The SMAXDG Pbem game mechanics

[Static Universe]

Re: Re: The SMAXDG Pbem game mechanics

Originally posted by FlameFlash
There should be a decided day turns are played by each faction... say one certain day every two weeks?

One turn every two weeks? Is that how long these games take?

[Method]

no, it won't take that long. if each team has a maximum of 24 hours to hold the save, then that's at least 2 turns per week i think

[FlameFlash]

My comment was to allow for plenty of diliberation between faction team members... in the early days it shouldn't be needed.

[GeneralTacticus]

FF: Regarding team discussion forums, I think the best system would just be private forums. That's what we have in the PTW DG...

[Hercules]

From GT

FF: Regarding team discussion forums, I think the best system would just be private forums. That's what we have in the PTW DG...

Are those discussion forums set up in 'poly within the PTWDG area or elsewhere or mixture?

[GeneralTacticus]

Basically, Markos just sets up a forum for each team, which you have to be authorized to view. You get authorised by being an admin, or by joining the forum civgroup and being confirmed by the team leader (whoever it happens to be). The forum is on 'Poly, but it's restricted to actual team members.

[Jamski]

Sounds good to me The Hive would certainly make its decisions behind closed doors

-Jam

[Hercules]

So we might need four forums (one for each faction) and a general open forum to mingle and discuss (within the Pbem rules of course) issues.

[Method]

yes. that should work perfectly.

[FlameFlash]

I like... I didn't know that was possible

[Hercules]

Ok so the turn is forwarded to a team and is either emailed or posted in the forum thread for download. Of course only the team leader or designated player will actually play the turn.

So what happens next.

1) The 'player' opens the turn and interacts in a chat room, describing changes and on going events. One or more other team members also open their copy of the turn and discusses options. This opens up the possibility of playing ahead or testing options before committing to the final move. But this would apply to the other options too. So honesty is important.

or

2) The players with the copies open the turn and discuss via email or whatever with all members the key moves and strategies over next the 24 period. The lead player then re-opens his copy of the turn (after having saved but not exited) and plays the moves as decided.

or

3) Unless you're dictator Yang, then you just play and let the other members squabble amongst themselves.

or

4) Open the turn examine, print screenshots (how do you do that btw) copy to post in private forum, save but not exit. Failing screenshot option, post changes and developments in the forum thread, save but not exit, post report for discussion and then return to complete moves.

5) Other.

I know you will say it depends on how each team want to conduct it own affairs and leave it at that. I just wanted to sound out possibilities; their pluses and negatives.

In short what is good practice and should there be some minimum uniform rules of behaviour.

[Hercules]

I know others Maniac, Flame and TKG have provided information on how things are conducted in other Civ DG games, and voiced opinions so maybe after a little discussion we should poll some distilled advice.

[FlameFlash]

eh? Don't quote me! I was just voicing ideas not actual experience from other Demo games! This is the only Demo game I play in (unless a MOO3 one pops up.)

[Maniac]

Well I haven't played any other DG than this one either, so my ideas are also from having heard. However I'd prefer Option 2: the turn is attached in some thread in the general forum and perhaps also sent per e-mail to the current player of that team. Then all team members can discuss what to do that turn on the private forum. After a while then the player plays the turn, taking in account the advise/orders of the other team members.

That's a mere idea of course. I'd suggest asking General Tacticus as how things are really run in the current Civ3 PtW demo game.

[FlameFlash]

/me nods... but all of that does sound reasonable.