We all know that including those features in a game would be cool but the way other MMOs include them stops us from thinking that way.
Instanced gladiator arenas that harm other types of PvP, auction houses that work like 1000 mini-auctions which removes social aspect of trading. Both of these ways are too artificial and feel un-sandboxish as its more like "content" that devs expect players to use, not "features" that add to the world more life IMO.
So here goes my suggestion: We could have arenas and auction halls built in cities, which wouldnt be instanced, but more like if there's a fight at the arena - there's only 1 fight, same with auction houses.
Players could register for a fight, challenge someone, wager his stuff. Tournaments could be organized with entrance fees, etc. Maybe arena owners could make profit of it. Spectators in arenas could place bets for players or teams etc. Something similar like horse races we spectate in real world. That way scheludes of arenas could be formed, and players could check what time there's certain fight, as there cant be 2 fights in single arena(cuz its not instanced). Maybe they would place a bet or join in..
Something similar would go for auction houses. In towns we could have special halls for players to rent and hold actual auctions. Player would rent it for certain amount of set time, pick items he wants to sell and starting bids for them.
That way the timetable of auction house would be formed and players could check auction holding times and items being sold. A perfect way to sell rare items, that everyone wants imo
I think features like that would be very social in comparison to WoW style auction houses and gladiator arenas.
Thoughts?