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Author Topic: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.  (Read 20533 times)

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August 21, 2018, 09:59:31 AM
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menace64

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LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« on: August 21, 2018, 09:59:31 AM »
This poll will run for one month, and the results will only be visible after its conclusion.

You can change your vote at any time.

This isn't a binding vote by any means, but it is important, and the more unique votes we receive the better we'll be able to serve the community's interests. Also, keep in mind that none of these Options need exist in a vacuum: it would be feasible to implement many Options at once, given that we end up with enough volunteers to make such things become a reality!

I've tried to offer a spectrum of potentialities, but if I've missed something crucial please make it known.

ONE VOTE PER HUMAN MIND. (Orcs may not vote. :suspect:)

---------

Here's a breakdown of what each option "means", insofar as I've been able to define them:

No Relaunch - Nothing New
We do nothing to the game and allow it to persist as it has these last ten years.

No Relaunch - Updated R/X Lists
We get together and discuss each format, and how to best adjust them based on observed shifts in the meta.

No Relaunch - Updated R/X Lists + Erratas
We get together and discuss each format, and how to best adjust them based on observed shifts in the meta, and also alter troublesome cards to protect the game's health.

Yes Relaunch - No 'Second Edition'
We pick up where Decipher left off. Set 20 would be fan-made, beholden to all 19 sets before it.

Yes Relaunch - Limited Innovation
We relaunch the game, sticking as close as possible to the design and scope of what came before, likely focusing on backwards-compatibility over other considerations.

Yes Relaunch - Extreme Makeover
We relaunch the game, injecting innovation and change to such a degree that backwards-compatibility cannot be guaranteed for all new cards or releases.

If you vote, by order of the King you MUST elaborate on your choice in the form of a reply. Anonymous votes will be scrutinized.

---------

I'd like to end this on a personal note, and then an invitation to the rest of you to use this thread to discuss anything on your minds concerning a prospective relaunch of LotR, including how you might see yourself contributing in the future.

I am not in charge. If anything, I wish to be seen as an Imrahil-like figure in the wake of the Battle of the Pelennor: I may be posting and leading conversations right now, but whatever power that lends me is not mine to keep; nor would I necessarily want it, were it offered. All I want to do is stir us into action, in whichever direction the group determines best.

Discuss! And if this thread brings you out of the woodwork, please say hi to the rest of us!

August 21, 2018, 12:14:44 PM
Reply #1

FingolfinFinwe

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #1 on: August 21, 2018, 12:14:44 PM »
I honestly love the game the way it is.  The only things I'd like changed are some additional erratas out of the later sets (normalize HKotN, make Frenzy of Arrows usable but not OP, etc).

With that said, I'm not opposed to a relaunch, since it doesn't really change what we have already.  Case in point I love the Hobbit draft cards that were posted a while back.

August 21, 2018, 02:22:26 PM
Reply #2

Not a Zombie

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #2 on: August 21, 2018, 02:22:26 PM »
I'm think I'm quite ready for a new adventure.

I dislike the new cultures enough that I think it's worth starting from scratch. Plus that leaves the existing experience alone. Feels like the best of both worlds.
No one loves you like I do.
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I'm imploring people I've never met to pressure a government with better things to do to punish a man who meant no harm for something nobody even saw, thats what I'm doing!

August 21, 2018, 02:30:26 PM
Reply #3

Tbiesty

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #3 on: August 21, 2018, 02:30:26 PM »
I've had simple errata ready for about 6 years now that removes the need for any X-list/R-list for any of the pre-Shadows formats.  I'd also be happy dropping everything after Mount Doom, as I really disliked the new shadow cultures, etc. Then creating new things to make each of the pre-Shadows formats even better would be awesome!

August 21, 2018, 03:25:12 PM
Reply #4

Dictionary

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #4 on: August 21, 2018, 03:25:12 PM »
A complete startover is the way to go in my opinion. It worked well for The Hobbit; it can be treated as a different game but with similar rules. It's distinct and lets us enjoy the original Decipher game for what it is.
Visit LOTR TCG wiki for strategy articles and extra card details, contributed by various community members. All set 1 cards finished.

August 21, 2018, 11:29:56 PM
Reply #5

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #5 on: August 21, 2018, 11:29:56 PM »
I personally think that with making new stuff (what includes X/R-Lists, Erratas, new sets, mechanics...) we're bringing new life into the game, what is necessary for having a growing community. That is what I  miss, having movement in the game.

