DayZ is about just survive, and making your own story along the way, so why not give players more to gain and lose than just loot? Something to acknowledge time alive in game is one idea, this could be simple, but what would be ideal is a handful of progressive stats, perhaps a few character levels of stamina, or carry strength, or resistance to cold, that can be leveled up during character use during play time. Creates a deeper attachment to the character and reason to survive, and not drop loot in a bush and run back to it with a fresh character.