How do you Plan?

[Darbicus]

<p>As I deal mainly in historical mods, my booking pretty much changes organically. I change a few things at the beginning of the mod (Razor winning the Royal Rumble as opposed to Shawn Michaels in 95; Undertaker set to face Bam Bam at Wrestlemania instead of Bundy, etc.) and the whole thing starts working from there. As time goes on, new opportunities present themselves, and I can then adjust the game on the fly. </p><p> </p><p>

In my 95 game, for example, only a portion of which ever got posted here, Stone Cold got injured before KOTR 96, which led to Shane Douglas getting the win and feuding with Michaels at Summerslam. That delayed the Vader match to Survivor Series, which then had Vader go over HBK (only to lose back to Michaels at Royal Rumble, and then win the belt a second time via Bret Hart shenanigans on TV, which led to a Vader/Taker match at Mania and Bret facing Michaels). Austin still got his mega push by the end of 97 (and the feud with McMahon, though this time with no screwjob due to Michaels having left for WCW because I jerked him around too much), scoring the victory over Bret at Wrestlemania XIV.</p>

[mrwhippy]

It sounds corny, but TV shows are a great tool if you're stuck for a storyline. I've been watching Peaky Blinders recently and it gave me a great base for a storyline, it's so in depth and I have really enjoyed writing it and now playing it out.

 

Breaking Bad, Prison Break and The Wire have brought about some of my favourite storylines. Not direct rip offs, but the basic premise can easily be transferred into sports entertainment.

[The_Monk]

Well after writing this I was given quite a few ideas and various ways of planning.

 

Im now in the process of starting a TGA game as WWF, in my head ive a clear way forward I want to go. Ironically because the game starts in March 87 im actually going to run WM3 exactly as it was in real life with regards to the matches. So that bit of planning was easy.

 

That said, ive a clear picture in my head of how I want to take WWF forward, which is vastly different what how it did move forward and this is where the planning comes in.

 

To-date ive spent around 4hrs just planning on day one of the game. These have included things such as:

* Shortlisting potential new stars and people I simply want to keep an eye on

* Creating a new TV show, and getting it contracted

* Looking through the roster and seeing whos who and what part they will play. this includes making notes on anyone whose contract may run out before end of year one and I will need to keep

* Storylines, WWF starts with around 7 in the TGA mod, but after WM3 i'll already be ending around 4 of those to start my own. the remaining 3 will continue for short term purposes.

* As a carry on with storylines ive been mapping out individual stars and teams of where I want them to be at certain points of the year, culminating at WM4, this can be already planned feuds or perhaps someone who ive not yet figured out who there'll fued with but I know where I want them to go. so far ive mapped out 6 individuals and 3 tag teams

 

I guess the biggest thing ive drawn from this is that I never realised just how much this game actually does involve around planning, in the past ive often played by simply loading a mod and then randomly making matches and storys and if im honest not having much success and thus its never really kept me egrossed. Now im totally submerged.... and this may sound crazy but its like when im doing my mapping out etc its as if im in a Board room meeting with the star, working out their future etc of im with Vinnie Mac trying to workout potential business plans. I truly never understood how BIG this game was.....and now...well now im in and im in DEEP and plan to stay that way :-)

[Winter8905]

<p>Using TGA WWF 1987 as an example I mostly plan pretty detailed from Mania to Mania. There is room for changes but mostly the main points of a feud are in stone.</p><p> </p><p>

I usually like to gave a rough plan for the shape of my roster over the next 2-3 years. One or two key matches will be planned like passing of a torch etc. </p><p> </p><p>

I'll have a group that I want to be the top guys by the end of the 2/3 years and plan backwards. I also plan who they will replace at the top. </p><p> </p><p>

I like to book on the fly with guys not involved in feuds and if two workers unexpectedly have grist chemistry and pull off a top match then I'll promote them as a feud.</p><p> </p><p>

On TEW 13 Bruno Sammartino ended up putting on a 8o rated match with Jim Neidhart so when Brett went soli I had Jim feud with Bruno.</p><p> </p><p>

I'm at the start of TGA on 16 as WWF and so far I've planned that between now and 1990 I would like Andre, Savage, Piper, Dibiase and Flair to hold the top strap.</p><p> </p><p>