But I could also imagine making a complete Make-Over. That depends on what the other players are thinking.
Go King Standard!

August 22, 2018, 05:30:17 AM
Reply #6

Phallen Cassidy

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #6 on: August 22, 2018, 05:30:17 AM »
My thought remains that strengthening the unaltered 1E community will be necessary to any future incarnations, and should be the focus of everyone regardless of how they want the game to live on in the future.

August 27, 2018, 02:03:16 PM
Reply #7

ket_the_jet

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #7 on: August 27, 2018, 02:03:16 PM »
My thought remains that strengthening the unaltered 1E community will be necessary to any future incarnations, and should be the focus of everyone regardless of how they want the game to live on in the future.
I agree with this. I am happy with the game we have now, and if I want a new game, I'll probably just go find a new game.

I am nostalgic for the thriving community. Owning the physical cards was great, the anticipation that came with sending some away in the mail to another player/collector, the thrill of receiving your return package. The friends we have made online, centered upon this community (and the earliest GCCG days). These are the things that I miss and I don't anticipate that trying to whisper life into the game with a new set or sets will bring Gil-Estel or Kralik or OneFathom or rubbercarp or Thranduil or MuadDib85 or DainIronfoot or the many others I am forgetting back.






[For what it is worth, when I have a new game, I can finally look beyond set 13 and see what is out there for me, but I don't anticipate that happening].
« Last Edit: August 27, 2018, 02:09:16 PM by ket_the_jet »

August 29, 2018, 04:26:04 AM
Reply #8

DarthMaeglin

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #8 on: August 29, 2018, 04:26:04 AM »
My initial inclination is "No Relaunch" for now.
I doubt we could adjust the r/x lists without also adjusting erratas to maintain balance.
If we start adjusting erratas without adding new sets we'll eventually end up with the same cards but a totally different game because all the cards read slightly differently. I like the game as it is, and maybe the last couple of sets could use tweaking but I don't want to see the whole thing change.
If we want to pursue new sets (something I am not totally opposed to) I think we should consider ways to bring in fresh meat. The player base is not exactly large now, and with enough new content (especially content like the Hobbit set that doesn't mix with the original game) there will be too many formats compared to the number of players. I completely agree with both of the above posts, players are the life of the game far more than rules or cards are. Changing rules or cards might bring some players back, but I don't think such changes will bring in anyone new. If anything the fear that everything will be changing as soon as they learn the game might push away the few that stumble upon it.

On a brighter note, I would like to see additional sets someday. I love the original game and would rather see additions to it than complete reboots like the Hobbit set, and I do think that with enough players adding to the game would be very enriching.

September 01, 2018, 10:41:16 PM
Reply #9

5tein

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #9 on: September 01, 2018, 10:41:16 PM »
I haven't played for years but stumbled on this post when introducing the game to my kids (I still have loads of singles and sealed).

Is there a page that describes the current state of the game and community?

September 02, 2018, 11:58:47 AM
Reply #10

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #10 on: September 02, 2018, 11:58:47 AM »
If we want to pursue new sets (something I am not totally opposed to) I think we should consider ways to bring in fresh meat. The player base is not exactly large now, and with enough new content (especially content like the Hobbit set that doesn't mix with the original game) there will be too many formats compared to the number of players.

That is exactly the reason why I think 'fresh meat', how you call it, is needed more than anything. Not only in form of sets and cards, but also new errata and so on. I think its necessary to have that, for getting new players in the game.
 If I was a new player joining the game (and there are already quite a few if you spent some time reading the Gemp-Chat) I would a lot more likely stay and enjoy the game if there was some change in the game, because playing exactly the same Formats, Metas and so on over and over again, might become boring and its just not healthy for the game.

And doing it just like the Hobbit and make it to something else than Decipher made does help to lessen the fear one have, of 'making something new and destroying everything that was before'.

And something completely opposite to the above: What'd be if we wouldn't create new sets and add them as set 20, 21 ... , but add new sets to the single Block formats?
I mean, yes it'd be a complete mess and it would totally 'destroy everything decipher made' and it would double(!!!) the amount of Formats. But it'd be quite funny to see these Formats developing and being 'fixed'.

But that's only a thought, I still remain on my point of view, starting at the beginning, but be as close to the old rules as possible.
Go King Standard!

September 02, 2018, 11:41:12 PM
Reply #11

menace64

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #11 on: September 02, 2018, 11:41:12 PM »
I haven't played for years but stumbled on this post when introducing the game to my kids (I still have loads of singles and sealed).

