5 BIGGEST WINS FOR SPLINTERLANDS IN 2022

As we wrap up the craziness that was the year 2022, I wanted to take a 'glass half full' approach to see what some of the biggest wins for Splinterlands were. Despite a depressing bear market and a subdued end of the year capped with a layoff of almost half the staff, 2022 still had many bright moments for the Splinterlands community.

Let's dig into them, in no particular order.

1. Ranked Rewards Update

The introduction of the new ranked rewards system back in May started a shift that is constantly being tweaked to this day. To combat bot farms and exploitative behavior, the focus is now on asset ownership (or rental) in order to earn. This pushed accounts to higher leagues and incentivized leveling up your deck. Still a long way to go to get it perfect, but I definitely think we are on the right track.

1. Modern Format

I was maybe the biggest anticipator of this release, especially after it was delayed for 7+ months. Now that it is here, it feels like it has always been. As a newer player, I don't miss playing in Wild and am excited for the format structure to expand as the game continues to grow.

1. Governance/DAO

We are still at a very rudimentary stage for Governance, but I am glad it is here and it represents a shift from Web2 to Web3. This was never something that would happen overnight, but in phases and I'd argue we are still very much in phase 1 or phase 0.5 even (at least until the community can submit proposals). One of the biggest wins for this was the failing of the 2 DEC proposals (Riftwatchers and Nodes) to prove that it works - just because something is submitted and pushed by the team doesn't always mean it will go through. Hopefully 2023 will allow the team and community to refine the process further.

1. Partnerships (MLSPA / Double Coconut / Warner Music)

One might argue that this year was full of announcements and hype that didn't really pan out, but the fact that SPS stakers are receiving GLX is the one thing I point to that makes this an absolute win. Whether you believe in the GLS project or not, you cannot deny that getting free money printed out of thin air is awesome. Choose to stake it or sell it for some ice cream money - at the end of the day that is value that you get just for playing and investing into Splinterlands. Tower Defense will need to prove itself and Warner Music hasn't given any update recently, but if GLX is any indication of how value can be provided through these partnerships I hope we see many more.

1. Splinterfest

Only 300 or so community members were able to attend Splinterfest, but I think the ripples from the event made it's way through the rest of the community. No longer was this an online game with virtual relationships, but many of us got to meet in the flesh and actualize true friendships within the community. That will provide a solid foundation for all future in-person events, official or unofficial. Also, I can't wait for the esports side to get more love after WeirdBeard proved the concept with the tournament!

Ultimately, it's been a difficult year for most and we aren't ending on the most positive note - but that was always to be expected unless the market turned around. While many who chat with me on livestreams know I am even more bearish for 2023, I do hope we see a true bottom to the bear market next year and can start building back up to a proper bull run. Let's hope Splinterlands can continue to build and deliver in 2023 to position themselves, and all of us, to take full advantage of that bull run when it comes around!

---

Livestreams on Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/ThisIsAfterSound
My music on Spotify/Apple Music/etc - https://linktr.ee/aftersound

Holy Autotuna NFT Collection - https://nftshowroom.com/aftersound/collection
Holy Autotuna Info - https://tinyurl.com/3yrx9hne

Join Splinterlands: https://bit.ly/3EytmxR
Join Rising Star: https://bit.ly/3vNEVif
Join dCrops: https://www.dcrops.com/?ref=aftersound

Connect:
YouTube (music channel) - https://www.youtube.com/user/AfterSoundBand
Instagram - http://hyperurl.co/aftersoundinstagram
Tiktok - https://vm.tiktok.com/sfwC4f/
Twitter - http://hyperurl.co/aftersoundtwitter
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/aftersoundmusic
Discord - https://discord.gg/W3ANTryXRA