A message from the Gem Blenders team:
An important aspect of the Gem Blenders TCG is the health of the metagame. A healthy metagame means a diverse array of decklists and strategies, with no decks being overrepresented or overpowered compared to the rest, and none contributing to an unfun competitive environment. While we are committed to rigorous and thorough testing before releasing new card designs, the complexity of the game means we cannot fully predict what decks will be constructed or how they will interact with the current metagame.
Card bans are not something we take lightly, and we understand that these changes will impact many players. However, we believe this update will improve the overall health of the game. After extensive deliberation, internal testing, and analysis of competitive play data, we have decided to introduce a banlist to support a healthier metagame. These cards will no longer be permitted in constructed events (Local Organized Play, online tournaments, Invitationals, and Blender Bowls), but will remain legal in official limited events. This change is effective immediately.
TORRENT CRASHER — BANNED
Torrent Crasher is a prime example of an outlier in terms of power. In every physical tournament since Organized Play began, Torrent Crasher decks have been in the Top 2 places. Specifically, when looped with cards like Data Cipher, Torrent Crasher decks are able to shut down many blend-based strategies, which we believe are core to the Gem Blenders metagame. Because Torrent Crasher is immensely strong and can lead to an unfair match, the card will be added to the banlist.
DEXTER — BANNED
Through the shuffling of a 50-card deck, Gem Blenders games have variation. Hero cards allow for some consistency in each game, which we believe is important in allowing players to execute their strategies. However, certain heroes are centerpieces of a deck’s strategy, allowing players to reduce randomness and play entirely around a part of their deck that is active every single game. Dexter is a particularly powerful centerpiece hero, allowing players to consistently attack for upwards of 7 damage from the start of the game. The metagame is not equipped to handle such an aggressive strategy, as evidenced by a Dexter deck winning the most recent Blender Bowl. For this reason, the card will be added to the banlist.
STAKES RAISER — BANNED
Gem Blenders’ bespoke attack and defense system is a key part of interactions between players. The positions of key attackers and defenders allows for two players to interact with each other. The Gem Blenders team strongly believes that healthy player interaction is key to fun games. Stakes Raiser has the ability to deal 6 non-attack damage, getting around most forms of protection. While six damage is not particularly high, the fact that the blend avoids interaction makes it much more powerful. Because of this lack of interaction, Stakes Raiser decks are not fun for either player – it’s as if both players are playing solitaire across from each other. Additionally, the Gem Blenders team does not promote gambling of any form, and we understand that Stakes Raiser can be deemed offensive and/or promote unhealthy habits. For these reasons, the card will be added to the banlist.
Note: This does mean that all Stakes Royale starter decks (purchased here) must be adjusted before tournament play.
BUMP — BANNED
Bump is a clear example of a card that destroys the core foundation that Gem Blenders is built on – hero levels. Because Bump is free to play, it provides immense value to the player, specifically in the “Bump combo” which we believe is significantly too high-power to fit into the current Meta. The power of the “Bump combo” should be self explanatory. For these reasons, the card will be added to the banlist.
To maintain an enjoyable game experience with a healthy diversity of decks for all players, we continue to monitor the game environment, and can implement revisions if necessary. If you have feedback please let us know by emailing no-reply@gemblenders.com
In the meantime, we hope you continue to enjoy playing Gem Blenders TCG.
One last thing: APRIL FOOLS!