Is there a page that describes the current state of the game and community?

Welcome back to LotR TCG!

As far as I'm aware, this forum is "it" in terms of a community HQ. GEMP is where you'll find the chatroom, connected to the free online TCG client. There's also a mostly defunct subreddit that I'd like to see gain more activity in the months to come.

I'm incredibly interested in your perspective regarding what you'd like to see from this game - and your kids, too! What do they think? What do you think would make it easier for them to fully-enjoy the game?

Again, welcome back! If there's anything we can do to help you and yours adjust to playing again, please don't hesitate to ask!

September 04, 2018, 01:42:17 PM
Reply #12

ArtificerAlf

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #12 on: September 04, 2018, 01:42:17 PM »
I'm very much a returning player to all of this, but something I would like to see that could keep the integrity of the current game while injecting some freshness into all of the formats would be to take the Reflections cards (set 9), and allow them to be legal in Fellowship, Towers, Tower Standard, or King block games. While this might be seen as a crazy idea, here's my thought process behind it:

Many of the cards from Reflections were scenes taken from previous films. Book fans also know that some of the lore that the Reflections cards were based upon were from earlier books as well. Here are some cards I would love to see be legal in earlier blocks, if only because of my love of Tolkien's lore and the stories in general.

Elven Rope - This was given to Sam in Lothlorien, yet he can't utilize the card until Movie block. There's definitely some other cards that lower strength of minions, so in earlier blocks, maybe this could see some play.

Merry's Dagger & Pippin's Dagger - While the movies had those come as gifts from Galadriel, in the books, they were discovered in the Barrow Downs and wielded by the hobbits on Weathertop. Pippin's isn't as thematic as Merry's, but I'm willing for forgive that if it creates some cool builds, especially in something like Fellowship block, where people have given me the advice that Pippin is a speed bump and meant to be sacrificed.

Ent Draught - Merry and Pippin drinks these in The Two Towers, Book 3 when they are with Treebeard. Just another card I want to see get its proper place in the Towers block.

Host of Moria, Legion of the Underdeeps - Another 3 vitality Moria minion might give some "bulk" builds, utilizing things like Threat of the Unknown, Moria Axe, and the like, or at least give it a strength boost.

Freca, Hungry Savage - Another boost for Dunland in Towers.

Sack of the Shire - Since Towers introduced site control, I would be fine bringing this as legal into that block.

Huorn - The huorns showed up at the Battle of the Hornburg and were also present in Isengard. I would like to see these legal for Towers as well.

I think the community could debate with where the rings and Last Alliance artifacts could be placed. I think alternate Ring-bearers still take their current legality state, as I wouldn't start including those in Fellowship or Towers (as I came back into the game, I wasn't really a huge fan of that rules update anyway).

It may be possible to include some of the Ages End cards in these lists, as some original cultures were supported (Isengard and Moria springing to mind).

I realize I'm not as meta knowledgeable as so many other people on the forums, but for a way to bring some freshness to the game, and respecting the created works of Tolkien, this might be a fun way to start shaking things up without any huge overhauls.

I'm also only interested in sets 1-10 (and even then, I don't chase after the alternate Ring-bearers), as I don't like the culture overhaul change, as part of what brought me into the game was how each culture had its own symbol and uniqueness that gave the game a great feel for the works of Tolkien.

Thanks for reading! I haven't posted a ton, but I love this game and being able to dive into the other posts and pick up on all the knowledge everybody has.

September 04, 2018, 07:59:49 PM
Reply #13

5tein

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #13 on: September 04, 2018, 07:59:49 PM »

I'm incredibly interested in your perspective regarding what you'd like to see from this game - and your kids, too! What do they think? What do you think would make it easier for them to fully-enjoy the game?

Thanks! Time will tell if my kids (16 and 8) stay interested in the game. I've tried to ease them in with modified starters. As I look at some of the later decks that I played toward the end, I'm a bit surprised at how complicated the game got!

At any rate, I'll probably give GEMP a shot.

...something I would like to see that could keep the integrity of the current game while injecting some freshness into all of the formats would be to take the Reflections cards (set 9), and allow them to be legal in Fellowship, Towers, Tower Standard, or King block games.

It's natural that as I began sorting through my collection, starting with Age's End, I wondered something similar. I imagine people have played with Ages End added in to Movie Block -- I never did.

