[OLD] 2: Challenge Setup & Gameplay (Updated!)

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GAME SETUP:

1. All Challenge games must be run in EHM 2007 v3.0.4.

The patch is free and available from SI this is the latest patch for the game that was released in late March 2007.

2. You must use the default database SI includes with the game with no database and/or extra_config.cfg alterations allowed.

There is a Guide available and the 'Running multiple databases' thread here in the Challenge forum that will instruct you on how to use your game with multiple databases. This way, if you care to play the Challenge and also play/continue a private game with altered rosters. NO ROSTER ALTERATIONS ARE ALLOWED!

3. You can select your game to 'run' as many leagues in standard or enhanced as you'd like.

You have to at least set up your game with NHL, AHL, ECHL and Canada's Junior teams set to 'Enhanced'. We make these concessions for people with slower machines.

4. You can start your season early by including other leagues with earlier start dates to your 'Enhanced' leagues during setup.

After adding the league (for example Britain) just click on their start date to start your game then.

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5. As per a user poll here on the forums, you have the option to add a second GM in your game and 'run' your AHL team.

This allows you to assure your prospects playing time, practice and coaching. That team can be set to 'vacation' at any time. You do not have to have any involvement with their day-to-day games if you choose not to. If you're feeling a real bug to micromanage your player development you could even add a third GM to run the team's ECHL affiliate (if the current Challenge team has one).

6. You at all times must be THE ONLY ONE in charge of player movement and team management.

This means you cannot EVER set your team to go on 'vacation'.

As per a user poll here on the forums, you have the option to either 'coach' your NHL team's games or not, but keep in mind that coaching your own games allows you to take better advantage of tactical options so time invested could serve you well.

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IN-SEASON GAME PLAY RULES:

1. You are required to stay within 1 million dollars of the 'TBL assigned budget' - New to Challenge 7.

NOTE: This is a change from our previous Challenges. You will need to report your team's budget along with your stats. At any time we may ask you to post a screenshot proving you are within your budget requirements. If you fail to do so your team will be disqualified. The TBL budget is currently $36mil for both the first season and the second season. This has been implemented to make things a bit more challenging for you!

2. You can make any player moves you see fit but you can only trade draft picks from the upcoming draft.

We encourage everyone to approach their team as a three year arc at least and don't slash and burn or to just build a "win now" or "pay with or future to improve our present" team. We will record additional seasons as long as there is still enough interest to make a Challenge worthwhile and competitive.

NOTE: This is a change from our previous Challenges. The aim of this one is to prevent people from offering 4 first rounders to 'stack' their team, knowing they are only playing for one season. Again, you may be required to post a screenshot of your transactions page to prove you have stayed within this guideline. If you fail to do so your team will be disqualified.

3. As per a recent discussion here on the forums, you are not allowed however to be GM of a National Team during a Challenge.

Since this would give you access to player stats information without scouting for it that GMs who are not National Team GMs wouldn't have access too we've decided to disallow this. This is an effort to keep the GMs on an "even playingfield".

4. At the end of the season you are required to provide screenshots from your game to verify your stats.

The details and examples of the required 'caps are now in the "#3: Challenge Stats Recording / GLR Display Info" Announce thread.

5. You must coach all games - New to Challenge 7.

You are not allowed to sim through the games with the Head Coach controlling them now, you must be in control of all in-game tactics.

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