I hear the guild CP is going to be scripted... and maybe this stuff is planned, but I figure it's the best time. Right now, guilds are crippled.
In other MMO's they work much better because players usually dedicate themselves to one server, and that there are really few servers. Most importantly, guild's don't really span over multiple servers... so they don't really have the same problems guilds in Graal do.
There just isn't anything unifying about guilds. You can't really communicate across servers... so that's the main problem. Even if everyone wears their tags, many are off doing their own thing on their favorite server and it really tears the experience apart. There's just no communication... what are guilds for if you can't even communicate with your members? It seems the only servers that do well are those that occupy themselves mainly on one server like those on UN and Classic.
More importantly... there's no way to transfer information and news. The web CP provides the option... but no one goes there. I suggest some sort of in-game message system where you can post messages for the guild and when members log on they're somehow informed. This way we can relay important information to members of the guild... especially a guild with a purpose.
I also propose that guilds be implemented into RC's as well. I spent most of my time on RC, and noticed it didn't matter a bit. Why? Even though I wore my tag, it didn't matter.
I tried to do something big with Developer's Circle, but because of these handicaps it fell pretty fast. Even though we got a server, only those who frequented the forums and read the thread found out. We had no way to announce to the members that there was a whole server for them to learn and practice on. We got forums... but again, there was no way to tell anyone about it. Because of the nature of the guild, it was only logical that everyone would be spread out... so we couldn't even talk to each other through guild PM's. It completely ruined any image I had of the guild when I created it and it saddened me that such simple things aren't possible.
Summary:
- On tag members should be global across servers. Every on-tag member on every server should appear on the guild section on the playerlist. Should be able to communicate as well.
- Ability to post in-game messages and notices for the guild members to read. A bulletin board for all members, and a news section for leaders to post important news. If the guild CP is scripted into the client this may not be needed... but I still suggest something simpler and more accessible. Much like tabbed systems you see on many servers for news and hirings.
- Just more unification for guilds. There's no reason a guild should ever feel this disjointed.
Anyways, I think we should gather ideas for guilds so maybe they'll be improved... especially if they plan on working on them soon.