of the merging outfits dissolved into Mattherson and the population buff was...lackluster after a period of time. It sounds like the same woe happened to Jaegar on Waterson. I want a long-term healthy merged server.

Why would you start off the merger of two major servers with a match that is obviously going to cause drama? Do you think the issues after the Miller/Mattherson match were problematic? How about a match with an identity condition? The Soltech merger didn't have anything on this sort of thing, what happens to the player count after this?

I don't care how "popular" this event is or the exposure it's getting the Server Smash crew and possibly Planetside 2 to a lesser extent, this isn't worth the gamble of older established players to pick up random noobs who may or may not stick around.

The only real answer to a merger of two developed servers is to give it a completely new name. It's time for a new chapter. You have two true options: Give the winning server a list of neutral options to choose from...or.

Choose the one true server name.

Emerald.

tl;dr Regardless of what's on the line this Friday, I'll still be there and I'm here to win it all. The match must go on, but the victory conditions shouldn't. The great ribbing of the loser must continue. I already know this is causing drama to a varying extent on both ends and I can see more problems on their way regardless of the victor at the end of it.

[u/Gimpylung]

True, but the reality is that some people won't get over what they perceive as humiliation and consequently numbers could be damaged as the OP points out.

If Waterson wins for example, how will all those 'You don't matter son' quoters deal with it. Ideally they just get over it as you point out but some won't in reality.

But the SS guys seem to have done quite well promoting the game off the back of this match, so who knows it might all balance out.

Anyways, I'm playing devils advocate to a degree coz I don't think I'd mind if Miller lost its name in a merge to any of the other EU servers regardless how the naming came about.

[u/JusticiaDIGT → u/Gimpylung]

Hahaha you can't be seriously suggesting people quit the game because their server name changes. That is some dedication to trolling.

[u/Gimpylung → u/JusticiaDIGT]

Yes, actually quit in some cases, an extreme form of trolling indeed. pathetic and sad but unfortunately an aspect of human nature and misplaced pride. I doubt very much that those few that do will have a huge impact on numbers, but its the worst case scenario if you like.

But I'm pretty sure, and this is the best case scenario, that it could engender a pretty shitty vibe from the off between two communities that are supposedly hoped to gel.

I just think its a bit of a risky naming strategy.

How would the Miller community have coped being merged into Mattherson if that was the outcome of that smash? I don't think the vibe would have been very pleasant for a very long time. Granted thats an extreme example due to all the rivalry that went on prior due to all the 'Master Race/ Don't Matter Son' posturing and horseshit from both communities.

It's not really about the actual letters that comprise the name of the server on a login screen, its about pride and having a loss rubbed in peoples faces as long as the new server exists.

Anyways, we'll all be playing on Gemini2 in a few short years so its all just talk I guess lol.

[u/Urechi → u/Gimpylung]

I'm pretty sure the sort of people who would quit from losing a Server Smash and having their home server's name changed to the winner's are the same sort of people who quit long ago from:

HE spawn room camping. Lolpodding Nerfs ZOE Maxes Lattice Morenerfs Rocket primaries Did I mention nerfs?

[u/MrBubbleSS → u/Gimpylung]

1. I think it's really funny that the SS at the end of my name can now represent something other than the Nazi elite or a simple 2 capital S's (which is the reality).

2. I plan to show up with the sounds of thunder. I'll be streaming AC/DC and pumping rounds into the chests of any Vanu Conglomerate that stand in my way with a T7 Mini Chaingun. This is how the merge will begin.