Crowd management thread

[Blackman]

I've made a poorly visualized and chaotic attempt at compiling information about managing the crowd in this game. Insightful comments surrounding this topic have been buried in generic threads and it's not easy to input the right search commands to find everything, so I made this thread. Disclaimer: I'm kind of a poor TEW player with no real knowledge so if you claim that any info here is incorrect or have more to add, please post it here! There might also be blatantly wrong things in this, so please report those as well.

 

The balloons are the match lenghts. The green boxes are the stats that are afaik most important in that aim. The balloons represent the match time. Left is the crowd level. If new players don't know what I mean: the crowd starts off at a random value that is "normal". Every "good" match (in the range of your popularity or +-70) will "raise" the crowd one level. This is represented by a road agent note that say it "lifted the crowd". Note that these probably aren't "absolute thresholds" and it's most likely a continuum. But these "levels" unlock other match aims that - when used differently - will be really bad and can potentially bomb your show entirely.

 

V1

 

Generally my approach on this topic is that I tend to avoid any match aims that I don't "need" for my product. If I run a show with aims and afterwards run the same show without any aims, the latter show is generally just as good. I think it's about squeezing extra % out of a match. Often - in the case of epic - it's extremely risky. If you play with autosave off I highly recommend it. There's also no consensus as to whether it's better to drop these matches on an average or hot crowd.

 

I'd be dying for a better representation than this, so if someone could come up with that, that'd be great.

[LloydCross]

<p>What do the bubbles with numbers mean?</p><p> </p><p>

From what I can tell, Storytelling is basically the same as Regular as far crowd management is concerned. It gets bonuses for crowd heat and doesn't appear to change it at all short of making it hotter if it isn't terrible.</p>

[Blackman]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="LloydCross" data-cite="LloydCross" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49925" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>What do the bubbles with numbers mean?<p> </p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> </p><p> Sorry, that's the match times. I thought that would be obvious and I didn't want to stuff more information or symbols on there. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p><p> </p><p> </p><p> Storylines sometimes seem to lower the match ratings. Might be dependant on entertainment skills, might lower the significance of W/L. I don't really know actually. <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[LloydCross]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49925" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sorry, that's the match times. I thought that would be obvious and I didn't want to stuff more information or symbols on there. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> </p><p> Storylines sometimes seem to lower the match ratings. Might be dependant on entertainment skills, might lower the significance of W/L. I don't really know actually. <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Sure.</p><p> </p><p> You mean Storytelling match aim? My understanding is the workers go a little less hard (which often makes the match rating a bit lower) but they use less stamina. You can get higher ratings with it if you use it to get someone with good skills but who normally can't go that long without big stamina penalties up to a longer match where the rating isn't as capped.</p><p> </p><p> Either way, it definitely doesn't have any particularly unique Crowd Management impact that I've ever seen and I use at least one on almost every show.</p>

[Blackman]

Nobody has any more input or corrections?

 

The idea of the colors is that you cannot use the yellow aims when your crowd is at red. You also can't use the black ones when at yellow, but "storytelling" shouldn't be there. It's the one you can always use no matter what.

[FINisher]

I've always had it in my head and I can't really write anything down about it. It's really weird. Over the years the booking rhythm has been ingrained to my playstyle.. I mean, it looks correct. Not much else to say really.

[KevinStorm]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Blackman" data-cite="Blackman" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49925" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>Sorry, that's the match times. I thought that would be obvious and I didn't want to stuff more information or symbols on there. <img alt=":p" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/tongue.png.ceb643b2956793497cef30b0e944be28.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /><p> </p><p> </p><p> Storylines sometimes seem to lower the match ratings. Might be dependant on entertainment skills, might lower the significance of W/L. I don't really know actually. <img alt=":confused:" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/confused.png.d4a8e6b6eab0c67698b911fb041c0ed1.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> Instead of + or - for match times it might be easier to understand with > or <</p>

[LloydCross]

What about what happens after the matches on the red line and you get the note "got the crowd buzzing"?

[MikeSc]

What about what happens after the matches on the red line and you get the note "got the crowd buzzing"?

