Episode 120: A Dejota Conversation
The People's Guild: A Splinterlands Podcast
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Welcome back to the People's Guild. The bus rolls back into California, USA to sit down with one of our favorite community members & one of the prominent names on X/Twitter, 
We discuss the success of the TPG challenge and the potential impact of X on the upcoming bull run, with a focus on the importance of social media in reaching new people. We also explore the idea of introducing land giants and rare variants into the game, and the need for a more accessible, beginner-friendly version of the game. Lastly, we talk to the upcoming Conclave Arcana set, the potential impact of card releases on sales, and the potential of a new card, Heloise.
Enjoy the show!
TPG Challenge, X, and Community Impact
In the meeting, Bjangles and Hepthorn welcomed DJ to the show and discussed the success of the TPG challenge, which had 20 submissions and a prize pool of 3K SPS and Chaos Legion packs. DJ shared his experience with X, formerly known as Twitter, and how he uses it to amplify community conversations and opinions. He also mentioned his involvement in other crypto projects and how he sees Splinterlands as a responsibility to the community. The conversation then shifted to the importance of social media in reaching new people and the potential impact of X in the upcoming bull run. Finally, they discussed DJ's creative contributions to the community, including his land giant idea.
Chaos Legion Card Set Revamp
Bjangles and DJ discussed the potential of a new idea to provide ongoing utility for the Chaos Legion card set, which is currently facing a decline in value. DJ proposed the idea of creating 5 to 6 special promo cards, known as land giants, that would give bonuses to land plots when placed on them. This idea was well-received by other stakeholders, including Cryptomancer, who suggested some modifications. However, DJ expressed concerns about the feasibility of the idea, particularly in terms of the math and data involved. The team also discussed the potential impact of the upcoming Conclave Arcana on the game and the market. The idea of a "hardcore mode" was also brought up, but it was not fully explored in the meeting.
Introducing Land Giants and Marketing Strategies
DJ, Hepthorn, and Bjangles discussed the potential of introducing land giants and rare variants into the game. DJ expressed interest in reconsidering the idea, especially if it could be tied to the team's salary. Hepthorn suggested that the mechanic could be reused for future events, and DJ agreed, noting the potential for unlimited variations. The team also discussed the need for better marketing strategies, with DJ suggesting a more grassroots approach and BJangles expressing excitement for Blaze's new role in marketing. The conversation ended with a discussion on the complexity of the game's product, with Bjangles noting the need to market it successfully to a niche crypto community.
Balancing Complexity and New Player Access
Bjangles, DJ, and Hepthorn discussed the complexity of Splinterlands and its potential impact on new players. They agreed that the game's complexity, while keeping veteran players engaged, might deter new players. They suggested the need for a more accessible, beginner-friendly version of the game, possibly with a separate new player experience. They also discussed the importance of understanding card abilities and the potential for a simplified tutorial or game mode for new players. The team acknowledged the game's depth and the need for a balance between complexity and accessibility.
Strategies and Team Building in Game
The team discussed various strategies for playing the game, focusing on rule sets and abilities. They considered the impact of different rule sets on their team compositions and the importance of abilities in winning matches. They also discussed the potential for a more intuitive team-building approach, where players could select cards and see the available summoners, and the idea of hints or highlights for specific cards in certain rule sets. The team also shared their experiences of searching for specific abilities during matches and expressed their desire for a more user-friendly interface.
Conclave Arcana Release Timing Concerns
DJ expresses concern about the timing of Conclave Arcana's release, scheduled for late April. He worries about the gap between Rebellion's release in November/December and the new set's availability, potentially missing out on marketing opportunities and new player acquisitions during a possible crypto market upswing. DJ suggests breaking the new core set into multiple parts to bridge this gap. He also emphasizes the importance of observing how Chaos Legion's move to Wild format affects Modern gameplay, rewards, and league setups, particularly for players who struggled with the previous system.
Managing Rebellion Packs and Market Impact
The team discussed the management of nearly a million packs of cards, specifically the Rebellion packs, which are currently in the Dow. They debated the best strategy for selling these packs, considering the potential impact on the market and the dissatisfaction of those who bought the packs to speculate. The team agreed that a plan should be in place before the next set, Conclave Arcana, goes on sale. They also discussed the possibility of the DAO operating as a free market seller, but acknowledged the challenges and potential backlash this could cause. The team concluded that a clear plan for the Rebellion packs should be established within the next six weeks to set a precedent for future sales.
Conclave Arcana Set and Pack Types
In the meeting, the participants discuss the upcoming Conclave Arcana set and the different pack types that will be available for purchase. Bjangles highlights that there will be a $1 starter pack with common and rare cards, in addition to more expensive legendary packs. DJ expresses excitement about the $1 pack option as an affordable way for players to open packs. The group also considers strategies for building decks for the new set, with Hepthorn noting the high prices of Rebellion cards have made it difficult to complete his deck. Additionally, they discuss the potential for new common summoner cards to be introduced.
Card Releases and Auction House Impact
The team discussed the upcoming card releases and their potential impact on sales. They noted that the next batch of cards might be the inverse of the current ones, with synergies being a focus. They also discussed the upcoming auction card and its potential to cannibalize sales from the promo cards. The team agreed that the auction card should be released closer to the release of the next set, rather than concurrently with the promo cards. They also discussed the upcoming promo cards, including Riclaunimen, and the potential for synergies between cards. The team also discussed the timing of the auction house opening and the bidding process.
Exploring Hello East's Versatile Potential
DJ, Bjangles, and Hepthorn discussed the potential of a new card, Heloise the Hollow, and its abilities. They agreed that the card is versatile and could be paired with various summoners, such as Cryptic, Tofu, and Lorkus, to create powerful combinations. However, they also noted that the card's taunt ability could be a debilitation, especially with its slow speed. They considered various strategies, such as using double taunt or pairing it with an armor-piercing fire summoner. The group also discussed the potential value of the card, with Bjangles speculating that it might not go for under $500 for a regular foil. The conversation ended with the group excited about the card's potential but also acknowledging its limitations.
Conclave Arcana Set Sales and Impact
DJ, Bjangles, and Hepthorn discussed the upcoming sales of the Conclave Arcana set and the potential impact on the market. They agreed that the set's inclusion in the Arcana Conclave promo auction might cannibalize sales, but also acknowledged the potential benefits for Rebellion card holders. They also discussed the cost of repairing and upgrading wagons, with some expressing dissatisfaction with the current system. The team also looked forward to the TPG challenge and the Dominion set. DJ shared his plans to snipe Rebellion cards and his hope for the sales to go well. The conversation ended with the team expressing their appreciation for the discussion and looking forward to future interactions.
