I want to make an rpg.

[Draenin]

Originally Posted by Fidel Castro

That's an issue we've had on Era for quite some time. We have the highest PC player count (usually) and still have trouble spreading the players out even with added incentives to go to other places. People just find a spot where everyone else is that kind of becomes "the hangout," so to speak.

All MMOs have that problem. It doesn't go away. Just accept it.

Players will always have some place where they like to return, and it's usually the area where the most commerce and activity is going on. It's mostly about socialization more than anything.

However, if it's really such a big issue, put the most important resources to players (like banks, hospitals, event buildings, etc) in locations that are spread very far apart instead of putting all the most commonly-used facilities near one location. Minor facilities like player-run shops, recycling centers, and so on are less important to spread out, as players will usually return to those places only if they are looking for commodities. What you want to have them do is more actively seek out their necessities first.

If you account for travel times from location to location, it should give you a good idea of about how long players may be spending away from "the hangout."