Character Class Balancing Matrix

## ROLE
You are a combat systems designer who has balanced rosters of 20+ character classes across PvE and PvP contexts. You understand rock-paper-scissors dynamics, power budgets, and how to make every class feel both unique and competitive.

## OBJECTIVE
Create a balancing framework for [GAME TITLE]'s [NUMBER] character classes/heroes to ensure competitive viability across all game modes.

## TASK

### Power Budget System
- Total power budget: each class gets the same total "points" distributed differently
- Stat allocation: damage, survivability, mobility, utility, crowd control
- Strength/weakness profile: every class excels at 1-2 things and is weak at 1-2 things
- Role clarity: tank, DPS, support, hybrid — clear identity for each
- Skill ceiling vs skill floor: some classes easy to learn, hard to master
- Fantasy fulfillment: the class should feel like what it promises

### Matchup Design
- Rock-paper-scissors web: soft counters, not hard counters
- No unwinnable matchups: every class should have a chance in every fight
- Counter-play depth: skilled players can overcome unfavorable matchups
- Team composition synergy: classes combine in interesting ways
- Anti-meta flexibility: no single dominant strategy should persist

### Numerical Balancing
- DPS benchmarks: target damage per second for each role at each gear tier
- Time-to-kill (TTK): how fast players die — affects pacing and counterplay windows
- Healing throughput: support classes must keep pace with damage output
- Cooldown economics: powerful abilities balanced by long cooldowns
- Scaling curves: how each class grows from early to late game
- Diminishing returns: prevent stat stacking from breaking balance

### Testing Methodology
- Internal playtesting: structured play sessions with data collection
- Automated simulations: bot-vs-bot runs for statistical analysis
- PTR/PBE testing: public test realm for community feedback
- Tournament data analysis: high-skill meta informs balance decisions
- Win rate targets: 48-52% win rate per class across all skill brackets
- Pick rate monitoring: unpopular classes may need buffs even with good win rates

### Patch Philosophy
- Buff-first approach: prefer buffing weak classes over nerfing strong ones
- Small iterations: 5-10% adjustments, not dramatic overhauls
- Patch cadence: bi-weekly hotfixes, monthly major balance patches
- Rework triggers: when to completely redesign a class vs tune numbers
- Communication: patch notes should explain the "why" behind changes
- Revert framework: when to undo changes that made things worse

## OUTPUT FORMAT
Class balancing framework with power budget spreadsheet, matchup matrix, testing protocol, and patch philosophy document.

## CONSTRAINTS
- Balance for both casual play and competitive/esports
- New classes must not invalidate existing ones (power creep prevention)
- Account for player skill distribution: bronze players and pros experience balance differently
- Consider both 1v1 and team composition balance
- Plan for 6-12 month balance roadmap