So, I was boredly looking around and I found this article from when Glitch first went into Alpha. Long time ago, I know, but some of stoot's ideas for the game back then interested me, especially this one:
At its core, Glitch is a social game in which players must learn how to find and grow resources, identify and build community and, at the higher levels of the game, proselytize to those around them. For those expecting warfare of the orc versus mage kind, perhaps it might be best to reset your expectations. "Rather than you and me fighting each other with swords," Butterfield explained, "it could be you and me having rival religious factions battling each other for converts."
I'm sure the plans have changed over time, but the element of allegiance to a particular Giant, and competing with the followers of other Giants for converts (new players as well as those who change allegiances) would add more purpose to the game. It would give us a task that would never be finished, to keep us interested in the game.
What do you think?
Edit: Maybe following a particular Giant could lead to specialization in that Giant's skills. Mabbites, for example, would receive some bonus in Soil Appreciation, Croppery, and Herbalism. Perhaps they would also receive a lesser bonus in the skills for which their Giant is the secondary Giant.
I'm thinking that new players would play unspecified for a while, until say level 11, to allow them to get to know the game before making a choice. They'd also have to have finished the donate to every Giant quest before picking. Then, there would be a certain amount of time before people could switch allegiances, so that people wouldn't abuse the skill bonuses.
It would be a challenge to make sure that the followings didn't become cliques, but I think it could be managed. In real life, don't we have friends across religions?
Also, the Giants could have more of an active role in the game, perhaps each one granting unique rewards to their followers.