1st Grepolis Player Council

2017 Election (1)

The 2017 election ran from July 18, 2017 until September 3, 2017.

Announcement of Candidacy

Players were able to announce their intent to run for a spot on The Grepolis Player Council from July 18 until August 13.

EN Candidates

The International Server had 13 individuals running for the player council.

formerlytbb

formerlytbb's candidacy was announced on July 18, 2017.

Introduction

i would like to be considered. I recognize that at a glance i might be an obvious no, do to some...content related reasons...of the past. I would obviously have a higher maturity level as a volunteer and representative, than i do as a disgruntled consumer.

if we can move past that, i am an otherwise ideal candidate. i represent the "grepolis is a lifestyle, not a game" portion of the community. ive had every experience in the game you can have at this point. from trying to organize first time players far on the rim. to playing deep in the enemy core as a small group at the highest of levels. ive rage ghosted from frustrations with the game. ive participated in WW, and ive left servers to avoid them.

as one of most well known players, and biggest personalities, ive heard alot of opinions, and had infinite conversations, about the game with other players. from meta-game to the most obvious of subjects.

if you want honest opinions from someone who plays the game hard everyday without cheating. im definitely a solid choice. if you go the (more likely) route and select someone whos not me. i hope you select at least a few people who can offer similar viewpoints.

Edit: i assumed i t was obvious i was applying for en considering this is the En. externals. but to clarify, i am interested in the EN council

maxilex

maxilex's candidacy was announced on July 18, 2017.

Introduction

I would like to be considered as a candidate for player council - in English.

I have played Grepolis for a few years now, and acted as a moderator for a short term, so I have some idea how that relationship works. As an older player, I do have some maturity to bring to the table :)

I like to help players with problems, and regularly read the forums, commenting and contributing - predominantly in a constructive manner. I have some ideas that could help the game improve for players myself, and will take time to listen to ideas submitted by players in my region - passing them on for consideration.

Thank you for reading and I hope you will consider me when voting comes around.

maxi

studog09

studog09's candidacy was announced on July 18, 2017.

Introduction

Hi I have been playing grepolis for about 5 years now and I have enjoyed every moment of it and how the game has changed from a computer only game which limited where I could play it and now on smartphone which always makes it alot better and easier to play if I get picked in the council I will honor it with a sword in hand and all the small and large Greek city states that are in all the grepolis world's

Estacygold

Estacygold's candidacy was announced on July 18, 2017.

Introduction

Please consider this my application for candidacy in English. I have several years of experienced as a Grepolis player on both US and EN servers. I enjoy interacting with other players and I have a great deal of base knowledge of the actual mechanics of the game. I was at one time an in game mod on for the US servers so I have a strong interest in representing players because I lost that position for no other reason than who I knew. I feel that this council will help other Grepolis players have a voice and an outlet for ideas and ways to improve the game play for all. Thank you for your consideration....... EstacyGold

GothamSoldier

GothamSoldier's candidacy was announced on July 18, 2017.

Introduction

I would like to be considered for EN council.

I would say that I am one of the longest continuously playing members of Grepolis, having begun playing Grepolis in early 2010. I have seen the good, the bad and the ugly in this game (I can happily give examples of all 3), and would like to share my input and feedback with the game developers.

Additionally, I speak to many, many players in game, on skype and on forums. I would solicit feedback from all players with whom I speak and seek to use my council status to serve as a liaison between the playerbase and the game developers and managers in order to make the gaming experience better for everyone involved.

I have never had any affiliation with Innogames. I have always just been a player. But this type of role would suit my interest because it is focused on how to make the game better...a topic we can all agree is in everyones best interest.

Thanks for reading.

~GS

The Smilodan Fatalis

The Smilodon Fatalis's candidacy was announced on July 18, 2017.

