Post by Eric Moreau on Nov 11, 2006 13:24:47 GMT -5
Okay well as you all have no doubt notice that all the posts in this section where deleted. This is because I'm heading into a completly different direction.
I'm currently exploring the option of using a client program to play the game. The gameplay experience would be similar to playing a 4x game like Master of Orion, Space Empires, Galactic Civilizations. No more commands to memorize! In fact no more Game Manual (well at least the Game Manual as it is.) The client software would include an in-game manual the would provide all topics related to the current screen you are viewing. Not to mention in-game Message System, no more need of email to contact other players. In fact the turns will most likely not even be sent though email anymore. The client server will be able to connect to an ftp account on the webserver and upload the turn.
Since using this method 98% of the game will be automated turns will be able to be run once every week. Turnaround time would greatly be minimized. Once the turn deadline comes around, my Game Master software would connect to the ftp account, download all the turns. Process the turns and upload the update file to the ftp account all within a few hours of the turn deadline!
This of course is assuming your turn would not require my attention, these turns will take up to 24 hours to be available for download to the client. Only certain types of actions will need my attention so most turns will process without needing me to supervise.
I don't have a timeline to when this software will be ready, all I can really say is by this time next year. I have been developing some components of the software lately which I'll slowly start using to help process the turns. Some of you might notice some reports have changed a bit. Nothing to worry about this, just means that report is now part of the automated system.
I'm currently exploring the option of using a client program to play the game. The gameplay experience would be similar to playing a 4x game like Master of Orion, Space Empires, Galactic Civilizations. No more commands to memorize! In fact no more Game Manual (well at least the Game Manual as it is.) The client software would include an in-game manual the would provide all topics related to the current screen you are viewing. Not to mention in-game Message System, no more need of email to contact other players. In fact the turns will most likely not even be sent though email anymore. The client server will be able to connect to an ftp account on the webserver and upload the turn.
Since using this method 98% of the game will be automated turns will be able to be run once every week. Turnaround time would greatly be minimized. Once the turn deadline comes around, my Game Master software would connect to the ftp account, download all the turns. Process the turns and upload the update file to the ftp account all within a few hours of the turn deadline!
This of course is assuming your turn would not require my attention, these turns will take up to 24 hours to be available for download to the client. Only certain types of actions will need my attention so most turns will process without needing me to supervise.
I don't have a timeline to when this software will be ready, all I can really say is by this time next year. I have been developing some components of the software lately which I'll slowly start using to help process the turns. Some of you might notice some reports have changed a bit. Nothing to worry about this, just means that report is now part of the automated system.