MP Etiquette

[aldin]

I want to make sure I'm not breaking a multiplayer "unspoken rule". Generally speaking (and with the knowledge that there may be exceptions), is it acceptable to send private Messages to other players OUTSIDE of the in game messaging system? In other words, is the in game messaging system intended to be a limitation on the planning, etc. that can be done between two nations?

~Aldin

[Teraswaerto]

There is nothing wrong with sending Messages outside the game, unless of course some kind of agreement has been made not to do so. With the in-game message system it always takes a turn for the message to get there, and then another turn to get an answer. It's just too slow to be used exclusively.

[Kristoffer O]

It is probably best to reach an agreement on this issue before a game is started.

I've been playing some games that didn't allow outside posting. It limits diplomacy, but it has some interesting effects on the gameplay.

[Gandalf Parker]

Some games specifically dont allow anyone to know who is playing what nation. A game like that really limits diplomatic arrangments which some prefer. It also has a DEFINATE impact on the playing style of some people.

For instance "Gandalf Parker" is known as an honorable (and overly cautious) player. My actions carry over from game to game and do affect my willingness to do certain things. But if Im playing anonymously, or as E. Nigma, then I would be free to break agreements and backstab allies, or play off 2 players against each other by providing "friendly information" to both. Things that "Gandalf Parker" would never do.

Having a small player base where everyone knows each other has pros and cons. One of the reason some people would really like to see us iron out the particulars of doing a web-based game server site is that it would allow some truly anonymous games for some truly cut-throut wars.

[alexti]

Originally posted by Kristoffer O:
I've been playing some games that didn't allow outside posting. It limits diplomacy, but it has some interesting effects on the gameplay.

Are there any hotkeys in the message editor in Dom2? I've found nothing but backspace. Writing long detailed Messages is a bit painful without arrow navigation and insertion.

[apoger]

>It is probably best to reach an agreement on this issue before a game is started.

When a game is started between humans it is very important to define the nature of the interplayer relationships. The type and amount of diplomacy allowed should be known from the start, otherwise there may be hurt feelings latter on. If everyone knows and is playing by the same rules, then everyone will be happy.


If there are no defined rules, and you want to contact a player outside the game, I'd say you were within your rights, and not breaking unspoken rules. However next time... get the person that is running the game to state the rules openly before game start. That way there is no confusion. It's worth the extra time and effort, in order to make sure everyone feels the game is being played fairly.

[PhilD]

Originally posted by aldin:
I want to make sure I'm not breaking a multiplayer "unspoken rule". Generally speaking (and with the knowledge that there may be exceptions), is it acceptable to send private Messages to other players OUTSIDE of the in game messaging system? In other words, is the in game messaging system intended to be a limitation on the planning, etc. that can be done between two nations?

~Aldin

Actually, I was expecting the "default" behaviour to be the one you describe in email games, because it's a setup that clearly gives no reason not to wait until the Last minute before playing your turn (to see if any other players reply to your Messages, or send you any). I was proved wrong in my first (still running) email game, and I'm not sure I like it; diplomacy seems to play too big a role in this game, while I feel I'm still learning the basics.

[Gandalf Parker]

Originally posted by PhilD:
I was proved wrong in my first (still running) email game, and I'm not sure I like it; diplomacy seems to play too big a role in this game, while I feel I'm still learning the basics.

I suspect that will change due to the attention the game is getting in magazines and such. As the player community grows I think there will be less "relationship" building between players.

[Jasper]

Being limited to ingame Messages only would drive me crazy. I don't mind the time delay effect, but the interface isn't exactly my editor of choice. :-/