Neilo Neilo

"The Metaverse League" (MVL)

"The Metaverse League" (MVL)

and home of the Commissioners Office

Welcome to the MVL!!


A Simple Guide for Players

Hello and welcome to the Metaverse League.

We here at the MVL want to present to you, the Player, a one-stop shop for all the information you may need or be interested in about the MVL. This page is broken up into sections. The Sections are Bold and Highlighted for faster reading, so you can skip down the page to what you want:

Section 1: Brief History and Origins
Section 2: Player/Membership Requirements and Duties
Section 3: Game/Round Setup and Requirements
Section 4: A Beginner’s Guide to the MVL (FAQs)
Section 5: Important Links

SECTION ONE: Brief History and Origins.

The Metaverse League was an original idea of Ghostwes in the summer of 2007. The origins of the MVL can be found in this thread, here.

The Metaverse League is brought to you by the Metaverse Council and is administered by Silverbeacher, the current MVL Commissioner.
The Metaverse League exists as another fun way to enjoy Galactic Civilizations II and to promote camaraderie between players. We thank you for showing interest in joining the MVL but we understand that you may have many questions in what joining the MVL means for you, your team, and the Galactic Civilizations Universe at large.

The Metaverse League at its most simple is group of individuals, broken up into teams, testing their skills against each other on a Metaverse game with a specific set of parameters. One of these games with various parameters is presented roughly once a month, and this is called a Round. The goal of each player and team is to win a game under those parameters in order to win Points for their team. This is the fundamental layout of the Metaverse League; everything else builds on top of that.

To add to the challenge of playing against each other we have implemented various Bonus Points that we award both individually and to teams based on various criteria that we have decided show skill, hard work, talent, or pure strategizing. Currently, we have Bonus Points for highest scores, fastest games, and early submissions.
At the end of a Round, the MVL Administrative team tabulates and tally the points that should be handed out for that Round. The Team with the most points wins that Round and gets bragging rights and a sense of accomplishment.


SECTION TWO: Player/Membership Requirements and Duties.

The MVL is open to all players of Galactic Civilizations II. Due to the nature of the MVL we can only use Metaverse games. To join one must only make a post in a MVL thread requesting to join or send a PM to the Commissioner, Neilo. We ask that only those that are serious about playing ask to join. The Commissioner will place you randomly to a Team but it is up to the Player to make a Confirmation, in the form of a submitted MV game, joining your team forum at the Galactic Core, or other communications to the MVL Administration or Team Captains. Continued membership is based solely upon participating in the MVL rounds, though we encourage players to participate in the various MVL discussions that may be open. A Player may select any of his/her Character’s, in an empire or not, for the MVL but must use that character from that point on for MVL games.

SECTION THREE: Game/Round Setup and Requirements.

Each Round, lasting one month, is randomly determined by the Commissioner using certain criteria. All MVL games have two main determining factors: map size and victory type. Other criteria, such as the research speed and amount of habitable planets, will vary from round to round. Each Round has its own Setup and Discussion Thread.
Submitted games must be Metaverse and no Cheat Flags can be tripped.

A Player may use any race and set their abilities to whatever they deem useful.
Difficulty level is determined by the current MV medal that has been achieved by that Player. A Player may play at or above that medal. If a player does not have a MV Difficulty Medal than they may choose at what level they wish to play at.

In the future we here at the MVL hope for inclusion in Kryo’s Altmeta. This will give us nearly automatic game submissions and score tabulation, making it much easier on the Player. Kryo’s Altmeta can be found here, AltMeta and our discussion about inclusion into it can be found here, The MVL and the AltMeta.

SECTION FOUR: A Beginner’s Guide to the MVL.
(FAQs)

So it has to be a Metaverse game?
Yes, we only accept Metaverse games. It is partly to maintain a level playing field since no one can use mods/cheats, and also for easy tabulation purposes.

Where Do I Sign Up?
We have a Sign-Up thread that can be found here, MVL Sign up Page.
Generally, a post in any of our threads letting us know that you want to get in on the action is enough. We almost always post a response within a few hours.

Ok, I’ve signed up and got a response; what’s this Core thing I am hearing about?

All of our teams have their own private forums located at the Tyranny of Evil Forums where they can discuss privately and candidly about strategies, game mechanics, and other such materials. While it is not a requirement for a player to sign up at the ToE forums, it is very highly recommended.

Ok, am I ready to play a game?

Yes, you are! Just play a Metaverse game using the parameters of that Round and submit it to the Metaverse.

Ok, it’s submitted to the Metaverse; now what?

Each Round has its own Official Thread, usually titled “The Metaverse League Round X”. Once you have submitted a game to the Metaverse you can make it your official submission for that Round by posting the game in that Round’s official thread. IMPORTANT: You can play as many times as you want in a Round but you can only make ONE official submission. We count the FIRST submission that is posted in the Official Round Thread as the official submission. We very highly encourage players to communicate with their Team and Captain before posting an official submission out of haste or ignorance.

Well, my game is posted. What do I do now?

