UTG: The Future!

[Levi434]

UTG Offseason Central

Howdy all!

I'd love to get a gauge of what people thought of UTG and what could be done to better it.

What are people's thoughts on UTG?

How did you think the first season went?

Do you want to see it back again?

What suggestions do you have?

What worked?

What didn't work?

Would you rather sell back your current cards for money or have retention where you keep 2 of your players?

Should the mini-games rewards be entirely separate to the main game?

For prizes, is there a better way to split it or was the gold given fair?

What improvements could be made with the Auction? Did you like the auctions?

Would you like to see selling cards to other players more regularly?

How much is too much for the special themed rounds? Ideally what would be your best ratio of normal to special themed rounds?

How did finals work? Is there a better way to do it?


PS next year will be implementing a lot of the new ideas mentioned, including the 3 of each card % bonus, "salary cap" for teams and of course moving to google sheets to make it much more easier and quicker

PPS GL of course the packs were automated via macro :p the trade-ins were the thing that took aaagggessss, never the packs


Would anyone be interested in an offseason game?
- Open up packs from players in history? Every single player ever technically available?
- Create a team of 22. Not necessarily the best DT players but the best team according to rating and your opinion.
- Factors such as chemistry, flexibility and bonuses will impact performance.
- Games will be simulated on Levi's advanced spreadsheet.
- I'd be using this site to gain info on players: http://afltables.com/afl/stats/teams/padelaide.html
- This would also mean more users can join.


Let us know what you think!

[Nige]

I'm down for an offseason game.

What are people's thoughts on UTG?
I love it. I'm glad I was able to be a given a chance despite being a latecomer and not signing up initially (I actually meant to and then completely forgot aha). The concept is cool and was executed well.
How did you think the first season went?
I think the first season went reasonably well. There were a few things here and there that probably could have gone a tad better (I think the discussion thread probably has them documented). Obviously having two teams basically non-existent come the end of the season kinda sucked. 
Do you want to see it back again?
Definitely wanna see it return, it can only get better imo.
What suggestions do you have?
Some way to streamline the process. Spite did a fantastic job running it, but was often (sometimes unexpectedly) busy and sometimes there were was a huge backlog of trade ins etc to be done, if there's a process we can work out whereby the coaches involved can actively do their pack openings and trade ins, that would be good. Spite would basically just have to set it up and police it. Probably would have to take place in Google Sheets or something because I know you can view edit history or whatever in there.
What worked?
Mostly everything I think, can't really think of anything that was particularly broken.
What didn't work?
As I said above, maybe just waiting times (again, nothing against Spite but I think a more active role for coaches couldn't hurt). Maybe some of the bonuses or prizes need to be looked at.
Would you rather sell back your current cards for money or have retention where you keep 2 of your players?
I think the charm of the game is building a team from scratch and the luck (or lack thereof) that comes with it. Some people have some really good players compared to other teams and in my opinion and resetting completely removes any small advantage  people will have.

[Nige]

Yeah I was thinking google sheets could be the best place for trade ins. I'm not even worried that someone may cheat, its more that they accidentally do something like forget to remove Jroo Silver after they have sold him for 5g and then try and use Jroo as a trade in for a gold card. It'll happen, just need to find a way to make it as minimal as possible.
I know Rico kept a log of everything early in the season and he even accidentally tried to transfer in 5 bronzes that he had already transferred in a week prior, so it does happen.

But I do have an idea now about keeping the data base on google sheets, each owner with their own tab that only they can edit. Then I can make a tab called Trade ins round 18 and people can put their 5 cards for example on that page. Then I can just come along and randomise a card for them, place it next to their 5 cards, and they add it to their userhub. Then at the end of every week I just wipe the page clean (or create transfers round 19) instead.

This could work very very well.

This was one of the ideas I was referencing in my post.

Basically having a Google sheet with tabs for pack openings, trade ins and each team.

Not much of a spreadsheet guy so I know very little on how any of this could be achieved aha. I do know that Google Docs/Sheets etc are all pretty user friendly though, super accessible.