 

If you lead into a big match with a Steal the Show match it gives that message. Tends to boost the rating on the next match, so it's nice to use for the pre-main event match.

[InstantlyOil]

This infographic helps. Thanks man.

[LloydCross]

What's the mechanical difference between Wild Brawl and Mayhem?

[BiffJordan]

Your map it correct in some instances. But going by your map, booking a Spectacular or Epic, or Technical Masterclass will always fail.

 

If you want to end your show with a Spectacular or Epic you need to level out the crowd before. The simplest way is to do a cool down match followed by a warm up and then the Epic/Spectacular. Technical Masterclass is the same, it also works as an opener.

[BiffJordan]

What's the mechanical difference between Wild Brawl and Mayhem?

 

Mayhem is overbooked. Wild Brawl isn't.

[RocheBag]

I literally just book my show from the worst match first to the best match last. The only match aim I ever use is steal the show if I have a high flying match that isnt too long. Everything else is 'normal'. Crowd is always very hot for the main event.

[BiffJordan]

Yeah you don't have to utilize any aims not required by your product. But using them creates a better show.

 

I can't make a map but this is my understanding of aim's. I usually play a company with a similar product to WCW.

 

A lot of people say they never use aims because when they do they don't work for them because they aren't following a flow.

 

Let's say your show is rated on the main event mostly, then it doesn't really matter about how good the rest of the card is, the main event is what matters (see WM5).

 

The last 3 matches on Mania 5 go like this...

 

Duggan/Bad News go to a draw - Match Aim = cool crowd (if you have a hot storyline the rating won't be abysmal)

 

Rooster/Heenan ends in a quick 30 seconds - Match Aim = Lift the Crowd (strong storyline = not abysmal rating)

 

Hogan/Savage ends after 17 minutes - Match Aim = Spectacular

 

 

.....................................

 

There are variations you can toy with depending on your product. For instance your cool down match could be a comedy match if your product isn't keen on them, or your warm up match could be a comedy match if your product is keen on them. Same for sex appeal matches.

[RocheBag]

Yeah you don't have to utilize any aims not required by your product. But using them creates a better show.

 

I can't make a map but this is my understanding of aim's. I usually play a company with a similar product to WCW.

 

A lot of people say they never use aims because when they do they don't work for them because they aren't following a flow.

 

Let's say your show is rated on the main event mostly, then it doesn't really matter about how good the rest of the card is, the main event is what matters (see WM5).

 

The last 3 matches on Mania 5 go like this...

 

Duggan/Bad News go to a draw - Match Aim = cool crowd (if you have a hot storyline the rating won't be abysmal)

 

Rooster/Heenan ends in a quick 30 seconds - Match Aim = Lift the Crowd (strong storyline = not abysmal rating)

 

Hogan/Savage ends after 17 minutes - Match Aim = Spectacular

 

 

.....................................

 

There are variations you can toy with depending on your product. For instance your cool down match could be a comedy match if your product isn't keen on them, or your warm up match could be a comedy match if your product is keen on them. Same for sex appeal matches.

 

That's great and everything, but the thing is you would get way better ratings if you just used 'regular' for all three matches.

[LloydCross]

That's great and everything, but the thing is you would get way better ratings if you just used 'regular' for all three matches.

 

The overall average rating yes, but the Main Event in that example would probably get a worse score as Regular compared to Spectacle. Given that the match portion of your show rating is pretty much going to depend on at most the top 3 matches (there might be one formula that's the straight linear average), you can get a higher overall score by properly utilizing crowd management to maximize the biggest matches with a little sacrifice to the supporting ones. Making everything Regular aim does the opposite and sacrifices potential ratings for the matches that determine the show score in order to maximizes the less relevant matches.

 

For a concrete example, if you book something like:

 

1) Regular

- Angle

2) Wild Brawl

3) Calm Crowd

4) Regular

- Angle

5) Steal the Show

6) Calm Crowd

- Angle

7) Spectacle

 

You maximize the potential score of matches 2, 5, and 7 (assuming you put appropriate talent in those matches) by limiting the scores of matches 3 and 6.

