Iron Fist Arena Competition Rulebook
1. Introduction
1.1 Official Name and Objective
- Official Name: Iron Fist Arena
- Objective: Provide a season-based ladder system where members of the community can compete against each other in competitive Tekken 8 gameplay.
1.2 Target Audience
- Open to everyone interested in competitive Tekken 8 gameplay, with age restrictions aligned with the legal requirements for owning Tekken 8 (currently PEGI 16).
2. Eligibility and Registration
2.1 Player Requirements
- Every player must possess a legal copy of Tekken 8 on one of the following platforms: PC, PS, or Xbox.
- (purchase links for each platform: Steam, PlayStation Store, Xbox Store.)
- Crossplay Requirement: Crossplay must be enabled during ladder matches.
2.2 Registration Process
- Ladder Participation: Players are required to sign up on the official Iron Fist Arena website.
- Registration Information:
- Username
- Email address
- Upon sign-up, an activation email will be sent prompting the player to set a new password.
- Note: Joining the Discord server is open to the community, but ladder participation requires website registration.
3. Competition Structure and Format
3.1 Season Structure
- The competition is structured as an ongoing ladder divided into multiple seasons.
- The Beta Season serves as a calibration phase to establish initial ladder rankings.
- Final standings during the beta will determine your starting ladder position for Season 01.
3.2 Ladder Format
- Players may challenge those ranked directly above them to move up in the ladder.
- When challenged, a player must defend their current position.
- Challenge denial will be checked by our Admins to reduce unfair gatekeeping
3.3 Seeding and Rankings
- For the Beta Season, seeding is determined by a combination of the main character rank and the Tekken Power score.
- The live leaderboard is visible on the competition homepage and in the fighting dashboard.
4. Match Scheduling and Gameplay
4.1 Scheduling Matches
- Players schedule matches by challenging each other through the official web application.
- In cases where a match is missed:
- If a valid reason is provided beforehand (e.g., illness), the match may be postponed after evaluation by the admins.
- No-show without a valid reason will result in a loss for the player who didnt attend.
4.2 Match Rules
- Format: Matches are played as Best of 5 – the first player to score 3 points wins the set.
4.3 In-Game Settings
- An admin will open the match lobby, so players do not need to worry about manual lobby settings.
- Players are allowed to customize controls or settings as long as they do not employ any external programs. (See 5.1 for further explanations)
5. Fair Play and Anti-Cheating Measures
5.1 Cheating Policy
- Definition: Cheating is defined as gaining an unfair advantage through the use of external programs (e.g., scripting software, controller macros).
- Prohibited Actions:
- Use of any unauthorized software or external programs that alter gameplay.
- Denial of admin requests for system checks will result in an automatic permanent ban.
5.2 Match Monitoring
- All matches should be recorded, by both of the players, for review purposes.
- If you suspect another player of cheating you have to provide evidence. Please submit the recorded match with visible inputs to the ladder staff.
5.3 Penalties
- The use of unauthorized software or any confirmed cheating will result in a permanent ban from the competition and the loss of potential prizes.
6. Technical Issues and Dispute Resolution
6.1 Handling Technical Issues
- In the event of technical issues or disconnections, resolution is handled on a case-by-case basis by the admins.
- Players may mutually agree to postpone a match if technical issues occur.
- For technical support regarding the Web App, please use the dedicated support channel on our Discord server.
6.2 Match Result Disputes
- All match results are submitted by the Ladder Staff. Players are supposed to take a screenshot showing the results of the set to ensure that no mistakes happen here. It is not possible to change a Match score without any evidence provided to the Staff.
- Disputes are resolved by the Ladder Staff on an individual basis.
6.3 Scheduling Disputes
- If players cannot agree on a match date, the admins will intervene to set a resolution. Please contact our Staff on discord if you run into this issue.
7. Communication, Streaming, and Media
7.1 In-Game and External Communication
- In-Game: Tekken 8 does not offer in-game voice chat; therefore, all official Ladder communication is to be conducted through Discord.
- Discord Requirement: During matches, all players must be present in the dedicated voice channel.
7.2 Broadcasting and Streaming
- Matches will be broadcasted when possible.
- Players are permitted to stream matches as long as the streaming title includes the following format:
- “[IFA Ladder Match + Current Season] – (Player Name A) vs (Player Name B)”
- All match footage recorded during the ladder becomes the property of Iron Fist Arena.
- Note: Streamers and YouTubers may still stream/record and retain their VOD and also use the content commercially.
We dont want to take anyones Bread and Butter. However the ladder staff is allowed to take down any VOD that violates our rules
(for example due to disrespectful bahaviour)
- Note: Streamers and YouTubers may still stream/record and retain their VOD and also use the content commercially.
7.3 Media Engagement
- Post-match interviews are optional but must be pre-arranged with the admins.
8. Conduct and Behavior
8.1 Code of Conduct
- All participants are expected to “play fair” and treat others with respect.
- Unsportsmanlike behavior, including disrespect or discriminatory language (both in-game and on external platforms), will result in warnings and potential bans.
- Example: Taunting or “ki charges” may lead to a temporary ban after three warnings.
- If you find your opponent to be disrespectful towards you you have to tell an admin
Behaviour such as Ki Charges or Teabagging will only be punished if the opponent is personally offended by it and has reported the case to an admin or Staff member.
8.2 Social Media Guidelines
- Players should maintain respectful communication on social media.
- Any offensive or inflammatory language may result in disciplinary action, including a permanent restriction from all of our platforms.
9. Disciplinary Actions and Appeals
9.1 Penalties for Violations
- Minor Offenses: May result in warnings.
- Serious or Repeated Offenses: Will result in a permanent ban.
- This includes cheating, unsportsmanlike behavior, and other rule violations.
9.2 Appeal Process
- Formal complaints can be submitted via the Discord server.
- Appeals regarding match results or disciplinary actions are evaluated individually by the admins.
- A permanent ban results in the removal of the player from the ladder, and all players below the banned player will move up one spot.
10. Prizes and Rewards
10.1 Prize Distribution
- Prizes may include money prizes, custom trophies, and exclusive Discord roles that display the top 3 standings for each season.
- Prize distribution methods may vary by season and will be determined based on community feedback.
- Players who violate any rules forfeit their right to receive prizes.
10.2 Trophy Delivery
- A custom trophy will be mailed to the overall winner, provided a valid address is given.
- Players who do not wish to share their address will not receive the trophy.
11. Rule Updates and Community Feedback
11.1 Rulebook Amendments
- The rulebook will not be updated during an ongoing season.
- Any changes or amendments will be clearly communicated to all players via the fighting dashboard and other official channels.
11.2 Feedback
- Player feedback is highly encouraged. Please submit any suggestions or concerns via our Discord server.
- While all feedback will be considered, final decisions on rule changes remain with the competition organizers.
12. Miscellaneous
12.1 Third-Party Enhancements and Mods
- Use of third-party mods or enhancements is allowed as long as they do not perform actions for the player (i.e., no automated gameplay, scripting, or macros).
By participating in Iron Fist Arena, players agree to abide by all the rules outlined above. The competition organizers reserve the right to modify these rules between seasons, with any changes communicated clearly to all participants.