Next season Arena suggestion

[ceejaex]

Hi all,
I know there is a designated group for this sort of discussion, but I haven't been invited to that thus far, probably lacking volume of games played.

In any case, I'd love to see a draft of the starting 8 cards in the beginning of the game. Or even select two and pass. Currently, I see games HEAVILY slanted to strength of opening hand and how it corresponds with the randomized Conservation Projects. A draft would help mitigate that and create a bit more balance to the opening of the game.

[Ehrine]

There's no official draft variant at this time and as such it won't be supported by BGA (which only implements official variant rules).

[Jellby]

And if it isn't implemented in BGA, it cannot be used in Arena.

[ToaoMT]

I'd already be happy, if there was some change, e.g. three players.

[ceejaex]

I understand (and am strongly in favor) the interest in staying true to the boardgame rules and certainly defer to the BGA developers, game publisher, and game designers. I'm not sure "same map" is a suggested option in the rules though and yet it is implemented in BGA. I don't think it'd be outside the spirit of the game to consider more parity in the opening cards similar to map to create a fun competitive landscape.

For now, I'll use a higher volume of games to even out the random distribution

[Tisaac]

I understand (and am strongly in favor) the interest in staying true to the boardgame rules and certainly defer to the BGA developers, game publisher, and game designers. I'm not sure "same map" is a suggested option in the rules though and yet it is implemented in BGA. I don't think it'd be outside the spirit of the game to consider more parity in the opening cards similar to map to create a fun competitive landscape.

For now, I'll use a higher volume of games to even out the random distribution

That's because it was officialy allowed (or maybe even proposed ?) by publisher during game developpment.

[Tebal]

For playing with and without a draft. the draft does not bring balance to the games. No game is lost in advance. just look at the top 10 with 90% victory. drafting really doesn't seem necessary because we rarely get high rolled.

[SuperMaple]

I'd already be happy, if there was some change, e.g. three players.

Honest question here, but why?
A 3-player game is longer with less control on what's happening. I fail to see a good reason to prefer a 3-player game in Arena.

[ToaoMT]

Just for variation.

With competent players this game is great at 3 players. I understand that there are some problems. With one less good player, this player might (inadvertently) king make occasionally, but this should even out over a season.

Honestly this (and play time) is not a huge problem for other games that have decent arena seasons. (E.g. Terra Mystica or even Catan).

[Hokis]

For playing with and without a draft. the draft does not bring balance to the games. No game is lost in advance. just look at the top 10 with 90% victory. drafting really doesn't seem necessary because we rarely get high rolled.

the top 10 are coop winning mostly it seems. they spectate each others games all the time. And draft would 100% bring balance. you cant just be dealt the perfect hand for the awards.. would only be able to take part of what you need towards a goal and hope the other guy isnt competing... naturally creating compitition on them.