tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21081672056242117932024-02-20T03:43:45.328-08:00MTGO Paupers Deck Challenge (PDC)Paupers Deck Challenge blog by Tharionwind. Musings by the founder of the 100% commons format in MTGO called PDC. I truly enjoy MTGO and PDC because of the *Community* we have.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.comBlogger59125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-20185107357852310712015-10-14T12:26:00.001-07:002015-10-14T12:26:54.442-07:00MTGO vs Magic Duels vs Hearthstone vs others (Hex, Infinity Wars)I am not sure what the status is regarding MTGO and its development. Wizards of the Coast is shutting down its own forums for all of its games. Magic Duels is playable on PC, Steam, IPAD and Android so it seems pretty cool but limited so far. Blizzard's Hearthstone seems a bit simplified but can be played solo and you can get some free stuff. HEX and Infinity Wars both offer a PVE experience but they arent backed by big companies (MTGO/Magic Duels by Hasbro and Hearthstone by Activision/Blizzard).
Right now I'm trying out Infinity Wars. Has interesting/fun game mechanics and relatively stable as of patch 1.47. Fun to play and more thinking than HearthStoned. As for MTGO - I may come back and visit if the interface and gaming has been stabilized/improved. I miss the PDC chat rooms and will miss the Wizards/MTGO forums. Lots of lost accumulated wisdom there.
Live long and Prosper fellow Paupers!
Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-47445474258599566382015-10-13T17:24:00.001-07:002015-10-13T17:24:12.992-07:00Wizards making a mistake eliminating their forums (including the MTG and MTGO forums)I really think it is a mistake of Wizards of the Coast (owned by Hasbro Inc) to get rid of their online gaming forums as of November 1st, 2015. This is a way to directly communicate and build up relations with the gaming communities for their games. Are there social media outlets available? Yes - but not everyone uses them and you are handing the keys of control to a 3rd party (FB, REddit, Youtube/Google+ etc).
I met some great folks on the MTGO forums at Wizards.com's forums area. Intelligent postings, good flowing discussions and productive interaction between a dedicated playerbase/fanbase and the community/developers/WOTC folks.
I do hope they reconsider. Forums did a lot for the game of MTGO back in the day.
RIP community building if it is allowed to pass.
Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-83075824438940655522015-10-10T00:45:00.001-07:002015-10-10T00:45:56.251-07:00It has been a long while since I played a TCG. I saw Hex, Sol Forge and Infinity Wars in the last year or two and was not impressed. I tried MTGO last year and its lost the "magic community feel" to it. I hope that perhaps Magic Duels will build up to be the future of MTGO. MTGO was great practice and fun for paper Magic and for those of us who could not get to paper events.
So after seeing a few games again - I'm playing Infinity Wars. Its interesting and as of the latest patch - VERY playable and fun.
It has some great mechanics (makes you think deeply like MTG) but no land/mana starvation issues. Creative animated cards, tradining/drafting/constructed and what I really wish MTG had: Academy and Campaign modes as well as you can play constructed against AI-bots (you choose what type of color/faction you face).
Academy does a great deep into/tutorial showing you gameplay mechanics broken into sections.
Campaign mode shows you deeper strategies and offers some game situations to "figure how how to win when in a tough situation".
So Infinity Wars has the fun of Ranked Play (player vs player), Drafting/Rift (similiar to MTG drafting except you keep playing til you rack up 3 loses) and Constructed play (vs players or bots as listed above).
Infinity Wars is available free to play. You can start out with *zero* upfront $$ and play/learn and earn cards, boosters and whats called Infinity Points (in game currency for your achievements). LP, Light Pts are what you can purchase to buy stuff at the in-game store (decks, boosters, etc).
Give Infinity Wars a try. Something much deeper than H-stone, less buggy than Hex and adds things that I wish MTGO had to this day....
Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-1539892587616495982014-08-31T11:35:00.001-07:002014-08-31T11:35:40.443-07:00It's been a long time. MTGO has a new version out. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I hope folks are enjoying it!
Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-5535529921565130032012-04-28T11:52:00.002-07:002012-04-28T11:52:25.837-07:00First Post in 2012 - 10 years of MTGO?April 2012 and Where is MTGO in the online gaming (and social gaming) world?