But what other cards could be introduced to previous blocks to re-invigorate deck types that were never quite competitive? I'm thinking of the disappointment of Southrons and Sauron Wraiths, the near-misses of Isengard Orcs, Warg Riders, and Gondor Wraiths?

September 05, 2018, 04:07:47 AM
Reply #14

ArtificerAlf

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #14 on: September 05, 2018, 04:07:47 AM »

It's natural that as I began sorting through my collection, starting with Age's End, I wondered something similar. I imagine people have played with Ages End added in to Movie Block -- I never did.

But what other cards could be introduced to previous blocks to re-invigorate deck types that were never quite competitive? I'm thinking of the disappointment of Southrons and Sauron Wraiths, the near-misses of Isengard Orcs, Warg Riders, and Gondor Wraiths?

I don't think Aves End has as many cards that could be brought back to older sets, but I know some others that could even get swapped around to create a more thematic book rendition. Adding Shelob to Towers springs to mind. The format could even be called Fellowship - Book or something like that. Similar, but have the book to differentiate it.

September 17, 2018, 08:59:10 AM
Reply #15

Zurcamos

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #15 on: September 17, 2018, 08:59:10 AM »
I don't mind new formats, but I don't want anything official being altered.

People responding here are a tiny sample of the Gemp community, so I can't see any changes really being justifiable.
« Last Edit: September 17, 2018, 09:23:01 AM by Zurcamos »

September 17, 2018, 10:04:34 AM
Reply #16

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #16 on: September 17, 2018, 10:04:34 AM »
That's kind of what I meant, leave the old game how it is, but make new stuff for people, who want new stuff!
Go King Standard!

September 25, 2018, 04:55:22 AM
Reply #17

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #17 on: September 25, 2018, 04:55:22 AM »
So, if somebody was nice enough to clear this of, what do these results mean for us?
Go King Standard!

September 25, 2018, 09:02:44 AM
Reply #18

ket_the_jet

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #18 on: September 25, 2018, 09:02:44 AM »
So, if somebody was nice enough to clear this of, what do these results mean for us?

This data set means nothing because the sample size is too small to glean any real substance from it.

If you wanted to extrapolate the data, the voting majority says that no substantive changes are made to the game or the way that it is played. The same amount of people who voted for any kind of relaunch voted to keep the game the exact same way it is currently played.

For what it is worth, just a small portion of the Gemp community use this site in any fashion anyways and there is apparently a Facebook group and a Reddit profile for Gemp. It is hard to come to a collaboration of ideas without collaborating people, and there are just far too few left playing this game anyways. We don't need Nate Silver and the FiveThirtyEight team to analyze that.

We live in trying times. The world seems to become a worse place with each passing day. Why not relish in the fact that we have a haven where we can play this game and escape the tumultuous reality that ensnares us?
-wtk

September 25, 2018, 10:23:59 AM
Reply #19

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #19 on: September 25, 2018, 10:23:59 AM »
So, if somebody was nice enough to clear this of, what do these results mean for us?

This data set means nothing because the sample size is too small to glean any real substance from it.

If you wanted to extrapolate the data, the voting majority says that no substantive changes are made to the game or the way that it is played. The same amount of people who voted for any kind of relaunch voted to keep the game the exact same way it is currently played.

For what it is worth, just a small portion of the Gemp community use this site in any fashion anyways and there is apparently a Facebook group and a Reddit profile for Gemp. It is hard to come to a collaboration of ideas without collaborating people, and there are just far too few left playing this game anyways. We don't need Nate Silver and the FiveThirtyEight team to analyze that.

We live in trying times. The world seems to become a worse place with each passing day. Why not relish in the fact that we have a haven where we can play this game and escape the tumultuous reality that ensnares us?
-wtk

Yes I heave eyes in my head  ;D :lol: :lol:

What I meant is, if we just ignore the results and try to do a Hobbit-like thing anyway, or if we just let this whole idea in peace and play like it has been done the last 11!!!! years.  >:( :( :'(

What pisses me off, is, that there are like a Dillion 'Players Committee' threads out there and nothing happened. #-o #-o #-o
Go King Standard!

September 25, 2018, 01:38:46 PM
Reply #20

ket_the_jet

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #20 on: September 25, 2018, 01:38:46 PM »
we just let this whole idea in peace and play like it has been done the last 11!!!! years.
This is exactly what will happen, regardless of what you think we should do. And I'll be very happy to continue playing the game that I know and love for as long as it has this very small fan-base.
-wtk

September 25, 2018, 10:01:55 PM
Reply #21

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #21 on: September 25, 2018, 10:01:55 PM »
Well,



Ok.
Go King Standard!

