Server-based PBEM - yay!

[dobeln]

Just noted that this game has server-based PBEM, something that I have long wanted for all PBEM games that I´ve ever played. Hype level +1.

This is both in order to avoid that lurking feeling of possible cheatitude when the opponent gets a perfect turn, and because PBEM can be turned into something very "modern" if given some better features for integration, matchmaking, etc.

After all, PBEM-like games are doing very well on the iPhone, etc. - PBEM doesn´t have to be something "ancient", and can be brought into the modern world with some slick interface / technical work. In short, I have another reason to be excited to see what Gary and the guys have come up with.

I also have a feeling that the concept will be ripe for being developed, with scheduling features, etc. for setting up sessions, and so on.

Side note:
PBEM is essential for motivating myself in playing "monster size" games. I just can´t summon up the patience to put hours into a turn when all that I am doing is AI stomping. When I play the AI, "narrative flow" is much more important for the game compared to in a PBEM.

PS.

I´d buy a GGWaW (best game ever, period) remake just for server-based PBEM features.

[blastpop]

ORIGINAL: dobeln

Just noted that this game has server-based PBEM, something that I have long wanted for all PBEM games that I´ve ever played. Hype level +1.

I wasn't aware of this. I wonder if it is similar in style and execution to the Slitherine system for their PBEM games. If this is true it would be wonderful.

[Erik Rutins]

Yes, it is in fact the same system as on Field of Glory and Battlefield Academy. We also included "traditional" PBEM as an option for those who prefer that, but I think the Server-based is much easier to use.

[dobeln]

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

Yes, it is in fact the same system as on Field of Glory and Battlefield Academy. We also included "traditional" PBEM as an option for those who prefer that, but I think the Server-based is much easier to use.

Great to hear Erik - after reading up on the Slitherine system, it would seem that the turns that your opponent completes just pop up in your files. If so, that´s a fantastic advance in PBEM.

Curious / question to anyone who has used the Slith system: How does the anticheat work? I reckon that the server keeps track if you try to reopen the file. Does the game autosave to the server as you execute your turn? Just thinking about how, say, an accidental shutdown / program closing is handled.

[JudgeDredd]

I cannot play PBEM. The mechanism disjoints the flow of the game and doesn't really keep my focus - one reason why I don't play multiplayer.

Of course, I don't play multiplayer with the likes of HoI because I simply can't organise the time to play.

Two reasons why I like a half decent AI. [:'(]

[dobeln]

ORIGINAL: JudgeDredd

I cannot play PBEM. The mechanism disjoints the flow of the game and doesn't really keep my focus - one reason why I don't play multiplayer.

Of course, I don't play multiplayer with the likes of HoI because I simply can't organise the time to play.

Two reasons why I like a half decent AI. [:'(]

We all have different preferences - to me waiting for a PBEM turn in a tense game is akin to a light version of waiting for santa. It´s something you don´t get with AI... (Not to diss AI too much - but I have different preferences for AI games vis a vis PBEM focused games.)

[raizer]

Any idea how long this pbem server will take to get up and running after the game comes out?

[Joel Billings]

ORIGINAL: raizer

Any idea how long this pbem server will take to get up and running after the game comes out?

It's up and running now.

[CheerfullyInsane]

ORIGINAL: dobeln

ORIGINAL: Erik Rutins

Yes, it is in fact the same system as on Field of Glory and Battlefield Academy. We also included "traditional" PBEM as an option for those who prefer that, but I think the Server-based is much easier to use.

Great to hear Erik - after reading up on the Slitherine system, it would seem that the turns that your opponent completes just pop up in your files. If so, that´s a fantastic advance in PBEM.

Curious / question to anyone who has used the Slith system: How does the anticheat work? I reckon that the server keeps track if you try to reopen the file. Does the game autosave to the server as you execute your turn? Just thinking about how, say, an accidental shutdown / program closing is handled.

