Under the Hood ft Keeegs | #2 DaveMcCoy
The People's Guild: A Splinterlands Podcast
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Welcome back to the People’s Guild.
This episode brings another installment of Under the Hood, the newest show under the TPG banner — hosted by 
In this conversation, Dave and Keeegs dive into the early foundation of a potential DAO constitutional framework — discussing how to protect the ecosystem, support DEC/SPS, and keep entry affordable for new players. They explore the idea of community representatives and voting delegation to better balance the needs of whales and smaller players. The discussion moves into proposal-process improvements, including draft phases, clearer communication, and how a standardized, recurring set-development contract could provide stability for both the DAO and the company.
All told, it’s a deep, detail-rich look at how the DAO, the team, and the community can continue building a healthier, more transparent governance and gameplay ecosystem.
Enjoy!
DAO Constitutional Framework Discussion
Dave and Keegs discussed the need for a constitutional framework for the DAO, focusing on protecting the ecosystem, supporting DEC and SPS, and ensuring affordable entry for new players. They explored the idea of voting delegation and community representatives to enhance engagement and decision-making processes, emphasizing the importance of balancing the interests of whales and smaller players. Dave highlighted the potential benefits of having representatives for different community groups, including entry-level players, to improve communication and decision-making.
DAO Proposal Process Improvements
Dave and The discussed improving the proposal process for the DAO. They explored ideas like having representatives for different groups, a draft proposal phase, and involving the DAO board in reviewing proposals. They agreed that better communication and education about DAO processes were needed. The conversation then shifted to the ongoing contract for set development, which The proposed as a way to provide more certainty and clarity for the team. They discussed the potential benefits of having regular income for DEC payouts and agreed it was worth further consideration.
Contract Process Standardization Discussion
The team discussed standardizing and formalizing the contract process for set development, including core components like main sets, reward cards, and voucher cards, while maintaining flexibility for additional features like alternate art skins. Dave and Keeegs agreed on a revenue-sharing model that would benefit both the DAO and the company, with a proposed 12-month release cycle to better align with tournament schedules and reduce peak demand periods. They discussed the possibility of including artist proofs and limited edition cards as part of the regular development process, with Dave expressing openness to most requests while noting that development priorities would need to be carefully managed.
Game Development and Community Balance
Dave emphasized the importance of careful consideration and slow implementation when making changes to the game to avoid community conflicts. He highlighted the need to balance different player groups' interests and priorities, while also acknowledging the challenges of keeping everyone satisfied with the frequent releases and updates. Dave expressed satisfaction with the current pace of game development and the variety of options available to players, while encouraging them to focus on their areas of interest rather than trying to excel in everything.
Success and Future Mechanics Discussion
Dave and Keeegs discussed the success of recent weekly draws, noting that several team members won. They talked about the positive engagement these draws generate and the infrastructure built over the past year that allows for more such mechanics in the future. Dave acknowledged the controversy around the conflict system and the black foils, explaining that the framework is in place and can be adjusted for future sets. They agreed to better communicate mechanics before set releases to avoid confusion. Dave also mentioned considering changes to repair costs and the distribution of wagons, with plans to find a balanced solution similar to previous compromises.
Valuing Constructive Community Feedback
Dave and Keeegs discussed feedback and community engagement. They agreed that constructive feedback, whether positive or negative, is valuable for improvement. Dave expressed excitement about upcoming solutions and praised Keeegs' leadership in the community. They also touched on the importance of providing feedback in multiple formats to accommodate different learning styles.
Grand Prix Tournament Rework Discussion
Dave and Keeegs discussed the success of the Grand Prix in showcasing the game to new players, despite the small player base of 6,000–7,000. They agreed on the need for a tournament rework, emphasizing collaboration among different groups to address issues and improve participation. Dave suggested allowing players to choose one tournament category per event to increase participation, while The questioned if this would actually lead to more engagement. They also touched on the challenges of balancing tournament formats and player expectations.
Tournament Format Diversity Plan
Dave and Keeegs discussed the need for a variety of tournament formats to cater to different player skill levels and preferences. They agreed to create a new "Christmas Spectacular" tournament with separate brackets for different league levels, with Dave betting The a deck that this format would increase participation. They also discussed the importance of maintaining both casual and competitive tournaments to accommodate all players.
Tournament Formats and Feature Updates
Dave and Keeegs discussed potential tournament formats, including skin giveaways and satellite-style qualifying systems, which could increase engagement and content opportunities. Dave shared updates on upcoming features like "missions" and the significance of the survival mode rework, emphasizing its potential as a versatile tool. They also touched on the importance of maintaining transparency about future projects while ensuring credibility, and Dave expressed appreciation for Keeegs' community involvement and leadership.
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