Fishing - How to Implement

[padpilot]

Hey guys thanks for checking out the suggestion. Centered around the Fishing job, what it should be used for, where and how the current system(locations) is wrong. Locations and how to properly utilise them will be the main focus of the suggestion, how they are currently being used wrong and a better way to implement fishing locations. 

Disclaimer

I'm new back to the server and this info is pieced together from what I have seen both in-game and through discussion on the discord. I'm sure there are a bunch of things im not clued up on so im open to any/all feedback.

Note for Devs

First up the functionality is sound, no issues with bugs or anything and the devs did a great job. Its the game design side of it and the way its been introduced to the server that is really lacking. (Imo)

1. A Stationary Resource

Ok so first we need to understand why players fish. Of course some do it for the RP, like they really want their character to be a fisherman. I'm sure these characters exist, somewhere, however most do fishing for its easy casual and semi-afk nature. Its an easy earner, always has been and always should be. 

The main takeaway from this is that players are willing to stand for hours at a time at a stationary location. This is an incredible resource we really ought to be harnessing. 

So then, why have we placed down various fishing locations splitting up the resource of players? Should we not want them together, to create a hotspot?

New players arrive, where do they go to fish? The pier ofc... if other fisherman have levelled up and moved on to more prime spots however then New Players are left alone stood at the pier thinking "well this is dead", when in reality there may be plenty of people fishing around the map, hidden away not to be socialized or interacted with. 

1. Stationary Resource - Solution

To solve this simply remove all fishing locations but the pier and the newly created "off-pier" location (see below). This overtime will create a hot spot... the goal is to generate a place where we have that many consistent players that even none fishermen go there. This is something unique we can do with fishing as its a stationary activity, lets use it. Players log in, wonder where others are and instantly head to the pier.. right now the player base is that scattered that there seems to be not a single hotspot/hangout zone throughout the city. Benny's is the best example but its jank. Giving ALL players the chance to earn money whilst at a hotspot is what we aim to do here with fishing and its unique functionality.

2. Off-pier Fishing

Place a colshape/collisionBox (whatever its called on RageMP) in the sea just off the pier. Allow this as a boat only fishing spot and increase the value of fishing caught here accordingly. The point of this is two fold:

1. It gives players another fishing experience other than pier.

2. It also gives those still stood on the pier something to aim for - they cam literally look into the water and see what they are aiming for, people can pull up on boats, chat away and invite others to join them

DO NOT lock fishing from a boat to a level. Boat fishing should be something established players are able to invite newer players to participate in. Rather instead limit the fishing times/value accordingly but do not limit the invitaional possibilities. 

Stick down a collision box (the fishing zone) add some basic check to the player: distance from a boat < 3(metres) then allow boat fishing. No need to anything more. This ensures player is close to a boat, inside the zone and stops other players reaching the boat from the top of the pier (cheating it).

 

Other things to consider

- add fish only inventory to boat

- boats can be rented for fishing

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TLDR: condensed fishing into 2 spots, add boat fishing and use fishing to create a server wide hot spot. 

 

Arguments against

1. "What if I dont want to fish at pier"

- Tough, the server health and player retention rates are much higher prioritised than the solo and individual roleplay goals of a lone player.

2. Everyone fishing in one spot is not "roleplay"

- see response to critique 1. 

 

Thanks and any feedback appreciated. 

 

(Written on phone in work will probably change format at a later date)