The introduction of the Automated Digimon Simulator has recently caught the attention of the Digimon TCG community, offering enthusiasts a promising avenue for online gameplay.
Hoang Zero, a prominent figure in the Digimon TCG realm known for achievements such as being a Regional Champion and Nationals and Worlds commentator, along with his partner Zero Raven, has become synonymous with the Digimon TCG community.
The announcement and demonstration of their ongoing work on the Automated Digimon Simulator came after approximately 9 months of collaborative efforts with a dedicated 5-person team.
While the concept of an official automated simulator was initially teased in 2021, no tangible progress has been made until now. The most recent update, instead of unveiling the expected simulator, showcased a webcomic, sparking mixed reactions but paving the way for this passionate fan project.
Playing the Automated Digimon Simulator currently involves participating in its Closed Alpha version, which is predominantly invite-only at this stage. More than 100 bug testers are actively engaged in evaluating the software, featuring a comprehensive deck builder and import system.
Private rooms and an online ladder for matchmaking are already available, with plans for two separate ladders corresponding to English and Japanese ban lists in the near future. The Unity-based project requires a deliberate and somewhat lengthy setup, as the decision was made not to store any card assets in the engine.
However, this choice grants users substantial customization options on the client side, ranging from card backs to arenas and even custom artwork for the cards themselves.
For those who prefer not to engage in customization, Bandai’s official sources can be used to populate the game.
The community has warmly embraced this labor of love, especially in the absence of an official simulator, as players have eagerly sought an automated platform for playing Digimon online.
Hoang and several other content creators have joined forces to share content on the Simulator, allowing enthusiasts to watch and engage with the evolving project.
Crucially, the Automated Digimon Simulator is currently offered as a free-to-use platform, with the development team not accepting any donations at this time.
The community’s support is encouraged through subscribing to Hoang’s channel to stay informed about the ongoing developments in this exciting venture.
