[sogard]

One feature which is common in several tcp/ip enabled games is a time limit on moves. If you are playing in simultaneous mode, you just set a time limit that the players are permitted to make their moves and I don't see why the same concept could not be used for a turn based game. This simple device will keep most games moving along. The only problem would be IF tcp/ip would permit tactical combats to be played. At present, that only works with the turn based mode. The nice thing about hotseat play, at present, is that you get to do the tactical combats -- which can be a bLast.

My current hotseat game is on a large galaxy map with the maximum number of players (two of which are human) with the AI set at the most difficult levels and bonuses. So far, the game has really been a bLast.