Info about Prominence Poker:

Official game description:
  
**Rise to Prominence**  
Welcome to Prominence Poker, a card game that pits players from around the world against each other – and devious AI – to build the rep, prestige, and bankroll needed to be, and beat, the best of the best.  
A single hand can make all the difference in this immersive free-to-play Steam Texas Hold 'em title — do you have what it takes to be prominent in this town?  
**Rich Single-Player Story & Setting**  
Set in the city of Prominence, a gambling paradise founded by crooked folks looking to go straight, the solo story mode pits you against four factions and their leaders as you play your way to a final showdown with "The Mayor" – the mysterious town founder who will guide you through your career. Can you prove you’re worthy of The Mayor’s time?  
**Robust Online Community**  
Players will find a rewarding multiplayer experience with regularly scheduled events, daily challenges, tournaments, ranked modes, and even more as the game evolves over time.  
Only in Prominence can you find the thrill of high-stakes poker while risking everything to take over this underground empire from The Mayor. It’s the perfect card game to wage big bets in high-stakes poker against other crafty gamblers from across the world in ring, tournament, and heads-up modes, or simply play with friends in a casual round of poker.  
**Avatar Customization & Table Items**  
Customization is a key component of Prominence Poker and a place where it differs from other card games in its space. There’s an in-depth selection of sliders for your character’s appearance, from colored hair to thin or pouty lips to forehead dimensions. Respective headwear, accessories, and tattoos tabs exist to further customize the physical appearance of your poker avatar – to fit in or command the attention of everyone at the table.  
Table items play a key role, too. Whether it’s a glass of iced tea, a shot of vodka, or a cigar, these items provide experience boosts and are a smart way of diverting the attention away from players’ cards – where all the attention should be.

Release date: Dec 12, 2016

Categories: Card Game, Poker-based Mechanics, Online Multiplayer, Ranked PvP, Character Customization, Single-player Story, Gambling Simulation

Feature scans:
- MTX: score 55; verdict: Aggressive but Optional Monetization; summary: Prominence Poker is a free-to-play poker game with an optional real-money cash shop for chips, cosmetics, loot crates, and mild XP/progression boosts. Most reviewers explicitly state that it is not pay-to-win and that daily/free chips are sufficient, while a minority allege rigged RNG to drive chip purchases. The confirmed monetization is optional and convenience/cosmetic-focused, not a real-money gambling or power-selling system, though paid chips and boosts keep it above a purely cosmetic model.
- Wiki: score 50; verdict: Tier 3: Instructional Data Dependency; summary: The reviews are mixed. Users praise the poker experience and an in-game hand-hierarchy cheat sheet, but report technical issues such as optimization problems, alt-tab bugs, server instability, and localization workarounds. External-data dependency appears mainly in instructional contexts: players search Google or Baidu for rules or probability information, and one reviewer questions RNG fairness using external probability references. Because Tier 3 instructional data evidence is present and no Tier 1 or Tier 2 evidence appears, the strict priority scoring lands at 50.
- Proton/Linux: score 35; verdict: Minor tweaks required; summary: Only one review provides Linux/Proton evidence. It reports successful launch and playability under Proton 3.16 after adding PROTON_USE_WINED3D11=1 to the launch options on Linux Mint. The remaining reviews discuss poker gameplay, online population, avatars, and table behavior, with no further Linux-specific blockers. Linux compatibility therefore appears usable with a minor launch tweak, but the evidence base is very sparse.
- Steam Deck: score 45; verdict: Playable with Proton tinkering; summary: The game is generally playable and comfortable on Steam Deck thanks to strong controller support and positive handheld impressions. However, the experience is not fully seamless: Linux/Proton users report needing manual launch options, and reviews mention server crashes, performance-related crashes, and network disconnects. Overall friction is moderate, consistent with a playable-but-tinkering-required experience.

- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $0.00 - $5.00
  - Reasoning: Most reviews frame the game as free-to-play and say it is worth trying without spending real money, which anchors the community's fair base-game price near $0. A few reviews say the price point is acceptable or pricey-but-worth-it, suggesting some tolerance for a small paid entry, but no review supports a high base-game price. Therefore the fair base-game range is $0 to about $5.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: N/A
  - Story completion: N/A
  - Session length: 3.0h
  - Endgame: 100.0h
  - Reasoning: The reported 7-hour grinding session and staying at one table for over an hour support a typical session length of roughly 3 hours, with longer sessions also occurring. Reports of over 100 hours in a month and 521 total hours show sustained long-term/endgame play reaching at least 100 hours. No review gives a finite main-game or story completion time, so gameCompletion and storyCompletion are null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: Prominence Poker is repeatedly described as easy to pick up and enjoyable from the start, especially when played with friends. Early friction comes from slow presentation, public-table behavior, and multiplayer matchmaking rather than from a delayed unlock.
  - Stance: Fun immediately
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Slow animations and extra presentation lengthen hands; Long tutorial can feel tiring; Small multiplayer population and matchmaking wait; Friend invite flow is awkward; Solo AI can feel slow or boring; Perceived rigged card distribution and all-in-heavy public tables
  - Unlock drivers: Friend-only private lobbies let groups avoid random public players; Tutorial completion grants free starter items; Solo gang progression builds a bankroll for multiplayer; Ranked mode and daily quests add competition and rewards
  - Conditions: Playing with friends or in private lobbies; Poker familiarity; optional tutorial helps newcomers; Low-pressure AI or singleplayer practice; Finding public tables without constant all-in play; Progression, ranked play, and cosmetics sustaining interest; Tolerance for slow animations and extra presentation; Acceptance of perceived card randomness or rigging
- Player Archetypes:
  - Casual Free-to-Play Poker Newcomer (buy)
    - Motivation: Low-stakes fun and social poker with easy access.
    - Playstyle: Plays casual tables, solo against CPU, or private games with friends.
    - Experience: newcomer
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Solo Progression and Customization Grinder (buy)
    - Motivation: Earning rewards, leveling factions, and unlocking outfits through solo play.
    - Playstyle: Grinds single-player boss challenges, daily quests, and chip or cosmetic progression.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Ranked Tournament Competitor (buy)
    - Motivation: Competitive league progression and tournament play.
    - Playstyle: Queues ranked leagues and tournaments, often tolerating slow lobby fills.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Poker Purist and RNG Skeptic (no buy)
    - Motivation: Authentic, skill-based poker with fair random dealing.
    - Playstyle: Tests the game against real-poker expectations and scrutinizes suspicious card distributions.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: no buy
    - Labels: N/A
    - Reference games: N/A


Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category.
Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews.
What players like:
- Strong positive poker gameplay (weight 0.21): Multiple clusters highlight that the poker gameplay itself is well-made, enjoyable, and scratches the poker itch for fans. Reviewers find the core loop solid and engaging.
- Praised as top poker game (weight 0.2): Many call it the best poker game they've played, often comparing it favorably to other online poker options. It is frequently described as the best on Steam by a longshot.
- Best free-to-play poker (weight 0.18): A large number of reviewers praise the game as the best free-to-play poker experience on Steam, emphasizing that it doesn't force store purchases. It is considered feature-rich and genuinely free.
- Fun with friends (weight 0.17): Reviewers repeatedly mention that the game is great for playing with friends, whether for quick sessions or evening gatherings. The multiplayer aspect with friends enhances the fun.
- Overall fun and entertaining (weight 0.16): Many reviewers simply state that the game is genuinely fun, entertaining, and a great overall experience. It keeps players engaged and amused.
- Character customization options (weight 0.16): Character customization is frequently mentioned as a liked feature, with many items and diverse options available. Players enjoy creating and personalizing their characters.
- No pay-to-win, optional spending (weight 0.14): The game is praised for not being pay-to-win; real-money purchases are completely optional and never pushed. It offers a fair free-to-play experience.
- Realistic and good graphics (weight 0.11): Reviewers appreciate the realistic poker simulation and solid graphics, comparing it favorably to other Steam poker games. The 3D atmosphere and interactive mechanics add to the experience.
- Relaxing and pleasant atmosphere (weight 0.09): Players find the game relaxing and visually pleasant, with smooth and immersive play. It provides a chill experience, especially when played with friends.
- Good for learning poker (weight 0.09): The game is considered a good starting point for learning real poker, with a well-balanced difficulty and teaching elements. It helps beginners understand the game.
- Customization purchased with chips (weight 0.07): In-game chips can be used to buy cosmetics and customize characters, providing a sense of progression without real money. Daily logins reward free chips for consecutive days.
- Smooth performance and intuitive UI (weight 0.07): The game runs cleanly without glitches and plays smoothly. The user interface is intuitive, easy to navigate, and visually appealing.
- Multiplayer availability and quality (weight 0.06): Multiplayer modes are available and play well, including casual multiplayer and online matches. The game offers both singleplayer and multiplayer options.
- Challenging AI opponents (weight 0.04): AI opponents are solid, ranging from average to really smart, keeping the game interesting. They provide a decent challenge for players.
- Addictive gambling-like gameplay (weight 0.04): Some find the gameplay addictive, especially if they enjoy gambling elements. The gambling aspect is noted as a feature that can be lowkey addicting.
- Fun only for a while (weight 0.04): A few reviewers mention that the game is fun initially but may not hold long-term appeal, being enjoyable once in a while rather than consistently.

