Here is a plan that it is now time to share to collect opinions.
Step 1:
-Reservation of numbers 1 to 10 for game purposes (current IDs within this range will be restructured)
Any character IDs with this number will receive a new number at the 20k-30k range.
Step 2:
-Numbers 11 to 9999 reserved for long-term players that want to switch to a lower number. Any active players with a number of 11 to 9999 will keep their number. The inactive ones, will be moved in the 20k-30k range. We want to respect long term players and this is why give them higher priority if they want a new id from the numbers pool.
So, the ability to change ID will be locked for a few days, according to your ID.
This table can be used:
1st day - Choosing unlocks for all numbers till 10k (If your current number is 10,000 or lower, you will be able to select a new ID).
2nd day - For all numbers above 20k
3rd day - Above 30k
4th day - Above 40k
5th day - Above 50k
6th day - Above 60k
We also want to allow you to trade IDs with other players. This will be possible indirectly. Let's say that I want the ID #45 but it has been taken by Captain Dungeness (who happened to pick before me). I can then message him and arrange a price (in credits). He will then receive the credits, and switch to another ID. This way, the empty ID will be open for the taking. There will be no mechanics to ensure this though. You will just need to communicate well and be fast. The only thing we can do, it to guarantee that there will be no fraud. If you arrange a price and the player does not moves out of the ID, we will recover the credits you sent. This is also important to facilitate future players that will want a better number and will find it important.
There will also be a cost to change ID in credits, paid to the game. This cost is important as a username change and ID change will allow the player to conceal his old identity. This powerful ability should be limited and this is why it must come with a cost.
We cannot use the Hideout model or the Username model because we want to allow trading of IDs without time or extra cost obstacles. Therefore a fixed price should be used. We are open to suggestions on the cost.
Step 3:
-A grace period will be then given. During this time no further changes will be issued. However, players will be normally be able to change their numbers to one of the 11-20,000 range.
Step 4:
-Restructuring of all remaining IDs beyond 30 in the 20k-30k range. Active players that have not chosen an ID at the 11-9999 range will automatically get a new number at the 20k-30k range as well.
Step 5:
-All new players will start with a character ID of 40,001+
Why?
-First, because it will allow long-term players to use a more handy number. A number that will also like in some way (at least the early pickers).
-Secondly, because we currently have 12k characters and new players start with a number around 60k. This also means that we are only about 40k number away from a 6digit character id which will look bad.
-The design above, will allow us to flush again in the future, into the 30k-40k range any new players (inactive mostly) and start again newcomers from 40K. This will ensure that we will remain at the 5digit character ID for a long time.
-Finally, I already mentioned that this will be a way to make a fresh start in the game without the need of creating a new account and with the ability to keep all your current assets.