SEIV: Play by Web

[Admiral]

Two answers:

1) I _could_ do that from a technical standpoint of course

2) But _would_ I do that, given that people play multiplayer PBEM (or PBW) games to play other _humans_ and not the AI? After all, if we wanted to play AIs, we wouldn't be using multiplayer.

So, that said, given the reservations of #2, I'd put it way down the list to be taken care of by #1.

What do you think?

Admiral

[Lefty]

Developing strategies that no one else uses is part of the fun of multi-player.

I think the player, not the game host, should have the right to choose whether his empire is taken over if he goes away.

I play for the long run, but if I leave or get kicked out I should be able to let my secrets dissapear with me.

(BTW..my typing sucks)

[This message has been edited by Lefty (edited 24 April 2001).]

[Suicide Junkie]

If you know you're going to drop from the game, just scrap all your ships & abandon your planets, then surrender to somebody.

You vanish, your secrets intact.

[LazarusLong42]

SJ... that's pretty awesome. I like that idea.

LL

[Admiral]

I wasn't going to say this, but...

SJ's tactic sounds pretty unsportsmanlike to me.

[Trachmyr]

C'mon, what "tactics" are you folks trying to preserve... most experienced gamers already know them, if you don't then you could probally just search this thread for 'em..... Most humans don't use scanner jammers, and once you get in combat, you'll know the ship's setup. So what are you trying to preserve... unless your cheating? (like altering your componet.txt file to make Phased polaron beams 20 tons instead of 30.... building a bunch of "extra" powerful ships... then changing the componets.txt file back... there will be no game error, your "special" ships will still be valid and builable (you just can't make new Versions of the ship unless you remod the componets.txt)... and it'd be unlikely you'd get found out... after all how many people count up the tonnage of enemy ships?)

I AM NOT suggesting/supporting cheating in any way, I'm just pointing out that this kinda thing is possible, and when someone dosen't want players to look at their ship designs in detail (since we all can in combat), it strikes me as suspicious...

I'm also not accusing anyone, I find it possible that someone might think they have an "awsome tactic"... usually they'll find that others alredy came up with it long ago.

[Lindan]

I'd like to give it a try.
lindan@zombieworld.com

thanks.

[javaslinger]

What is the difference between this play by web and the PBEM helper?

Thanks

Ken

[jimbob55]

The PBW system runs the turns on the game /web server. It used to execute the game turn as soon as everyone had uploaded their plr files. It doesn't seem to do that anymore.
Once the turn is processed, it's auto sent to all players to respond when they can.

Advantages : The host/ starting player doesn't have to worry about files and such. There's one upload and that's it. Offers a central 'meeting room' for players to get together and talk about the type of multiplayer game they want.

Disadvantages: If a player fails to upload the plr file, the game goes on hold until they do or the host executes the turn with the AI playing the missing player's turn.

The PBW allows some features that PBEM helper doesn't / can't yet: Forums for all registered players.
As it is still in Beta, developed by some enthusiasts, it isn't finished yet and is developing 'in an organic fashion'. Join the fun and join the games. Help make it work the way you want it to work.

I haven't played with PBEM helper, so I can't say which is better / best.

[Fuerte]

The main difference between Play By Web and PBEM helper is that Play By Web automates the server and PBEM helper automates the client side. PBEM helper has also support for hosting, but it is not fully automatic.

Admiral has said that he will add support for PBEM helper in Play By Web. When that is done, then both the server and client sides can be automated to the maximum.

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PBEM