Episode 143: A DaveMcCoy Conversation
The People's Guild: A Splinterlands Podcast
Check us out on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & anywhere else you may get your podcasts
Welcome back to The People’s Guild — and a big welcome back to @davemccoy, joining us for another deep dive into the future of Splinterlands.
In this episode, we explore the new Frontier Format, Survival’s growing pains and what it’ll take to make these formats fun, rewarding and sustainable. Dave shares insights on community-driven development, potential bracket revamps and why early feedback is key to getting things right.
If you care about gameplay, governance or the road ahead — this one’s for you.
Enjoy the show!
New Raffle-Based Game Mode Mechanics
Dave McCoy explained the mechanics of a new game mode where players can earn raffle tickets through gameplay, card burning, and staking, with 76 prizes awarded weekly based on player participation. Bjangles noted this serves as a testing ground for potential mechanics in the main game, particularly regarding card staking and its impact on the rental and card markets. Dave predicted the mode would attract a broader player base than expected, as it reintroduces elements like winning cards in battles that were popular in earlier game phases. The group discussed the upcoming launch of a new mode on Tuesday, with final touches already applied to the test server.
Survival Mode Revamp: Challenges and Solutions
The group explored the possibility of implementing mustache skins and other cosmetic items, though specific timelines and details were still being worked out. Dave McCoy emphasized that any changes to the survival mode would require a 2/3 majority vote from the community, as the group cannot spend any more resources on it. The group also discussed the importance of making the mode fun, with Vugtis previously emphasizing this point. Bjangles suggested the idea of implementing brackets, which Dave McCoy agreed could be a viable solution if it gains enough community support.
More Survival Mode
Dave McCoy discussed the challenges and potential solutions for the survival mode in the game, highlighting issues with liquidity bots and player engagement. He proposed introducing a bracket system to cater to different player preferences and improve match-making, which Fat Jimmy and Bjangles found promising. The group debated the value and cost of maintaining survival mode, with Fat Jimmy questioning whether it was worth the investment given the current participation and rewards. They also considered testing new modes without using SPS and explored the possibility of including non-SPS rewards to increase accessibility and fun.
Survival Mode Development Concerns
The group discussed concerns about the rushed development of survival mode and the need for more community input before making major changes. They explored options like extending the timeline, cutting rewards, and adding brackets, with Dave McCoy emphasizing that incremental changes to survival mode would be easier than creating a new mode. Bjangles suggested an iterative approach to development, allowing time for community feedback and testing. The group agreed that the DAO should come to a consensus on these changes, potentially through a poll or proposal, before proceeding with development.
Survival Mode Bracket System Overhaul
The group discussed implementing a new bracket system for Survival Mode, with Dave McCoy explaining that while more complex systems would require more development time, they could be iteratively developed. Bjangles proposed a March Madness-style bracket system where players could lose cards after each match, while Dave McCoy suggested exploring various variables including summoner caps, card levels, and different reward systems. The discussion highlighted the importance of preserving card value for players, with McCoy noting that some players want a mode where even retired Modern cards remain valuable. The group agreed that Survival Mode could serve as a testing ground for different bracket configurations, with the potential to expand successful concepts into new tournament modes.
Quantum Splinterlands and Community Engagement
The group discussed the new quantum computing approach and survival mode, with FatJimmy explaining that supply chain delays until August 5th prevent him from taking on additional work. Bjangles suggested centralizing the sentiment around cutting rewards in half to buy more time, which Dave McCoy supported, noting that community leaders need to reach out to people who might be skeptical about the changes. The group called out the weekly Team Possible meetings every Sunday through Discord, and Dave McCoy emphasized the importance of individual leaders working together to address community concerns.
Welcome to the People's Guild
We love hearing the stories that make this community special.
Whether you're a seasoned vet or just getting started, if you've got insights, feedback, epic battles, or just want to say hey, don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can find us at 📬 thepeoplesguildspl@gmail.com or Twitter.
Join the conversation on The People’s Guild Discord
and the Team Possible Weekly Chat.
Join us in our Splinterlands journey by creating your own battle mage!
We love hearing the stories that make this community special.
Whether you're a seasoned vet or just getting started, if you've got insights, feedback, epic battles, or just want to say hey, don’t hesitate to reach out.
You can find us at 📬 thepeoplesguildspl@gmail.com or Twitter.
Join the conversation on The People’s Guild Discord
and the Team Possible Weekly Chat.
Join us in our Splinterlands journey by creating your own battle mage!