But in 1990 I want to have Brett, Bulldog, Taker into the main event. </p><p> </p><p>

In 1990 I'd want Flair and Dibiase to be the step below ME and helping to elevate the mid card. Ido want Andre retired and road agent. I'd want Savage and Piper still holding on in there in the ME. </p><p> </p><p>

Hogan would still be one of the top guys but heven would lose more often. Passing of the torch with Brett or Bulldog and putting over Taker at the 1990/91 WM.</p><p> </p><p>

If Brett can squeeze into the Main event and grab a little reign before 1990 then that's fine too.</p><p> </p><p>

I'll have a handful of guys that I set their future out a little like Brett. I want him to finish off as a tag team guy by mid 87 and have him feud for/ capture the ICICI title the second half of 87. </p><p> </p><p>

By late 88 he should have had a long IC title reign and maybe a couple short ones.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

I also plan divisions that I'd like built up. </p><p> </p><p>

Tag division is a must. I want enough tag teams to have a World Tag title and a US Tag title.</p><p> </p><p>

These plans will probably change somewhat . Especially as I have Sting on his way, Vader on his way.</p><p> </p><p>

Road Warriors can perform to IC title level easily so a little story like that is on the back of my mind.</p><p> </p><p>

I have also got the making classic moments occur . Like not throwing around stipulated matches willy nilly.</p><p> </p><p>

So Taker v Hogan at 1991 Mania could be a Casket match or the first ever Buried alive match. Taker buying Hulkamania would go down in history. </p><p> </p><p>

My first ever ladder match on 13 was HBK v Owen for IC title at a Mania. </p><p> </p><p>

So I kinda book around stipulations at big PPVS aswell.</p><p> </p><p>

Long story short.. a big planning helps me build to certain checkpoints through the the years. A couple of huge checkpoints to build too and go from there.</p>

[The_Monk]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Winter8905" data-cite="Winter8905" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Using TGA WWF 1987 as an example I <p> </p><p> I'm at the start of TGA on 16 as WWF and so far I've planned that between now and 1990 I would like Andre, Savage, Piper, Dibiase and Flair to hold the top strap.</p><p> </p><p> But in 1990 I want to have Brett, Bulldog, Taker into the main event. </p><p> </p><p> In 1990 I'd want Flair and Dibiase to be the step below ME and helping to elevate the mid card. Ido want Andre retired and road agent. I'd want Savage and Piper still holding on in there in the ME. </p><p> </p><p> Hogan would still be one of the top guys but heven would lose more often. Passing of the torch with Brett or Bulldog and putting over Taker at the 1990/91 WM.</p><p> </p><p> .</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Its amazing...have you seen my plans as this is more or less what im aiming for.... with he exception of Hogan. I'm aiming for guys like Savage, Dibiase, Jake Roberts to be the main draws, I could sign flair but not yet, I got others I want. Hogan...if im honest I want him buried, that or im going Heel early doors. I got big plans...... I'm even thinking of writing a dynasty im now into it that much</p>

[mrwhippy]

With the introduction of Figureheads it's not so easy to bury Hogan any more. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" />

[The_Monk]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="mrwhippy" data-cite="mrwhippy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>With the introduction of Figureheads it's not so easy to bury Hogan any more. <img alt=":D" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/biggrin.png.929299b4c121f473b0026f3d6e74d189.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Oh yes it is ;-) ..... and that's what makes it more fun as a challenge. Ive got my ideas etc, it wont happen over night, and may well take to wrestlemania 5 (so 2 years), but it shall be done Muhahahha</p>

[Winter8905]

By 1990 Hogan may be in time decline. All I have to do to change figureheads is reduce Hogan pop to high 80s ( get Brett or Bulldog) to 100 . As especially Brett will beat Hulkamania on in ring and basics and will be more popular. If Hogan cries then fine I'll job him out so his pop goes to mid card if he leaves whilst still over then meh it'll make the game more interesting. I'll have most of the most over stars anyway. JCP/WCW will have Hogan?? Ron Simmons, Bill Dundee xD

[Jobbertrev]

I write and post a diary on Reddit. It does a few things.

 

The fact I'm writing all the stuff down helps me remember exactly what I'm doing, which leads me to plan at least two or three shows ahead while I'm booking. And of course, it makes me write and plan more storylines.

