Goldrush Launch — Account Types, Glint, Gear, and Matchmaking Explained

Goldrush is now live on itch.io.

This post aims to provide a clear overview of how accounts work, how matches are funded, and how Glint and Gear interact. The goal is to give new players a straightforward understanding of the systems behind the game.

Guest Accounts

Guest accounts allow you to start playing immediately without registration.

Guests can:

• Play matches against the Bot (a traditional computer-controlled opponent)
• Receive 3 free Gear per day
• View the leaderboard (read-only)

Guests cannot:

• Play against human players
• Play against AI Players (distinct from the Bot)
• Appear on the leaderboard
• Save match history or long-term progression
• Purchase additional Gear

Guest mode is intended for quick onboarding and testing the game's core mechanics.

Registered Accounts

Registering unlocks the full Goldrush experience and all matchmaking options.

Registered players can:

• Play against human players
• Play against AI Players (ChatGPT LLM)
• Be placed on the leaderboard
• Save Glint balance, match history, and progression
• Receive recurring Gear:
  • 10 free Gear each week
  • 1 bonus Gear on days when your Gear starts at 0
• Purchase additional Gear if desired

A registered account provides a persistent identity, which is important for a strategy game where recognizing opponent tendencies matters.

How Glint Works

Glint is the in-match currency used to enter duels.

• Each match requires a wager, with a minimum of 0.01 Glint
• When a match starts:
  • Your wager is deducted from your Glint balance
• When you win:
  • You earn your wager plus your opponent’s wager
• When you lose:
  • You lose the wager amount
• In a tie:
  • No change to your balance

Minimum Balance Rule

Your Glint balance cannot drop below 0.01.
If you are at the minimum balance, you can still start matches using Gear.

How Gear Works

Gear is only used when you do not have enough Glint to fund a match.

You use Gear when:

• Your Glint balance is at the minimum (0.01 Glint)
• You want to start a new match
• Using Gear provides 0.01 Glint to start that match.

You do not use Gear when:

• You have any Glint above the minimum
• Your balance is sufficient to cover your selected wager

In practice, Gear allows you to continue playing when your Glint is depleted.

Matchmaking Rules

Guests:

• Play Bot-only matches
• Cannot enter human queues
• Cannot play against AI Players
• Do not appear on leaderboards

Registered players:

• Can match against humans
• Can match against AI Players
• Participate in the leaderboard system
• Have persistent identities so opponents can learn their playstyle over time

Restricting guests from human matchmaking prevents disposable accounts from undermining competitive integrity.

Leaderboards

The leaderboard system is already active.

• Registered players can compete for ranking and placement
• Guests may view the leaderboard but do not appear on it

This ensures that leaderboard standings represent consistent, persistent players.

Mobile Notes

Goldrush is playable on mobile, with additional layout improvements planned.
A dedicated mobile app is also being considered for the future.

Next Steps

Upcoming work includes:

• Tournaments
• Additional AI Player profiles
• Cosmetic unlocks
• UI refinements, especially on mobile devices

Feedback is welcome and helps guide future development.