M59, PSO, UO and Everquest preceded it but it was still extremely innovative going Gold/Live in 2002 ten years ago.
We will have to check and see where it is at. Blog updates to review and see how MTGO is now along with PDC gaming.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-50604780299153436802010-10-19T00:15:00.000-07:002010-10-19T00:20:11.914-07:00Two years minus two weeksThinking that life would be so much better, Hope, didn't hit well.<br /><br />But we have survived.<br /><br />I've come back to a V3.25xxx MTGO thats pretty decent.<br /><br />It's lacking Leagues. But now instead of 32 cards per side in a trade, its up to 75.<br /><br />Classifieds are the only official selling outlet other than player run rooms like /join auction, /join casual or /join trading.<br /><br />For me, boof bots, CardNexus, MTGOTRADERS and CArdhoarder were all very nice to me. Boof bots allow you to buy 250 commons/tix -- 4 tix basically caught me up to WW from Morningtide.<br /><br />I did some prerelease SCARS of MIR eventing but infect nailed me right before I killed the opponent.<br /><br />Was expensive, but also ripped a few boosters. Converted the junk unc/rares into a near complete set of 4x SOM commons. If I had been patient and waited 2-3 weeks, could have bought a 4x common SOM set on EBAY (reliable 1000+ rated seller) for $4-$6 US Dollar.<br /><br />I look forward to upcoming gaming. MTGO is stable and playable again. I like it again.<br /><br />Sad that Hope for Change is now Change for Hope. Regime change may be needed.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-21017967619346825162009-01-20T11:15:00.001-08:002009-01-20T11:18:34.539-08:00The dawn of a New Day..Today in the United States we have inaugurated a new President. A nation who has had a lot of pains the last 10 years - now is the time to heal.<br /><br />I am looking forward to a new year. New President, new MTGO stuff and new stuff in WOW. Pauper is now a semi-official format for casual gameplay in MTGO v3.x live.<br /><br />Also am glad my tank DK carrionwind and drunkadin tharionwind are doing well in WOW on SH server.<br /><br />Hope all is well with you - blessings on this new day...<br /><br />TharionwindPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-5764147327400864702008-10-28T08:23:00.000-07:002008-10-28T08:41:02.391-07:00Shards of Alara - Obelisks are funObelisks - the 3 mana cost artifacts that let you grab one of 3 colors of mana...fun stuff.<br /><br />Shards is interesting. A common 2/1 First Strike with Shroud for WU. Impressive fun - I do not like the 5c creatures with cycling. Reminds me of OLS.<br /><br />More info as I get into Shards more.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-65193088304226550552008-10-23T04:56:00.001-07:002008-10-23T04:58:43.560-07:00Shards of Alara Premier Events tomorrow in MTGOWe've experienced casual drafting in Alara for a few days now. Folks are playing some interesting combos (much more colorful last few sets). The system seems to be stable and WOTC seems happy with the relative lack of issues.<br /><br />I am taking a wait and see approach to this new set. We'll see how MPDC and TPDC hit *next* week (the 2nd week of Shards tech available to PDC players).<br /><br />More updates as we see how Alara pans out in the next few weeks.<br /><br />Rock on! <br /><br />-twPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-89721938734781435662008-10-17T01:12:00.000-07:002008-10-17T01:28:34.204-07:00Shards of Alara going Live Monday 10/20/2008Be prepared Paupers - the new booster format and Shards of Alara hit Monday. We already had this week's patch Wednesday that prepared the live system for MTGO.<br /><br />IPA/OTJ goes to Classic from Extended. Futex is now just Extended Pauper (OLS onward) and STD loses PLC/TS. I will miss Vampiric Link - was fun in my BlackRush beatdown STD pauper deck. I reteched my stuff into white (still BW hybrid) using the nice 0/1 Moth that gets +4 lifegain anytime it blocks (it stacks as you declare blocking so you get the 4 lifegain even if its burned).<br /><br />We have a pesky PDC classic bug with the Flagbearers. Coaltion Honor Guard and Standard Bearer do not work properly against storm affects (Grapeshot and Temporal Fissure specifically). Proper way to function - gotta target CHG/SB if in play until they are removed *then* you can target player/controller/other creatures in play. Been noted, Wotc_Lee Sharpe is working with devs (its not an A1 priority but its in top 20%) to get it resolved eventually.