[Bluestillidie00]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Bluestillidie00" data-cite="Bluestillidie00" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Here you go<p> <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zguajd35masnz30/Storylines.rar?dl=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.dropbox.com/s/zguajd35masnz30/Storylines.rar?dl=0</a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> My hard drive died and I didn't get a chance to back this up, anyone got it?</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> EDIT: Nevermind, got it. Check your recycle bin kids.</p>

[MinimiMax]

<p>I usually have the outcome in mind when booking the more important feuds but I like to keep things open between the beginning and the ending of the feud. So I book stuff as I see fit, I might write down some very important stuff but that's very rare because usually I remember the most important points. A couple of examples of how much I usually plan feuds:</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>John Cena vs Chris Jericho</strong></p><p> </p><p>

How the feud starts: Chris Jericho makes his comeback but is overshadowed by John Cena's comeback and gets annoyed that Cena gets a title match right away too.</p><p> </p><p>

Important moments of the feud: </p><p>

-Jericho pretends to be Cena's friend and finds a way to be the referee for his title match at Judgment Day, then betrays him</p><p> </p><p>

The outcome: Chris Jericho beats John Cena at WrestleMania</p><p> </p><p>

<strong>Sin Cara vs Sin Cara vs Sin Cara</strong> (yes, this is a feud I actually booked)</p><p> </p><p>

How the feud starts: Sin Cara returns and claims to be the original Sin Cara that got released years ago.</p><p> </p><p>

Important moments of the feud:</p><p>

-The ACTUAL original Sin Cara returns and claims to be the original</p><p>

-The two "original" Sin Caras are revealed to be working together</p><p>

-A Ladder match for the right to use the Sin Cara gimmick</p><p> </p><p>

The outcome: The current Sin Cara wins the right to use the gimmick, the two others are booked in a mask vs mask match, the loser is revealed to be TJ Perkins and the winner (the actual original Sin Cara) goes back to using the name Mistico</p><p> </p><p>

This is basically all I need to get many months of story out of these feuds if needed and all of that is just in my head.</p>

[SanX]

<p>Request!</p><p> </p><p> </p><blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div><p> Here you go</p><p> <a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/zguajd35ma...lines.rar?dl=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.dropbox.com/s/zguajd35ma...lines.rar?dl=0</a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> can somebody reupload this? It's just that I joined the forums longtime after it was posted. Thank you in the advance!</p>

[AfRoMaN36]

<p>I book to my biggest shows (So Mania, Summer Slam, Survivor Series). I figure out what would be my best card for those shows and I slowly build to those events with smaller feuds that culminate to an A event. </p><p> </p><p>

I care less about my Backlash event rating as long as it builds up my workers so that when they meet at Mania, they're both as hot as I can make them in a story that's been properly fleshed out.</p>

[The_Monk]

<p>I now book 12,6 and 3 months with regards to storylines.</p><p> </p><p>

My main event storylines are generally an 8-12month stretch. </p><p> </p><p>

The ones im now trying to push to main event status last 6months, this means they could potentially get two good storylines in the year.</p><p> </p><p>

Others who I like to tick over are anything from 1-3 months.</p><p> </p><p>

This seems to be working for me now and is definitely giving me direction and structure.</p>

[The Dynamite Sid]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="AfRoMaN36" data-cite="AfRoMaN36" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I book to my biggest shows (So Mania, Summer Slam, Survivor Series). I figure out what would be my best card for those shows and I slowly build to those events with smaller feuds that culminate to an A event. <p> </p><p> I care less about my Backlash event rating as long as it builds up my workers so that when they meet at Mania, they're both as hot as I can make them in a story that's been properly fleshed out.</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Same. I try and think bigger picture as much as possible although I don't have things mapped out to the nth degree. As long as I know who needs to be kept strong and pick up big wins to get us where we're going I book more on the fly.</p><p> </p><p> I also ask myself the question Hogan used to ask any time he was pitched a story: What next? If I have a feud in mind for a worker I like to know where he can go at the end of that feud so that I don't suddenly hit a creative wall</p><p> </p><p> On the lower end of the card I just kind of pair guys up who I think will work well or I have a story in mind for.</p>

[jtnlange]

<p>Here are the stories I promomised</p><p> </p><p>

<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/nzyvdckubyiwjt3/Stories.rar?dl=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.dropbox.com/s/nzyvdckubyiwjt3/Stories.rar?dl=0</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

Trevor L.</p>

[The_Monk]

Here are the stories I promomised

 

https://www.dropbox.com/s/nzyvdckubyiwjt3/Stories.rar?dl=0

 

 

Trevor L.

