Multiplayer 'spectator' idea.

[Urendi Maleldil]

How about a simultaneous multiplayer game generates a 'spectator' file (if that option is selected) each turn.

That file is then emailed to anyone who wants to observe (but not participate in) the ongoing game. Such a file could contain battle replays, player logs, and views of each system in the game. The only downside i can see of this is cheating: if a spectator shares useful info with a player. (but that's why the option to turn it off is there) Maybe if each player had the option to select whether or not they want to be invisible (activate option for 'secret' actions or if they just don't want people looking over their shoulder) and not be seen in the spectator files.

[Intruder13]

Good idea, it could be useful for understanding one's tactics. I would certainly enjoy watching the
better players duke it out.

But, I can see cheaters exploiting this free knowledge of the map... ALOT

QUOTE: “_(that's why the option to turn it off is there)_”
-I guess the fact that it is an option would negate the fear of cheating.

I would definitely like to see this after all the significant bugs are ironed out.

[Beck]

Of course the spectator file could be generated only on the host's computer for release as a series of files after the game is completed. New players could still benefit from seeing the play of more experienced players while keeping the cheating aspects in check. As a learning tool it would also benefit from being able to the view the entire game instead of just turn to turn. They would be essentially tutorials which could become part of the materials the community could point new players to.

[willi]

This capability to observe a game in progress is partly there now, but it depends on a certain degree of trust. If you send someone the simultaneous game file and the corresponding combat file, then they can open up any player's position, if they know the password. They can then read the log, replay combat and review player's empire status.

If you trust someone to not pass on any information gained, wouldn't you trust them with the password?

[Urendi Maleldil]

Yeah, but the way it's set up now makes it difficult to share those sorts of things. I think it would be easier if the game generates a single spectator file which can then be emailed to observing non-participants. Individual players could decide whether or not they want their ships and colonies to show up in the spectator file each turn. The game host could also turn off this feature for the entire game if everyone wants the whole thing private.