Quick clarification:
We included both classic and premium options for the merch. The classic is cheaper, but the premium is better. Though RGL makes slimmer margins from the premium merch, I would recommend premium. Thank you for your support!

Ok, after reading the deliberation between you and DubThink, I have some thoughts.

I agree that RW% is likely a better indicator of playoffs percentage. However, the standard deviation of strength between teams around the 6-10th spots is likely less significant than that of the top 6 teams. Also, the 9th and 10th teams aren't in the population analyzed, so it's even harder to pin down how a 9th place team would perform against the 8th place team if rematched (because that data doesn't exist). So, intuition has to fill in because there's a hole in the data in that regard. It might still be the case that RW% proves the better team for 8-10th, but the question is: what is the most fun?

I'll think about this more and do some analysis, but my intuition is that in the event that multiple teams tie for 8th place, H2H wins (or even a play-in tournament like the NBA) would emphasize rivalries among teams of similar strength in a more fun way. The next question is how to develop a consistent criteria. No promises, but I'll deliberate with DubThink and maybe consult w/ you SpaceCadet.

Have we ever considered play-in matches in lieu of tie breaker stats?

Oh interesting, I agree with this. Head-to-head wins reflect strength better than just RW%. There's too much RNG that affects RW%. The question then is how to automate the process or create a criteria to base it off. Let me think about this.

https://www.teamfortress.tv/62493/i-want-to-delete-this-thread#1 LOL

1. Implement the win-difference config in all divisions.
- I'll dm you to ask some questions about this.

2. Change the round timer to 4 minutes or 4 minutes 30 seconds.
- I've heard both sides on this. From what we've seen, the 5 minute round timer is clearly an improvement to the pace of the game. I've enjoyed watching the VOD's more with it. And, in higher divisions, I can see a 4 minute timer pushing the speed of the back-and-forth to a more exciting level. Still, we'd have to research this more; 5 minutes gives teams just enough time to coordinate creative sac's--especially in the lower divisions. Snake last has proven to be an issue with a low round timer tho. Idk yet. In the meantime, I want more suggestions on potential hotfixes to improve gameplay.

3. Implement the pick/ban system for all or most divisions.
- One of the differences between the lower and higher divisions is team leader participation. While I do agree the pick/ban system is better than the locked map rotation from a enjoyment perspective, requiring further coordination between teams in IM and Main could present more problems than it's worth. I could imagine it working in Main, maybe.

4. Only include new maps that are in active development.
- Agreed, I have some strong opinions on this. Encouraging community content creation is one of our MO's; that's why we're doing things like player-designed merch, community spotlights on YouTube, player focus groups, developing an API for developers to create more sophisticated projects (we'll announce more on our development projects later), and focusing on including maps that have creators who genuinely care to improve it (e.g., Sultry). Most of those points are beside the point, but I agree.

I'll respond in a lil bit. I agree w/ the 'faded than a hoe' suggestion tbh

This is beast

Ultimate comms--great game sense

Yer

Yeah, the printing will be higher quality too. It’ll still be recommended that you wash it in cold water like most clothing with graphics on it.

RGL's first seasonal merch drop is live!

Check out the designs done by Mocha and Jay here:
shop.rgl.gg

We're offering both Classic and Premium options. If you want the Premium option, click on the design you want, and look through the similar options.

Thanks everyone for your support! The profit is going to the designers and RGL's development!

If u find a solution, I'd be interested in hearing abt it

Ooh, I like this. We're interested in playing with new formats for a cup sometime during RGL's offseasons. I might make a thread for this because I would like some ppl's thoughts on this.

Off-season cups
1. MGE, Ultiduo, Passtime, Bball
2. Experimental maps
3. New format? https://workshop.codes/TXCXX? DM server teams, first to 50 kills?

I'm honestly only spewing rn, but with RGL being a two-format league (6's and HL), it'd be fun to test how TF2 would perform in different formats. For example, a friend of mine made a simple mod where bhop accel was on, and we played hyper ctf on custom maps. The metas of defense transitioning into offense were interesting, and it felt like playing soccer. First time I enjoyed the ctf format lol.

Sure! Will you email me at pm.rglgg@gmail.com?

Yes fs, I intend to investigate and understand/have empathy for all sides. Still, I first must learn how to better support the incredible work the staff does, but there's always hiccups and misaligned values in every system. I'm doing interviews with certain people to get the full scope of what should be done.

*thumbs up* I've been very impressed with recent developments taken on by existing staff--super capable people.

Oh shit LOL

He and I have different perspectives of course. I come from sixes and had many of my own frustrations with RGL—which have been softened after learning how much he has done. We both want the best for tf2. Certain improvements will be made, and certain relationships are changing (e.g., the bridge to teamfortresstv). Sigafoo’s a great teacher, so the transfer is going smoothly! :0 Imma stfu for now lol, but I’m excited to share more specific plans soon