I think that in addition to the rules of the forum (which should be kept), there could be some mechanics to encourage users to make more constructive posts and comments. These wouldn't be rules that users are expected to follow at all times (and will face consequences if they don't), but something "more like guidelines than actual rules". A kind of half measure that encourages users to be more constructive, without limiting their freedom of expression.
Some ideas that I think could make the forum more productive and easier to navigate:
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Some guidance notes or a template on how to write a constructive post. e.g. breaking down post into "Your experience as a player:...", "Suggested change:...", "Expected/ desired outcome:...".
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Replacing (or adding to) the upvote mechanic with a positive flagging system - so rather than just upvoting posts because you agree with them, you could flag them as "helpful to players", "well explained", "innovative", "good ideas", "constructive", "helpful to moderators" etc. etc.
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Suggested things to avoid - These wouldn't be hard rules that mustn't be broken, but just things that are unlikely to lead to a productive discussion, and maybe suggestions for how to rephrase them or provide context such as.
- Claiming to speak for the majority - e.g. making claims that "No one wants...", "Everyone hates...", "Most players don't..." etc.
- Unwelcome topics that are likely to be immediately locked (e.g. asking for restrictions to be removed on safer seas, asking for return of arena).
- Doom-mongering and sweeping statements (e.g. "The game is dying", "The devs don't care")
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Include topic flags to make searching and filtering posts easier - e.g. Safer seas, controller/ kbm QOL changes, the pvpve nature of the game, weapon loadouts/ mechanics, new content/ stories, hourglass changes, cosmetics, etc. etc. I think this would make the forum easier to search and filter and reduce the likelihood of duplicate posts.
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Have a glossary that explains the context and history of common terms and phrases in relation to the game. I think this would make the forum more accessible both to newcomers and people who struggle to interpret things from context.
