Version 1.17.02 released and it is a trouble in PBEM started games

[sad ham]

The strategies of most of the games PBEM have to be changed because naval units does not spot anymore inland.
This is a major change in all the games currently played, where the Axis player decided for a sealion operation. The system forced me to update the version just before I was doing sealion. Now I cannot do it anymore (without risking a lot) 'cause I cannot spot anymore which forces are defending the UK beaches.

[BillRunacre]

This does increase the importance of aerial reconnaissance and therefore of winning air superiority, so given the importance of the Battle of Britain this does seem a good thing?

[Markiss]

Spot them with aircraft. It shouldn't stop you.

[sad ham]

It is not the same thing in case the opponent has placed anti air units.

[sad ham]

I don't tell it is wrong. It just changes the game strategy and for games already initiated it could be an issue.

[Gilber]

it's just my opinion but I find the new rules on naval spotting more interesting and more in line with reality.
I have never found it very realistic that a naval unit stationed near a city or coastal tiles could get information about the troops on the ground.

[Markiss]

It is true, but here poor sad ham got caught mid-operation with a major rules change. It was just unfortunate timing.

It used to be the case that you could finish any started games before you updated, if I recall. But now, the server forces you to update to even get to the lobby. So, any ongoing games are forcibly updated to the new rules mid-game, you don't have any choice or control over it.

That is his complaint, and I can't argue with it. Instant automatic updates are a great leap forward from the old way, but there are unintended consequences. Although not the intent of the system developers, denying service, in effect holding someone's game "hostage", in order to force them to accept an unwanted update, is not a great way of doing things. It doesn't give players that warm, fuzzy feeling they get when they believe that the developers care about their experience. I think there is undeniably room to improve that methodology, and reduce the effects of updates on ongoing games.

Probably not a priority, but the issue should be acknowledged.