Introduction

I'll throw my name in the hat for this as well. I have been playing this game since En3 Gamma. You know, that thing where people like to say there was less hugging, but actually there was more of it + more backstabbing. I've been here since I was in high school and am still here as I finish up my last semester at Michigan State and begin to prepare to apply for graduate schools. This has been my favorite online game for a long time and I've had a lot of good memories here so I'd like to give back to the community.

I've always done a lot of community building from hosting world chats, to doing my part to keep the forums active, to hosting a premade of a handful of experienced players and joining late near the rim so that we could invite newer players and let them learn while at the same time fighting other experienced alliances. In my time in this game, I've experienced what its like to fight as an underdog against good alliances and the challenges that come with that and what its like to be sitting as the top dog alliance of the world. In that time I've come across the issues that this community faces and we've discussed it at length. If Inno and the community want some solutions to the following:

End Game Crown Sharing An increase to competitive play Better balances in major game changes

Then I'm the man to consider.

Oh since we need good candidates. @Miknel you and I have our own personal issues. But anyone who would say that you wouldn't do well on this spot would be out of their mind. So run.

DizzlJoe

DizzlJoe's candidacy was announced on July 18, 2017.

Introduction

Hello comrades,

I have been playing this game for cloes 4 yeras now, lead many successful alliances and got a load of experience. What this council needs is someone who knows the players, what they want and need. Someone down to earth who was in the thick of it and just got experience under his belt, knows many people and just is down to earth. I am this kind of person so I will not bother with long letters and overly egos that say how awesome they are.

I get things done.

Bearissismus

Bearissimus's candidacy was announced on July 19, 2017.

Introduction

There are several reasons why I believe I woùld be ideal for this role for the EN community. Firstly, I've been playing the game since world Pi, so have quite a bit of experience. I've played the game in a variety of different ways and with lots of different people; I've been top player in a world, won a world, even simmed all the way through one once; Ive helped lots of players to learn how to play, but never stopped learning myself. Ive fought, negotiated, whatever to get my alliance through, big or small. One of the glories of the game is that there are lots of ways of playing it, and a lot of fun to be had whichever way you play; there's no one set way, and I would represent all types of players. I've held positions of responsibility in alliances in every world I've played, and done every role in an alliance - but I've never forgotten that leaders work for the alliance, not the other way round. And the best bit of the game is that it's social; I love talking to other players and listen to what they have to say. I also think the Forums are an important part of the game, as it provides another way to interact with other players. Additionally, I've written one of the most popular Papers of recent years, going on the likes I've received - I take the game seriously, but not over-seriously, always remembering it is just a game, and a sense of humour is always useful. Outside this game, I've performed similar roles for other games, but I've also done precisely this role many times in my career - as representative of systems users to developers both internally and with SAP. As a result, I am an expert on translating a list of wishes into an achievable system spec, and even more so at prioritising changes to give users the maximum amount of improvement possible within the developer resource available - something that both users and developers almost always get wrong. So in short I believe both my game experience and my work experience combine to make me perfect for the job. That and me being Smarter Than The Average Bear, of course. ;)

kuriants

kuriant's candidacy was announced on July 20, 2017.

Introduction

Back in 2011 when I created an account on the forums to annoy other forum users, thrown into the 800+ posts, I have spoken some words of wisdom in between the spam, annoyance and nonsensical posts, which is why I want to add my name to the already capable list of candidates. I have played many servers throughout my playing time on Grepolis, some of the servers being - Gamma, Rho, Phi, Rhammus. I have accomplished what I feel is all that this game has to offer, yes I know you readers get it...I've done this....I've done that....It's not that impressive....But for me in 2011 I was a kid among many adults battling it out with the best of them, and holding my own against them.