 

i have these somewhere myself, quite handy.... although iu cant for the life of me remember what the S and Ps stand for

 

eg: Segment 1: heel challenges mask, Loser Leaves (S1) (Angle)

Segment 5: heel over mask - cheat (P1) (Match)

 

Oh think its just some back to me.....S is for Show with the number representing the week, so S1 is for example RAW week 1, P is for the PPV event

[fullMETAL]

At what point does match and storyline planning (and possibly making diaries) just outright become a full-blown efed though?

[Captain2]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="fullMETAL" data-cite="fullMETAL" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>At what point does match and storyline planning (and possibly making diaries) just outright become a full-blown efed though?</div></blockquote><p> </p><p> When you have at least two characters who "left the UFC as undefeated champions" and wear exclusively tapout gear. That's where I know I'm in an efed.</p>

[Defmall]

<p>Monk, Sid -</p><p> </p><p>

with expectations to run feuds/storylines that go 6,8,10 months...how do you work around the issue of penalties for having the same match 4 or 5 times. I have to think, over a period of 4 months, guys are going to meet up once or twice a month, no?</p>

[The Dynamite Sid]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Defmall" data-cite="Defmall" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Monk, Sid -<p> </p><p> with expectations to run feuds/storylines that go 6,8,10 months...how do you work around the issue of penalties for having the same match 4 or 5 times. I have to think, over a period of 4 months, guys are going to meet up once or twice a month, no?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> You can pad the feud with tags and multi man matches</p><p> </p><p> Aside from the ways of avoiding booking your 1 vs 1 match on a wwek to week basis you can always throw in a triple threat or a fatal 4 way or whatever on your events. It really helps if you have "gimmick" events on your calendar like Survivor Series, Royal Rumble or Elimination Chamber</p><p> </p><p> So say you wanna plot out 6 months worth of PPV matches</p><p> </p><p> You can say</p><p> </p><p> Month 1 - 1vs1</p><p> Month 2 - 1vs1</p><p> Month 3 - Triple Threat</p><p> Month 4 - 1vs1</p><p> Month 5 - Royal Rumble/Suvivor Series/Whatever multi man gimmick is convenient</p><p> Month 6 - 1vs1</p><p> </p><p> The TV periods in between you can pad with just segments and tags. </p><p> </p><p> For a truly long rivalry I even have months where the guys don't have a match against one another at all. I try and keep in mind the way the WWF booked Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker's feud throughout 97/98. They feuded from August to January (SummerSlam to Royal Rumble) and yet they only faced each other 3 times because they were paired off with other foes in between. This can be hard to simulate in-game but it presents a fun challenge and I enjoy trying to replicate it</p><p> </p><p> Let's look at a sort of map for how that feud might look. Say we have Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker in a feud but we want to prolong it by using Bret Hart</p><p> </p><p> Month 1 - Shawn vs Taker</p><p> Month 2 - Shawn vs Taker</p><p> Month 3 - Bret vs Taker - Shawn interferes which irritates both men</p><p> Month 4 - Bret vs Shawn vs Taker</p><p> Month 5 - Shawn vs Taker</p><p> Month 6 - Shawn vs Bret</p><p> Month 7 - Shawn vs Taker</p><p> </p><p> 7 months worth of PPV matches and only one show where we don't have direct conflict between our 2 main players</p>

[lr10540]

Book the big show with the arches you want then build the workers in those matches up to the big event.

