Re: Profesional gaming.

> >
> > Interesting.  Since prize support went *poof*, we've decided it's worth
> > $5 from each of us to hold impromptu tournaments.  We've just talked
> > about this, but I suggested we just throw the money in the pot, since it
> > off-loads the need for me to drive down to the game store and actually
> > buy the boosters.  If the winner wants to just pocket the money instead,
> > I figure that's his business.
> >
> > I also threw out the idea that we'd take the pot, and everyone who makes
> > the finals automatically gets their five bucks back, and the winner
> > takes the rest.  Some talk of a re-ante for a little higher stakes in
> > the finals has been kicked around, too, but I'm leary of driving away a
> > few players who wouldn't be willing to risk that much money.
> >
> > Anyway, it's a bunch of talk right now, but if we do it I'll let you
> > know how it goes.  IMO, we aren't going to have a problem with
> > collusion, but I'll allow that it's possible.  Everyone secretly plays
> > to make me lose, anyway, so I doubt I'd notice the difference. ;)
> >
> 
> In tournaments people are already playing for the equivalent of 10-15
> dollars in cards. Josh Duffin has been running tournaments with entry fees
> to facilitate prize support for while now. I don't think it would make much
> difference if the prizes even got twice as large.
> 
> It would start to go downhill if it stopped being a bunch people put in some
> money and get some prizes, sort of deal. If the entry fee was 20 bucks
> instead of 3, then it would more of a high pressure, money environment. But
> if 15 of your friend's want to get together and put in some money, they
> would have to value money proportionally more than they value friendly
> playing partners in order to collude. Would you backstab your playgroup for
> $50 bucks, $100?
> 
> I wouldn't, I do it for free. :) If thats the sort of question you'd have
> trouble answering with No, to, then playing for money isn't your thing.
> 
> Colin Riggs
> always kill me first

 
I read somewhere a few years ago that the Magic ProTour has never made
a dime of profit and probably never will. Since the owners(Hasbro,a
profit driven company)have kept the pro tour going, I can only assume
that the argument has been presented that the protour is what keeps
the card sales high or Hasbro would have dropped it. People see prize
money-> they do anything it takes to get some-> buy tons of cards,
build all the best decks and practice, practice, practice-> win
money-> buy more cards, rinse, repeat. Or dont win money-> buy more
cards, rinse, repeat. Hasbro has realized that the tour propagates
more buying, which is all they want, more sales. The protour is also
giving the players something to strive for and have fun at the same
time. If this doesn't sound like fun to you, don't play in the
protour. Stay at home and play with your friends.

Saying "it provides good social interaction" isn't exactly a good
argument. I can get good interaction at church or at a bar and spend
less money/time. Maybe you play for the competition, just to be #1.
But how many professional athletes would strive to be #1 if there was
no money in it? The notoriety is good, sure. So, if you are the #1
Vtes player, who will really care? There might be 50 people who give a
rip. Not exactly thrilling. The guy who can burp the Declaration of
Independence has a bigger crowd than you. Some people use the prize
money as their sole justification to non-players as to why they waste
their time playing with cardboard monsters. Even though their chances
of winning is slim, the prizes are out there and money is the prime
motivator. Or is sex the prime motivator? (Maybe the one with the
highest VPs gets a hooker. And if someone king-makes him, maybe he
will be nice enough to give him sloppy seconds.)

Maybe you guys are right that with the structure of the game, money
would mess up gameplay with collusion and such. Maybe to enter money
into the equation, a new way of table scoring would be in order. Maybe
scrap the VP idea and come up with something new that works better in
a new environment.

I'd love to see an online version of Vtes like the MTG one. I'd play a
few hours a night if that were available. I no longer play any CCGS
except for MTG online (I play casual only). Why? Nobody to play with
where I live and no time to set aside for regular games. The number
one reason people quit this game "No one to play with!" You should
support a money-driven game as it will expand your player-base. Just
because there is prize money, doesn't mean you can't play casually
anymore. I have many friends who play MTG and have never attended a
tourney. Or, if they do, it's just to play casual games in the free
play area.

Changing this game a little won't kill you, but not changing it may
kill the game.

But, then again, what do I know? I don't even play anymore. 

Mike