Common complaints:
- Rigged card dealing (weight 0.38): Card dealing feels rigged and manipulated, often favoring certain players or controlling win rates. Many players experience improbable sequences of losses and bad beats.
- Small player base (weight 0.19): The player base is small, which is noticeable in ranked mode, high-limit tables, and on PC. This leads to longer matchmaking times and fewer games available.
- Unrealistic probabilities (weight 0.14): The probability of hitting straights and flushes on the turn or river seems unusually high compared to real poker. The RNG feels unreliable and not truly random.
- Game crashes and connection issues (weight 0.13): The game crashes frequently, sometimes minutes after opening, and has server connection problems that prevent playing. Random disconnections also occur.
- Slow ranked matchmaking (weight 0.11): Ranked matchmaking, especially at gold rank or above, can take hours or 10-15 minutes to find a game due to low player count.
- Not real poker (weight 0.11): The game does not feel like real poker due to fake money, lack of stakes, and gameplay that resembles slots more than poker. Normal Texas Hold'em strategy does not apply.
- Players lack poker skill (weight 0.11): Most players do not know how to play proper poker and just gamble, going all-in with weak hands. This makes the game feel less like real poker.
- Rampant cheating (weight 0.11): Players perceive cheating as rampant, including hackers who can see opponents' cards and upcoming cards. Many feel that cheating goes unpunished even when reported.
- Bots and fake players (weight 0.11): The game appears to be full of bots and fake players, making it feel unfair. Some suspect many player names are not real Steam accounts.
- Developer abandonment (weight 0.08): The developers seem to have given up on the game, with no updates and abandoned features like crossplay between platforms.
- Grindy and frustrating (weight 0.07): The game has become a complete grind and is annoying, with players feeling it is designed for them to lose chips to encourage spending money.
- Pay-to-win mechanics (weight 0.07): The game is perceived as pay-to-win, where spending real money gives players better card chances and more winning hands. This creates an unfair advantage.
- Lack of communication features (weight 0.06): The game only has voice chat and no text chat, and players rarely use voice chat. This makes communication difficult.
- Slow animations and gameplay (weight 0.05): Animations are painfully slow, and players often take too long to act, slowing down the game. This makes the experience tedious.
- Poor AI opponents (weight 0.05): AI opponents are robotic, predictable, and lack the creativity of human players. They play poorly and detract from the experience.
- No resolution options (weight 0.03): Players cannot change the resolution on PC, which is a basic expected feature.

