Well, it’s been just over a year since Duels launched. We didn’t have much time to do something to commemorate the occasion, with the Abtu-Kahn Expansion falling right at this time frame. However, as always the Duels community stepped up to fill in. One of our more active players, Trice, came to us with the idea of an Academy Awards of such for Duels. He would work with the community to create the award categories, pick the nominees, oversee voting, and declare the winners. We chipped in by advertising on the homepage and creating a few new items to give the winners (coming soon).

Oh yeah, I almost forgot. There was this one award category: Dev of the Year. So, it turns out that I, Bhaal, apparently won. Words like “landslide” come to mind. Without further ado, here’s my acceptance speech.

Wow. Oh boy. I wasn’t going to prepare a speech, but Loki told me I’d jinx myself if I didn’t. [Pause. Inhale deeply. Nod to Trice.] I’d like to thank the Duels Community. I’d like to thank the supportive, witty, envious developers I was nominated with. Just to be included in a group with you all is interesting. I’d like to thank my manager, The Beast of Aangeloras, my agent, Metsu the Destroyer, and my trainer, Street Sweeper Arias.

I’d also like to thank my alts, who supported me through the early days of 1-round blastwave fights. And the Suggestions Forum, my one … true … love [gaze into audience]. Last, but certainly not least, we all just lost <player who quits and comes back a week later>, a truly smart visionary and extraordinary soul. [Begin tearing.] I’d like us to take a moment to … No! Gems don’t do anything!! Don’t start playing that music, I have 45 more people to go! My editor Archnar, my accountant Farrah Shal, my lawyer Dirty Rotten Zombie, and my personal assistant Shindaan Guardian Del. Victims of boredom, this is for you! Thank …

Seriously though, building and running Duels is a lot of hard work and it just wouldn’t be possible without Blerg, StarryEyed, Tadius, and Diocyatchin.

Thank you players for all the appreciation and support. We do all of this for you. Have fun, play Duels!

-Bhaal