<br /><br />Classic is tough - wide format from 7th/ipa to X/alara starting next monday. Thousands of commons to choose from. With the Gold (multicolor) and hybrid (two unique colors) commons - IPA isn't the only solution anymore. Discard decks still have some great tech so WATCH OUT.<br /><br />I want to thank Wildman, Newman and Spikeboy for all the game testing as of late - its been lots of fun and got me back into STD pauper gaming. Y'all rock!<br /><br />Last note - I really dislike this new booster policy - 1 land in each booster of Shards/Alara going forward. Meaning we're stuck with a ton of land as veterans. A Much Simpler solution for paper and MTGO -- SELL LAND PACKS TO THE NEWBIES. ITS bad that I already have over 750 lands as it stands now. Less reasons for me to buy boosters as I'm not in the mood to buy land this way. I don't mind random lands (foils preferred lol). But get the land packs out to the newbies and don't punish/flood veterans with common basic land.<br /><br />Rock on folks!Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-60997507204134189302008-10-15T00:15:00.001-07:002008-10-15T00:32:54.790-07:00TPDC - Classic Pauper can be roughThanks again to Lathspel for hosting TPDC. Was a fun event last night in /tpdc and /tpdc_results. Classic has over 2,000 unique commons to choose from in a cardbase from 7th/ipa to X/Shadowmoor.<br /><br />First round I faced a very creative black deck. Had tough creatures that had some negative offsets (3/3s that gets -1/-1 for each spell casts til EOT or -1 life for every creature cast after etc). I had a hybrid black deck that had rats maindeck (chittering and relentless). Lost Game 1 but multiple Morning Thrulls for Games 2 and 3. Won 2-1.<br /><br />2nd round was against my friend GSG. Very good deck - multicolor with Armadillo cloak, phantom tiger and a few nice trick cards. Hard to win game1. Took one of the games to 42 life but GG had enough cantrip/funk to keep my BHR classic deck under control. I had to prepare for work in any event - but it was fun!<br /><br />Daily PDC free Pauper Events - occuring all over. Check PDCMAGIC.com or MTGO Boards PRE forums (Player Run Events) links on rightside of my blog.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-46706617483426922002008-10-13T23:32:00.000-07:002008-10-13T23:40:06.653-07:00Monday PDC event - MPDC was fun..Tactical Mulligans were missedMonday's PDC event was a fun one! Thank you to ZeroFusion for hosting it (runs at 12pm Pacific, 7pm GMT in /join mpdc). We had 14 players and I do like the current flavors in standard.<br /><br />My first round was a smash. I won 2-0 with some quick hitting Mimic flying. Nightsky Mimic with apparition, NG hag, unmake or the 4 cost wither hag makes for a fast hitting rush by Turn 5.<br /><br />Round 2 - Mimics for my opponent and my mimics don't show. Should have done a tactical mulligan. Bogle the pain in butt is hard to remove. Note that Grave Peril should ONLY be deployed one at a time (if you have two out - BOTH get sac'd when next nonBLK critter comes out).<br /><br />Round 3 - Mimics again (Red/Blue...RU) and very effective. I don't get my mimics out in a fast order (my deck is best when aiming for T5-T6 kill).<br /><br />Just note to tactically mulligan - it can be important to get key cards for win condition. Also note to be patient as if you have a nonrush deck - you can survive and come back from the brink of defeat for the win.<br /><br />Hats off to our PDC folk - glad to see y'all came out. Some upcoming things look good - be WARNED Shards of Alara is scheduled for release NEXT MONDAY on October 20, 2008.<br /><br />Peace out!<br />-TWPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-46318337989390668532008-10-11T07:35:00.000-07:002008-10-11T07:37:59.116-07:00Pauper 2hg event last night (Friday) - thank you Lathspel!Lathspel saved the day and became the defacto volunteer host for Pauper 2hg. It was quite fun and even my friend JD joined in. The qualifiers started out as FFA matches. That was fine as I beat down the guy across from me to under 10. Even had a x/x Timberwatch boost from another player (NE of me on the game grid). It was funny until all 3 took swings at me. I died first. Then my target died. Top2 from each FFA table played in the 2hg finale.