Dear Gridiron Dynasty Faithful,

We're proud to announce the release of Gridiron Dynasty 3.0 on October 16^th. The new version of our college football simulation game is a major re-write and is full of significant improvements and additions. Thanks to your suggestions and guidance we have incorporated many new features and improved upon the existing game engine technology. We will continue to listen to any comments or suggestions as this latest version is released and have set up two developer chats for this release. Feel free to join us to chat about new ideas or ask any questions.

Developer Chat #1 – October 15^th 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm - COMPLETED

Developer Chat #2 – TBA (this chat will be set up after the first chat is complete)  

There are two parts to the latest update: A refreshed User Interface and a new Game Engine.

The new User interface allows you to set up your team quickly and easily to get you ready for the season. If you are looking for more, it also provides added depth to allow you to control your team from the personnel on the field for a particular formation to creating or selecting a new game plan for most situations in the game. The new coaching section allows you to control each aspect of your team.

The new Game Engine has changed the way it processes plays. Rushing and Passing systems have been changed to allow for a more realistic feel on each play. In addition, the expanded play-by-play will give you a better understanding of what occurred on each play. The focus has been placed on minimizing the decision points and allowing for a play to be determined more on the attributes and game planning than on luck.  

In addition, we will be removing the rewards adjustment for multiple seasons below D-IA. Once your world is in 3.0, you’ll begin earning full rewards whether it’s your 1^st or 15^th national championship at D-III.

For a more detailed look at some of the changes in the new release check out the summary at http://www.whatifsports.com/gdbeta/Help/WhatsNew.aspx

 

What does this mean for existing worlds?

All leagues will maintain the same schedule. At the beginning of each new season after October 16^th the world will be rolled over to the NEW GD 3.0.  The new coaching section and menus will change on rollover. And when the games begin, that’s when you’ll be able to see the new engine in action.

Why are you changing the engine again? Wasn’t it overhauled recently?

While the previous upgrade of the engine improved the game in many ways, we were looking for ways to simplify the process and structures of game planning while still allowing our users to get a better idea of how each play worked. We broke down each play individually into steps, and each step contains a decision point on what happens in the play. (Does the QB roll out to avoid a sack? Is the Defensive Line getting good pressure on the QB? Are the receivers covered?) With this latest update you will have a more realistic feel for what is happening in the game, and be able to game plan more efficiently.

Are there any changes that may effect current game play? 

As part of the update we updated the formation IQs of all existing players and recruits.  This was done because the rate of improvement of formation IQ ratings has been increased. It will not effect game play in the current engine as all players were changed equally. 

Has anything changed for using mobile? 

The new menus/navigation has been updated to better respond to the mobile browsers. This update will allow you to more easily navigate through the game on your mobile device. 

Should I expect to spend more or less time preparing for each game on my team’s schedule?

The amount of preparation time for each game is what you want to put into it. In this version it can be as simple as picking which default game plan you want to use. For example, if you see that your opponent has really good defensive backs, then maybe you choose the Heavy Run as your main playbook. However, if you find some hole to exploit in the defense you can also create your own playbook and set up the formations and players exactly as you’d like.

Has anything changed with recruiting?

Recruiting has been a mainstay of the excitement of the game so we have chosen to leave recruiting relatively untouched. One new benefit of the system is that you’ll be able to create and use any custom position roles to evaluate new recruits to fit your exact system.

When will beta be closing?           

The beta will be closing on October 21^st.

Thank you!

We are very thankful for a strong community that has led us in design decisions of the new engine and interface. We believe this new version of GD will add some important features to an already great legacy.

We will be rewarding our current GD users and beta testers, so be sure to check your sitemail & email during the next couple of weeks. 

As of 6pm today we have officially rolled over the website to the latest tables and databases. The first worlds to use the new UI and Engine will happen on October 23rd.  You will notice that Formation IQ has increased. It will be used more in the 3.0 Engine. 

We appreciate all of your comments and feedback, and we are looking forward to hearing what you have to say as you get into the new game. Good luck and go out and with a championship.

We have a special thanks for all of our dedicated users so keep an eye on your sitemail and email next week.
 

Additional release notes 

• Prizes were adjusted so multiple playoff appearances at levels below D-IA reward 100% of the world population based prizes. Prior to this most recent update, multiple appearances at levels below D-IA could result in your prize being cut 75%, 50%, or 25%.

• Copied over a feature from Hoops Dynasty where it's possible to return as coach after the renewal deadline. It only works prior to another coach applying for the job and should only be used as a last resort. This button shows up on the Jobs page for any coaches that have been removed for failure to renew and where the job is eligible to be restored. It does not show up for coaches that were fired or were the last coach of the school but not in the most recent season. Again, once another coach has applied for the job it cannot be used.