September 26, 2018, 12:34:52 PM
Reply #22

Tbiesty

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #22 on: September 26, 2018, 12:34:52 PM »
Go ahead and develop the ideas, set up another GEMP server with the new stuff, and provide players a link to it on these forums.  That way players can try it out, and if they like it, it'll pick up support and interest from players.  That's how it worked when I created GEMP for Star Wars CCG.  Build your ideas, and provide players a way to try it out.  Waiting around for a majority of support up front will mean no progress at all.

September 26, 2018, 10:11:01 PM
Reply #23

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #23 on: September 26, 2018, 10:11:01 PM »
If anybody else is up for it, I don't think I it on my qwn.
Go King Standard!

September 28, 2018, 01:53:51 PM
Reply #24

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #24 on: September 28, 2018, 01:53:51 PM »
How does one create an own GEMP server?
Go King Standard!

October 03, 2018, 09:43:28 AM
Reply #25

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #25 on: October 03, 2018, 09:43:28 AM »
My thought remains that strengthening the unaltered 1E community will be necessary to any future incarnations, and should be the focus of everyone regardless of how they want the game to live on in the future.

I agree with this. I am happy with the game we have now, and if I want a new game, I'll probably just go find a new game.



So Phallen, ket, do you have any plans to do so? If yes, how exactly?
If your are both totally fine with the game being dead, it should still be in your interest in getting new players?

Ideas:
 -Leaflets,
-Tournaments,
-Promos,
-Advertise in game shop to other strange nerds who are way more likely to go for it,
-(and, in my opinion, how to hold these players, since if I was a new player, I'd probably stick to a game with absolute no change in meta at all, errata, banlists, new cards(rules))...

But what was it what you intended?
Go King Standard!

October 05, 2018, 07:09:38 AM
Reply #26

Dovla

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #26 on: October 05, 2018, 07:09:38 AM »
I dont think you have the capacity to do all this.

You mentioned you are going through very rough patch in life and this seems like a vent. I suggest you take care of other things and then think about lotr tcg because this all seems like a ramble. I wish you all the best in your life tho.

October 05, 2018, 08:16:32 AM
Reply #27

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #27 on: October 05, 2018, 08:16:32 AM »
You're talking about me? Or someone else?
Go King Standard!

October 05, 2018, 06:37:06 PM
Reply #28

Dovla

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #28 on: October 05, 2018, 06:37:06 PM »
OP

October 06, 2018, 12:35:21 AM
Reply #29

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #29 on: October 06, 2018, 12:35:21 AM »
Well, I didn't completely get what you meant, but I'm totally fine.
 I'm a student right now, what means I have a lot of time.  :hey: :hey:

And I would be happy, if in this time I could do something for this community and the game as a whole.  :lol: :lol:
Go King Standard!

October 11, 2018, 11:58:52 AM
Reply #30

Hnusokrates

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #30 on: October 11, 2018, 11:58:52 AM »
I see I'm a little bit late for the party but nevertheless – I would like to see some continuation of the game. Personally I had quit back then following the introduction of new races and mechanics and all that. I was a kid and did not have the money to rebuild my deck. But now I have and I would gladly invest it if there were new sets made. But what I would like would be for them to be somewhat tied to the old ones, simply because I have a relation to them and don't want to just move on. So my choice would be a half relaunch, some adjustment, maybe a new game mode but one that could potentially implement the original system. For example, a Hobbit-themed set would not really need a ring-bearer but could still use all the old characters, while the goal of the game would be just to get to the Mount Doom. This sort of thing would be cool for me.

October 20, 2018, 05:42:14 AM
Reply #31

Phallen Cassidy

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #31 on: October 20, 2018, 05:42:14 AM »
How does one create an own GEMP server?


The only way I've found to do is it through Linux. I can't figure out how to translate the file destinations to what Windows uses. I can walk you through the process (I think), but know that while it isn't difficult, it's a bit technical at times and can seem overwhelming if you haven't got much experience. Also, I'll be no help to you if you actually want a public server. I've used mine for testing purposes only, so I don't need anything other than the IP address.

So Phallen, ket, do you have any plans to do so? If yes, how exactly?
If your are both totally fine with the game being dead, it should still be in your interest in getting new players?

