In the latest bi-weekly session with our Head of Product, Nick Ciesinski, he provided an overview of the upcoming in-game rewards and Alpha testing phase for ZEDx.

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TL;DR

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• The reward system in ZEDx aims to accommodate various playstyles, ensuring fair opportunities for both large and small stables.
• Rewards are how you can run a successful stable in ZEDx outside of getting a top-tier horse.
• Alpha testing is a crucial phase focusing on deep feedback to refine the game experience. Waitlist now open! 
• The team is committed to evolving the game and adapting based on player input, aiming for a balanced and engaging horse racing ecosystem.

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In-Game Rewards

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The game economy focuses on two main activities: breeding horses and augments. (This excludes the peer-to-peer marketplace, where nothing new is getting created).

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When players breed new horses, a portion of the $ZED Token spent goes directly into the horse's internal balance, with the rest distributed amongst the Treasury, Stud owner, VHS and possibly a burn mechanism. The burn aspect is still under consideration, and community feedback is encouraged.

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Unlike horse breeding, augments don't have an internal balance. Funds spent on augments are divided among the Treasury, VHS and burn mechanisms.

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Treasury Breakdown

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‍Weekly Rewards

Designed to help players feel they are progressing each week, even if they have a few bad rounds. Weekly rewards are linked to stable balance—the amount of $ZED Token your horses have in the race pool that given week. The higher you rank here, the more $ZED Token and augment packs you’re eligible to earn.

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‍Seasonal Rewards 

Seasonal rewards cater to various playstyles and last approximately two months. The main play style that we expect people to want to pursue is shooting up that leaderboard to number one by the end of the season. The higher you are, the more rewards you get. Rewards could include $ZED Token, Augments and locked $ZED Token similar to the transition rewards. Feedback on these rewards in our testing will be a big indicator of how they will evolve. 

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The other play style we’re looking at is a breeder. Similar to ZED RUN, players focusing on breeding strategies will be rewarded based on their success in finding good pairings and deals. 

Not shown in the diagram, but the third playstyle we expect to see is more of a trading playstyle (buying low, selling high), however, it doesn't directly fit into the reward system.

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ZED Picks

This is a participation-based reward system. Players with horses in the race pool earn rewards. In the future, incentives may be tied to the engagement between players and ZED Picks, potentially aligning stable owner incentives with game participation. This will be a topic for discussion in our bi-weekly discussion in approximately four weeks. 

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Player Journey and Reward System

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Core Loop

Players will follow a cycle of breeding horses, equipping augments, racing, and retiring horses. Rewards are integrated into each phase, ensuring diverse playstyles are recognised.

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Participation Rewards

Smaller stables earn rewards based on their engagement and participation, ensuring fair opportunities for everyone.

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Stable Balance Rewards

Larger stables with higher $ZED Token balances in their horses can earn more substantial rewards, providing strategic depth for managing horse retirement.

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Alpha Testing

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Test Focus

The Alpha version will be incomplete, focusing on testing core gameplay loops and ensuring players find the game engaging.

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Feedback and Rewards

The focus is on qualitative feedback, with testers expected to provide in-depth insights over an extended period. Testers may receive ZEDx-related rewards such as horses or locked $ZED Tokens, though they won't gain significant competitive advantages.

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Early Test Advantage 

Concerns about early testers having an unfair advantage were acknowledged, with reassurance that the Alpha won't represent the full game. Strategies and gameplay will evolve, especially with seasonal adjustments.

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Selection

The survey is now live! If you’re interested in Alpha testing, sign up here. Our next Bi-weekly chat will be on Wednesday, October 2 at 6 PM ET.