[TomatoChunks]

Increase the number of ways to make money through new businesses. Berry farming and alcohol production is tedious and really boring. Add a system like GTA 5 Online where players can invest in various drug or gun businesses. They would have the option to purchase these businesses, buy or collect supplies for them, and wait for the product to be produced. Once the product is ready, players can transport it across the map and sell it to an NPC.

You could implement this by allowing players to "purchase" Arlington Farm through an NPC real estate agent for let's say 500k. Next, they would need to buy supplies or collect them for poppy farming, which would be used to make heroin, for an additional 25k. Following this, a 6-hour timer would start, allowing players to return later to collect their poppies. You could also have different tiers, making the process longer and more expensive to not only have the farm produce poppies, but also turn it into heroin. A risk-reward mechanic where production can fail based on random events would add some unpredictability which would be cool as well as periodic events and challenges that could affect business operations. For example, a sudden police raid, rival gang attack, or supply chain disruption could keep things dynamic and exciting. Random unforeseen maintenance costs could be added as well. Also, instead of limiting farm ownership to a single player, you could allow as many people that have the money to buy it. Essentially, players would not be buying the physical farm but rather the ability to use it as a virtual drug production site, sort of like how the garage works.

Alternatively, you might consider the creation of multiple similar businesses scattered across the map, but with only one owner allowed for each. This would make people/groups fight for control over these profitable businesses. When the product is ready for collection, a broadcast message could notify all players that you will be transporting the drugs. Cops would then have the opportunity to intercept you before reaching the sell point, whether it is the airport, end of a river, or any other location. A boat, plane, or some other getaway vehicle would be waiting there next to an NPC that you would sell to, making you 50k. Make the process of transporting and selling product interactive and challenging. Create varying routes with different levels of risk and reward, forcing players to plan strategically.

This would not have to be limited to just illegal businesses though. There could be legal ones too which would carry less risk but then also generate less money for the owner, like a trucking company or paper mill. You can offer upgrades for the businesses that can improve efficiency, security, or capacity.

Obviously, the specific numbers and locations can be changed, but I think that adding a feature like this would be a valuable addition to RP and help to maintain and increase the player base. People would want to log in everyday to collect and sell their product. It would enhance the gameplay experience by encouraging players to actually save money rather than blowing it all on dumb things. Once you have 250k you can pretty much do whatever you want and never worry about money again so adding incentives to actually save and try to make more money would be nice.