Matrix Games Forums

is it possible to have more then 2 players in PBEM? and if so how?

ORIGINAL: shard

is it possible to have more then 2 players in PBEM? and if so how?

Yes. It is possible and many play that way.
Here's how to do it with an example of 2 vs 2 (4 total players):

Pick your teams and designate a leader on each team (leader plays last). Each side needs to coordinate their plans together and divide up their forces between their players. Only ONE player on each side can do the PURCHASE and DEPLOYMENT for the whole side due to how the game works (can not save the game part-way through the deployment phase in PBEM games).

The way the play will progress is basically like this (some things are suggestions for organizational reasons):

1. Side 1 leader sets up the game and purchases all units. Send turn to side 2 leader.

2. Side 2 leader purchases all units and deploys all units. Send turn to side 1.

3.a. Side 1's designated deployment player deploys and begins the first turn by using only their units. When finished, they must hit the UP POINTING ARROW to save the game (instead of the RIGHT POINTING ARROW which ends the turn). Send the turn to the next player on side 1.

3.b. Side 1's last player (the leader) plays their portion and finishes the turn by plotting artillery requests. End the turn using the RIGHT POINTING ARROW. Send to the first player of side 2.

4.a. Side 2's first player begins the first turn by using only their units. When finished, they must hit the UP POINTING ARROW to save the game (instead of the RIGHT POINTING ARROW which ends the turn). Send the turn to the next player on side 1.

4.b. Side 2's last player (the leader) plays their portion and finishes the turn by plotting artillery requests. End the turn using the RIGHT POINTING ARROW. Send to the first player of side 1.

Repeat 3 and 4.

Have fun!

Correct me if I'm wrong on any of this, guys.

Add
When side 2 (leader) sends the first turn to side 1 (leader), side 1 leader first views the replay, then sends the files to side 1 first team. side 1 team then views the replay, makes his moves and sends the saved files back th side 1 leader.
 
Otherwise I don't think the leaders will see the replays. Unfortunately I don't think there is a way for the leader to view any combat made by previous teams on their turn.
 
You can also play 2 or more people as player 1 vs AI.