Hotseat type game . . any way to fake it?

[DoubleDeuce]

From all of my ready I have done so far, I do NOT think that this is possible BUT figured I would ask the forums guru's here. [;)]

I am trying to run a military style refereed type simulation with 2 teams where players take the parts of RGT/BN Commanders in a scenario. I will run the scenario on my machine covering 4-6 hours periods (maybe more, likely less) and provide them information (via screenshots and intel reports from information in the game) as it progress, saving between time periods. From that information they will give me general orders which I will then "plug into the game engine" and then run the sim for another set time period, rinse and repeat. [:D]

My question is, "Is there a way to run the game solo BUT enter orders for both sides, then let the game run?" Could I start the game as the Allies, input orders, save, then load the save as the Germans and input orders, then run the game as the allies again and have the game use both sets of inputted orders? Is there any way to "finagle" it so you can play single player BUT enter both side orders and review their casualties, updated stats, etc?

[Arjuna]

No you can't swap sides from a saved game or during a game. Your best bet is to run the game in multiplayer and save every X duration. James Sterrit is the man to speak to re using COTA for training US Amry officers. He works at the US Amry Command and General Staff College at Leavenworth and is one of our beta team members. He ran a session at this years Origins convention. I'm sure he'd be happy to discuss with you the various options.

[Prince of Eckmühl]

ORIGINAL: Double Deuce

My question is, "Is there a way to run the game solo BUT enter orders for both sides, then let the game run?" Could I start the game as the Allies, input orders, save, then load the save as the Germans and input orders, then run the game as the allies again and have the game use both sets of inputted orders? Is there any way to "finagle" it so you can play single player BUT enter both side orders and review their casualties, updated stats, etc?

Sorta.

You could set two computers up, side by side, and connect them over a LAN. Then open games on both computers, one as the host, and join with the other. You could play both sides, pausing as desired to view and analyze the results.

PoE (aka ivanmoe)

[06 Maestro]

I have done what POE suggested several times-simply for a quick test. Connecting over a LAN using a laptop and a desktop enables you to give orders to both sides.

[DoubleDeuce]

Thanks for the input everyone. I was thinking the same thing about using a LAN connection. Was hoping there was another option but we do what we gotta do. [:D]