Greeting all,
I have spent years playing Pirate mmo games and learned many great things that will help you make this game unique and make it a long term successful product. I participated in development of Potbs, Naval Action and Pirates of the Caribbean games. I will divide my suggestions into sections to make it easier.
Ships
-Ship Variety
Ships are one of the most important features in any Pirate or Naval game. So, I suggest you to add more variety of ships per fighting style. From what I can see you have pirate ships, but do not forget that Royal Navy had Pirate hunter/ Privateers who sailed ships of the line and fought Pirates! Please consider adding line ships with 100+ guns (tank/slow), 2nd rate, 3rd rates, 4th rates, Heavy Frigates, Xebecs, Corvettes and Sloops of War. (PM me for more information on these types of ships).
Quick tip: Many developers do not realize that by adding lineships they are also attracting a very unique community of players. These people pay real money for awesome great ships. Right now there is almost less than 5% of Developers who produce games with lineships. I understand this game has 2 decker 4th rate, but by adding more larger ships similar to HMS Victory you will strike the Gold Mine. So, please consider adding 1st -4th rates and you will quadruple your game popularity I guarantee you this.
-Ship Mods
Many games showed popularity when players were able to add modifications to their ships. Mods that would increase ship stats and improve it's handling. These mods usually found in NPC Fleets, Missions and Treasure or Campaign story.
-Ship Figureheads
Ship figureheads is a must in this game, not only it will make ships look cool, but it will also let others know who you are!
-Ship Paint. Sails and Flag Customization
Many games used these features and it was extremely popular among players. Option to paint ship's hull under waterline, hull and inside walls is a great way to make every ship unique. Adding option to change sails and flags is a must in this game. ex. Developer posted rules and requirements on size and format of flag and sail designs, players then made their custom sails and flags and submitted them for a review. After approval flags and sails appeared in their personal box. These were trad-able with other players. This is great feature for clans and groups that will be sailing together letting others know who they are.
Rewards
-Loot
You can't have Pirate game without loot, loot is extremely useful tool to keep players busy and entertained. Many game developers realized it and were extremely successful with their player base for many years. How to introduce loot into your game? Add NPC fleets. Players will need to hunt and kill them. These will drop rewards after each NPC die. Also, loot should drop from Players if they are defeated. Loot is sold for gold or exchanged for greater items (collections).
Collections - Collect loot types and exchange them for Boosters, Drinks. (xp, speed, damage etc..).
Types of loot:
-Junk Loot - This loot includes objects (cross, sword, plate, necklace, ring, statue, crown etc)
-Loot material: Rock, Copper, Silver, Gold, (ex. silver cross or gold sword).
-Jewels: Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond etc.. (Sapphire Ring or Diamond Necklace).
All this loot should drop randomly (better chance vs stronger NPCs).
-Chests / Keys - these were on every ship. Treasure chests is a great way to spawn rare mods or rewards, but they require keys! Keys are rare drops as well. Combine them together to open Treasure chests.
-Books - books can improve skills and reveal missions or hidden locations. Books also provide recipes to construct materials for ship upgrades.
-Sealed bottles - These reveal missions to save people or ship location. These are short travel missions that will give players rewards upon competition.
Leaderboards
Leaderboards are very popular in Player vs Player games and provide competition and long term population. I think this game will need one as well.
Free camera / Custom camera placement
Free camera or custom camera is a great tool that will help players find their best ship viewing distance. Some games attach camera too close to the ship blocking and limiting player strategies.
Crafting
I understand that in this game we might not see any crafting, but it could add a new level of gameplay and long term player base if you do decide to consider it. Even simple mod crafting system could be a huge plus.
Character Customization and Personal Items
It is no doubt one of the most popular feature in Pirate games and it should be added here. Player should be able to find or earn:
-Hats
-Coats
-Boots
-Gloves
-Neck items
-Belts
-Swords
-Pistols
Making your Captain look unique from others is a must. Player avatar should be displayed to others, to show how cool you are!
Captain Cabin and Table Games
Similar to Avatar customization feature players would enjoy customizing their Captain cabin with paintings, decorations, furniture etc.. Also, when players spend days at sea they get somewhat bored and should be able to play quick table games with other players while sailing earning or loosing small coin.
Storyline and Missions
This is another important tool that will make this game successful. Many games rewarded players as they progress or complete every mission. Final chapters gave out rare mods or ships. This is a great way to let other players know you did them and sail in this rare ship. Another great way to distinguish Veteran players from New players is to provide 'Gold/ Black Crown' over their character name.
In addition do not forget about achievements that include rewards, seasonal rewards and login rewards.
Birds
Having parrot on your shoulder is one of the most beloved features in Pirate games, ravens or even rats should do the work as well. )) Also, consider adding birds flying around ships, wrecks and ports.
This will be updated with more suggestions as I am limited with time, I hope you find it useful. Feel free to pm me with any questions. I am very glad to be a part of this great game and will try to provide as much information and suggestions as possible. Thank you.
Yours sincerely,
Wind Catcher