Notes on the Forum Merger

EpicDuel is an important part of the Artix Entertainment stable of games. This is so not merely because every game is important to AE, but because EpicDuel brings something unique and special to the company. It brings an enthusiastic community of players who love it, a team of designers that are talented, innovative and dedicated to excellence and a team of moderators that are devoted to both. At AE, we value all three.

As we grow the Battleon brand, we take measured steps toward the improvement of all the games that fall within it, including EpicDuel. We take our responsibility toward this community very seriously both because we care about you and because it is now ours as well. We are very focused on the needs of the players both on the design team and on the forum team; we all work together to ensure that our customers have the best experience we can provide. The players are what drive us, and the EpicDuel community is no exception.

I realize that the forum merger is a bit contentious - and I realize that with no animosity and with complete understanding. Part of what makes your community special is your dedication and enthusiasm, and wanting to hold on to the existing forum falls squarely within those traits we so admire. I want to offer you my promise that we at AE will do whatever we can, however we can, to provide for this community and to ensure that the transition is as fluid and painless as possible.

As a part of that promise, I would like to make a few comments regarding the atmosphere and moderation style of the Battleon forum. First, the forum is staffed by people who care as much for AE as you do for EpicDuel. EpicDuel is now as much a part of AE as AQW or DF, and we will be giving as much attention to ED as we do to any of the other games. While we may have different styles, I want to assure you that the passion and interest that drive our efforts are the same. Second, while we do have different styles, we are not robots. We are human beings capable of change and adaptation under the right circumstances. We will do everything we can to adapt to the needs of the EpicDuel community, provided that you are in turn willing to work to adapt to our needs as well. The art of compromise is going to be very important as we take our steps toward merging our communities into one, comprehensive family and I hope we can all work together to accomplish that goal.

The primary objective of the Battleon forum team is to provide a safe, comfortable and friendly place for people to discuss the AE products and work together to navigate the obstacles that accompany gaming - we see no difference in providing that service to the EpicDuel community. Yes, your community is accustomed to a particular style and manner of discussion. Yes, we will do everything we can to accommodate those expectations. But at the end of the day, our goals should all be the same: to provide a clean and friendly place for both children and adults to spend their time.

I know that you all have concerns and I hope this note has helped to put them to rest. If you have specific questions, I will be happy to receive them via PM or as responses to this thread. I'm very excited about this merger and the opportunity to fully welcome EpicDuel and its players to the Battleon forum. I look forward to a productive and engaging relationship with those of you that elect to join us. To those that don't, I wish you all the best and sincerely thank you for your commitment to and patronage of EpicDuel.