Ideas:
 -Leaflets,
-Tournaments,
-Promos,
-Advertise in game shop to other strange nerds who are way more likely to go for it,
-(and, in my opinion, how to hold these players, since if I was a new player, I'd probably stick to a game with absolute no change in meta at all, errata, banlists, new cards(rules))...

But what was it what you intended?

I've always thought "dead game" was a misnomer. We're all here, aren't we? Regardless, I've borrowed a friend's fairly modest card collection and built ~8 decks to bring to a local comic store on game nights. At least, that's my plan - I haven't been able to go lately. Getting people to play is a tactic I haven't yet figured out, though I wouldn't say it's going poorly. I've never been one to hang around comic shops, so I'm totally out of my element there. If you don't have cards, I'd recommend printing proxies (preferably on sturdy paper) and giving that a shot. I've considered advertising as well. Decipher used 0M1/0M2 (double-sided) oversized cards, and doing something similar with GEMP information shouldn't be hard.

Anyway. If you want to grow the community, there isn't much you could do wrong. It's been a learning experience for me, but every time I try I figure out a way to try and reach people better next time.

October 23, 2018, 12:12:12 PM
Reply #32

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #32 on: October 23, 2018, 12:12:12 PM »
The only way I've found to do is it through Linux. I can't figure out how to translate the file destinations to what Windows uses. I can walk you through the process (I think), but know that while it isn't difficult, it's a bit technical at times and can seem overwhelming if you haven't got much experience. Also, I'll be no help to you if you actually want a public server. I've used mine for testing purposes only, so I don't need anything other than the IP address.

Hmm, maybe I will come back to you.

I've always thought "dead game" was a misnomer. We're all here, aren't we? Regardless, I've borrowed a friend's fairly modest card collection and built ~8 decks to bring to a local comic store on game nights. At least, that's my plan - I haven't been able to go lately. Getting people to play is a tactic I haven't yet figured out, though I wouldn't say it's going poorly. I've never been one to hang around comic shops, so I'm totally out of my element there. If you don't have cards, I'd recommend printing proxies (preferably on sturdy paper) and giving that a shot. I've considered advertising as well. Decipher used 0M1/0M2 (double-sided) oversized cards, and doing something similar with GEMP information shouldn't be hard.

Anyway. If you want to grow the community, there isn't much you could do wrong. It's been a learning experience for me, but every time I try I figure out a way to try and reach people better next time.

I actually went to my Game Store and their LotR Boosters were gone, I asked and found out that they were bought bv some guy, maybe I'll have a player soon!
Also, one of my friends mentioned he's been playing the game in the past, maybe I can show him Gemp and Tlhh and get him back into the game.
Also I made a mistake, it should be "...I'd probably NOT stick to a game with no change..."
Go King Standard!

October 24, 2018, 01:30:59 AM
Reply #33

Dovla

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #33 on: October 24, 2018, 01:30:59 AM »
      Let's what we have:


      • 1. There is a perfect online client which is very active. The client is free and features monthly leagues, tournaments and casual play.
      • 2. There are rules with very well determined formats, balanced x-lists and clear rulings.
      • 3. Running forum
      • 4. Strong and popular IP

      These are very strong foundations for any card game.

      So the next steps to get the game started would be:


      • 1. Organize local groups (preferably on facebook) around people who have collections
      • 2. Start playing casually (with proxies allowed)
      • 3. Create a kickstarter campaign to fund marketing and product distribution (led by able and transparent group of people from the community)
      • 4. Organize events which give products as rewards (similar to magic, pay 5€ and give proportionate amount of product to all participants according to their result)


      Point 4. opens the question of where to organize those events which are not entirely egliible for LGS and the easy answer lies with local meeple's crowd/venue if there is one. If not, well, I don't know.
[/list]
« Last Edit: October 24, 2018, 06:12:58 AM by Dovla »

October 24, 2018, 12:11:05 PM
Reply #34

TheHumanHydra

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #34 on: October 24, 2018, 12:11:05 PM »
So this is an interesting discussion; I'm glad I stumbled onto it. Both of Decipher's other major propertied games have players' committees that produce new cards (the Star Wars CCG Players Committee and the Star Trek CCG's Continuing Committee, serving both editions), but the Lord of the Rings TCG does not.

Our goal is to be able to play the Lord of the Rings TCG.

To do that, we need two things: a vehicle and other players. As Dovla indicated, we have an excellent vehicle (the GEMP program and server), and we have a community: not large enough to maintain a forum, but large enough to find games.

