Major changes to the PokerStars gaming experience
SuperNova Elite is most affected in a series of new changes at PokerStars, with big changes also coming for third party software.
PokerStars Vice President of Corporate Communications Eric Hollreiser yesterday announced major changes to PokerStars, most notably the VIP system.
These new measures are being introduced to "re-emphasise the fun and social aspects of online poker" and to move towards a "more balanced long-term poker economy and to return the game back to one that rewards skill via winning at the tables rather than playing primarily for volume".
The previously announced VIP Steps system will see a change in benefits for 95% of players. FPPs will be replaced to a constant and simplified value called StarsCoin.
However, Hollreiser states that the 2% of high volume and high stakes players at PokerStars will see the most changes. The summary of which is below:
- VIP Club rewards will be capped at 30%, impacting mainly high-volume Supernova and Supernova Elite status players.
- PlatinumStar status will have up to a 10% reduction in their overall rewards.
- In recognition of the players who have already-earned Supernova Elite status or will by the end of the year, the benefits cap for players who earn Supernova Elite in 2015 will be 45% in 2016.
- No VPPs for pot limit and no limit games with blinds of $5/$10+, 8-game $10/$20+, and other limit games with blinds of $10/$15+. This change is implemented due to high transaction costs and operation costs of monitoring these games.
Software restrictions coming in 2016
The other major announcement was about the company's future approach to third party software. Last month PokerStars announced a series of new third party software restrictions and while no specific examples were given. Hollreiser indicated there were more restrictions to come:
While the tactics of the game may have evolved, poker has stayed true to its core - it's fundamentally about human competition, which is something that needs to be protected. The game should be about combining logic and an ability to steel your nerves to make that big call or bluff; it shouldn't be about clicking a button because harvested stats tell you to. For this reason, we are on a path to eliminate many of these technological advantages that are used by a minority of players.
The changes to the VIP Club will be introduced on January 1, 2016, with changes to third party software coming in throughout next year.
Read the full statement and VIP changes
