Good morning Weather Warrior,
The next season of the game starts tomorrow, and there are several changes to the game that I wanted to make everyone aware of.
First, the location list has changed significantly. For the “Full Game,” we are no longer having locations in Canada and Latin America. The ability for administration to find reliable data for these locations is very low, and we don’t want to run into another situation where players are getting the wrong number of points because of a data error. We will still have some of the Pacific Island locations, but only because they have an NWS Daily Climate Report (CLI).
The schedule for season three is different than previous seasons as well. Effectively, there will always be two game formats going on at once.
- Throughout the whole thing, the regular game will be held. Your weekly score will be calculated as an average of your best three scores from the week, including zeros.
- For the first five weeks of the season, we will hold the Beta Playoffs. These will be open to the top 32 forecasters in the standings. Every pick will be on a one-day lock, and the forecaster with the best average (minimum two picks) advances. Playoffs are double elimination, with the Grand Final being held December 4-6.
- Beginning in Week 6, we’ll have Weekend League and Champions League. Weekend League is the same format as last season, with the only major exception being that each team submits one pick per day as opposed to each player submitting a pick. If you still want to participate on a Weekend League team this season, but did not participate on one during the beta, please inform an administrator immediately.
- Weather Warrior Champions League (powered by WxSocial) also begins during Week 6. It is a group-and-knockout format similar to the World Cup in soccer. Players who are eligible have already been contacted.
- For all three “special formats” of the game, use the Weekend League portal to submit your picks. Administration will handle the rest. If you want to use the same city, you must fill out both forms.
Other quality of life changes include:
1. Multiplier levels will return to 100, 150, and 200 points. This is 50 points lower than the beta, but back on par with Season One.
2. There will be no mulligans in the upcoming season. We have moved from a pure weekly average of your picks to taking the best three including zeros. Want a better score? Pick more.
3. Regions for Weekend League will remain the exact same as during the Beta.
4. Standings points will be cut down significantly. The winning competitor for the week earns 50 points, down to 20th place earning only one. Points are not awarded below 20th on the week.
I look forward to seeing your picks in the upcoming season. These updates should become slightly more regular. If you have questions, comments, concerns, or suggestions, please do not hesitate to contact me via Twitter DM's or email.
Pick early, pick often, and may the models be ever in your favor.
Andrew Terry
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