[RocheBag]

The overall average rating yes, but the Main Event in that example would probably get a worse score as Regular compared to Spectacle. Given that the match portion of your show rating is pretty much going to depend on at most the top 3 matches (there might be one formula that's the straight linear average), you can get a higher overall score by properly utilizing crowd management to maximize the biggest matches with a little sacrifice to the supporting ones. Making everything Regular aim does the opposite and sacrifices potential ratings for the matches that determine the show score in order to maximizes the less relevant matches.

 

For a concrete example, if you book something like:

 

1) Regular

- Angle

2) Wild Brawl

3) Calm Crowd

4) Regular

- Angle

5) Steal the Show

6) Calm Crowd

- Angle

7) Spectacle

 

You maximize the potential score of matches 2, 5, and 7 (assuming you put appropriate talent in those matches) by limiting the scores of matches 3 and 6.

 

I have never gotten a higher grade with epic or spectacle. Every single time I book one I go back and redo the match as regular and it's always better. I've tried it hundreds of times.

[Malioc]

<p>That would mean a bug. </p><p> </p><p>

I never simmed what would change by using All Out instead of Wild Brawl or Steal Show. But so far I had the impression, that they work.</p><p> </p><p>

I had above-expectation matches when I had brawlers face in Wild Brawls and technical specialists in Technical Masterclass. But I never "tested" it.</p><p> </p><p>

I still believe, that there is a bonus, WHEN you use the right guys. Just using workers with average Brawling skills in Wild Brawl of course should not produce better results than All Out.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p>

P.S.: Always use Working Crowd at the beginning of the show. <img alt="" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p>

[RocheBag]

<blockquote data-ipsquote="" class="ipsQuote" data-ipsquote-username="Malioc" data-cite="Malioc" data-ipsquote-contentapp="forums" data-ipsquote-contenttype="forums" data-ipsquote-contentid="49925" data-ipsquote-contentclass="forums_Topic"><div>That would mean a bug. <p> </p><p> I never simmed what would change by using All Out instead of Wild Brawl or Steal Show. But so far I had the impression, that they work.</p><p> </p><p> I had above-expectation matches when I had brawlers face in Wild Brawls and technical specialists in Technical Masterclass. But I never "tested" it.</p><p> </p><p> I still believe, that there is a bonus, WHEN you use the right guys. Just using workers with average Brawling skills in Wild Brawl of course should not produce better results than All Out.</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> P.S.: Always use Working Crowd at the beginning of the show. <img alt=";)" data-src="//content.invisioncic.com/g322608/emoticons/wink.png.686f06e511ee1fbf6bdc7d82f6831e53.png" src="<___base_url___>/applications/core/interface/js/spacer.png" /></p></div></blockquote><p> </p><p> It may be a bug, but it's been happening since TEW 2013 so I have no idea.</p>

[MikeSc]

I have the most success with one of two run-ups to the main. The first seems like it works for 7-9 match shows more than longer.

 

Keep in mind I run BCG, which is all matches and depends solely on the crowd's reception towards the matches being manipulated. I did a lot of experimenting with where to put the cooler match, how much to cool, how to build back up using the save-and-reload function.

 

1.

Cooler (but not major) match, usually well-known guys right after what would normally be the semi-main in terms of quality. I run this as a Regular match aim, the difference in ratings (usually 10-20) from the match before tends to cool the crowd just enough.

 

Steal the Show, this ends up in the high 70s to low 80s for my best mains.

 

Main event, normal aim with the best match-up on the card quality-wise.

 

2.

Cooler, same as above.

 

Steal the show, maybe a little lower than above.

 

Semi-main, usually a 93-95ish match with slightly higher performances. Sometimes I flip this and the Steal the Show when this doesn't work.

 

Main, again the best match-up on the card.

 

 

I'll add in that when I did TCW it was easier to get big main event scores on TV when I could "reset" the crowd with a 100 (or close) rated promo. It seems like those are somehow outside the flow of wrestling matches and give you a little more flexibility with your match order while still keeping the crowd ready for the really big matches.

[InstantlyOil]

I just want to say that I've been looking for this thread again after trying to pick up the game again. Massive thanks for the chart in the OP post. Just asking, have there been any changes whatsoever since then?