<br /><br />Pauper 2hg is just as fun if not more exciting than 2hg regular. I hope to see everyone out in /join pdc, casual room, Anything Goes, Multiplayer and more!<br /><br />Rock onPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-61290125696008005342008-10-06T15:11:00.000-07:002008-10-06T15:25:49.468-07:00MPDC STD Pauper event today - it was great!First of all big thanks to ZeroFusion for hosting MPDC - it was a BLAST. I recommend new players start out in Standard PDC to get used to things. Futex and Classic can be *quite* rough if your new.<br /><br />While I did not make it to the top4 - I did place 7th with my 2-1 record. In the first round I lost to a clanmate friend hokusai22! It was close and it went to the 3rd game of that match. RedDeckWins in pauper can be tough!<br /><br />Down 0-1, I then went on and faced a really cool B/W deck from gershon. He had a suprises. I had to flip and get creative with my Blk/Fly-HybridLife deck. I won 2 games but they were hard fought.<br /><br />tied 1-1 going into round 3 - I faced off against dyagos. He had a very creative U/R deck. Cinder Pyromancer, Grinning Ignus and the Banneret can make it for a plink war. To add to it he splashed blue and topped off with Grapeshot swarms. It went 3 tough games but I swung with a 10/10 flyer to finish off the last game (B/W Mimic with two hybrid enchants).<br /><br />I didn't top4 - I placed 7th but I was 1 game away from going 3-0/top4. In any event - hope to see y'all in MTGO and especially in /join pdc!<br /><br />It gets crazy with these LRW/MOR/SHAD/EVE hybrids and mechanics. I do like it in Pauper Standard.<br /><br />Check the forums at - <strong>http://forums.gleemax.com/showthread.php?t=1097805 </strong>for info on this week's MPDC final standings and the top4 decks!Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-23702822984734534292008-10-04T12:09:00.000-07:002008-10-04T12:12:53.460-07:00Weekend Pauper Events Fri/Sat FPDC and Classic PDCI had fun at the FPDC. It starts at 10am Pacific for signups and 1030am Pacific to start the event. See PDCMAGIC for more details (or on the MTGO forums at wizards.com).<br />Great host and good fun to be had. It's the FUTEX format (Think paper Extended, sans IPA/OTJ).<br /><br />Classic PDC is a 730am Saturday gaming event. Really cool host and fun stuff to play. The classic format is one of the most diverse metagames you'll see in PDC (or in general MTGO matches for that matter). Lots of fun and Lulthyme keeps everyone smiling.<br /><br />Every day there's something happening in PDC within MTGO. Free events, great prizes and good folks to play against. They are friendly, intelligent and it will not be boring.<br /><br />And when's the last time a Magic player couldn't afford commons? Come out and join the fun!Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-16488236386018799512008-10-01T06:00:00.000-07:002008-10-01T06:12:21.598-07:0010 days in MTGO v3 ... and overall...I am truly suprised but I like it. Its lag and crash free for me. The gameplay for 1v1 gaming is smooth and relatively easy to use. While it takes a bit getting used to from 1.x/2.x - its pretty nifty in the smoothness of gameplay. Also if you switch to another window - it will warn you via sound bells when its your turn to play etc.<br /><br />PROS:<br />Stable (I haven't seen the system crash at all)<br />Lagfree (I'd like to see 3000-5000 in casual gaming and see how it holds up)<br />Generally Clean Look<br /><br />CONS:<br />Trading Interface different (has problems if you switch scenes at 2nd confirm)<br />Card viewing is a pain (the card display is detachable/adjustable - but bad fit<br />OVERALL UI needs tweaking/improvement - chat UI is decent but could be better.<br /><br /><br /><br />I am glad to see the /join pdc room doing healthy. It is sad to see the decline of /join bbs but as more folks return and MTGO gameplay increases (*cough* bring Leagues and Multiplayer on by 3.1/end of this year please!) - more folks may return to /join bbs.<br /><br />I'm really liking Pauper Standard (PDC STD) format right now. KithkinPauperArmy is still my favorite in Standard but GreenFastSwing is now a close second. I have a GreenFastSwing deck that seems to be fun to play. I do need to implement some more control into it. It can kill by T5-T7 if not controlled. Some token generation, slippery creatures with Persist/nontargetting and interesting conspire effects.