Sharing some WW1 PBEM experiences with Calvinus

[TheDeadeye]

Hi all,

I have been testing the new PBEM functionality of WW1 with Calvinus and I can say that it´s immensely fun . The AI was already pretty good in handling the complexities of WW1 but playing with a live WW1 opponent is a whole new ballgame.

However, due to the nature of PBEM in WW1 all battles will be handled by the AI, but the player can give some parameters to the AI in terms on how aggressive, passive or defensive the player wants the AI to fight the battles and sieges. This adds a bit of uncertainties to the plans, almost like putting you as the Supreme Commander but delegating the battles to be fought by your various Generals. You will have to pay A LOT of attention now who is in charge of what army, etc.

In addition, the AI has been extensively worked on by Calvinus and I have not seen any bad or unusual results from the battles during our PBEM. The AI did mostly what a human player would do too, pressing the advantage, retreating if bloodied and so on. What I really like is, that it actually uses the various combat events that you can pick up during the events phase, that can really make or break a battle depending on the circumstances.

We are still testing but it´s shaping up to be a great fun and anyone who still plays WW1 should definitely look forward to this new PBEM functionality!

Great work Calvinus!

[Random]

This is all very good to hear! Thanks for sharing.

[ZardozLord]

Yes I am looking forward to some Pbem WWI action, thank you for your hard work Calvinus

[Mitra]

Grande Calvinus

[TheDeadeye]

Thought I would drop in and give a quick update.

Calvinus and I have been further testing and we definitely believe that a de-synching problem, that we had experienced a couple of times while playing through the PBEM system, is now finally under wraps.

We will continue to test the various stages of the game, especially the Trench Warfare, Doctrines and one of my pet peeves, the infamous naval battles. We really want to ensure that this new patch will iron out any possibilities of grief

[calvinus]

And I can tell also that -personally- I'm really enjoying this way of PBEM, despite still play-testing.

I'm playing Allies and I can say that Lanrezac is the best French general !!! My Vth army is seriosly threatening the lines of communication between Ist / IInd armies and the rest of the German army, keeping strong against any attack!

[calvinus]

Btw, for those who are waiting eagerly the new patch, unfortunately I cannot post yet a beta patch, because every time I do a play-testing session with TheDeadeye a new de-synch bug comes out. So I need first to ensure all bugs are definitively closed.

[RGA]

Great news about the PBEM, thanks.

[RGA]

Hi,

Is it possible to give us a flavour of how the PBEM will work ? How often do files need to be exchanged in a turn for example. Looking forward to its release.

Rob

[calvinus]

Files are shared for each time the button "End Turn/Phase" is going to pressed, so for example: Redeployment Phase (when present), Events Phase, Diplomacy Phase, Military Phase, Politics Phase / Interphase (when present); total 5 per turn in the most complex conditions, 3 in the most common cases...
This has been done to harmonize the core engine of WW1 with PBEM game mode. Otherwise I'd been forced to do another game.