[TGS feedback] Please stop doing Battle Challenges (or change the rules)

[EdgeFayth]

Greetings,
this short topic to express my disappointment about the FF14 stand, and especially the Battle Challenge part. I was actually very excited to go to the TGS for this purpose only. I don't really mind about video games in general anymore, but playing special FF14 bosses and getting goodies sounded really cool, the reason why I came there.
I came to the TGS first in 2013. At this time, there were the Titan Battle Challenge. I failed to participate because I came to the show rather late. "OK, next year."
Last year, I came to the TGS 2014. At this time, there were the Ramuh Battle Challenge. I decided to arrive 2 hours before the opening hour. At the moment I arrived inside, all the tickets for the Challenge were gone. "OK, next year".
This year is the edition 2015, with the Ravana Challenge. It seems the rules have changed, in order to avoid what happened the years before (c.f. Lodestone). This time, in order to be sure to do it (I spent a total of 50,000 yen for this...), I took the first train (woken up at 5:00...) in order to be almost one of the first to be there. It was not the case, since my train took time. Waiting, waiting, 9:45, the doors are opening, 10:00, I am in front of the Challenge zone. Then SE staff tells me: "it is too late, the queue is full for today". Are you kidding???? No he was not. So 50,000 yens and a weekend thrown away for nothing. So please, SE organisers of such event, please precise it is only for people with special tickets (journalists, supporters or whatever which allow you to skip the initial queue), it will avoid average fans like me to waste time. There will not have a "next year" this time for me, I understood... If you guys planned to participate such event next year, remind my words in order to avoid deep deception.

[MihaelB]

That would suck indeed

[Warlyx]

woah , i feel sorry for u , why create a challenge, and announce it to every1 , if all the spots are taken beforehand?

[Natashio]

Never go to things like this with high expectations. That's my advice for you.

[xXRaineXx]

Well, first of all, deep condolences for your mishaps.

But, let's be clear, did you go through the public gate? Or the premium gate? You gotta know that there is a thing called the 'TGS Supporters Club Tickets' which allows entry at 9:30. I actually have no idea how many people hold this ticket, though I for one was one of them. I assume at least around 1000-2000 people going in before the standard 10:00am opening.
We pay extra money for this privilege to get to try out as many of our favorite games. I actually ran straight to the SE booth on Saturday to watch the live stage from the front, then on Sunday I ran straight to the RAV challenge and got in line.

If you are in the public line, chances are you won't be able to do it, unless you are way in the front. Also, on public days, SE did not allow special treatment for TGS staff/media to actually even try it out. So everyone who did the challenge are all regular people. The 'tickets' you mention, are nothing special. The tickets are given out to people with a specific timeframe to come back as the queue simply got too long.

Unfortunately, while you may be upset, this is not SE's fault. It is clearly stated on their event pages that not everyone may be able to participate. It is after all, first in first serve. Can't cry about everything.

Suggestion? Buy the supporters club ticket next year, get their at least before 6:30. 2 hours before opening (8:00am) is way too late. There are way more eager people who camp out near the venue to get in line early. 8am I'm sorry to say is half-assed. I had to wake up at 4am to get there at 6 and only then I got to do what I want.
EDIT; Sorry I misread your post, what time did you arrive this year? On which day? If you plan to attend next year, I can give you viable tips.

[EdgeFayth]

Because of hotel location, I was not able to arrive before 6:45. Because of my work, I cannot predict if I can go to the show or not lets say 2 weeks before. Obviously, at this moment, all the Supporter tickets are gone. So it is impossible to me to enter at 9:30. As I said, I ran to the FF14 stand, and all gone. So once again, this is also SE fault. There are more democratic ways to give the ticket for this even, for example:
- distribute them all over the day, not just at 9:30 when there are only Supporter tickets holder inside
- lottery like system
- pre registration on SE website before TGS
- ...

[xXRaineXx]

Here is my reply.

- The reason why they distribute tickets all at once, is because people will literally camp next to the event venue. It happened last year which caused major disturbances, to the point where the exit was no longer even usable due to the fact that you were moving at a snails pace.
- Lottery system, may work, but again, in order to do a lottery system, means people can only do it solo. Majority of the people who do it, do it in at least 2 man groups.
- This... just no. Sorry but no. They want to increase the games awareness to new players, so they even allowed people who never even played the game before to do the challenge. Which in my opinion, is a good thing.

There are many reasons why they do it so, they try their best. Personally I think this years TGS was a huge success compared to last year. Last year was a slight mess with the mis-handled layouts which caused major congestions.

Also, lastly, Supporters tickets are often (and I mean always) resold at a slightly more premium price on Yahoo Auction. Right up until the day, unless they are all bought out. Prices range from 6000~15000 yen, depending when you buy them. So if you REALLY have the 'resolve', take this into consideration next time. It is a lil more expensive, but it will get you what you want.

[EdgeFayth]

[...]
- This... just no. Sorry but no. They want to increase the games awareness to new players, so they even allowed people who never even played the game before to do the challenge. Which in my opinion, is a good thing.
[...]

Well I don't understand this argument. You cannot attend the event if you don’t run directly to the queue (and you need a special ticket). People who never even played the game before will not do this, it doesn't make sense. I even wonder how many real new players attended the challenge...

Anyway, since the only way to attend is to get a special ticket I personally have to buy on auction, I know what I will do next year: not going to the TGS...

[xXRaineXx]

Well I don't understand this argument. You cannot attend the event if you don’t run directly to the queue (and you need a special ticket). People who never even played the game before will not do this, it doesn't make sense. I even wonder how many real new players attended the challenge...

Anyway, since the only way to attend is to get a special ticket I personally have to buy on auction, I know what I will do next year: not going to the TGS...

Well if you really have the resolve and passion to do something, you gotta give it your all. Hundreds, if not thousands of others prepare for war at TGS. It is unfortunate things did not work out for you, but you do have to realize you are not the only one. Around 50000 people attend this event, gotta be ahead of the group to get ahead.