You could just sit back and wait for the Round to end. The MVL administration team tries to have the scores finalized within two days. Usually, during the course of a Round we have other threads related to the MVL open for discussion. Sometimes we are discussing possible rule changes or alternatives to how the League is structured. Everyone is welcome to participate, and we really want you to! We follow a democratic model and require input from our members to make decisions that affect the whole League.

How does scoring work?

Each Round has Base Points and Bonus Points available to either a Player or a Team. 2 Base Points are awarded to a Player for a Win of the Correct Type, but no more than 8 points per Round per Team. Players and Teams that have Wins of the Correct Type are also eligible for Bonus Points that may be based upon Game Score, Game Speed, or MVL Submission Time. There is no limit to how many Bonus Points a Team or Player may receive, the only stipulation is that they have a win(s) of the Correct Type. For more on Scoring, please refer to the MVL Rulebook found here, MVL Rulebook.

What happens if something comes up in Real Life (RL) and I am unable to participate in a Round or the MVL?

We understand that life happens, trust us! Galactic Civilizations II, while incredibly fun, is still just a game. All we ask is that you inform either your Team Captain or the Commissioner that you won’t be able to participate so that we can make sure your Team has an opportunity to still compete.

What do I do or who do I contact if I have other questions or concerns?

We are fortunate to have a group of individuals that are very helpful and generous when it comes to aiding each other. Most questions may just be posed right in our forums but if you feel that you would like to keep it more private you can contact your Captain or one of the members of the MVL Administration. We will always respect the dignity and the privacy of our members.

Anything else I need to know?

Our standing rules are in our thread designated “The MVL Rulebook”, it is a formalized description of how the League operates and how games are scored. We suggest reading it through to have knowledge of these.

SECTION FIVE: Important Links.

The Player Sign-Up and Team Roster - MVL Player Sign Up
The MVL Rulebook - MVL Rulebook
The MVL Round Results and League Ladder - MVL Round Results & League Ladder

Thanks and Enjoy Your Time as a Part of the MVL!

-The MVL Administration Team-
Silverbeacher, Commissioner of the Metaverse League
FireBender, Vice-Commissioner of the MVL
Mumblefratz, MVL Official Rule Keeper
KzintiPatriarch, MVL Score Keeper

-Honorary Titles-
Neilo, Commissioner Emertius of the Metaverse League

-Team Captains-
Mumblefratz, Captain of the A-Team
MarshallONeil, Captain of the Blade Runners
FireBender, Captain of the Celestial Crusaders
KzintiPatriarch, Captain of the Domination of Death
Neilo, Captain of the Eternal Villainy


Good luck to all!
The Commish.

347,607 views 118 replies
Reply #26 Top
So any game I put in, whether a 10000 pnt or 3000 pnt it does not matter, as long as it is not the longest?



Well, you're not putting in a 10,000 point game.


I officially submit that anyone who puts in a game over 15,000 should explain how the game was won, and possibly have it open to scrutiny. Who would not admit that it's somewhat fishy to have a game under these settings scoring above 15K?


Reply #27 Top
Can we have a bonus for the best username that begins with "ghost" and ends with "wes"?
Reply #28 Top
I may have missed it, but what about highest scoring teams cause it is a team effort.
Reply #29 Top
I have a suggestion, FWIW. IMO, a fast game is worth more than a high scoring one. Many of us can top the scales with mega-scores, especially if we know how long we have before a penalty kicks in.

A fast win shows true skill, so I'd suggest that the highest bonus goes to the fastest game, then the next fastest, then the highest score and then the second highest.
Reply #30 Top
a fast game is worth more than a high scoring one ... A fast win shows true skill

I at least partially buy into this premise, although to some extent winning quickly and getting a high score are the opposite sides of the same coin. Also the premise implies that to some extent there are "tricks" to getting a high score and there are no "tricks" to winning quickly. I don't quite believe that to be true. Actually I believe that winning quickly is not necessarily a "better" indicator of skill than a higher score but it's not any less of an indicator either.

The potential problem I see with making the game length a primary scoring criteria is that I would expect that there could be a *lot* of ties. The problem is that the only indication we have from the metaverse is in number of years. In the case of the last round that wasn't true but I would expect that as everyone becomes more experienced in the format that many people could get the 3 year game. So what do we do in the case where 5 people submit three year games? If we required folks to post the final game screen showing the precise date then I'd think it was a better idea but I don't know if we really want to require that.

I think overall we could make fastest win and highest score equal with the proviso that ties would have to split the total points available. For example if there were two 3 year wins and two 4 year wins, then the two 3 year wins would split the 1st and 2nd place points [(3+2)/2 = 2.5 points each] and the two 4 year wins would split the 3rd place points (1/2 point each). Or if we required the exact ending date to decide this then there would be far less likelihood of ties and the points would be awarded without splitting them. Also if we do this then we should probably penalize lowest score like we penalize slowest game.

