Let's talk about competitions

posted on January 9th, 2010, 5:17 am

Yes, Let's.

So a ways back, there was talk about incentives to entice competitive players, and there was talk of rankings, etc. etc.  And then someone said "Hey, let's do a competition!"  But saying let's run a competition and actually running one are two different things.  So this thread is dedicated to figuring out the structure of another competition, similar to eufnoc's that's still sticked after years of neglect.

I'm kind of doing this because I remember Baron's competition thing caught a lot of flack for being impromtu.  That wasn't his fault, mainly some people were just trying to start a fight, but this way everyone can be heard, and ideas can be thought up.

So ask any questions you may have as to what we should have in a competition.  I'll share some questions to show you what I mean.


Should the competitions be 1v1, or should there be teams?  If there are teams, does Dominus have to play two games at the same time, since everyone will pick him?   I assume with 1v1 the coordinator will set up a list and people will go against someone randomly or something.  So who's the coordinator?  I really don't want to be, because I think I'll be too busy.  So if you've been looking for your niche in FO, this could be it.  

Also, it would be cool to always have Yandonman present at the games so he can record them.  That way everyone can see the games, like they were watching the Olympics or something.  Plus any fouls or disqualifying exploits can be recorded.

What kind of rewards should there be?  Should there be any rewards?  If there are, I was thinking along the lines of another game with the developers, or Zeich emails you an autographed picture of one of his ships.  We'd pm them of course if we're serious about it, and make sure that's something they'd be willing to do.  Also, it would be cool to see some of the devs join the competition if they wanted.

How long after the patch should we hold it so that people can get used to the new system?
Should people be able to choose their own race or should they random? 

People who aren't as competitive or are new players, should there be a separate competition for them?  Sort of a newbie tournament?

Also, we'll probably have a list of things that are banned, if they're too powerful.

So as you can see, some of these are very open-ended.  I think I've got more questions rattling in my brain, I'll post them later if someone hasn't brought them up.  But these are the kinds of questions and ideas I'm looking for us to decide.

posted on January 9th, 2010, 5:36 am

I think we should have 1v1 and 2v2 competitions, that way those who want to participate in each, can.

Depending on the new balance, ideally it would be nice for people to random, but I understand that not everybody tests out each faction (some people don't test them out ever...) so perhaps choice is in order 

I'll edit some more suggestions in tomorrow when my brain isn't as fuzzy. Excellent ideas though

posted on January 9th, 2010, 6:42 am

thumbs up on the idea.

Logistically, you're going to need at least two more people with ability to record and high availability. (scheduling 3 people to be on at the same time across multiple time zones is going to be challenging)



Idea (not sure if it's good or not): Have a $5 entry fee (PayPal to a trusted person). Pony up some prizes, make the competition a little more fierce.

posted on January 9th, 2010, 7:28 am

Nice ideas.  Well, if anyone else has video recording abilities, and are willing to record some games, please post.  You don't have be a hip announcer, like yandonman, but can do whatever you like.

The money could be interesting.  If there were say, 10 people, that's $50.  Some of that money could go to fleet operations, and the rest goes toward getting fraps for the winner or something.  Not all of us have pay pal accounts, though.  I've been meaning to donate, so I'll be getting one soon.

posted on January 9th, 2010, 9:31 am

I have Fraps, and a good connection and and good computer, i can record the games i watch... availability depends on when the comp is.