Format Poll (Pitboss vs. PBEM)

[Metaliturtle]

conmcb brought up an interesting idea in another thread of playing the game in Pitboss so it would move at a better pace than PBEM. I want to hear opinions (and maybe if someone would want to the Pitboss.)

[Metaliturtle]

This actually is more a vocal opinion poll, which means you can say banana if you vote banana.

[Beta]

I am thinking that there may be more than one form of warlords game underway. I mentioned in the earleir debate that I was looking into, and preparing, a pitboss game idea. I have started a separate thread for dicsussion on at least one pitboss game idea.

In answer to Turtle's poll, I guess I am thinking both forms of game can be running, but I am leaning towards the pitboss idea.

Please take the time to check out the idea. Thanks.

http://apolyton.net/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=160104

[Diadem]

I have, in my life so far, played exactly 1 multiplayer game of civilization4. Well, half a multiplayer game really


So can someone please explain what the advantage and disadvantages of PBEM and pitboss are? Heck, how do they even work?

[Beta]

In a pbem game, the save is played by one team and sent to the next. With a 24 hour turn rule, and say seven teams, it could take a max of 7 days to play one turn before the save came back around to you. If teams are playing quickly, lets say it will take 3-5 days. Occasionally a team has problems playing because of player absences, and then a single team may use up 2 or 3 days on its own, despite the turn rule. Various approaches have been used to get teams to stick to turn deadlines, including having an admin step in and play the turn if it goes past the 24 hour limit. The extra time does allow for all the strategizing and discussion and negotiating that goes on in atypical dem game.

In a pitboss game, there is a turn timer, set at 24 or 36 or 48, or whatever hours. There are 2 to XX number of teams. Each team has that set amout of team for one player on the team to log on and play the turn. If they don't play by the say, 48 hour time limit, then the AI automatically plays the turn based on build queues etc. If all teams play before the time limit, then the turn advances, and another 48 hours deadline is set. In this way, turns may actually take less than the set turn limit. The timer is very evident in a pitboss game - you see it clicking away in the upper right.

In this manner, a pitboss game can have many teams, and still stay on schedule. Whereas adding teams to a pbem game can really slow things down.

Sure, in a 3 player pitboss game, with all players on-line, you could realy motor, so in that regard, a 12 player piboss game may be slower than a 3 player one, but, even in the 12 player/team game, the 24 or 48 hour turn deadline sticks.

In a pitboss demo game, I also suspect the team dynamics regarding strategizing and discussion will need be 'streamlined'.

Hope this helps.

[snoopy369]

I would support and join a PTBS team democracy game.

It's something I had hoped to do in C4DG, but the technology wasn't mature enough at that point. It ensures good playing speed while not having an "admin" playing turns. It also has a lot more security from replaying the save and such (as long as you keep your password secure).

[conmcb25]

PITBOSS!

[proviisori]

pItBözz

[Diadem]

Pitboss

[Aro]

PitBoss.

[Beta]

Aro you old dog! How are you! Long time no see!

And yes to pitboss.

[ZargonX]

Pitboss it, I'd say.

[Zoid]

Originally posted by Metaliturtle
This actually is more a vocal opinion poll, which means you can say banana if you vote banana.

You forgot to tick the poll box when you made the thread, didn´t you? Nice save!

[OzzyKP]

I don't plan on participating, but you'd be foolish not to go with pitboss.

[Krill]

I would be interested in the results from a Pitboss game...