So, first of all I'll start by saying I'm not sure if this is financially or logistically viable with the current resources available to the admin staff; so if it isn't feasible, gladly shoot me down - if not, hear me out!

Unquestionably, this game has changed so much over the years that it's scarcely comparable to the original incarnation of mafiareturns that existed as an homage to mafia.org. Mostly, I'd say the change has been overwhelmingly positive.

For a start, there is just much more to 'do' now. Choices are no longer limited to petty, felony, wack. You've now got two different attack timers, OC's, DFP's, CA's, graverobbing, HQ attacking, Casinos...etc etc. There really is so much more to the game and it's evolved into something that can challenge games that offer the 'clickmonkey' experience, whilst still retaining a lot of focus on the forums and the written aspect of the game.

In addition, the credit system has ensured that the game generates much more revenue, whilst still ensuring that you are rewarded for hard work and can't just 'buy' success.

However, the side effect of this is that accounts last much longer, partially due to the influx of real life money that people invest and partly due to features and the game style that leans towards a longer term playing field. Whether this is a good or a bad thing is a cyclical debate, what I'd say personally is that it comes down to preference.

I'm not suggesting a step backward to the times when account lives are much shorter, the features less expansive and gameplay was generally more turbulent as unquestionably the game has moved to far in another direction for this to be the case.

What I would suggest, though, is to have an option to play the game in this manner. If the resources are there, I would love to see a 'server' (I'm not sure if this is the right term) dedicated to a mafiareturns where BG's were maxed at 10, guns were much more potent, features were less expansive and account turnover was much higher.

I think, ultimately, many online communities have proved that there's definitely a call for this kind of thing; the most noticeable example being Travian where the speed servers are just as immersive, exciting and enjoyable as the 'regular' game model.

Would this place undue stress on both the staff and the servers/bandwidth themselves? I dunno. Would anyone else actually be interested in something like this bar a few old romantics? I dunno - but that's why I'd love to hear yer feedback!

Modfather out.

I suggested something similar a few years ago and received a similar response from Squishy.

Would be nice to see down this line if it became feasible.

I'm not sure I'd be in favor of splitting up the entire community. The biggest reason this game thrives so much is the community and the players bonding in the way they do. Were the game to split, then the only way some people would get to know the other players or get the chance to talk to old friends is by irc or some other form of communication outside of the game. Not everyone uses the chat feature. I really don't see how splitting the game would be a good thing, except for those that want to play the game differently.

I actually think this would be a great idea, especially for those that want to "take a break" they can have a bit of fun on the speed server till they want to go for a serious long term account. Could also provide fun for those at the top but are bored with the monotony of the day to day stuff, and I'm sure most of you know how complacent the settled in godfathers can get.

@ Squishy, perfectly understandable. I wouldn't want to make any suggestion that would adversely affect either the active userbase or the funds the game has without offering a definite improvement and advantage; but as long as it's something that we can put on ice and look at the discussion in the future, I'm happy with that.

@ Cassi, I can see where you're coming from - but following on from what Squishy's said. In the future, were the userbase bigger, splitting the community I don't think would have such an adverse effect. Even now, were the game in a position to make this change, things like the OOC forum, outside forum and even the business district forum could easily be forums to cover both game 'servers', whilst the street forums would remain independent to their servers.