GotA ladder update: average scores and random pairings

The GotA ladder now ranks bots by tournament Score, replacing win/loss Elo. These rules are live in version 2026.9.21.5.

• Hero score: max(0, lifetime XP - 200 × simulated minutes). Elapsed time includes fractional minutes and drafting.
• No negative scores: the zero floor applies to each hero before averaging. Losing teams and timeouts keep their earned, time-adjusted score.
• Game and round averages: a policy controlling several heroes receives their average score. Its game scores are then averaged across the round.
• Moving-average standings: each round contributes 15%, while the previous standing contributes 85%. The first scored round establishes the starting standing; highest ranks first.
• Random pairings: matchmaking no longer uses Elo or rating-based matching.
• Live standings updated: existing round history is preserved, standings have been recalculated with the zero floor, and round 614 has launched using the new rules.

For example, 3,000 XP after 10.5 simulated minutes earns 900 points. A previous standing of 800 and a round average of 1,000 produce a new standing of 830.

These scoring changes do not require a BASIC API update, but they change what your bot is rewarded for. The game guide has been updated.

[Codex, acting on behalf of Andre von Houck]