Some of you may argue that this will take away from the simplicity of the game, but I beg to differ. Successful games have these measures in place for a raisin: THEY WORK. Now, if our developer Ben introduced these features, not only would the game be more successful - it could open up more marketing options as a source of income for the game (thus increasing the prosperity even more).

Positives:

UNIQUE NAMES
This is an obvious solution to name and rep griefing that so many people have. People would be more easily identifiable and it would create a longer lasting experience for some.

STATS TRACKING
Though perhaps much harder to implement, this would create a wider array of personal goals and/or achievements that players can set for themselves. Oh, and you can't disregard the bragging rights as an important plus ;D.

RANKING/LEVELING SYSTEM
Along with stats tracking, this creates another playing field to engage a player to be competitive. Something like this in a game grabs a person's attention to boot up the game and keep playing the next day. From personal experience I can say that this is a very easy game to just leave and come back to without feeling any remorse. If I had just 100 exp left to get to reach level 58...but I had to get off, I would probably get back on the next day to reach level 58 (but of course that's just me).

UNLOCKS
This is a rocky topic to discuss, but yes, it could be for the betterment of the gameplay experience. Time and time again people have argued about the simplicity of the game, and I agree - we should keep it simple. But, that does not mean we couldn't support the expansion of the game. Different classes could be used to portray a wider array of gameplay options. For example, a Medic could carry a semi-automatic rifle and be able to drop medipacks to heal fellow players as a special ability. A Demolitionist could perhaps carry grenades and 2 rockets but only be armed with a pistol. That, and, they could choose their different weapons to go along with a special ability (and as such, these mechanics are open to a whole WORLD of suggestions).

Everybody please post what you think, and make some suggestions of your own. I know I'm not the only one who wants to see this game succeed, so voice your opinions.

With ServerBot, I can easily add Unique Names, as well as Stat Tracking now. Ranking and Leveling system doesn't sound good at all, nor does Unlocks. It gives players who have played longer, an advantage, when I think that the game should be fair play.

I know what you mean Lexsym, as that sort of advantage is frowned upon in plenty of games. However, progression doesn't necessarily always mean advantage.

An "unique names" system is more than enough, and it's only real use is to prevent from "impostors". The rest is superfluous or could make the experience worse for some users.

When I finally get a server to continue working on, I'll add a !register command, that will allow you to register your current Username with the bot, with a private password.

I can understand why the UNLOCKS topic may be a little too risky, but what are your guys' concerns on a nice friendly competition between players to level or compete with one another on a different front?

no leveling/ranking, please. it's so boring.

a skill system would be cool though. the more you use something, the better it performs. for example, maybe the smg would have a tiny bit more accuracy and/or damage after using it for 10 hours.

For Unlocks, instead of "Upgraded" items, how about the ability to tilt the stat scale one notch at a time, like you can either choose +Defense for -Speed, or +Speed for
-Defense.

Lol, izzy, if the case is that leveling or ranking does get added, it doesn't mean you have to mind it. I don't see how it would be boring if it's just numbers going up and no added bonus. And, Camelsaurus, that is a good suggestion - but Ben would have to commit to keeping it balanced for it to work.

Eh...I'm kind of against all of this. I like the way the game is now (or at least pre-0.53) where everyone is equal. There are no "perks" or upgrades, no acquired skills (except for a quick hand, good eyes, and fast reflexes), and no advantages. Everything comes down to the skill of each individual player, everyone is on a level playing field and the only thing that makes a difference is personal skill.

Besides, all this upgrade stuff just doesn't seem very Ace of Spades-ish.

If you haven't noticed, ever since the viral rush (notch, /v/, etc.) the numbers have been dropping. "Why?" you may ask? It's because the game has practically zero replay value. Although there may be an opposition to some of the suggestions, it may be the only support the game may have before the developer pulls a "This is pointless, I quit." move. It's happened to games before, and it will happen this time unless the developer does something in the case that he DOES lose hope/gets bored.

I agree with Galaxy.