I don’t think Funcom can really keep developing the game’s features at a decent pace especially if the team is working on stuff like increasing map size.
I think it is time to open up the game to modders more. For example, NPC AI code so that modders can do everything from creating new emotes to AI behavior. (A thrall guard on patrol for example).
Allowing for modders and admins to more easily create adventures for their players. Some ideas
*NPC dialogue
*Chained events
*Branched dialogue
*Admin directed purge type system. Imagine a server admin more like a Dungeon Master.
Look to existing mods for ideas.
So Funcom creates the foundation of the game and allow players to more fully inhabit it. Giving Modders and Admins more control allows to meet the needs of all types of playing styles.
There is a ton of potential but the reality is if Funcom insists on maintaining a lot of control, they won’t be able to adapt quick enough. They still need to expand the game and fix bugs.
Create a GECK like dev/mod kit like from Fallout 4.
Modders can worry about pets. Funcom’s dev team can worry about making the world itself.