Gameplay feedback:
- Poker gameplay core (weight 0.6): The game is fundamentally a poker game, primarily Texas Hold'em, with betting rounds, hand rankings, and card dealing. Many reviewers describe it as an online poker simulation with realistic tables and opponents.
- Online multiplayer matchmaking (weight 0.59): Players can compete against others online through matchmaking, including ranked and unranked matches with stakes-based pairing. The multiplayer focus allows real-time play against friends and players worldwide.
- Ranked and casual modes (weight 0.49): The game features both casual and ranked game modes, with ranked play often having higher buy-ins and tiered progression. Quick play and tournament options are also mentioned.
- Free-to-play with play money (weight 0.49): The game does not require real money and uses fake in-game currency for betting. It is described as free-to-play without pay-to-win elements, though chip purchases are available.
- Playing with friends (weight 0.48): The game supports playing with friends, whether online or in person, making it suitable for social gatherings. Many reviewers mention enjoying it with friends and colleagues.
- Character customization options (weight 0.2): Players can create and customize their avatars with various cosmetic items, including clothing, hair, and accessories. Some also mention emotes and gestures for expression.
- RNG card dealing (weight 0.14): Card distribution is handled by a random number generation algorithm, determining the outcome of hands and community cards. Some players note the river card RNG as particularly influential.
- Solo mode against AI (weight 0.1): A single-player mode is available where users can play poker against computer-controlled opponents. This provides an offline or practice option alongside online play.
- Voice chat and emotes (weight 0.08): The game includes voice chat functionality and emote systems for player communication at the table. These features enhance social interaction during gameplay.
- Daily bonus chips (weight 0.07): A daily login reward system provides free chips to players, encouraging regular engagement. This bonus helps players continue playing without spending money.

Performance notes:
- Frequent Connection Loss (weight 0.11): Players experience frequent connection drops after rounds or randomly during play. Some report needing multiple attempts to connect to a server.
- Poor Optimization on High-End (weight 0.08): Even on high-end systems, the game runs at low frame rates (e.g., 30 FPS on ultra settings) and suffers from stuttering and sluggishness. Players note bad optimization overall.
- High GPU Usage and Heat (weight 0.07): GPU usage often reaches 100%, even in the main menu, causing unnecessary heating and loud fan noise. This occurs regardless of graphics settings.
- Crashes During Play (weight 0.06): The game crashes a few minutes after opening or at least once per session. Crashes persist even after lowering graphics settings.
- Stable on Modern Systems (weight 0.06): Performance remains stable on modern systems, and some players report the game runs plenty fine. Online performance is also excellent for some.
- Missing FPS Limiter (weight 0.06): There is no in-game FPS limiter, forcing players to use external tools like NVIDIA Control Panel to stabilize performance. Some players report a 60 FPS cap.
- Runs Well on Steam Deck (weight 0.03): Multiple players report that the game runs well or very well on Steam Deck. Performance is smooth and without major issues.
- Resolution Problems (weight 0.03): The game launches at inconsistent resolutions, and players cannot change the resolution. This leads to visual issues and gameplay problems.
- Good Performance on Low-End (weight 0.03): The game performs well on low-end laptops and machines. Players note stable performance on older hardware.
- Occasional Freezes (weight 0.03): The game freezes completely or semi-freezes occasionally, but these incidents are rare (e.g., once in 18 hours).
- Long Loading Times (weight 0.02): Some players report extremely long loading times, such as 30 minutes to reach the main menu. This severely impacts playability.
- Settings Adjustments Needed (weight 0.02): Players often need to lower graphics settings to achieve playable performance. This indicates poor optimization out of the box.
- Lack of Solutions Online (weight 0.02): Players cannot find solutions online for the issues they encounter, adding to frustration.

