We are thrilled to announce the official launch of 8Realms, timed to coincide with the very long-anticipated release of Age of Sigmar 4th Edition in July 2024. As the new edition unfolds, 8Realms is primed to set the standard for rankings and player performance in the UK competitive AOS community.
We have set up a placeholder ranking on our official UK Ranking page, to give you an idea of how the ranking will look for real. In the meantime, here is everything you need to know about the 8Realms system:
Integration with Tournament Platforms
One of the key features of 8Realms is its integration with major tournament management platforms like Best Coast Pairings and Stats & Ladders. This integration means that Tournament Organisers do not need to worry about manual data entry to ensure their events are included in 8Realms ratings. Simply host your event on BCP or S&L, and 8Realms will ingest the results, updating player ratings accordingly. This automation helps TOs focus more on running their events and less on post-event paperwork.
Launch Schedule and Updates
The initial rankings will be developed as soon as the first tournaments of AOS 4th Edition kick off, and the first 8Realms ranking will be published on 14 August 2024. To ensure that our system reflects the most accurate and current player standings, the 8Realms rankings will be updated monthly at first, on the first Wednesday of the month. However, as the community grows and more tournaments occur, we are prepared to increase the frequency of updates to weekly, to ensure that rankings reflect the dynamic nature of player performances and tournament outcomes as promptly as possible.
Early Edition Ratings
Play can be volatile in the early stages of an edition, and so are ratings! New players in any Elo system, including 8Realms, have a “development factor” applied to rating changes, which means that the first 25 competitive games that you play will affect your score twice as much as normal. This helps to set all players up in the right place in the rankings, especially as the meta develops and players find their place in the competitive scene.
You can learn more about how the 8Realms system actually works here.
The Benefits of the 8Realms System
8Realms uses an Elo rating system, a tried and tested method for calculating the relative skill levels of players based on their game outcomes. This has several key benefits:
- Skill-Based Rankings: Unlike other systems that might reward participation or event placement, the 8Realms system measures individual performance, offering a true representation of a player’s skill level.
- Fair and Balanced Play: Our system ensures that players are ranked fairly, taking into consideration only their match results. This method provides a level playing field, where tournament size and duration do not skew the rankings.
- Community and Engagement: By encouraging players to participate in more events and improving matchmaking, the 8Realms system fosters a stronger, more connected community. This community-focused approach helps in developing a robust competitive scene that supports players, TOs, and event platforms alike.
For Tournament Organisers
For TOs, using 8Realms means less hassle and more engagement. Since the Elo system is particularly effective in creating balanced matches, TOs can expect more exciting tournaments with closely matched games, enhancing the overall competitive experience. Moreover, the data ingestion from BCP and S&L ensures that every game played contributes to the global rankings, driving up interest and participation in your events.
You can learn more about using 8Realms as a TO here.
Summary
As we gear up to launch alongside AOS 4th Edition, we invite all players and tournament organisers to join us in creating a community standard for ratings. With 8Realms, every match counts, increasing engagement and participation across the whole community. Get ready to climb the rankings and become a part of a thriving, competitive AOS community.
Stay tuned for more updates and get ready to find your place in the all-new 8Realms ranking!