[GoLions]

What are people's thoughts on UTG?
It was great! Really enjoyed it :)

How did you think the first season went?
I think it went pretty well. And I'd say now that this first season has finished and gone quite well, we could see a few more coaches joining now that they can see exactly how everything is run.

Do you want to see it back again?
Yes please ;D

What suggestions do you have?
As Nige said, some way to streamline the process, if possible, could be good. There is so much stuff for Spite to do, don't want to leave absolutely everything on his shoulders. There could possibly be a way to automate basically everything in Excel VBA (i think you could create a macro/button/whatever that could do the pack openings perhaps). However, Google Sheets would be better for everyone to be able to access (but would likely mean there'd have to still be manual aspects involved).

What worked?
Really liked the variety of 'special events' so to speak, where some weeks you can only play Silvers, or lowest score wins, etc. Minigames were also pretty fun too! And then just the general concept of the game was great.

What didn't work?
Probably some of the minigame prizes were a tad OP.

Would you rather sell back your current cards for money or have retention where you keep 2 of your players?
I think it might be better to start from scratch, especially if we have new coaches joining. At most, I'd say people can keep one card, but that's it really. The best part of the game I thought was building a team from scratch, so being able to do that all over again is fine with me :D

[fanTCfool]

What are people's thoughts on UTG?
Probably my personal favourite competition I am involved in as it is unique to the rest. Even if you are sucking throughout stages of the season you can recover and get competitive with other sides. The luck of the draw and tactical gold expenditure.

How did you think the first season went?
It was pretty successful for a first year competition. We ironed out issues along the way, as can only be expected in a debut year. The number of coaches I felt was pretty much spot on for what was in a way a BETA competition, which I feel would be ready to expand to maybe 12 or so teams this season.

Do you want to see it back again?
Definitely! I know it was a lot of work for the two masterminds behind it but I think we can develop a good balance where coaches can control enough of their own things so that the burden on Spite especially is not too great.

What suggestions do you have?
I liked one of my ideas (unsurprisingly  ::)) that seemed a little forgotten. Rather than the +5 for every card that you collect 3 of, the +10% or + 20% or whatever% idea, so that someone like Zac Dawson doesn't get an equal benefit to Kade Simpson when you have 3 of each.
Here was my example from the time,

eg. 3 x Kade Simpson = +20% = say 100+20 = 120
where 3 x Zac Dawson = +20% = say 40+8 = 48

Rather than,
3x Kade Simpson = Kade Simpson +5 = 100 + 5 = 105
3 x Zac Dawson = Zac Dawson + 5 = 40 + 5 = 45

Bigger reward for collecting 3 of a better player.

What worked?
Banter amongst involved coaches, you can see that each week's thread is 'red' meaning that there is more than just submitting teams in there. Coaches would update their scores at the end of each day or game meaning that we felt really engaged as a collective group of participants. Mini Games were also entertaining, especially when you weren't doing so well in week to week submissions. The variety of rounds, gold only, golf week etc. was also a great idea but I felt the timing needed work.

What didn't work?
When coaches would purchase packs before a round and didn't get them until after the weeks matches. A couple of prizes and bonuses were too heavily skewed in some weeks compared to others. I didn't like the Omega cards or Flashback cards, they seemed a little overpowered at times compared to other Mini Game rewards - they need a serious re-work if they are to return.

Would you rather sell back your current cards for money or have retention where you keep 2 of your players?
I'm assuming we get some new coaches, so start from scratch would be fine with me, but I will miss Zerrett  :'(

[Spite]

Thanks again Levi for this post! I have been meaning to set it up but only just got the midsem break so would have only been able to write this out in a few days.

Couple more questions I would like to add are:

Should the mini-games rewards be entirely separate to the main game?

For prizes, is there a better way to split it or was the gold given fair?

What improvements could be made with the Auction? Did you like the auctions?

Would you like to see selling cards to other players more regularly?