[The_Monk]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Defmall" data-cite="Defmall" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Monk, Sid -<p> </p><p> with expectations to run feuds/storylines that go 6,8,10 months...how do you work around the issue of penalties for having the same match 4 or 5 times. I have to think, over a period of 4 months, guys are going to meet up once or twice a month, no?</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Exactly what sid has said.....its about the padding.</p><p> </p><p> Interviews, Run ins, Tag matches, other type of matches.</p><p> </p><p> 1v1 is different to 1v1 ladder match for example. I'll be honest if its a long feud I barely ever have the competitors face in a "straight" 1v1 (assuming its a singles feud) more than twice,three at a complete push, and those happen at PPVs.</p><p> </p><p> so if running a 6month feud that means I have 6PPVs, out of those 6 only 2/3 will be actual 1v1 match. the other 4 matches will be 1v1v1 or 2v2 or a gimmick.</p><p> </p><p> one of my 1v1 is either PPV5 setting up PPV6 as either a gimmick match (ladder/cage etc) or one final 1v1. so my PPVs can look like this</p><p> PPV1: 1v1 (this is rare and will normally be a gimmick/multi person match)</p><p> PPV2: 1v1v1</p><p> PPV3:2v2</p><p> PPV4:1v1v1v1</p><p> PPV5: 1v1 or gimmick</p><p> PPV6: Gimmick (if PPV 5 was 1v1) 1v1 (if only had one 1v1)</p><p> </p><p> All build is angle/interviews</p>

[chm39]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="gmsubzer" data-cite="gmsubzer" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>hello everyone,<p> below is a spreadsheet i've been using for years and past iterations. it is something i took a few ideas from while creating my own. it has a slot for roster, t.v. show planning, finances, chemistry, tournament planning, and on and on. Seeing as i just started a game for CGC, i have a fresh sheet for everyone. While it's self explanatory; i think; i'll go over the Roster and the T.V. Show planning tabs real quick.</p><p> </p><p> Roster:</p><p> Down the left, we have the roster split by push and whether they are face or heel. The numbers at the top are automatically filled in when a Wrestlers name is entered so you don't have to constantly count your guys to see if you have a balanced roster. Wrestlers names are a default black. Then changed to match there Tag Team partner if they have one. Then the dark yellow/ golden backgrounds are a quick look as to who are champions are who are not.</p><p> </p><p> The rest of the slots are self explanatory. Titles and champs, tag teams, Managers, Creative meeting slots for Talk the talk, Next Big Thing, and Hot Prospects. Current story storylines, and Consider gimmick changes. Oh there is also a quick ratings guide in there as well. </p><p> </p><p> T.V. Show Planning:</p><p> You can get as simple or as complex as one wants with this. The Grey cells are for Main show show matche, Blue are for Pre Show. The yellow combined slots are for angles. The Pink(ish) slot next them is for segment rating incase you want to go back to see who's doing what in shows. The way i usually do it is i put the winner first, the loser/ or multiple losers in the second slot. That way there is no trying to remember who won the match im looking at. </p><p> </p><p> One little trick I used with this is i open a second excel sheet. I copy and paste the Roster from teh roster tab into this second slot. Then i can cut a wrestlers name from this sheet and paste it into the show and do a whole show that way. That way i know who's been used, whos been left out. Also, when you're done filling in the matches and angles, you can cop the row of info into the second sheet for whatever order you want it to be shown in, and then paste it back to the original sheet.</p><p> </p><p> Well anyway, heres the link. I hope any one who wants to use this really enjoys it. I know at times when im at work and i can't play the game, i still have access to this and i can plan a show or two ahead of time that i can run when i get home.</p><p> </p><p> CGG Roster Sheet.<a href="https://www.dropbox.com/s/6z7dmnuhyrh202m/CGC%20Roster.xlsx?dl=0" rel="external nofollow">https://www.dropbox.com/s/6z7dmnuhyrh202m/CGC%20Roster.xlsx?dl=0</a></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Um on the Roster Tab what is the Match times, Minor, Medium and the stuff on the top right mean?</p>

[DatIsraeliGuy]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="mrwhippy" data-cite="mrwhippy" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="41693" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>I keep an Excel file for every save.<p> </p><p> <strong>First tab (Roster)</strong></p><p> Name, Alignment, My Custom Rating, Push, Momentum, Gimmick (and Rating), Health, Ego, Lifestyle, Probable Core Angle Rating, Probable Core Match Rating, Base Stats, Popularity</p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> This is a while ago, but I’m interested about the custom rating you mentioned, as well as the probable core ratings. How do you dictate these?</p>