Recommendations:
- Ideal for poker enthusiasts (weight 0.22): Many reviewers strongly recommend the game to anyone who enjoys poker, whether casually or seriously. It is repeatedly described as a must-play for poker fans.
- Strongly negative reviews (weight 0.13): A few reviewers strongly advise against playing, calling it a waste of time or trash. Some uninstalled immediately and do not recommend it.
- Solid free-to-play option (weight 0.12): The game is praised as a fun and accessible free poker experience, especially for playing with friends. It offers good value without requiring purchases.
- Great for social play (weight 0.12): Reviewers highlight that the game shines when played with friends, particularly in voice chat like Discord. It creates a casual, social atmosphere similar to a friendly home game.
- Overall positive recommendation (weight 0.11): A number of reviewers give a straightforward recommendation, sometimes with high scores like 8/10 or 9/10. They consider it a great game overall.
- Best free poker on Steam (weight 0.1): Reviewers frequently call it the best free poker game available on Steam, often noting it doesn't push microtransactions. Some still suggest playing on real-money play sites for a better experience.
- Not for serious strategists (weight 0.09): Players seeking a deep strategy or mathematical poker experience are advised to avoid it. The game does not cater to those wanting to improve advanced skills.
- Good for learning poker (weight 0.08): Many recommend it for beginners to learn Texas Hold'em or practice poker basics. It is seen as a low-pressure environment to grasp the rules.
- Casual and relaxing experience (weight 0.06): It is often described as perfect for chilling and having fun, especially while watching content or chatting. The game offers a laid-back poker session without pressure.
- Avoid if experienced (weight 0.06): Some reviewers warn that players who already know poker well may find the game lacking and a waste of time. It is not challenging for skilled players.
- Worth trying for free (weight 0.06): Several reviewers say it is worth a try, especially because it is free. They see little risk in giving it a shot.