Also this same issue comes into play if we have a round where there are four different winning conditions per team. In that case awarding 3,2,1 points for 1st, 2nd and 3rd in four different categories seems excessive. However if it was only total score not based on victory condition then of course all the top score would be military conquests. In this case I would suggest that only the top score for each different victory condition get a bonus. What that bonus should be isn't totally clear, perhaps 2 points?

Reply #31 Top
A fast win shows true skill, so I'd suggest that the highest bonus goes to the fastest game, then the next fastest, then the highest score and then the second highest.


I tend agree as well, but i do differ in the solution to the "ties" problem. A fast game is impressive if it is submitted very early in the round. More so say than an equally fast game that was submitted in the last week of the round, which might suggest the player took a few attempts to get that fast game.
So to break the tie i suggest that when two games are of equal length the game that was submitted first be given the bonus or higher bonus if we do a 3,2,1 system.

This would introduce an element of risk, of how long do you retry your game to get a faster win, VS, submitting early but risking still being beaten.

We could score the fast games the same as the high score games. 3,2,1.

At least this way we don't have to bother with people doing screenshots as some may not have that knowledge.

Also if we do this then we should probably penalize lowest score like we penalize slowest game.


Again, i am fine with this.

As for rounds with 4 different winning conditions, i would like to see points for fastest game per category and highest score per category. As you said Mumble, anything beyond that would be excessive.

I may have missed it, but what about highest scoring teams cause it is a team effort.


Not sure if anyone has mentioned this b4 you mate, but i like the idea. Say 1 bonus point to the overall winning team. What i really would like to see is instead of this go the other way, give that winning team a minus 1 point handicap for the next round.

Either would be fine or no change at all.
Reply #32 Top
How about giving the



extra points for being the cooooooolest team here!  
Reply #33 Top
How long do we have before we need to get this second round submitted?

I might be on break from the tourneys for a little while. I can try to submit something later if the deadline is generous enough though.

That, and I still have the AAR and a non-league game to complete before starting a new one.

@ShadowWorrior - That makes good sense and I think we can all agree to it. May I suggest 5 points?   
Reply #34 Top
1 month same as before. I hope this is long enough too. I also have a number of games to deal with before another league game.
Reply #36 Top
I think a Minus 1 handicap is a great idea. definately keep the scores quite close so no team especially team D feals inadequite to team C.  
Reply #37 Top
So we get -1 next round. We won fair and square. There is no need to penalize the winning team. The other teams can try harder. I don't support this suggestion.
Reply #38 Top
So we get -1 next round. We won fair and square. There is no need to penalize the winning team. The other teams can try harder. I don't support this suggestion.

I think it was -1 handicap to the player that didn't submit a game and not the team. In a 5 player team that wouldn't affect the team unless that players score needed to be counted for one reason or other. Also I think the -1 doesn't come into play until after the players 2nd non submittal.
Reply #39 Top
It is still a matter of discussion TP. There will soon be a MV League Topic of Discussion thread, where this and others will be dealt with.

I was at first keen on the handicap idea, but i feel at the moment, the simpler the better.
Reply #40 Top
It was just a suggestion, I cant qquote on a replay cause I am only seeing half screen but it was only to keep the scores closer so there isnt a runaway train and it was a team effort so.... Ah forget I brought it up. Lets keep it simple sorry.
Reply #41 Top
I mentioned this on the results & leugue ladder thread but I don't think anyone read it yet.

How about this... -2 point penalty for non-submittions, NO MATTER WHAT, unless the person informs us that he will not be able to submit for this round.

I think this is the best way to do it, as it is not complicated like the -1 the first time and then make it higher; or -2, -1 then just eject him from the league.

The Shadow has spoken...
  
Reply #42 Top
An interesting point of discussion, Shadow. One for the discussion thread when we get around to it.

A quick note. Tp has asked to become the official VP of the Commissioner's office, to aid me in the compiling of scores at the end of each round. I have said i am fine with this, and as long as there are no objections from the other leaguer's so shall it be.

Basically he will post the results at the end of the round like he did at the end of round 1 with the wording "Provisional Results of Round #". I will double check the submittion's adjust the ladder and post in the same manner i did before.

I am happy with this, how about you guy's?
Reply #43 Top
Referance:
Round 2 thread
Reply #45 Top
Look like we have suceeded in spreading the message, tournaments are going to happen in the metaverse normally as of the next expansion.

Hopefully they are good
Reply #46 Top
Indeed, perhaps GC3 will have league play.
Reply #47 Top
I am happy with this, how about you guy's?


Actually, since he's on one of the teams... I think that there should be some "score checkers", one from each team preferably to make sure the other teams aren't cheating, not that it's an easy task to cheat here, but just in case...  
Reply #48 Top
Go for it guys. Perhaps the Captains can double check it all, that way everyone is happy.
Reply #50 Top
Man, I don't know where our captain is.

Well it was Darth Sillouette, although I still haven't heard from him even though I did PM him some time ago from both here and the Core.

Failing Darth showing up, TP_Scot seems to have been acting captain like and it's fine with me if he assumes that role.