It's not cheating is it...

[Ed Kolis]

... in a multiplayer game where "See whole tech tree" is off, to look at the data files of the mod you're using? (Heck, even when it's on - the data files are MUCH better source of data than the in-game tech tree!) Wonder why that option's even in there given that you can just look at the data files anyway...

[Arkcon]

D. It's always more fun to play without the tech tree. You learn something new everyday. I still don't know everything about the default tech tree

[oleg]

Hmm. Is it cheating to read manual ? Or strategy guide ? Even this forum gives you an unfarir advantage over ignorant opponents

[ckotchey]

It'd be hard to consider it cheating, given the possibility that one player has played the game, or the specific mod, many times and more or less knows the tree, vs. someone who might be less experienced with the particular mod/tech tree. In that case, NOT looking into the tree might put one at a big disadvantage.

[Taz-in-Space]

I'd say it is only cheating if a Mod was created, say, specifically for a PBW game and this was indicated to players before start of game.

[geoschmo]

Originally posted by Taz-in-Space:
I'd say it is only cheating if a Mod was created, say, specifically for a PBW game and this was indicated to players before start of game.

You might have a point here. But in that case I would say if the creator of the mod is a player in the game, then him trying to set down such a rule is dirty pool. He'd be the only one that knew how things worked.

Geo

[Gryphin]

Hm, maybe I should require every one in a game I play to put on Dark Tunnle Vison Glasses so they see the same way I do.
< Image:Papa GrowlTigga explaining to Mrs GT why he is wearing sun glasses with side blinders to play SE >

[Suicide Junkie]

You might have a point here. But in that case I would say if the creator of the mod is a player in the game, then him trying to set down such a rule is dirty pool. He'd be the only one that knew how things worked.

If this were the case, you would have to have a third party create the mod.

In fact, I had an idea for a mod where the physics of the universe would change every 10 turns or so, by using a new mod each time.
Shield generation might become hard or impossible, all ships might be completely cloaked for a few turns, weapon strengths, supply usages and ranges might vary. Whatever comes to mind. A special facility might be buildable, who's description indicates what changes are likely for next turn

This would all hinge on the mod-modder not being in the game, AND players not peeking at the tech trees.