Battlefield 4 HVT Suggestions and Thoughts

The addition of the HVT (high value target) system in BF4 adds an exciting new dynamic to the battlefield. Commanders now have the ability to designate a player on the opposing team as an HVT. When an HVT is marked a persistent 45 second beacon is placed on the chest of the opponent.

Currently, this beacon can be seen through walls and reveals the exact location of the HVT.  While a player is marked as HVT they will get a bonus for each kill they achieve. Likewise, if a player on the opposing team will get a bonus for killing the HVT.

Overall the HVT is a good concept that adds a rewarding dynamic to the game, both for the HVT and the opposing team in principle, but placing a beacon on the player that reveals his exact location is taking it too far. The current system is no more than a way to punish players that are performing well, or for commanders to harass a player.

Perhaps a better way to implement the HVT tagging system would be that the HVT beacon only shows up when spotted by the enemy, in the same manner the squad leader is designated with a star when spotted.

Another alternative, or in addition to the above, is that if the HVT breaks line of sight and is no longer in range of any of the spotting devices (tugs, mav, suav, drones, etc.), an area marker would show on the map instead. This maker on the map would show up as a radius of his approximate whereabouts.

Since the persistent beacon would no longer be in effect, when the HVT is designated it should be communicated if he is in a vehicle and what type of vehicle he is using. This could be done by the commander communicating to his team in the same manner supplies are dropped by using a voice over.

There also needs to be an award system implemented for being designated as the HVT or for getting kills as the HVT or both. Personally, I think the award should be for kills as the HVT. Get 4 kills as the HVT and you score a ribbon. I say 4 because it is the same requirement for melee kills. Acquire 50 ribbons and a medal should be awarded.