Vanishing Axis players

[Sugar]

That's simply a matter of communication, just demand your own conditions while searching for an opponent.

During the last updates and new tactics the average length has increased hugely, and I personally don't mind how long it takes to achieve a DV, since random factors like weather, diplo hits and even some bad dice roles are able to delay all planning. At least we're playing together, and that's far more enjoyable than crushing poor AI.

[LordOfPants]

You get the same problem with board games. I remember one particular game of Advanced Third Reich that went pretty much perfectly to play defense, the Axis tried a fairly standard Barbarossa, hurt the USSR but didn't win and didn't lose by a complete collapse. It was a rare game where 1943-1945 were going to be tense defense instead of either a straight Axis victory or an early collapse. And... my opponent just conceded, didn't even want to try for the tactical or phyrric victory conditions (holding out longer than historically).

[PvtBenjamin]

I have no problem if my opponent resigns. There comes a point that dragging all those soviet troops thru the mud for the inevitable gets tiresome.

Just abandoning games is wrong tho, by resigning they admit defeat.

[bfcj]

I just sometimes feel like a guinea pig. An axis player tries some totally unrealistic strategy with very little chance for success, then if it doesn't pan out it's "see yah!". I'd personally feel better if there were some skin in the game (even just public scoring for wins/losses/draws), motivation to fight to the bitter end.

Again though, as long as the ground rules are established in advance.

[PvtBenjamin]

I feel your pain. The game is very good at punishing the unrealistic strategy. In my opinion there comes a time when I'm ok if the Axis player resigns. In my experience most players are serious opponents that have respect for the game.

[elxaime]

I see no problem resigning if, through one's own poor play or being over-matched by a skilled opponent, playing through means prolonging a slaughter. I suspect even the winner gets bored if it becomes too one-sided. I just resigned very early for Axis (mid-1942) against a very skilled Allied player (who showed me a few things about good Allied play let me tell you). However I am also playing through to the bitter end currently as Axis and had a recent opponent do so as well. I will resign rather than disappear, as I think my opponent deserves some finality. People will sometimes hold off if they are not sure their opponent isn't coming back. Resigning let's them clear the decks for another game against someone else.