<br /><br />Sometime I'll have to test out KPA versus GFS. For now - I'll fine tune them in the Casual gaming room and in some PDC PRE(Player Run Events).<br /><br />I look forward to some fun PDC events this month!<br /><br />Rock on!<br />-twPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-30010348901745122992008-09-29T15:27:00.000-07:002008-09-29T15:29:42.898-07:00Very exciting times upcoming - visit PDCMAGIC.comLots of pauper events and great info at pdcmagic.com! They really have some terrific information and the gatherling player ranking tool is very cool. With Shards coming out soon and ME2 just released - more fun to be had with commons in MTGO.<br /><br />Long live PDC and lets have fun this fall. I hope to see y'all in MTGO V3 as its been live for over 100 days now.<br /><br />Rock on!<br />-twPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-51143758890802791902008-09-27T02:11:00.000-07:002008-09-27T02:16:52.109-07:00Paupers/PDC getting an official nod from Wizards of the CoastOn January 3rd, 2009 - PDC will have a Wizards of the Coast sponsored event in MTGO. This is a tremendous boost for the Pauper/PDC community. After 4.5 years of Pauper gaming within MTGO and over 1,000 Player-Run-Event tournaments - Wizards is stepping up to acknowledge PDC in a serious way.<br /><br />A Wizards.com column "Into the Aether" did an article on PDC back in 2004 (interviewing me about the first 12-14 weeks in PDC season 1) - its nice to see an official tournament event for PDC.<br /><br />I'm grateful to many folks - all my friends at pdcmagic.com, all the friends in Common Cause and many - MANY more.<br /><br />Thank you and I hope this continues to grow!Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-46569826439958974132008-09-22T06:33:00.000-07:002008-09-22T06:35:35.308-07:00V3 is alive and Tharionwind is back in MTGOAfter 90 days at the new job - things have settled down. <br /><br />I do like most of V3 - but I am concerned I am missing some cards (having Worth and Wizards CS take a look).<br /><br />It seems rather stable - but I've heard of some post V3 launch bumps (happens with nearly any massive upgrade to an online app/game).<br /><br />Hope to see you all there!Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-58164871725907643712008-06-27T18:59:00.000-07:002008-06-27T19:03:34.422-07:00Its been two weeks -- at My New Job!I am glad to report that I am wrapping up my second week at my new job. It turns out that my skillsets and 10+ years in IT are in demand. Smiles indeed.<br /><br />I didnt have to move, still near Tahoe (I love the Lake!) and near family/friends.<br /><br />I plan on returning to PDC and MTGO in the near future. For now Im winding down my WOW account (freezing it) as I've been VERY MUCH SO ENJOYING AGE OF CONAN!<br /><br />:) <br /><br />Regards to everyone in PDC and MTGO.<br /><br />Rock on,<br />TharionwindPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-22127331410080948022008-05-19T18:00:00.000-07:002008-05-19T18:03:07.787-07:00A new day and a new dawn.In this life we breathe. In the sunshine we warm our blood. In the evenings we share a meal or drink with friends and loved ones.<br /><br />I am forward looking to the freedom I have now.<br /><br />I am working with professionals and today is the first day of the rest of my life.<br /><br />I will return to MTGO and bring to PDC new thoughts and my passionate is not gone - just resting as I work with Real Life and what happened to me on 4/22/08.<br /><br />If anyone needs an IT project manager, Enterprise Storage Administrator or a Computer Consultant in CA, OR, NEV or otherwise - send me a note.<br /><br />Tough Times never last - but Tough People Do. Pastor Robert Schuller.<br /><br />Each strike out brings me one step closer to my next home run. --- Babe RuthPaupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-51542787467979450972008-04-23T09:26:00.000-07:002008-04-23T09:37:00.351-07:00MTGO V3 is up as of 4/16 and my life changed on 4/21MTGO v3 is finally here, live, working. It seems nice and we'll see how it goes. Optimus Moses Worth is working hard to get this puppy to full growth.<br /><br />As a side note - I was laid off yesterday after 8 years with a Fortune 100 IT company. Was a total shock. My performance has always been good - just economics have changed and a few hundred of us techs had to be cut from the payroll. I'm already working on 3 interviews and with two IT contracting companies.