Is there a shortage of players for PBW?

Nodachi · #1 June 9th, 2002, 01:21 AM

Looking at the list of open games over at PBW I counted twenty-some-odd that need players. Do we have a shortage of players or are the players not interested in the majority of games? Looking at the user stats I don't think there's a shortage so interest might be the problem. If that's the case then I'm going to ask, what kind of game are you looking for or what do you look for in a game?

Nodachi

dumbluck · #2 June 9th, 2002, 01:32 AM

Honestly, (and I know this might seem odd), the most important aspect in choosing a game is who the host is. I look for a host that:

a. has previously started games that I enjoyed
b. has previously (or currently) started games with an interesting premise (I like to RP, for example, so I look for a host that emphasises this)
c. is discriminating when accepting players
d. has actively sought to fill open spots (advertising, not letting the thread drop off the board, etc)
e. has proven understanding and flexible about turn dates (and pushing them back for planned abscenses)

I haven't encountered any player disputes, but I would also look for a host that I had seen handle them well.

Nodachi · #3 June 8th, 2002, 02:06 PM

Quote:

Honestly, (and I know this might seem odd), the most important aspect in choosing a game is who the host is. I look for a host that:

a. has previously started games that I enjoyed
b. has previously (or currently) started games with an interesting premise (I like to RP, for example, so I look for a host that emphasises this)
c. is discriminating when accepting players
d. has actively sought to fill open spots (advertising, not letting the thread drop off the board, etc)
e. has proven understanding and flexible about turn dates (and pushing them back for planned abscenses)

I haven't encountered any player disputes, but I would also look for a host that I had seen handle them well.

I agree with you that the host is important. For example, I would join any game hosted by Imperator Fyron (not to knock anyone else

) because he meets all of the qualifications you've listed. But by the same token, if you don't give someone new a chance...

One of my pet peeves is clicking on a game and there being no description at all! How is that going to attract a player? It won't.

Nodachi

geoschmo · #4 June 8th, 2002, 05:09 PM

Yes, I would guess that a large number of those games looking for replacments are basically dead games that the owner has abandoned and the players are starting to leave out of frustration. I try to keep those cleaned up, but with so many games it's not always easy to do.

We have almost 300 people a day log on to PBW and almost 500 different people every week, so I would say we have a 'shortage' of players. But a lot of people don't like taking over for others, so many time those spots can sit empty for a while.

Geoschmo

PvK · #5 June 8th, 2002, 08:15 PM

Taking over empires that others' created can be quite interesting and fun - I'd recommend it to those who haven't tried it.

Zarix · #6 June 8th, 2002, 08:54 PM

I don't think that there is any shortage of players. Some games just aren't attractive. It is very important to have a good game description. I never join games that have the settings but no other text. An unmodded game with good description gets enough players if you announce it in the Open games forum (at PBW site) .

A game with some special rules (teams,role play , etc.) or mods requires usually more work to get players. It is good to advertise them in this forum.

Some games are doomed from the begining. If there is game with mod and role play and special end game conditions more than 10 players is a miracle. And it is very hard to get replacement players if someone drops out.

One important thing about the description is that it has to be friendly. If a player feels that making some mistake is going to cause shouting and insulting, he/she won't join. This is something that might happen to a game owner whose previous game has ended badly beacause of cheating or other kind of unfair play.

I don't really look at who is the game owner. I remember when I adviced the "to be legendary game host" Imperator Fyron in his first game to announce it in the Open games forum.