Well just to show some of my majestic threads - https://en.forum.grepolis.com/index.php?threads/handy-hints.32259/ https://en.forum.grepolis.com/index.php?threads/special-building.34589/ https://en.forum.grepolis.com/index.php?threads/spartosaurs.34568/(I just love this one had to add it) Are those posts impressive? Probably not

Am I the best person for this role? Probably not. Are there better candidates out there than me? Most definitely *cough*The Smilodon Fatalis*cough*

Yes there are many things I feel needs working on within this game, I would like to help the users get their ideas across to the developers, I am willing to listen to any ideas no matter how absurd the idea as I know many of you who have been here a while endured my nonsensical posts, I believe it's time to repay those who listened to me and allow me to absorb all their ideas and issues involving the game. I also have ideas of my own which I would love to approach the higher-ups with if I get elected, if not, I will approach the poor soul who has to listen to me ramble about my countless ideas to improve the game.

Thanks for taking your time to read my nonsense - ~Kuriants

Miknel

Miknel's candidacy was announced on July 25, 2017.

Introduction

Sure, I'll run. Wall of text alert.

I've been playing Grepo for an embarrassingly long time, with a registration date of Jan-15-2010, my first server being en1 Alpha. I have been around for every version of the game since the game was opened and played each version actively. I don't think many that know me would disagree that I put into this game more than most in terms of time and emotion. I've tried to quit many times and I've failed every time. The game breathes a level of competition that I genuinely do love and am quite frankly addicted to.

What I bring to the table more than any amount of experience or knowledge of schematics is consistency. Since my first real encounter with emboldened cheaters I have abhorred them. There are many above me that claim to hate cheaters, which is fine. I really don't think anyone was going to post here claiming to love them. However, far too often I think we see the same players that claim to take a hard-line stance against cheaters are the same ones that are knowingly playing alongside them and making justifications for their actions. I think the single greatest problem with Grepolis right now, more so than the end game or gold usage or attack alarm, is not only the rampant and widespread cheating throughout the game, but the indifference showed to and rationalizations made by players who aren't cheating on behalf of those that are. The later of which is really just a symptom of the larger problem in the apathy on the part of devs to use more sophisticated detection methods. How many have been told by mods that "they are aware of the problem but do not currently have any means of detection but the devs are working on a solution"? I was first told that over a year and a half ago, and today there are still no processes in place for some forms of cheating. If I am chosen for this role, that will be my single biggest focus - to ensure that those with the ability to do so are doing all within their power to combat the widespread use of unapproved devices aimed at giving a player an edge over another. There isn't an issue in the game that should take precedence over ensuring the integrity of it.

In a lot of ways I have already been doing something similar to what is described in this role. For a while now I have been taking my grievances to parties above those offered through the game mechanics because I felt as though player concerns were not being taken seriously. While I can't say anything substantial has come from it, I can absolutely say that those that have given me the time of day have been far more forthcoming and receptive to what is typically offered or allowed to have through the game itself. And those are conversations I would be happy to have in a more formal way.

While I fully recognize that I may not be the most well-liked player in Grepolis, I challenge you to find someone who cares more than I do. I think the person/people in this role should be angry. The game is in a state of decay and those with the courage to actually speak up have been ignored for a long time. If in the very slight chance that this system is more than just an arbitrary one and real change can come from it, I hope those elected are ones with real standards and will, when given the opportunity, speak truthfully to those who will listen about the real problems with the game, not just the superficial ones.

On a personal level, my vote goes to you, Bear.

shadowcane

shadowcane's candidacy was announced on July 27, 2017.

Introduction

I've been playing Grepo for an embarrassingly long time, with a registration date of Jan-15-2010, my first server being en1 Alpha. I have been around for every version of the game since the game was opened and played each version actively. I don't think many that know me would disagree that I put into this game more than most in terms of time and emotion. that i dont now in not to now hav won servreal server and often learning up new guys its feel like its have ben my life for 8 year and servreal players from the past that

thewilsh

thewilsh's candidacy was announced on August 3, 2017.

Introduction

I'm going to chuck my hat in the ring here as well. I am not necessarily a well known name nor am i regarded as great player. I am the guy that hides in the ranks and barely noticeable to the many players around me. Those that do know me will agree that i bring a sense a balance and could be generally regarded as one of the nicest guys in grepo!

