Deciding who is host in PBEM game

[Daxil]

It seems the host has a slight advantage in this game since they can see playback. They also know for sure the other guy (gal for the PCrs) isn't cheating on them.

So, is there some way to flip on that? How have you decided who hosts?.. besides just saying, "I'm gonna host!"

[Rafiki]

My impression is that the less experienced of the players gets to play host if they like; with notable exception for the cases where the less experienced one feels uncomfortable handling the extra administration tasks that hosting involves.

When both are fairly equally experienced? Dunno, but I'd guess they alternate

[Daxil]

We need some sort of big die at these forums that says, "YOU HAVE BEEN ORDAINED THE ONE@!"

[W.Barksdale]

You could agree that neither player should watch the resolution. There is no protection against cheaters (yet). Just hope that the host is a gentleman and will play fair.

[patryn8]

Usually helps out the CSA to host, because then the player will be more apt to notice sneaky sea invasions from the USA. Thats the only thing that will get me sometimes is when I'm not hosting and forget to check out my coastline. When hosting I'll notice the ship movements more so than when not hosting.

[Daxil]

I think its probably a little more exciting to see the playback too.

[Dadaan]

That was pretty good.

[Blind Sniper]

There is no protection against cheaters (yet)

Absolutely, I appreciate the AGEod support (a great support, really) but I think this is a big gap for a medium/high-level game like this.
If the host player open the non-host file he can even see the opponent moves...
It should be the exact opposite, this is a pc game not a bordgame, IMHO.

Just hope that the host is a gentleman and will play fair.

Ok, but it isn't a good solution...

Clarification: this isn't a flame post but only my thought, I hope a positive thought

[Rafiki]

No worries, Blind Sniper; these are things that I think most people here agree to, and AGEOD is looking into how to address them in the best way. It will, however, take some time, since we don't want to do it half-hearted

[Blind Sniper]

No worries, Blind Sniper; these are things that I think most people here agree to, and AGEOD is looking into how to address them in the best way. It will, however, take some time, since we don't want to do it half-hearted

Thanks Rafiki, surely there are several priority but this lack is an eyesore...

I suppose because there are more solo players than PBeM players...

[Daxil]

Thanks Rafiki, surely there are several priority but this lack is an eyesore...

I suppose because there are more solo players than PBeM players...

This game is actually an ideal PBEM game if that were resolved and playback made available to both. Solo play is a little more problematic due to the complex scripting necessary to make the North a competent opponent. I commend the develoers for a good game, but universally I don't think ai is at a point where it can handle things like adapting to different styles. I guess the alternative is making its sandbox smaller ala Civ 4.

[Blind Sniper]

This game is actually an ideal PBEM game if that were resolved and playback made available to both.

If only...

[Daxil]

Generally, if you're both good players, I don't think there will be much of a desire to cheat. Of course, games can get competetive, sometimes people don't like each other, and of course they'd cheat then. I guess the moral is to find the former kind of player... But keep the aholes on your list so you can beat them when this issue is resolved.

[Pocus]

Allow me to intrude into the discussion!

1. Cheating. AACW provides since some months the Turn compression feature, which comes from Napoleon's Campaigns. This features turn compression AND password protection. The host can't check the opponent's file with that.

2. Replaying. War in Americas features a replay module, and this was a major work that we were really happy to propose to WIA players. We are thinking more and more seriously to propose this module to AACW within some time, free of charge. This will need some patching work, but it is doable.


Side note for 1, if a host want to cheat, he will. I have several PC. No scheme can prevent me from installing the game on two, and take some sneak peeks (or replay the turn to see what my opponent planned) with one while I do my real turn on the other. But if you are at this level of paranoia toward an opponent, it is better you don't play with him at all.

[sdp_pl]

Hi,

till to today I haven't played a PBEM, so I'm not fimilar with the mechanics in detail. Nevertheless I would like to make a proposal. Why didn't you use a neutral third party. Both players send their turn-files to this person, who is resolving the turn. Afterwards this neutral person can send the outcome back to the players.

It was just an idea...

sdp_pl