Well, presumably they will have changed a few things, but the way it works in Field of Glory is as follows:
First, there isn't a file on your local system, everything is on the server.
The PBEM program simply has a list of your games and will let you know when it's your turn.
I assume this means that you have to be online when playing, but since I'm always online as soon as I boot my PC I can't say for sure.
You can close the game at any point, restarting it at leisure, so I would think that accidental shutdowns shouldn't be a problem. FoG is a tactical game where it doesn't take hours to do a turn, so I can't say if you'll have to start your turn completely over if the gremlins take over your comp. Or in other words, I'm not sure whether the PBEM engine updates the turn realtime. I shouldn't think so, but I'm not PC savvy enough to say for sure.
As for anti-cheating, it's very simple. While you do have an 'undo' button, with Fog of War turned on it is disabled when you 1) discover a new enemy unit, and 2) when you attack.
So basically you can step back your turn until such a point where you could gain an advantage.
There are pros and cons to this though, and I can't say if they've simply copied the system to WitE.
The advantage is obviously that cheating through reloading of games is impossible, unless you decide to hack the system....Which IMHO is just sad. [:D]

However, a lot of FoG players (myself included) have started to play with Fog of War turned off simply because it's too easy to make a mistake. Click the wrong hex, and boom....Your unit is caught in place.
And when you're playing 12+ games simultaneously you tend to speed through your turns, which makes it a little annoying to have to be so careful with unit-placement.
Arguably it doesn't matter all that much in FoG, since it's a tactical game where the battlelines are pretty much in open view all the time. Not to mention that it is a small game with perhaps a max. of 80-90 units per player, so any surprises gained through Fog of War are reasonably short-lived anyway.
But I could imagine that it would be an issue in WitE.
Not a major one mind you, but I would think that it means you'll have to be very careful when moving your panzers through the enemy hinterland.

Hope the above helps a little re. the PBEM system.

Lars

[sillyflower]

ORIGINAL: dobeln

Just noted that this game has server-based PBEM, something that I have long wanted for all PBEM games that I´ve ever played. Hype level +1.

This is both in order to avoid that lurking feeling of possible cheatitude when the opponent gets a perfect turn, and because PBEM can be turned into something very "modern" if given some better features for integration, matchmaking, etc.

Not sure if my wife will let me play anything involving matchmaking...........................

[Fred98]

ORIGINAL: dobeln

We all have different preferences - to me waiting for a PBEM turn in a tense game is akin to a light version of waiting for santa. It´s something you don´t get with AI...

I agree with that. I never play against the AI.


Note you are still waiting for you're opponent to ;play his turn - server based or not.

-

[Crimguy]

Dumb question (and I've never looked into your system at all, so forgive the ignorance): If for some reason the server fails, is shut down/abandoned, can the players continue as a regular pbem game?

[CheerfullyInsane]

ORIGINAL: Crimguy

Dumb question (and I've never looked into your system at all, so forgive the ignorance): If for some reason the server fails, is shut down/abandoned, can the players continue as a regular pbem game?

I'm pretty sure the server part is optional, so that you can use a 'regular' PBEM game should you wish.
I'm fairly certain I read that in some other WitE thread, though with old age and early onset of senility, my memory is less than trustworthy these days. [;)]

[Great_Ajax]

Yes, you can still swap files the old fashioned way.

Trey

ORIGINAL: CheerfullyInsane

ORIGINAL: Crimguy

Dumb question (and I've never looked into your system at all, so forgive the ignorance): If for some reason the server fails, is shut down/abandoned, can the players continue as a regular pbem game?

I'm pretty sure the server part is optional, so that you can use a 'regular' PBEM game should you wish.
I'm fairly certain I read that in some other WitE thread, though with old age and early onset of senility, my memory is less than trustworthy these days. [;)]

[Pford]

Kind of curious that this server based PBEM system is getting so much attention, with emphasis on the security aspect rather than the convenience. There's must have been a whole lot of suspected cheatin' going on in the past. That no one wanted to talk about. [X(]

[hgilmer3]

I like it.  It will help me make the jump from purely playing the AI to playing people in PBEM.

[Michael T]

It's peace of mind for me. I *know* within reason I am not getting cheated with the Server PBEM. And I know that no suspicion will be cast upon myself when that perfect move comes off. All good. If more conveinient even better. It also means touney's can be run and the results will be credible. Not so with other methods that provide nil security and just rely on honesty.

[Ola Berli]

Hello Michael, have a slot open for me! Nothing is like the East Front [:D]

[Michael T]

For sure Ola, I haven't forgetten the promise I made. The holy grail is almost here

[dobeln]

There's must have been a whole lot of suspected cheatin' going on in the past. That no one wanted to talk about.

More like "a small sense of unease". After all, we all know how pissed off we ourselves can get when we fall just a *little* short of that objective... Grrr...