Phidippidies

Phidippidies's candidacy was announced on August 13, 2017.

Introduction

I guess I'll throw one last name into the hat before this closes up -

Hello there, my name is Phi because no one else knows how to spell or pronounce Phidippidies... I've been playing Grepolis since around 2013, and joined the forums shortly after, inspired by a newspaper I saw posted on the externals. and a huge shout out to you, C4, for being that inspiration. After joining externals, I decided to write a paper of my own, mostly because I wanted to interview players. Not just about the events of the world, but about silly questions, and about their opinions on updates in Grepolis - ranging from opinions on heroes, to opinions on what their favorite world speed was.

Outside of Grepolis ...you can have a life outside of Grepolis? I am a student of Computer Science and Game Technology, and spend my summers instructing game development courses for teenagers. With this I've had some awesome opportunities to beta test for a number of game titles, like Elder Scrolls, Doom, etc.

To close this up quickly: I think I would be a good fit for this role for two main reasons: I love to talk to players, and I have a good sense of game development and interacting with developers as a player.

US Candidates

The United States Server had 5 individuals running for the player council.

Dread Thrill

Dread Thrill's candidacy was announced on July 19, 2017

Introduction

Before I start, and I'm sure it's been addressed , but The Smilodon Fatalis had posted on the other thread that's apparently been cleaned and locked. I hope there wasn't a systemic error in communication right out the gate.

I'm a seasoned game geek, playing online games since '97. I've been involved in small invite only clans of 8 members on one side of the spectrum, and ran a 3,000 man clan on the other side. Across genres ranging from First Person Shooters to PvP based MMORPGs. However, my affinity has always been with the Real Time Strategy genre.

I originally played Grepolis a few years ago, starting on Psi, and followed by Chi. Medical issues lead to me having to break from my game time, and I only recently came back this January on Rizina. So I was able to experience the "culture shock" as I acclimated to all the updates and balancing that had been done. However, that's a good thing, because I've been thoroughly enjoying myself, and am looking forward to playing Apollonia.

With my gaming experience, there isn't much I haven't seen. I've also been involved in several alpha and beta tests for games such as Asheron's Call, DarkFall, Aliens Vs. Predator, ShadowBane, and more. I also have experience in focus groups centered on fact finding and problem solving due to my experience as upper echelon management in production facilities (Cooper Electric, Eaton, Alko-Kober to name a few). And being as I work from home now working as a consultant online, I literally am almost always online.

PinkFloyd312

PinkFloyd312's candidacy was announced on July 29, 2017.

Introduction

I am PinkFloyd312. Many know me from my experience. I came in with Xi and won. I currently play in Hyper and Zac. Have played in many other worlds as well.

As far as experience I don't know what to say other than my stats speak for themselves. I have a history with grepo and have been banned. Not for cheating but for calling out cheaters and most of those have been proven.

I have some good ideas for game play but am more concerned with getting rid of the cheaters and providing "PERMANENT NEVER COME BACK" bans for the botters. Not the 5 day attackable in which they can reload.

Edit: As I read from the two people that replied after me (who know me well enough) I need to say a little more. Yes I hate cheaters flat out and hunt them down. There is also where I play. I am representing Hyperborea. This is the old system where the game was pure and the system where I won in Xi before heroes.

I have a bunch of ideas as to game play. The biggest positive thing grepo did in the last few years was have the night bonus on Zac in the US server.

The gold trade has caused an unfair advantage in worlds. Now don't get me wrong as I have sold every resource I have for gold to just bank in Hyper. That was not around in Xi US15. There was one constant in the world and that was resources. It was like the speed of light no matter how much you spent to build faster you couldn't get more resources unless someone flat out gave them to you. Now you can buy them. There needs to be gold trade worlds and non gold trade worlds. I can go on and on.