How much is too much for the special themed rounds? Ideally what would be your best ratio of normal to special themed rounds?

How did finals work? Is there a better way to do it?


PS next year will be implementing a lot of the new ideas mentioned, including the 3 of each card % bonus, "salary cap" for teams and of course moving to google sheets to make it much more easier and quicker

PPS GL of course the packs were automated via macro :p the trade-ins were the thing that took aaagggessss, never the packs

[GoLions]

PPS GL of course the packs were automated via macro :p the trade-ins were the thing that took aaagggessss, never the packs

Oh, praise da lord haha

[Nige]

Should the mini-games rewards be entirely separate to the main game?
I'm not strictly opposed to this, but I don't mind them being main game related. Just make sure there aren't any OP rewards like omegas and flashbacks.
For prizes, is there a better way to split it or was the gold given fair?
I think the gold given was fair, I don't see a need to change that.
What improvements could be made with the Auction? Did you like the auctions?
I personally wasn't a huge fan of the auctions, probably in the minority there though.
Would you like to see selling cards to other players more regularly?
Yeah, I think this is something worth adding as a more regular thing, maybe not a constant thing, but more regularly sounds fine.
How much is too much for the special themed rounds? Ideally what would be your best ratio of normal to special themed rounds?
I think every second or third week for a themed round. I think part of the charm of the game is battling out with the teams we're constructing in their purest form rather than themes that may give some teams an advantage.
How did finals work? Is there a better way to do it?
Might be interesting to turn finals into an actual knockout comp with some kind of bracket depending on team numbers. Can either randomise the draw or have seeding of some sort.

That's the other thing we could maybe introduce, an actual rivalry round (I think we had one in minigame, but I don't think there was one in the main game probs wrong though), or at least make sure you have play every team head to head at least once.

[TomK]

What are people's thoughts on UTG?
Loved it! Reckon I put more time in to the make up of my team here than I did in SC/AF/DT.
How did you think the first season went?
I think it went great for a first season.
Do you want to see it back again?
Absolutely, really looking forward to it.
What suggestions do you have?
Pretty much what everyone else has said.
What worked?
Everything seemed to have worked well for me.
What didn't work?
The waiting times as people have said and the two dead teams at the end but not much we can do about that.
Would you rather sell back your current cards for money or have retention where you keep 2 of your players?
I'd prefer to just start from scratch. Nothing better than buying some packs and seeing a Plat or a good Gold.
Should the mini-games rewards be entirely separate to the main game?
I reckon they were a great side game, I would like them to be involved in the main game otherwise I think they would lose interest. Just no OP prizes haha.
For prizes, is there a better way to split it or was the gold given fair?
I thought the gold given out was fair.
What improvements could be made with the Auction? Did you like the auctions?
I thought they were good, I didn't participate in too many but when I did, I was the only one who bidded on JJK and payed like 60G hahaha.
Would you like to see selling cards to other players more regularly?
I reckon that would be a good addition, cards should come at a price though.
How much is too much for the special themed rounds? Ideally what would be your best ratio of normal to special themed rounds?
I reckon there was too many special rounds, especially towards the end when most teams had a good side. Maybe every 4 or so rounds would be good I reckon.
How did finals work? Is there a better way to do it?
A knockout cup like already suggested would be good but I didn't have a problem with how it was done this year.

[Football Factory]

What are people's thoughts on UTG?
It was good apart from when a certain person completely stuffed the auction up  :P
How did you think the first season went?
Pretty good for a first season.
Do you want to see it back again?
I would be interested in going around again.
What suggestions do you have?
A set of rules for auctions (if you make a bid on a player it stands until another player bids over regardless of the price). No consumable cards in the first week as they just get sold because you need a starting team to begin with. We all start with a silver ruck, think this was how you did it last season? Auctions need to be closed earlier, I cant sit up all night because of work, not sure how you would go about this? just a suggestion.


How about we all have a Head Coach ? We all start with (Chris Fagan)

Coach cards would be available in packs of cards.

