You know how we originally promised automatic scrims all the way back in 2016? Then, many years later, we simply never launched that feature? And then later on when we announced this current iteration of TFCL, we said we were going to stick strictly to offering the absolute best sixes league, and focus on nothing but sixes?
To create an ESEA-like experience for the modern era?
We're Still Keeping Things Basic
Don't get us wrong, we're not trying to reinvent the wheel here. TFCL Prime is, by the end of the day, the primary way to play competitive sixes. We still have the biggest prize pools, while still maintaining a competitive league environment for all levels of play.
However, that doesn't mean we can't still introduce new features, especially features that could legitimately make running TF2 teams easier.
League Level Scrim Automation
We Want Leaders To Lead. Focus On Your Team, And Focus On Playing TF2
One of the many obstacles that act as major hurdles for team leaders, is their general inability to find and schedule weekly scrims. By removing the obstacle of constantly having to find and organize scrims every single week, we hope to simplify the TL experience. Make it so things are a bit more relaxed, and less micromanaged. By having the league do a lot of the heavy work for you, we're also hoping that team leaders will be more encouraged to keep their team together. We want TFCL to become a resource for growth, not a league that fosters death.
We Are Also Introducing Team Comms
No, these aren't match comms, but rather Team Comms. Each and every team that's active within TFCL will get their own private Discord-like channels. Only active members of a team can participate there. Yes, we know Discord exists. No, we're not trying to replace Discord. The goal is to make team management a tiny bit easier, and if even a single TL finds this feature useful, then we consider it to be a success.
Our Commitment To New Teams & Players
We know competing within TFCL might seem daunting, especially considering our three division structure. We're trying to promote and encourage higher level play, even at the lowest level. So, as a new player, why would you play in a league that's sure to result in your losing every match?
Well, let's just clear up a bit of confusion first. With TFCL, the first four matches at the start of every season are designed to act as miniature placements. For that reason, they are likely to be the most imbalanced of the whole season, and this is by design. After the first four matches, you will begin to notice that your games are becoming more and more balanced as time goes on. Closer to the end, you'll be playing against teams that are at or around your actual skill level.
Since we know many teams and players might be discouraged to even give TFCL a try, especially if you're around RGL Amateur or Newcomer level, we are going to be fostering a full newbie-mix style team system.
Long story short, if you are on a truly new team, and are just trying to learn and grow as a newer player, your entry into TFCL is free.
We'll of course have more to share on this in a future update, but we're excited to be able to welcome even the newest of competitive players into TFCL.