Bored at work, this will be full of holes, so let us talk them out?
Basic premise is a sim world (Outerra) where just about everything in a combat sim game you could want, is there.
Each vehicle is designed by an indie developer/s, and sold to the players for real money to use in game, but prior, is reviewed by the main developing company, whom take a % of the sale.
Mining discoveries are announced all over the world and its up to the players to crate factions and mine it for game currency.
Here is the rough guide, and idea. Please don't start shooting to kill just yet, i'd prefer to start discussion on issues as they come, and develop slowly from there.