Clearly with the project five years into development, ZOS has an idea (we would hope) of how they want their structured PvP to work and how it should function.

Now, just to make this assertion clear before I continue, I generally do not like structured/instanced PvP in the slightest as it generally harms world PvP (the more important form imo) and typically becomes a game about certain "OP" classes and certain group builds. This of course makes it less fun as certain classes generally dictate who wins.

Not to mention structured/instanced PvP tends to be more of a restrictive esport and is less immersive, dynamic and enjoyable than just regular, open PvP.

With all that understood however, I do believe ESO's structured/instanced PvP could truly bring something new and refreshing to the table if ZOS pays attention to how the Arena was implemented in Oblivion.

I really believe Oblivion's Arena essentially had all the elements an MMO would need to build a truly immersive, impactful, and exciting structured experience.

Players could start out in catacombs below the Colosseum just as we did in Oblivion when preparing for a match. This could essentially be a lobby where players could choose weapons, armor, class templates, and other tools to help them in their gladiatorial battle.

From here players could build teams of 1v1, 2v2, 5v5, etc. to place them into different categories and different branches against other players. With ESO's new combat system, strategy and tactics-based combat would fit perfectly as players would have to work together to defeat their opponents.

Whichever side is performing better can receive positive praise and potentially a morale boost from the crowd (another way of using finesse perhaps). Other players could also join in the crowd and spectate in matches. These spectators could further gamble on teams, just like in Oblivion, and place their coin in hopes of returning a profit.

Those who participate in the Arena could further move themselves up the ranks and obtain perks and special gear for their achievements and accomplishments. These players could also be revered by NPCs in towns for their reputation and truly bring more immersion to the experience.

I personally believe this would be an effective way of offering the instanced PvP for those who want it. But it would also make the experience more compelling than most esports/structured PvP systems, and would make it much more immersive and contiguous with the world.

Thoughts and concerns on the idea? Feel free to post with comments.