DCI Reporter -- Metagame information

[4eak]

I don't know much beyond what the usual player knows regarding the DCI infrastructure or details about reporting practices. I've never actually reported information to the DCI. Googling only tells me so much. I'm looking for details here. I'm just going to start firing questions -- hopefully some people will provide the answers.


What information is uploaded through the DCI reporter to WotC? All the .dat files, right?
Does the DCI have a database compiling the information from all Legacy tournaments open to TO's, judges, or anyone? (even without personal information included)
What would be the best way to gain access to that database?
How many Legacy tournaments aren't sanctioned (and thus, not reported)? How relevant are the unsanctioned ones?

If it exists, I'd like to make use of that database. Assuming I could get decklists for a lot (if not most) of these tournaments, theoretically, I would be able to generate a (somewhat) unbiased and more complete matchup analysis between popular archetypes (for the time being, assume I could define them). Perhaps I could account for ELO ratings in the analysis as well; for example, highly rated players playing a deck (e.g. Dredge?) might unexpectedly perform drastically better than mid/low rated pilots in some matchups. With enough data and decklists, I'd be in a better position to gauge the effects of splashing, using a particular card, sideboards, etc. as well. Many people have made their own matchup analysis grids, but large personal grids might be biased and single tournament grids are much smaller (and less relevant) than what the DCI information could provide.




peace,
4eak

[cdr]

The only information Wizards makes publicly available is through wizards.com/dci. The only information you get through there is whether or not the tournament has been reported and the number of players. No other information is available. What you want to do is not possible in any easy way; the only thing you could do is get DCIR files directly from TOs.

Is there any reason Wizards shouldn't release more data? Probably not. But:
- Wizards is not exactly the most "open" company
- Wizards is notoriously slow/bad at technical stuff, especially web stuff
As far as I know, their whole rating system is held together with duct tape and twine. A little while ago it was actually broken for 1-2 months, and they never really said anything about it.

[4eak]

Thanks, cdr.

Alright, so nothing I want is currently available to the public through WotC.

Do you think the WoTC has the information in the first place? If so, what do you believe are the reasons they don't share the information, even if devoid of personal information?

I'll have to write a letter then (rarely gets an answer from any company, but it could be worth asking).





peace,
4eak

[cdr]

I edited my post with reasons. I have no idea how much information they keep or discard, but they at minimum have to keep information about who played who each round to be able to calculate ratings.

[4eak]

I have no idea how much information they keep or discard, but they at minimum have to keep information about who played who each round to be able to calculate ratings.

You would think the database used for ELO calculations would house the information I need.


As far as I know, their whole rating system is held together with duct tape and twine. A little while ago it was actually broken for 1-2 months, and they never really said anything about it.

Wowsers, I didn't know. I had (optimistically) assumed they were on the ball.

Thank you.





peace,
4eak