Hi folks,
I'm writing to let you know about improvements to our Vs. System Organized Play programs for 2007.
First, I’d like to thank everyone for their continued support of our programs. We’ve learned a lot in the last three years, and we’ve listened to your feedback. After a thorough review of our existing programs, we’ve decided to launch a number of new initiatives designed to increase support for our loyal players while also creating new programs for entry-level players.
With that in mind, here’s a list of program upgrades beginning in 2007:
1. From now on, we plan to have one Pro Circuit per year in a vacation destination. We're pleased to announce Sydney, Australia, as the location of the first Pro Circuit of 2007. Vs. System has a huge following in Australia, and it's about time we visited there with a full Pro Circuit.
2. We're making changes to our tournament format structure. Many players have felt that our multiple high-end formats were too much to keep up with and a barrier to entry for new players. To address this concern, we’re changing the two current Modern Age formats (Marvel and DC) into a single, united Modern Age format that will use the last four sets released. This change will leave us with three annual Pro Circuit formats: Modern Age, Silver Age, and Golden Age. Along with this change, we will shift our schedule to three Pro Circuits each year, with more prize money awarded at each Pro Circuit. For example, the first place prize for winning a Pro Circuit next year will be increased to $50,000, and prize payouts at every standing will be increased.
3. Next year, we’re going to make some significant changes to our $10K program. Players have commented that the prize payout for $10Ks wasn’t large enough to support travel expenses to the events. In addition, while many cities had annual $10K events, other cities with large player bases did not.
The $10K program is going to be replaced with two new programs: a $50K Open program and a localized Store Championship program. The $50,000 Opens will offer enough cash prizes to encourage travel, and the Store Championship program will be available in every city. We will continue to run a few $10K events in certain regions (such as Australia and Asia) if we can't cover the region with other, larger events some years.
4. We will also be upgrading our Hobby League program in 2007. This program will morph into the new and improved Vs. League. Players can expect to see new prizes and new casual-friendly formats after the release of Marvel Team-Up next February.
5. We will also be completely overhauling and upgrading the UDE Vs. System websites. This has already started internally, and you should see the results within a few months. We'll include much more content on this site, particularly content that will help new players get into the game.
6. For 2007, we'll redouble our efforts to recruit new players to Vs. System with a massive new player recruitment program. This will involve traveling demo teams, advertising of all kinds, new online demos, new rulebook design, and programs designed to appeal to new and casual players. All of these measures will ensure that we continue to grow Vs. System for the future.
In the upcoming months, be sure to check back for additional information about these new programs.
Thank you,
Jeff Donais
Upper Deck Entertainment