Multi-PBEM

[Uxbridge]

Is it possible for anyone so informed, to tell us a little more about the upcoming PBEM-ability (for as much as 8 players). It seems terrific, to say the least. I suppose that the players choose nations at the beginning, but is it possible for a player to play more than one nation? And how does the game handle minor nations falling into the conflict as time goes? Will there be a play-back function? Any information would be nice, cause we're shivering with anticipation here in Sweden, but now nothing!

[comrade]

First of all, each country in the game is playable. When playing in single-player mode, you can pick any number of countries to control. In PBEM mode, you can assign control of each country to one of eight players. So for example: player 1 can control Germany and Italy, player 2 can control USA and UK, player 3 can control Russia and player 4 can control Spain and Turkey. Every combination possible.

As for minor nations - even if they are out of the war, they take their turn and play just as any other nation. You can invest in research, purchase new units etc. even if you're not at war.

Unfortunately there will be no "playback" functionality in 1.20. Considering that the game was released 2 weeks ago, we simply didn't have time to add this. We know how important this is, so in 1.21 there's going to be a proper reporting function, you'll be able to track back all the combat, production, research, naval encounters etc. from the last turn.

[Uxbridge]

Splendid!! [:D]

Just a few more: For the sake of the example, let's assume that a PBEM-campaign is started by the players only playing majors. When minors are successively brought into the conflict, how will that be handled? Will control be assigned to some proper major automatically, or will the minor nation stay AI-controlled?

Another question that arises is this: What will happen if you declare war on a minor that you control (UK wants to access Norwegian territory as a weak example, but owned Norway at start)? Will this minor then re-allocate to an enemy major? And what happens if the UK player control UK and Norway and USA declare war on Norway while allied to UK? Silly examples, I know, but how would the game handle it?

[comrade]

ORIGINAL: Uxbridge

Splendid!! [:D]

Just a few more: For the sake of the example, let's assume that a PBEM-campaign is started by the players only playing majors. When minors are successively brought into the conflict, how will that be handled? Will control be assigned to some proper major automatically, or will the minor nation stay AI-controlled?

Another question that arises is this: What will happen if you declare war on a minor that you control (UK wants to access Norwegian territory as a weak example, but owned Norway at start)? Will this minor then re-allocate to an enemy major? And what happens if the UK player control UK and Norway and USA declare war on Norway while allied to UK? Silly examples, I know, but how would the game handle it?

The control (i.e. Human or AI) never changes throught the game. So if the minor was set as the AI controlled when starting the game, it will always be AI controlled, no matter if it enters the war or stays neutral. It's the same if a player happens to control two countries which are in a war against each other: control won't change, so the player can fight with himself [:)].

However there's a "cheat" screen activated by F1 key which allows to change control of the country in the middle of the game, so for example as Germany you can manually assume control of Romania when it enters the war on your side. This screen does not support PBEM games yet, but we'll change that

[Uxbridge]

The possibility to change sides in the middle of a PBEM-game is fine. I'm not so sure about the possibility to increase PP's though. [:)]

[comrade]

ORIGINAL: Uxbridge

The possibility to change sides in the middle of a PBEM-game is fine. I'm not so sure about the possibility to increase PP's though. [:)]

Right now there's no validatoin mechanism and you can easily cheat in PBEM games. Even if there wasn't F1 screen, the game is saved to text files, so there's no problem with changing PP for your country manually from there.

We'll surely introduce some punk-busting solution

[Lucky1]

Sigh. I would have hoped that they type of individuals interested in playing this sort of game wouldn't be the types to cheat.... What is the point of PBEM, if not a challenge? I would rather lose (which I do a lot!).

[comrade]

ORIGINAL: Lucky1

Sigh. I would have hoped that they type of individuals interested in playing this sort of game wouldn't be the types to cheat.... What is the point of PBEM, if not a challenge? I would rather lose (which I do a lot!).

I totally agree with you, I see absolutely no fun in cheating, especially in a game like this and I think most people playing this type of game would agree to that too. However, when more people start playing, there will be - naturally - excellent, good and average players. For some people a temptation may appear to beat the considered-best guy, just to get some local fame. You never know, that's human nature I think it's good to believe in othere people good will and fair play but, still it's goood to have some protection. Just in case.

[Lucky1]

Agreed...
 

[Uxbridge]

Oh, yes. Don't get me wrong on this. I trust the players in my own group completely. In fact the open PP and change-nation options could save some awkward PBEM-situations. I was just thinking aloud.