Been out of the scene for quite awhile, RL stuff and no time for L2. But, now I am looking to get back into L2 and maybe get a server going. Being a fan of the older chronicles it would be C5, C6, or possibly HB.

But if I am going to put in the time I would like to see a decent sized player base, is there still enough players left?

This won't be some plugNplay pack it will be official files with an OG extender dev that can make the needed changes and fixes.

I am also considering blockchain integration for a few different reasons as I believe it can benefit players and it would be fun. It can be used to prevent duping and can also somewhat remove trust from the equation, especially important when it comes to the marketplace and buying some rare / hard to get items.

You had me.

Then you ruined it with blockchain. Wish you luck.

Curious as to why, could you explain a little?

No, you will never attract people to your server with any blockchain integration. There have been so many rug pulls involving blockchain that the perception of it is skewed. People won't take you seriously at all.

I have to agree with folks above, I also don't find the blockchain idea intriguing enough to make me to join the server... Generally speaking I'd say yes, there are still enough players (after all, Reborn x1 started late last year and it had over 10k on launch), the issue is attracting them to your server. And I'd say it's more about having a solid marketing budget more than anything

I think maybe there is some confusion between "blockchain" and "Crypto". I'll explain in detail once I have a bit of time but it is not about Crypto. What I have in mind would in a way be an anti-rug in a way as characters and some items would exist on the blockchain and the people who these things belong to would be able to prove ownership through the blockchain.

There is nothing to gain from rugging the server / community. The only Crypto involved ingame would be a few cents in Crypto required for transactions to register characters and items on the blockchain. A bonus side effect of this is item duping should not be possible for items that have been registered on chain.

I get the skepticism, but, if I am able to come through with what I have in mind it could also attract a bunch of new blood into the game from the blockchain community.

Real Items Ingame

The blockchain I have in mind for this is Raptoreum, it is built for things like this and they are already doing something over there which would be a good fit. They have a bladesmith as part of their team and he has been forging blades on live stream, laser scanning them, and than creating models which can be imported into Unreal. Each blade is registered on the blockchain and the corresponding asset acts as a proof of ownership and authenticity.

This could allow owners of these blades to bring the virtual replica ingame, for me that is pretty epic being able to use the hand forged knife you have in real life inside the game. Again blockchain makes sure only the owner in real life has the blade ingame.

Note: These knives would have similar stats to existing weapons, they won't be anything imba.

I had a similar idea when L2 came out. Imprint each item crafted by a dwarf with his name. This way every item created could be tracked. Certain crafters could gain status. But it required a small different approach. Have special abilities added. But anyway. You are still dealing with in game money. Calling it block-chain or crypto changes nothing.

And once you do that you loose the trust of real die hard players.

The only Crypto involved ingame would be a few cents in Crypto required for transactions to register characters and items on the blockchain.

Your own words betray you. What you are suggesting is a cost to even register a character.

Just to be clear registering characters or items on the blockchain is optional, it is not required to play.

I like your idea with crafters, that is interesting and something I had not thought about.

Then I wish you good luck sir. And next time put the optional in, Not having said it makes it sound mandatory.

But you are still allowing micro transactions which still sours the taste. Everyone here is tired of corrupt gms and admins.

Not saying you are one, but the track record is dismal with money involved. And especially if the server funds are at risk.