I dreamed a new game mode for Splinterlands — a high-stakes, real-time tournament-style “King of the Hill” format where players battle one at a time to dethrone the current King.
Each match features a live draft phase — with bans, Archon picks, and alternating card selections — all using Ghost Cards, so that skill and strategy reign supreme.
The event is designed for Twitch/YouTube livestreams, with casters, chat engagement, and potentially even Twitch Drops. It's fast-paced, strategic, and built for both players and spectators.
I am not sure of how successful this may be or how realistic the format. I am more interested in creating a format that can be entertaining to Players and Viewers - which can run LIVE to generate real-time excitement.
Players enter via paid registration (SPS/DEC/VOUCHERS).
A random player starts as the King (Position #1).
All other entrants form a challenge queue.
The King must defend their throne by facing challengers 1v1, one at a time.
After a secret number of total matches (e.g., randomly determined but to fit a 1 to 2 hour Window of Time), the tournament ends.
The player holding the throne at the end wins the prize pool.
There can be other Rewards, such as, Longest Win Streak, Most accurate Audience Prediction, Most Banned Card, Most used Unit/Archon...
To Keep it "Fair" the Format is Draft Duel so that it can run Live and also engage the Audience/Commentators
Each match uses the following structure:
✅ Game Rules & Mana Cap Revealed
E.g., 26 Mana, Reverse Speed, Explosive Weaponry
Ghost Cards Mode: All players have access to full leveled card pool (for this mode only) or Capped to a League Level or Card Set.
Card Fatigue Option (toggleable): Used cards are temporarily locked for future matches
Real-Time Play: Manual play preferred, with AI fallback if necessary
Random Match Count: Tournament ends after a hidden number of matches or Time — adds suspense and urgency - and keeps the Game within a Reasonable TimeFrame.
This mode is designed to be broadcast-friendly:
The idea is to create a Social and Competitive atmosphere. Real time engagement and bringing a Tournament Format that attracts higher skilled Players into an Arena.
The Formats can be modified to support Guild Wars where Guilds Face off, Interlinking different Draft Style matches to culminate into an Annual Championship.
Basically, something fun, fast and audience engaging. ESports worthy.