Like I said I am representing US5 Hyperborea. I have played in many other worlds but that is my home. There are many players who like that kind of play style. Don't get me going on Crowns. A win and a crown are two different things.

I hope you consider the person from the retirement world of Hyper.

Athenakins

Athenakins's candidacy was announced on July 30, 2017

Introduction

Dear Grepolis Community, I would like to represent you on the Grepolis Player Council. I've been concerned about the decline of the game for some time now. I share concerns with PinkFloyd312 and many in the EN forum about the rampant bot usage in the game. I believe that the perceived lack of integrity of the game where bot usage is concerned and the apathy toward it has lead to the player number decline that we are seeing now. My second concern is the end game. This has been talked about for YEARS and literally has not changed. This forum is littered with ideas for end game changes and improvements, and I believe that taking these community concerns directly to the developers is long overdue.

Who I am: Hello Community. My name is Amy, and I am a Grepolis addict. I started playing on Chi. I've played with and against the greatest players to ever play this game on US and EN servers. I've played both CQ and Revolt servers. Personally, I'm in marketing as a market researcher. An example of the subjects that I have delved into concerning grepolis and an idea of what I can bring to the table would be this thread in the Gela forum. https://us.forum.grepolis.com/index.php?threads/the-problem-with-gela.10434/

I realize this thread is over a year old, but I never created another post like this because I felt like Innogames and Grepolis didn't care. I hope that with the creation of this council they now are ready to explore the game from a user standpoint. I may be setting myself up for disappointment, but I do expect results and meaningful changes to happen as a result of this council.

Thank you, Amy

Gorben

Gorben's candidacy was announced on July 31, 2017.

Introduction

Grepoholics, First - vote for Amy - if there is a second choice ... I would be a good representative on the council for you. I think we need to Make Grepolis Great Again [​IMG]. Many of those that have played for years have already decided they have no interest in "winning" ever again ... a crown from any world is a meaningless thing. Even a "win" is a simming award. For me that is the #1 issue - as Amy said - the end game HAS to change for the players to come back and players (like me) to stay. Make winning something people care about again and competition goes up. Competition goes up new players are encouraged to stay and learn the great addiction that is Grepolis.

Who I am: I started playing on Chi. I've played conquest and revolt. I have been everything from a foot soldier to a founder in the number one BP alliance on a server. Played from the center of 55 and on the rim in 74. I love the art of the game ... tactics using the battle mechanics to long run strategy. I want the game healthy - holding the long time players interest and still inviting the new players to come and adventure with us ... and spend their money.

Thank you, Philip

olaray

oloray's candidacy was announced on August 1, 2017.

Introduction

Hello Dear Mate. My name is OLARAY. Grepolis is more than a game and I will like to represent you on the Grepolis player council. have gather enough exprience from my daily online activity in Grepo I've been concerned about the game for some time now and i believe there should be a lot of input from players, Each players idea and need will be adequately represented most especially from the continent of Africa where i am now and the world in general. i hope you will give me this opportunity to serve you in this laudable project.

Voting Period

The voting period in this election ran from August 17, 2017 until September 3, 2017.

EN Voting Results

The International Server Results were announced on September 8, 2017.

Name	Votes Received	Percentage	Elected
Phidippidies	895	17.71%	Yes
Bearissimus	714	14.12%	Yes
*shadowcane	673	13.31%	Yes
Miknel	660	13.06%	Yes
GothamSoldier	644	12.74%	Yes
thewilsh	589	11.65%	No
The Smilodon Fatalis	492	9.73%	No
kuriants	459	9.08%	No

• shadowcane did not accept his/her spot so thewilsh was confirmed since he was the leading runner up.

US Voting Results

The United States Server Results were announced on September 8, 2017.

Name	Votes Received	Percentage	Elected
Athenakins	1010	34.41%	Yes
Gorben	854	28.87%	Yes
olaray	542	18.32%	Yes
Dread Thrill	511	17.28%	Yes