<br /><br />Things change. MTGO v3 comes out. I move to a new job (will be shortly). The road of life is full of potholes - just make sure you dont crash into a sinkhole.<br /><br />I will be around once again. Long live my friends, family and Pauper Countrymen and women.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-30127544707987919452008-04-09T09:50:00.001-07:002008-04-09T09:52:13.007-07:00Rest in Peace Version 2.x MTGO 9am TodayThe last card played. The last shuffled curse. The last lag time out. The last draft, trade and grumbling about values.<br /><br />Yay though I walk through the valley of the shadow of mtgolagdeath, I shall fear no rare nor evil. For thine is the time of the Great Upgrading. From down upon the Hilltop walketh Optimus Moses Worth to tell the masses of the news:<br /><br />Thou shalt nog lag.<br />Thou shalt not covet another man's foils.<br />Thou shalt not put any other MMOs before MTGO V3.<br />Thou shalt not playeth Leagues nor Multiplayer til deemed appropriate upon Fixeth.<br />Thou shalt not steal another players fun and glory.<br />Thou shalt enjoy the newness of something 4 years old.<br />Thout shalt not ask why God made the Earth and Universe in 6 days and MTGO V3 took over 4 annums.<br />Thou shalt enjoy the breads of casual play until we deem the wine of drafting is good.<br />Thou shalt not complain about narrow chatness - for the the Divine Coder deeems it ok.<br />Thou shalt enjoy thineself within V3 goodness or pull the pin on the prayer grenade.<br /><br />Be happy or we smite you dead.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-63182742693100434272008-04-01T07:53:00.000-07:002008-04-01T08:01:56.588-07:00Community and what it means to MTGOMTGO has been around for 5 years, 9 months in live form 1.x or 2.x. Since 6/2002 it has been a strange phenomenon. Digital Objects for trade and sale. Digital objects in games that people "license to use from WOTC/Hasbro" yet in most folks held views they own them. <br /><br />Its been a rough time since 2003 and the release of 2.x MTGO. MTGO has struggled due to its success with 1.x and also with 1.x flaws in design: hard coding each card's rules and a centralized master server as a bottleneck restricting growth. MTGO's team (post Leaping Lizards) tried to fix some things with 2.0 in 2003 but the crash was so horrid and nasty that they had to roll back. Ever since then 2.x has had its problems and crash/lag instability (past 3,000 or so users online at once).<br /><br />Flash forward to April 2008. We're nearing the launch of MTGO V3. Its not the prettiest UI (I hate the vertical chat bar) and will launch without Leagues/Multiplayer (unless they fix that at the last minute).<br /><br />Lets hope with the new 3.x infrastructure (cluster servers, better uniform coding for card rules/cards and expandibility) - we get growth in MTGO again.<br /><br />What has held us together for the last 5 years of pain? Community. MTGO users on the forums and in MTGO have helped grow the community and keep it cobbled together. Critics and fans of WOTC both help make the MTGO Forums and MTGO itself a better place. I applaud one thing WOTC DOES right: They let us speak our minds on the wizards.com MTGO Forums (within some reason).<br /><br />Regarding PDCWAR: Rise of Commonaria - we will be launching the Beta 1 Post V3. V3 is so close, I dont want a hangover between the downing of 2.x live and the launch of V3.<br /><br />More news to come soon on PDC and MTGO!Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2108167205624211793.post-13671029025491524692008-03-26T05:00:00.000-07:002008-03-26T05:03:41.944-07:00Morningtide Release events are nearly over...And MTGO survived. Had single client restrictions (SCR = 1 user account on at one time), alternating days for different events and other speed control mechanisms. Once V3 hits live - we'll have a stronger base system (and not 1 master server for most nongame interactions).<br /><br />MOR is good to PDC - good ww stuff and other creative fun stuff. Dredge is a dangerous tech in Extended and such. I like Reinforce and Clash for MOR tech. Look forward to More fun stuff with Shadowmoon.<br /><br />Continued work on PDCWAR: The Rise of Commonaria - we're finalizing the launch of the beta with more info to come.Paupers Deck Challengehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06237428894585113620noreply@blogger.com0