I like the idea. It looks like their site is really booming so why not try something similar? Sure, some people will lose interest with it after awhile, but I would expect new members to replace the inactive ones as the league gains exposure. Take a look at how many leagues they have and imagine the amount of people on there each day. I think that Madden Board's existing forums, the potential of a Sim League, and Cash's upgrades would be all the more reason for these potential members to stick with a Madden Board MMO.
I know that I'm still interested in the GLB league. Working on a PC all day, I find that it's a great way to kill some time. I'm on their site every day checking in on my players, updating their attributes, posting in the forums, etc.
So as far as ideas go......First, I will say that I don't own a team, so I am not familiar with that aspect of the game. I know that owners/GMs have the ability to set their game plans, build stadiums, etc, so Cash may want to spend a $8 or whatever it is to do some research and looks for areas that could be borrowed or improved upon. I know that it would be more realistic if the back-ups saw more limited action behind starters. In the GLB league, it looks like everyone gets equal playing time. There may be an adjustment for Pro teams or in the owner settings, but I have 3 players on three different teams and they all seem to get a lot of plays regardless of where they fall on their teams' depth charts....but I'm sure that is something that Cash would tweek anways.
As far as the players go....
- I've heard that the "Special Abilities" don't do jack until a player reaches level 10. That may be an aspect that could be improved.
- Players' HGT & WHT are randomly assigned, which seems like the only way to go as most people would create their players to freakish dimensions.
- It would be cool if there was some type of chemistry factor. Maybe WRs would develop faster if they play with the same QB in their second season. HBs could get an awareness (or what have you) boost run running behind the same FB, LB, O-Line & D-Line guys could gain points if their starters are re-united, etc. Just throwing it out there as seasons only last 40 days and we could end up with a lot of seasons.
- It would be super cool if new players were thrown into a draft pool and drafted to teams instead of just being UFAs. New players could have the chance to improve their prospects' attributes by gaining "points" (?) through posting or even donating to the board. This means that a member would be required to stay fairly active in the forums in order for his/her new player to be drafted near the top. The incentive for this would be the players salary, playing time (since he would have better attributes), bragging rights, etc. Like Madden, each draft class could have future stars.
- If this league DID find a way to assign new players to a draft pool, the vetern guys could be thrown into a FA pool where they are offered contracts based on their LVL & skill much like real life. Vets should have some type of experience/knowledge factor that makes them all the more appealing.
- Seperate "Player Store". It would be fun to have a feature that allowed a player to buy more things (other than equipment) with their contract money. Maybe a new draftee could update his Madden Board font, color, etc using the money. Another idea would be to have some type of player profile page added where you could see what he drives, how many rooms are in his house, collection of bling, number of girlfriends, etc....all of which could be things that are bought with contract money, money earned through posting, or a combination of the two.
I'll post again if I can think of anything else.
Cash's 1st GLB TD pass.