We can compare our community with Star Wars's: from the 24th of September to the 23rd of this month, GEMP Star Wars saw 312 players play 3,427 games. 81.2% of these games were played in the ‘Open' format, which features ‘virtual' cards produced by the Committee, then 12% of these games were played in the ‘Premiere-Death Star II' format, which might be seen to mirror our Movie.

In the same time-frame, GEMP LotR saw 463 players play 5916 games. 51.5% of these games were in the classic Fellowship format, followed by 23.3% Movie and 12.4% Expanded.

It's difficult to compare with either Star Trek CCG edition because the Star Trek CCG, to my great chagrin, uses LackeyCCG, not GEMP, and I'm not aware of any statistics on games played.

Compared to our peer games, then, Lord of the Rings playership is very healthy. This suggests that no change is needed.

I would be interested to know, though, from some of our players who have been around from the beginning, what the trend is in our playership. More than present playership, this would suggest whether change is needed.

Ultimately, however, the decision to create new cards can only be based on one consideration: would we enjoy doing it?

That it would be fun to make our own set of game cards and play with them is reason enough to take on the challenge.

Conversely, without a sufficient number of people who want to so enough to invest the time in it, any such project would never get off the ground.

So the question really is how many members of the GEMP community would be interested in a coordinated dream card project, including time spent programming the cards into GEMP?

The dearth of forum dream card activity suggests few, though the Hobbit Draft Game does suggest a few (I'm not aware of the details of how that project was carried out or by whom). If anyone here is interested in that, I'd suggest raising it in the GEMP chat (repeatedly, so no one misses it). This site isn't heavily trafficked.

A last suggestion: if anyone is interested in such a project, I'd counsel starting small. Why not make a handful of cards (say, two dozen) for one of the game's most popular formats, then run a couple leagues in which players are invited to try them out (similar to the recent Revised Towers Standard plus 9, 14, 16 league)? This would allow interested community members to gauge their own level of enjoyment and commitment to such projects while also gauging player appetite for new cards for constructed play. If the response is lukewarm, we'll have had fun for a few months. If it's warmer, we'll have the seeds for something bigger.

I have more thoughts on what the design philosophy for such hypothetical cards should be, but they're best saved for another post if anyone ends up being interested in a project of this specific scope.

Thanks for reading,

THH

October 24, 2018, 11:21:45 PM
Reply #35

Dovla

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #35 on: October 24, 2018, 11:21:45 PM »
Everybody is talking about designing new cards. Nobody is talking about finding a gaming caffe, making a facebook group and reaching out.

Until this sentiment is complete opposite, there is no relaunch.

October 25, 2018, 04:56:04 AM
Reply #36

Phallen Cassidy

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #36 on: October 25, 2018, 04:56:04 AM »
There is a facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/480488908698583/


If you want to organize local groups, I would use a local boardgame or comic shop's as a platform rather than create a group and start from scratch. People who might be interested are already going to gather there, though in my area (with a fairly large population) even those pages don't get much useful activity. The challenge is to convince people not to play the game they want to play and to play your game instead. From what I can tell, I think just going around and asking might be the best way to get some games going.

October 25, 2018, 02:14:41 PM
Reply #37

TheHumanHydra

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #37 on: October 25, 2018, 02:14:41 PM »
Everybody is talking about designing new cards. Nobody is talking about finding a gaming caffe, making a facebook group and reaching out.

Until this sentiment is complete opposite, there is no relaunch.

I guess it depends what you mean by relaunch. I doubt that we'll ever have any numbers playing in person again; my thoughts were on the assumption that almost all play would be done online.

To that, though, I actually do hope to get some of my friends interested in this game. I want to obtain four of the Fellowship-Moria starters and take them to board game nights as an enclosed game. It's just difficult for me to justify the - admittedly small - expenditure at the moment.
« Last Edit: October 25, 2018, 02:16:12 PM by TheHumanHydra »

October 25, 2018, 02:21:20 PM
Reply #38

Dovla

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #38 on: October 25, 2018, 02:21:20 PM »
Oh okay, i was thinking literally about real life relaunch like star wars ccg, holding tournaments and stuff.

October 26, 2018, 02:58:52 PM
Reply #39

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #39 on: October 26, 2018, 02:58:52 PM »
If you talk about onlinegame-only, you'd definitly have to optimize the game experience on gemp. I mean at the moment it is fine to play on, but if we're already about to brng new life into the onlinegame, we've to do it properly.
I think new layouts and background would be a good start, but that only works if somebody has experience with such things and would be willing to spent the time on it.
Go King Standard!