Other player notes:
- Free-to-play model (weight 0.2): Many reviewers highlight that the game is free to play, with no mandatory purchase required to play or advance.
- Favorable comparisons to other poker games (weight 0.18): Reviewers frequently compare the game favorably to other poker titles on Steam and elsewhere, often calling it the best available.
- Optional microtransactions (weight 0.17): Microtransactions exist but are largely optional, focusing on cosmetics, chips, and emotes without being pay-to-win.
- Small and declining player base (weight 0.11): Multiple reviewers note a small online population that is declining or borderline dead, especially at higher stakes.
- Available on multiple platforms (weight 0.07): The game is available on Steam, Xbox, and PlayStation, with cross-play support on some platforms.
- Chip purchases with real money (weight 0.07): Players can buy chips with real money when they run out, which some reviewers dislike.
- Character and table customization (weight 0.07): The game offers extensive customization options for characters and tables, purchasable with in-game currency.
- Lack of updates and developer abandonment (weight 0.06): Some reviewers feel the game is old and abandoned, with no updates or promotion from the developers.
- Localization and language support (weight 0.06): Chinese localization is available via a GitHub patch, but official support for languages like PTBR is lacking.
- Daily rewards and free chips (weight 0.06): The game gives daily logins and free chips generously, reducing the need to spend money.
- Comparisons to Poker Night at the Inventory (weight 0.04): Reviewers compare the game to Poker Night at the Inventory, often favorably for its models and personality.
- No real-money gambling (weight 0.04): The game uses virtual currency with no real-money gambling involved, making it for fun only.
- Cross-play discussions (weight 0.03): Cross-play between Xbox and PC has been discussed by the dev team, but separate accounts exist.
- Setting and theme (weight 0.03): The game is set in a fictional city where poker determines reputation, with an underground/covert theme.
- 3D presentation and animations (weight 0.03): Reviewers praise the 3D environment and animations, which set it apart from flat digital poker adaptations.
- Suspected cheating and exploits (weight 0.03): Some community discussions mention exploits and cheating, with suspicions of scripting favoring low levels.
- Only Texas Hold'em mode (weight 0.03): The game only offers Texas Hold'em as a game mode, with no other poker variants available.
- Loot boxes and cosmetics (weight 0.03): Some rewards are distributed as loot boxes, and cosmetic items can be obtained through drops.
- Concerns about game's revenue model (weight 0.03): Reviewers express concern about how the studio makes money, with monetization structured to generate revenue for the house.
- Separate accounts and crossplay limitations (weight 0.03): Separate Xbox and PC accounts exist, and crossplay between PC and PlayStation is not supported.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.27): Players are frustrated by rampant cheating and bots, with reports ignored. Unfair card distribution, improbable losses, and bad beats with strong hands make the game feel rigged. Technical issues like connection problems, slow matchmaking, and bugs further compound the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.12): Disappointment stems from a small and dwindling player base, leading to long queues and empty lobbies. The game's potential is undermined by poor execution, lack of updates, and unfair monetization. Unrealistic card odds and a casino-like atmosphere rather than authentic poker contribute to the letdown.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Players find satisfaction in solid Texas Hold'em gameplay, realistic mechanics, and the ability to play with friends. Customization, fair monetization, and smooth performance enhance the experience. The game scratches the poker itch without pay-to-win pressure.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Enjoyment comes from playing poker with friends, both online and in person. The game offers fun, fast-paced Texas Hold'em with a relaxed atmosphere and customizable elements. It provides a free and entertaining way to pass the time and test poker skills.
- Annoyance (weight 0.04): Annoyance is caused by slow progression, frequent all-in players, and long turn timers. Technical limitations like unchangeable resolution and limited frame rate add to the irritation. Repetitive music and unnecessary animations also detract from the experience.
- Anger (weight 0.04): Anger arises from perceived rigged RNG, pay-to-win mechanics, and forced losing streaks. Bad players winning despite poor play and worthless loot box rewards exacerbate the feeling. Connection issues and confusing menus further infuriate players.
- Distrust (weight 0.03): Distrust is fueled by suspicions of manipulated card dealing, bot accounts, and pay-to-win bias. Statistically improbable winning streaks and recurring deals to the same player suggest rigging. Players believe the system is designed to take money rather than provide fair poker.
- Suspicion (weight 0.03): Suspicion centers on the RNG algorithm producing too many monster hands and bad beats. Perceived bias toward paying players and prevalence of bots and cheaters contribute. Frequent improbable outcomes like river saves and abnormal straight frequencies raise doubts about fairness.
- Boredom (weight 0.03): Boredom results from slow pacing, long waiting times, and frequent all-in players. Painfully slow animations and conservative AI in solo mode make matches tedious. The game often feels like slots rather than poker, reducing engagement.
- Appreciation (weight 0.02): Appreciation is for realistic opponents, fair monetization, and the game's 3D presentation, animations, and soundtrack. The ability to read opponents and the game's ongoing updates and active community are valued. It offers a legit poker experience without predatory practices.
- Amusement (weight 0.02): Amusement comes from the contrast between strategic solo play and reckless all-in play with friends. Fun character models and the cheesy gangster spin on poker add humor. Inexperienced players ready to lose their stacks provide entertaining moments.
- Enthusiasm (weight 0.02): Enthusiasm is high for playing poker against real people for free, with clean and fair mechanics. The game offers beginner-friendly systems, good community, and strategic depth. Customization, unlockables, and multiple game modes make it a top poker experience.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is for the game's realistic poker simulation, beautiful visuals, and immersive avatar system. The absence of pay-to-win and quality cosmetics are praised. It is considered a masterclass in online poker mechanics and a reference title on Steam.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration arises from slow ranked matchmaking, grindy solo play, and minor UI inconveniences like peeking at cards with the mouse. Empty high buy-in tables and animations slowing card dealing also contribute. These issues are bothersome but not deal-breaking.
- Joy (weight 0.01): Joy comes from playing poker with friends, both online and globally, and the fun atmosphere. Customizing characters and collecting gestures adds delight. Taking friends' chips and watching customized characters boast about victories brings happiness.
- Relaxation (weight 0.01): Relaxation is derived from the game's relaxed atmosphere, ambient noise, and music. It is a fun and chill game to play before bed, with non-pay-to-win gameplay. The table environment enhances the calming experience.
- Disbelief (weight 0.01): Disbelief is caused by rigged card probabilities that consistently produce made hands. Witnessing 5 flushes in a row and weak hands winning feels impossible. High card beating three of a kind and improbable river outcomes defy logic.
- Concern (weight 0.01): Concern is expressed about the game dying or being borderline dead, with a small player base making ranked less competitive. High GPU consumption and unnecessary heating in the main menu are technical worries. The game may also teach bad habits for real money poker.
- Mild disappointment (weight 0.01): Mild disappointment comes from the campaign losing momentum and AI lacking creativity. Missing features like hand history and stack visibility, and the inability to zoom out enough, are drawbacks. Only five scenarios and no real story limit the experience.
- Excitement (weight 0.01): Excitement is generated by the game's emotes, unique mechanics like avatar tells, and affiliation progression. Running into people on mic during games adds thrill. Dopamine rushes from winning through luck or an opponent's bad beat are exhilarating.}