Coaches AFL team
Wins (+10)
Draw (+5)
Loses (-2)

Coaches AFL team Wins by
1-20 (+5)
21-40 (+10)
41-60 (+15)
61+ (+20)

Coaches AFL team Loses by
1-20 (-2)
21-40 (-4)
41-60 (-6)
61+ (-8)

Best Score (+30)
Worst Score (-10)

At worst a difference of 40 points.



What worked?
Everything worked pretty well I thought.
What didn't work?
I wasn't a big fan of the extra player cards and captain cards, was too much of an advantage to the team playing them imo.
Would you rather sell back your current cards for money or have retention where you keep 2 of your players?
Fresh start, no selling of cards or retention of players.
Should the mini-games rewards be entirely separate to the main game?
I think they should be included in the main game but they shouldn't be too much of an advantage.
For prizes, is there a better way to split it or was the gold given fair?
Maybe the difference between first and last could be shortened? otherwise the strong get a lot stronger.
What improvements could be made with the Auction? Did you like the auctions?
I liked the auctions.
Would you like to see selling cards to other players more regularly?
No, because some coaches rate players differently and it can be used to get an unfair advantage.
How much is too much for the special themed rounds? Ideally what would be your best ratio of normal to special themed rounds?
1/4
How did finals work? Is there a better way to do it?
Cant comment, wasn't involved in the finals series.

[fanTCfool]

Geez, one auction blunder and still sour grapes in October. Sorry for ruining your season.

[Football Factory]

Geez, one auction blunder and still sour grapes in October. Sorry for ruining your season.

No sour grapes, just having some fun  :P

[fanTCfool]

Geez, one auction blunder and still sour grapes in October. Sorry for ruining your season.

No sour grapes, just having some fun  :P

I was gonna say....  ;D

While I'm here,

Should the mini-games rewards be entirely separate to the main game?
I'm happy with the mini-game rewards joining the main game, unless the Historic Omega cards continue, then they should be kept separate from the main game.

For prizes, is there a better way to split it or was the gold given fair?
It seemed reasonable and logical enough to me. I think it should be voted on again if the size of the competition expands (more coaches) to ensure that the gap between 1st and say 16th is not 150 gold.

What improvements could be made with the Auction? Did you like the auctions?
The auctions were enjoyable when I didn't make a complete balls-up of things. I think that cards for the week's special round (eg. Indigenous) should be sold weeks before the event rather than the week leading up to reward planning and investment. I would try and avoid situations where everyone bought a D Mart card because that gets a little boring in terms of teams being the same. Limit the numbers of dupes being sold, if not just selling one of each player card.

Would you like to see selling cards to other players more regularly?
Yes, but not too often. Definitely over bye week(s) as it could keep excitement during an otherwise bland time, and it is about the half way mark of the year.

How much is too much for the special themed rounds? Ideally what would be your best ratio of normal to special themed rounds? One in every three weeks would be good, otherwise you won't be able to get through all of them! Bronze, Silver, Gold, Golf, Indigenous and Team Chemistry alone would overfill a season if it was only 1 in 4 weeks.

How did finals work? Is there a better way to do it?
K.O comp would be ideal, assuming numbers are nice to us.

[_wato]

I honestly don't have much to add to any of what has already been said. I don't wanna repost my thoughts for the sake of posting.

I've published my ideas on improving the game throughout the year to you Spite through PM and in the discussion sub forum of the UTG page. Think with better involvement, and greater efficiency in how the game can be played (trade ins, pack openings etc) we could have another successful year again next year.

My thoughts on the game? I absolutely loved it. Not because I won but because it's so much fun getting packs and building your squad from scratch, much like FUT. Bring it on again in 2017 Spiteyman.

Also, Depending on team numbers, think everyone should play h2h once excluding chemistry weeks and bye rounds. And give everyone a 6 week buffer at the very beginning in which to build up your team. Obviously depends on numbers but then sets it up for a knockout comp in the end which is fair for everyone.

[Spite]

Thanks guys, some excellent suggestions so far!