Rules Acknowledgment & Improved Rules Discoverability

Introduce mode-specific rules directly into the launcher so players encounter them at the point where they are relevant.

1. Require rules acknowledgment before first queue

When a player attempts to queue for a game mode for the first time, present the rules applicable to that mode and require acknowledgment before allowing them to queue.

Examples:

• 1v1 / 2v2 / 4v4
• Direct Strike
• Mini Dota
• Other custom or competitive modes with their own rules

The intent is not to repeatedly interrupt players, but to make sure new players have been exposed to the rules before participating in a mode where those rules are enforced.

Proposed flow:

1. Player selects a game mode.
2. If the player has not previously acknowledged that mode's rules, display a rules modal/page.
3. Player reviews and acknowledges the rules.
4. Queue access is enabled.
5. Acknowledgment is stored so the prompt is only shown again if needed, such as after a significant rules update.

This could also highlight particularly important rules or consequences rather than presenting players with an undifferentiated wall of text.

Mockup intended to facilitate discussion around the feature and UX rather than prescribe the final implementation.

2. Improve rules discoverability in the launcher

The #ingame-rules forum channel is a great reference, but it is relatively hidden for both new and existing players. Players generally need to already know where to look before they can find it.

Add a dedicated Rules page or section to the launcher where players can easily reference the current rules at any time.

Ideally, the page would:

• Organize rules by game mode.
• Make rules accessible without leaving the launcher.
• Provide a clear navigation entry such as Rules or Game Rules.
• Link to the full forum rules where appropriate.
• Surface rule changes or recently updated sections.
• Use the same rule source/content as the acknowledgment flow where possible to avoid maintaining multiple versions.

Goal

The overall goal is to move rules from something players are expected to independently discover into something that is presented naturally as part of the game-mode experience.

This should help:

• Set expectations before players enter a queue.
• Reduce accidental rule violations.
• Make moderation decisions easier for players to understand.
• Give both new and existing players a clear, permanent place to find the rules.