So I stumbled onto the old GoT card game website tonight and noticed the Night's Watch sign up. Does this program or a similar one still exist ?

No. The Organized Play program doesn't really exist anymore. There are Leagues, and there are Regionals. You sign up for both individually, as a venue and a TO. There isn't really a need for a Night's Watch program because FFG doesn't really do monthly, supported events anymore. League play is the primary venue for building a meta, which is what the Night's Watch program was really about in the end.

I have seen the league kits, is that something I can order myself or do I have to goto a store ? The only store that sells the game is an hour away and doesn't really support leagues and tourneys and stuff. I would love to get one for the group I have started here where i live.

My understanding is that you can order it yourself, but that FFG prefers to send it to a store for you because ultimately, that's the point of the thing - public League play so that other people can find you and join the game. However, if you contact them and explain your case, they may make special arrangements with you. Whomever the contact is on the League play form would be the place to start.

Thank you so much, will do that now. You da man Ktom.

Sigh...OP...we miss you...

I would really love to see the Night's Watch program come back.

I'm with you there. For as much fun as the leagues are, they just don't hold up to monthly support. And with the LCG format, it's not like we can give away packs to the winners.

JerusalemJones said:

Single Promotional cards worked well in other CCGs. And they need not be overpowered promotional cards, either. I know it kinda "breaks" the you-get-everything-in-chapter-packs ... but, hey, it's a prize that won't break the bank.

That's what I've been saying for yearts Stormtower - but the LCG cultists seem to be appalled at the idea of a card that can't just be bought in a chapter pack - like this would actaully dirve palyers away. I think a prize card would actually encourage bigger turnouts at lcoal events - but we don't really have an OP so it doesn't matter.

But I do agree with you - thanks for posting.

Stag Lord said:

I think it could drive people away. The impression I get is that "collectible" carries a a pretty big stigma with a lot of hobby gamers. They simply do not want any part of it and, sometimes, vehemently denounce it. Promos, even if in practice they were infrequent and of little/no consequence to game balance, are lightning rods for people who complain about collectible games. Perhaps if they were just alternate art that would not cause a problem, but with different game text, I think a lot of goodwill that FFG has built up with the board game crowd for the LCG format would be lost.

LetsGoRed said:

For example, what if the Beric Dondarrion card available in the Illyrio's Gift CP had been given away as a "pre-release" promo during Regionals this past May and June - and legal to play over the 3 months between? Additional incentive for Regionals attendance that generates buzz for the new round of CPs.

What about promotional cards that are not new cards, just alternate art cards. Same as any other card you can get a in a chapter pack or deluxe exp. or the core set but with different art, maybe a live action picture from HBO series, full art card something like that.

ktom said:

I like that idea. And it sounds like a palatable approach for the anti-collectible contingent (although I could see some folks grousing if the card was strong and was getting played against them before they could buy it for themselves). As for logistics/cost to FFG, it would mean they wouldn't have to put any extra effort into creating the card proof (no new game design or new/other art needed), so it would come down to what sort of cost it would be to have a batch of the card made up in advance of its scheduled chapter pack printing. I realize that these used to handed out to Night's Watch for free, but I'd be willing to pay for them a la League kits if that would help make the cost numbers work for FFG.

Toqtamish said:

This is what I was thinking. Alt art could be done really well (I am not into the live action stuff and think it would look weird, but...). I also don't like Full art cards. But just a different picture could be enough.

Or - even better IMHO - things that don't have to do with the gameplay itself - which FFG has been doing a decent job at. They have the poker chips and a few playmats and the power counters and the prints. Branch off into more unique things - I 'back' my plots using the red backed title cards (placing them behind the plots in a clear sleeve)...maybe we could get cool 'backs'. Maybe a LE figuring from the company that does the mini's?

Also, the original scoring of points by house was pretty cool. It gave another reason to go.

I've been begging for alternate art "promos" for ages now. Prerelease cards are a fantastic idea. We need something more to get the borderline and average players more jazzed up about the game and attending events. What about promo house cards?

I second the return of house rankings. I loved getting points for playing in the different houses and for winning or placing with them. Sure, it wasn't the most accurate count of overall ability that we've had (that was probably our modified ELO) but it was fun and reinforced house loyalties and rivalries. Plus it encouraged playing more often.