Deckagon is an online, browser-based, MMA management game (MMOG) developed by a two-man team in Wrexham, North Wales. The game recently finished its live beta-testing programme, and its first official season, spanning a 7 week period and housing 168 stables spanning 21 leagues, is currently underway.

The game is completely free to play, though there is an optional Supporter Subscription available via in-game purchase, containing analysis and customisation tools to enhance user enjoyment.

The game itself allows players to monitor the injury & confidence levels of their fighters, set training programmes, issue fight tactics, read fight reports as they unfold in real time, and basically run a stable of MMA fighters as a gym trainer or owner would in the real world.

Still in its infancy, Deckagon is under constant development, and the game developers regularly install new features, and enhance existing ones, to the game. All updates and ideas are left open for discussion via the in-game forum.

Gameplay

Every Deckagon player is given complete control over a stable upon registering for the game, which combines the elements of economic management, tactical options, and structured fighter development.

In order to succeed, a stable manager must master each of these. The basic idea of Deckagon is to manage a MMA fighter stable wisely. Various decisions have to be made regarding fighter development, the quality of gym facilities, use of equipment, support personnel, and fighter tactics. Each of these decisions will have an impact on the stable's economy, so that too needs to be nurtured, especially in the first few weeks immediately after registering when money is tight.

History

The first stages of Deckagon's development took place in early Feburary 2007, and the game opened for beta testing in late March of the same year. With Andrew Penk, an experienced gamer, contributing many of the conceptual ideas that went on to embody Deckagon, Wesley Edwards was free to build the system itself, using skills honed from years of commercial Internet Software Development experience.

The Beta testing period lasted 7 weeks, and contained only 4 leagues (32 stables). After some expected teething problems the game settled into itself, with Star Fighters being added for the final 4 weeks. The first official release was launched on May 23 2007, and features a 3 tier league structure containing 168 stables. This initial season is set to last just 7 weeks, which is half of a full season, since the owners are keen to further increase the stable capacity by adding a fourth tier housing an additional 512 stables spread over 64 leagues.

Supporter Subscriptions

While Deckagon is free to play, the game obviously costs money to run and requires a certain amount of income in addition to advertising revenue to stay functional. To claw back these costs, Deckagon's owners have implemented an income generating initiative in the form of a Supporter Subscription. Subscribing to this programme unlocks a number of analysis tools and customisation features aimed at making the game more enjoyable.

See also

Hattrick, the original inspiration for Deckagon

http://www.mmagame.com, MMA Game, a fantasy betting league for MMA events

http://www.nhb-sim.tk, No Holds Barred MMA Simulator

External links

Deckagon MMA Game: http://deckagon.org

Deckagon Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/deckagon

Deckagon Geocities: http://www.geocities.com/deckagon_mma

Helpdeck: http://helpdeck.co.uk