Some WWI ideas.

[BnZs]

I think there is more interest in WWI flying than current arena numbers are reflecting.

First, another plane or two added would definitely get people back in. A Spad is the logical choice I think.

Second, add some aerodromes for the WWI arena situated on 5,000 foot hills. Let me explain-WWI planes, not being powerhouses of performance,  really benefit from having some air under them to cash in for energy in maneuvers.

Without alt, they are often stuck at just doing sustained flat turns at tree top level. But it takes almost five minutes just to climb to 5000 feet in these little planes. So add give players a 5K jumping off point, that will give furballers several minutes to spiral down in a swirling fight before ending up on the deck.

BTW, it should be pointed out that the guy who just took off from 5K wouldn't have some sort of enormous advantage over the guys down on the deck. WWI aircraft can't directly dive that far and come in with a huge energy advantage like a WWII aircraft can.

Of course, there would still need to be aerodromes on the deck for RTBers.

Third, how about giving the WWI arena some kind of objectives? Not the base-taking bit, I don't think anyone wants that. How about some zeppelins floating around, maybe driven like a CV, for each team? Something to attack and protect.

[Rogue9Volt]

+1 

I am horrible with flying those kites, but I would play there more if there was more to do than just get shot down on the deck.

[puller]

  +1 I greatly enjoy the WW1 arena...honestly if there is someone in there when I log on I go there first...I believe that the WW1 arena is the essence of true air combat

[wpeters]

I think there is more interest in WWI flying than current arena numbers are reflecting.

First, another plane or two added would definitely get people back in. A Spad is the logical choice I think. (Image removed from quote.)

Second, add some aerodromes for the WWI arena situated on 5,000 foot hills. Let me explain-WWI planes, not being powerhouses of performance,  really benefit from having some air under them to cash in for energy in maneuvers.

Without alt, they are often stuck at just doing sustained flat turns at tree top level. But it takes almost five minutes just to climb to 5000 feet in these little planes. So add give players a 5K jumping off point, that will give furballers several minutes to spiral down in a swirling fight before ending up on the deck.

One of the important points in favor of this idea, the guy who just took off from 5K wouldn't have some sort of enormous advantage over the guys down on the deck, because a WWI aircraft can't directly dive that far and come in with a huge energy advantage like a WWII aircraft can. Of course, there would still need to be aerodromes on the deck for RTBers.

Third, how about giving the WWI arena some kind of objectives. Not the base-taking bit, I don't think anyone wants that. How about some zeppelins floating around, maybe driven like a CV, for each team? Something to attack and protect.

+1  I think these would be crucial in getting more people in there

[Saxman]

There's no reason the SPAD XIII shouldn't have been part of the plane set from the start. +1

Also, add the Albatros D.V and slap a perk on the Dr.I.

[Oldman731]

These are all excellent ideas.

In fact, if the resources aren't available to build the Spad, simply eliminate the DRI.

- oldman

[Arlo]

[pervert]

WW1 should be free to play like h2h

[Tinkles]

+1 to OP

Perhaps, perverts suggestion of having the WWI arena being Free-To-Play has merit.

<S>

Tinkles

[Schen]

WW1 should be free to play like h2h

PLUS ONE

[BaldEagl]

I love playing in there when there are players.  Spad and Neuport should both be added but the real problem in attracting players is the limited gameplay options.

[artik]

Maybe we need this one:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sikorsky_Ilya_Muromets

Quoting:

The Ilya Muromets aircraft as it appeared in 1913 was a revolutionary design, intended for commercial service with its spacious fuselage incorporating a passenger saloon and washroom on board.[4] During World War I, it became the first four-engine bomber to equip a dedicated strategic bombing unit.[5] This heavy bomber was unrivaled in the early stages of the war, as the Central Powers had no aircraft capable enough to rival it until much later
...
During World War I, the Germans often were reluctant to attack Ilya Muromets in the air due to their defensive firepower including a unique tail gun position, and the difficulty in bringing down such a large aircraft.[12] Once engaged, small fighters also found they were buffeted by propeller wash.[19] On 12 September 1916, the Russians lost their first Ilya Muromets in a fight with four German Albatros, three of which it managed to shoot down. This was also the only loss to enemy action during the war, while three others were damaged in combat, but managed to return to base to be repaired.[12]
...
The Ilya Muromets performed more than 400 sorties and dropped 65 tons of bombs during the war.

It would be a cool plane to fly in WW1 arean

[R 105]

+1 to OP

Perhaps, perverts suggestion of having the WWI arena being Free-To-Play has merit.

<S>

Tinkles

I agree, WWI arena is not used by very many who pay to play anyway. It may be of greater service as a tool of advertizement for Aces High over all. I do not think HTC will spend more resources on WWI so why not offer it as a free arena or at least free a few hrs a day.   

[DubiousKB]

+1 to making WW1 arena free to play. I would hope that this would serve as a recruiting tool.  What about this?

Download the game, 2 weeks play isn't initiated until user enters arena other than WW1. Reason being, IMO you want new sticks to get the basics of flight down and the comfort level up before submitting them to the aces of the LWMA.

This would also allow for in-game players to promote and potentially sell subscriptions to WW1 arena players that want more! I know that If I were puttering around in the WW1 arena and could easily identify non-subscription players, I would do my best to convince them to join up.

I like the two week trial idea, I just think we should be funneling new players in a certain direction rather than going; here ya go, good luck with the 10+ year pilots in the main arenas...

I myself like many others had a very difficult time when I first started, and nearly did not apply for a subscription because I was overwhelmed. There has been many great ideas to ease new players into the game. One of which would be to provide the teaser treat of WWI arena while keeping the good stuff for paying subscribers.

my thoughts.... 

[PanosGR]

Ι think in WWI its about time to pay respects to Lafayette Squadron.

So Nieuport 17 by all means