All other factors aside, shortening the timer will not encourage engagement, here is how the flag game is played by those who are after the points...
Check ?Jackpot. Check !flags. Check ?flags.
Begin to collect free flags described by !flags. Upon reaching the last free but before picking it up check ?flags again. If someone else you think is after the flags is carrying wait until they check !flags and come for it. As they approach grab the flag. Now you have more time then them. If its someone who will beat you, run away until they drop and begin spamming !flags so that as soon as they spawn you collect another one to reset your timer. Worst case scenario is that you also drop and can begin the above described cycle all over again. "If I cant have it, nobody will"
Again. Flag games are running games. Will not be changed. Unless its a strong frequency a lone flag carrier will use the above method every single time, you would have to make the flag timer borderline impossible to win to make it a killing game. With a shorter timer, a lower bty reset would actually be more of move in right direction then a higher one.
reset is 100 bty IIRC. <nm,90 corrected by axe>
And too be fair, there are a few players who more actively hunt down other flag carriers. But that is the exception, and even they resort to the 'Wait you out' method when countered by it.
Check ?Jackpot. Check !flags. Check ?flags.
Begin to collect free flags described by !flags. Upon reaching the last free but before picking it up check ?flags again. If someone else you think is after the flags is carrying wait until they check !flags and come for it. As they approach grab the flag. Now you have more time then them. If its someone who will beat you, run away until they drop and begin spamming !flags so that as soon as they spawn you collect another one to reset your timer. Worst case scenario is that you also drop and can begin the above described cycle all over again. "If I cant have it, nobody will"
Again. Flag games are running games. Will not be changed. Unless its a strong frequency a lone flag carrier will use the above method every single time, you would have to make the flag timer borderline impossible to win to make it a killing game. With a shorter timer, a lower bty reset would actually be more of move in right direction then a higher one.
reset is 100 bty IIRC. <nm,90 corrected by axe>
And too be fair, there are a few players who more actively hunt down other flag carriers. But that is the exception, and even they resort to the 'Wait you out' method when countered by it.