Hi Shadow Era Community! The PFG4 will be starting soon and it's time for recruitment!
Please read the FAQ below if you are interested!
What is the PFG4?
The 4th Players' Focus Group (PFG4) is a group of dedicated Shadow Era players from the community who will be given early access to the next set of Shadow Era to ensure its balance and quality is as high as possible.
Who leads the PFG?
Starval leads the PFG, reporting to the Head TCG Designer, Gondorian. Starval will be present at each Design Team meeting relating to set 4, representing the collective voice of the entire PFG. As part of that, he will be tasked with getting the best from his fellow PFG members, to ensure we on the Design Team get great quality feedback from you. He's also your first point of contact if you have run into any problems within the PFG. He will then escalate any issues up to Gondorian, as required.
What do PFG4 members do exactly?
They play with the new cards as if they had just gotten them as a released and balanced set. Either for competition or for fun, members will play the game to get a feel for how the new cards impact the game, the meta, etc. They will also be expected to complete tasks or assignments given to them to ensure broad coverage of the playing space. They will then provide feedback based on what they experienced to the Design Team.
Why is that helpful?
It allows the Design Team and Wulven to get an overall feeling of how the cards would be received in many different ways. This allows us to find any potential balance issues or design problems, that could make the game unfair or boring, and pre-empt them rather than run into them when the set is released. The continued play and feedback of the PFG4 members will show which cards are causing problems or which ones need another look.
How can we ensure something isn't overlooked or ignored for whatever reason?
The members of the PFG will be given challenges and/or tasks to complete to ensure that these cards are being tested, be it building a deck around a specific card or just trying to use it in general. Based off feedback, tasks can easily be assigned to cards that have potential issues or flaws. Be it too weak or too strong, they will be looked at.
If a card is deemed too strong or weak, what happens to it?
The card will be changed at the Design Team's discretion to bring it more into line with the goals and balance of the set. These changes will happen each "iteration" the set goes through. An iteration means something in the set has changed and it is a new set because of it. Usually, it will be in the direction of a more balanced and fun set.
Sounds like this could be awesome, what else do I need to know?
A few things:
-All members must sign a NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreement). You must be at least 18 years old to sign it.
-You will need access to these forums to discuss the cards, their iteration changes, and reporting tasks and feedback.
-You should have the time to dedicate to playing matches, theory-crafting, and discussion. (If you're used to using a mobile app on the go to play, please consider how your available time factors in before signing up)
-We now support all platforms within the PFG, so you can use your favorite(s) from Android/iOS/PC/Mac/browser to playtest.
How many places are there in PFG4?
Approximately 30.
I was in PFG3. Do I have to re-apply?
Yes. Everyone has to apply by this process.
I have another question, but I don't see it on this FAQ. What do I do?
You can send me (Gondorian) a forum PM with your question or ask below.
I'm still interested. How do I apply?
You can apply to take part by sending a forum PM to Starval with the following information:
1) The IGN (In Game Name) you use the most.
2) Your age (to ensure you can sign the NDA legally)
3) Would you say you're a casual player or a competitive one?
4) Do you enjoy theory-crafting/deck building, playtesting, or perhaps both?
5) How much time do you believe you could contribute to the PFG4 on a weekly basis?
6) Your thoughts (as brief or detailed as you want) about what we've revealed so far about Lost Lands.
7) Any other information you believe would be important to include.
Thanks for taking the time out to read this and I look forward to seeing who will sign up!
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