As we see a rise in power from the underground side of the game, this article will look at the current state of affairs. Are the most recent shootings by the Brothers outfit that unrealistic in their proposed aims? Are we now seeing an increasing number of users joining crews for fear of out-of-crew and potential underground culls? What is so attractive about being underground? What are the benefits of being in a crew? I take my own slant on these questions in this weeks edition. But that's not all we want to hear. I want to hear all of your thoughts too, the space below for replies is calling your names! But for now, on with the article!
So, in recent weeks we saw the emergence of a new underground crew known as Brothers. The legitimacy of this group was subject to widespread speculation, however in the interview they provided the Buzz they claimed their aim was to see all users joining Statistics based crews, in a shift away from allowing underground crews such as Asura and The Family to constantly go about mass culls on crew-less players. Now at the time, this seemed like a ludicrous and perhaps even silly proposal. However, it has to be said and can be seen by many, that recent times have seen many more users join the ranks of Statistics based crews, perhaps in a bid to preserve their accounts and be allowed the opportunity to enjoy the game more freely. Leading the way are crews such as The Sacred Empire, Enemy of The State and JAIL in their member counts.
Now, not only does this present less potential targets for crew-less account mass killings, but it also increases the power that the Statistics based crews have. The strength of groups such as JAIL, a crew whos' members are largely above the rank of Godfather and continue to plow through the ranks like a fresh field, is ever increasing. Where we only see the occasional glimmer of members from the underground unknown entities such as The Family and Asura, the presence of some Statistics based crews at this point is ever-growing. Despite the fact that many underground groups may have a stranglehold on resources within the game, there is also strength found in numbers, and those numbers where the Statistics are concerned are ever-increasing!
But why have we seen a shift of power to the underground? In all honesty, it has become more apparent over the last round or two, but underground power has always been present. The appeals are there for all to see. You, while you control the safe list that is, are able to build up an account in relative peace and safety and take action from said account at a point when you feel fit. This account is untraceable compared to Statistics based crews accounts, as you disappear into the shadows of the users online list and become largely unnoticed. Contrast this with the visible nature of the crews on the Statistics and you can begin to see the appeal. However, we have recently, especially of late, seen many underground crews hiding their accounts within Statistics crews till they are ready to shoot. This is a highlight of two things. One, the sanctity of certain crews on the Statistics at present. Two, the unsafe nature of being out of crews, as groups who fight groups such as Asura and The Family now seem to sprout quicker than the weeds in your garden and provide constant resistance on a weekly basis.
Are we seeing a shift of power back towards the Statistics? Will the updates that we so keenly await set this power-shift in stone? Is the underground faltering? You've heard what I think and now I want to hear your opinions! Please also take the time to partake in the next Community Picks topic which will appear in the Game Forum shortly after this issue is published, to get your suggestions for an article across to me.