October 30, 2018, 08:22:39 AM
Reply #40

Cugel

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #40 on: October 30, 2018, 08:22:39 AM »
Making new rules will only place you in a diminishing paralel universe. Many old players won't like it from the start and the more you change the more people will lose interest until there is only you left.

October 31, 2018, 06:37:16 AM
Reply #41

Dictionary

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #41 on: October 31, 2018, 06:37:16 AM »
Quote
51.5% of these games were in the classic Fellowship format, followed by 23.3% Movie and 12.4% Expanded.
Expanded on average sees roughly 1000 games per month, but last month was only 500 for some reason. Other formats haven't changed much, so I don't know why that would be.
Visit LOTR TCG wiki for strategy articles and extra card details, contributed by various community members. All set 1 cards finished.

October 31, 2018, 08:39:21 AM
Reply #42

ket_the_jet

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #42 on: October 31, 2018, 08:39:21 AM »
Quote
51.5% of these games were in the classic Fellowship format, followed by 23.3% Movie and 12.4% Expanded.
Expanded on average sees roughly 1000 games per month, but last month was only 500 for some reason. Other formats haven't changed much, so I don't know why that would be.
It is worth noting that league games do not factor into the stats; only casual games do.
-wtk

October 31, 2018, 09:04:52 AM
Reply #43

TheHumanHydra

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #43 on: October 31, 2018, 09:04:52 AM »
Thanks for the notes, guys; those are good to know.

November 04, 2018, 11:08:30 AM
Reply #44

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #44 on: November 04, 2018, 11:08:30 AM »
How does one create an own GEMP server?


The only way I've found to do is it through Linux. I can't figure out how to translate the file destinations to what Windows uses. I can walk you through the process (I think), but know that while it isn't difficult, it's a bit technical at times and can seem overwhelming if you haven't got much experience. Also, I'll be no help to you if you actually want a public server. I've used mine for testing purposes only, so I don't need anything other than the IP address.

Ok, I have no experience at all but I hope to learn quick.
So, I could play against other players or not? And one can add DCs, I'm sure? As I said if I have the motivation and time at some point, I'll be happy to try.
Btw, how has your try in the Comic store?
Go King Standard!

November 05, 2018, 06:02:23 PM
Reply #45

Phallen Cassidy

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #45 on: November 05, 2018, 06:02:23 PM »
So, I could play against other players or not? And one can add DCs, I'm sure? As I said if I have the motivation and time at some point, I'll be happy to try.
Btw, how has your try in the Comic store?

I can get you as far as being able to play games against yourself. You can make whatever changes to your server as you see fit, and if you mess it up completely just re-download the source code. First you'll either need Linux (Mac might work?) or a Linux emulator. PM me once you (or anyone reading this, if you're interested) have that going and we'll work from there. Maybe one day I'll figure out how to get it going in Windows, but so far I haven't had any luck and don't know enough to diagnose the problem.

My visit to the comic store went as well as I could hope! Three people talked to me, two were interested in playing, and one was actually able to run through a game. Enjoyed it quite a bit! I'm still trying to work it into my schedule, but I'm hopeful that eventually I can get some regulars playing every week and then pyramid scheme my way to success.

November 06, 2018, 05:04:44 AM
Reply #46

Wyrden333

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #46 on: November 06, 2018, 05:04:44 AM »
Ok, We've Mac here (I'll see what's about Linux). Playing a game against myself (or someone else using my Router?! ) should be totally fine.
 Give me maybe a month or two and let's see what we can do with my stupidity but I've some experienced mates here.

Your results at the store are looking great, maybe I'll have to try this too but I'm not to often at my 'local' store 'cause it's a 30-minute drive away :(
Go King Standard!

November 17, 2019, 02:43:31 PM
Reply #47

Chrispy77

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Re: LotR Relaunch Discussion Thread #1.
« Reply #47 on: November 17, 2019, 02:43:31 PM »
I think at best, we need to make sure the amount of players who are joining is equal to the amount of players who are leaving. I think that players being able to find tables for games they want to play is important, so too much variety can be harmful. I also think that players leave the game due to boredom, as there is nothing new to experience or think through.

Personally, I would love to see expanded thrown out the window and see sets created that continue the Movie block- like a movie block +. These sets should have erratas for the strongest and weakest of cards in Movie block, as well as create new cards that will cause old cards to once again become playable.

That, or we'll keep moving forward with Second Edition once MarcinS completes his move!