It's only been a few days since the community voted that Automated Tournaments should be our next priority. And here's the first development update!

The new development team has mostly been busy this week going over the requirements and the game code that has already been done. Already they have updated the tournament bracket drawing to use the new GUI system, and it's looking pretty good! And more importantly, it properly resizes to all screen sizes and aspect ratios.

Now let's have a reminder about what the automated tournaments will be, and go over some of the features.


Entry Fees

700 shadow crystals for drafts (6 packs)
500 shadow crystals for meltdown (4 packs)
100 shadow crystals for constructed (use your own cards)

The entry fee is taken from each player as soon as they join a tournament. This is to discourage people from not waiting for more players. Players will keep the cards they get in meltdown, or that they choose in drafts.


Rewards

8 player tournament: 1st place = 500 shadow crystals + 1 prize pack. 2nd place = 200 shadow crystals.
4 player tournament: 1st place = 250 shadow crystals. 2nd place = 100 shadow crystals.
The rewards will be automatically given to the player at the end of their final match.


Other Features

A tournament room chat tab will allow players to communicate with each other.
Players are free to leave the tournament screen while they are waiting for the next game to start. A popup message will alert them when their opponent is ready, and they will have 2 minutes to start their next match. We also have plans for remote push notifications, so you won't even need to have the app open to know when your tournament is ready.
Observers can view a tournament in progress and watch live games, or replay previous matches.


Release Plan

As was demonstrated in a live stream some time ago, the basic functionality of the automated tournament system is already complete and working. The remaining tasks involving updating the GUI and bugfixing.

We are planning to put it on the public test server in October for player feedback. Current estimate is mid-November for a live release, starting with constructed tournaments only. Meltdown tournaments will be added in a later release, then additional tournament options, and finally booster draft tournaments.


That's about it for now! Please feel free to give your comments or any ideas you have for this new feature!