I was thinking of making a post about this topic, but it's good you made it now it'll basically have more reach
. It is true VCMP is losing playercount with time, and yes it is also true VU forums feel more happening than VCMP forums, but that's just how it has been for the past idk how many years. While the idea suggested is actually pretty helpful keeping the current playercount more interested, I hardly see it increasing the number of players in the community (it still is a pretty decent idea tho). There will always be a set of players hating on the current team (I ain't taking any names) and iscolating them and stuff.
I believe proper advertisement of VCMP could bring a change. Since Vice City is considered to be one of those nostalgic games, it has lovers all around the globe, but they're just not aware that something like VCMP exists. I've seen people in facebook groups be shocked when they find out multiplayer version of a game from 2003 exists and still has a playerbase.
I'll put in an example. [EAF]Han (and several other Argonath RPG players) create
youtube videos of fun VCMP gameplays, and I tell you there have been several instamces where a player joins Argonath RPG being all, "hey I saw this on youtube, where's Han?" and stuff like this. There are plenty of people out there who'd stay here forever if they find out it exists. We just have to find those people.
VCMP is a unique game which has several interesting gamemodes. Gamemodes like A/D and CTF have capabilities to be a root of very huge competitive events. While on the other hand its RPG gamemodes can help keep players in for several other reasons.
In short, what I believe is we need a marketting strategy. Make proper fun entertaining videos of major events be it VCDC or EAD Championships. We as a community must support one another instead of forming sub groups within it and fighting each other. VCMP is a small community of less than 600 (including those who are active in forums). We need to support each other. See someone's youtube channel about VCMP? Support it! Notice an event? Spread its reach! Just help the community with what you can. There are currebtly two on going events (VCDC and EAD Champ'4) and they both are pretty fun to watch. Stream/record the matches and spread it! I personally got interested in VCMP when I saw a VCCT A/D match of ULK vs TLN in youtube, and I was like I want to do this. I fell in love with A/D gamemode right when I saw the video, and I tell you it wasn't even good quality in that version of VCMP. There are many talented lads who can do much better recordings (
Han,
Hype,
iliasser and many more!). Just watch this
and think, who'd not get entertained ny something like this?
Support the members of the community and that'll help ensure the community's long life.