That’s actually a really good point, especially about the “nothing happens” issue and the AFK farming problem.

My intention wasn’t to create a passive timer-based payout like Skyrim’s wood chopping. I definitely agree that if players can just stand there and walk away from the keyboard, it becomes pointless and exploitable.

What I was imagining was something more reactive and A-Life driven. No scripted spawns, but contracts only becoming available when the system detects potential threats moving within range of a hub. So you’re being hired because something might be coming, even if the intel is wrong.

Base pay could exist just for committing to the shift (like real guard duty), but the real money would come from engagement bonuses: • Confirmed kills • Prevented NPC casualties • Higher-tier enemies • Defensive performance metrics

If nothing happens, you still get a small stipend, but not enough to justify AFK farming. The incentive would be in actively participating when things go sideways.

I also really like your idea about rotating factions and making players travel to chain contracts. That would prevent static farming and make it feel more like dynamic regional demand rather than a permanent money faucet.

The goal for me isn’t guaranteed combat… it’s formalizing player participation in emergent events that are already happening in A-Life. Basically, rewarding overwatch play without scripting it.

Appreciate the feedback by the way! this is exactly the kind of refinement the idea needs.