Game 5693 - Partial Diplomacy

[Maximus Dominus]

   

   

[Maximus Dominus]

   

So, what exactly does the term Partial Diplomacy translate into, in terms of this game of Alamaze? The term does not seem to appear in the 293 page 4th Cycle rulebook.

The Game Creator page lists the following:

   

What does the term Some Communications Allowed mean? The Game Creator page says to See Forum Or Game Notes, but it doesn't bother to specify where in the forum, or where or what the Game Notes are. How are newcomers to Alamaze supposed to just automatically know these kinds of things? Not knowing is one primary way that newcomers get lost, and when newcomers to Alamaze get lost, that doesn't bode well for growing and retaining the player base of the game.

[Maximus Dominus]

If I overstep the boundaries of what is allowed, as far as communications in this particular game of Alamaze goes, then just let me know, and I will delete this posting. In the absence of knowledge and understanding of what the specific limitations are, which are encompassed within the ambit of the vague term Partial Diplomacy, I will simply proceed apace, until such time as someone in the know enlightens me with a degree of specificity.

That said, as part of my ongoing analysis of things in Alamaze that I encounter, or things which I feel while trying to figure it all out, one observation about Alamaze that I would share is that while my other game (Game 5684, also as the Underworld kingdom) is still waiting for Turn #5 to be processed, that span of four turns already completed in that game has translated into me being able to issue turn orders for this new game of Alamaze (5693) fairly rapidly. So rapidly, in fact, that I was able to be the first player out the gate, in this game, to get their turn orders completed and made ready for processing. In light of the fact that a number of very experienced players in this game have been playing Alamaze for years on end, while I suspect that some (if not all) other players may not have even received their set-up turn, yet, it nonetheless is demonstrative of two things:

1. That the Game Interface has a substantial degree of intuitiveness already built into it.

. . . and . . .

2. That rapid familiarization with the Game Interface is possible for newcomers to Alamaze.


Familiarization with the Game Interface comes with a much lower learning curve than does familiarization with either the 4th Cycle Rulebook or the Mechanics Of The Game. To rapidly grow the Alamaze player base, the ability of newcomer to rapidly familiarize themselves with the crucial components of the game is of paramount importance. Rapid familiarization can facilitate both growing the size of the player base, initially, and retaining newcomers to Alamaze, once they do take the plunge to try the game.

Furthermore, by knowing where, exactly and specifically, familiarization already exists, it allows one to better know where to focus the bulk of their attention and resources on implementing changes to those areas which remain behind in the instilling of familiarization into the overall project.

Alamaze has a lot going for it, in terms of Overall Game Design, but if newcomers experience difficulties with trying to familiarize themselves with what all that they encounter, then it will directly, and perhaps significantly, impact Player Base Growth Prospects in a negative manner. Game Design is one thing. Game Refinement is another thing, altogether. It is in a Distinct Class, all by itself. And the Refinement Process covers anything and everything in every area (rules, game mechanics, interface, website, forum, registration processes, etc.).

[Maximus Dominus]

A search of the forum led me to the following:

As I mentioned some time ago, I would like to create a similar game (but with the Classic map, not Resurgent) to see how it all works together. Lots of new options so there may be some hiccups along the way so don't join my game if you're squeamish about such things. The options that I was planning on including are: Steel, 10-player, Classic map, Random Cities, Normal Victory, Partial Diplomacy (forum only), and Pagan.

SOURCE: https://kingdomsofarcania.net/forum/show...9#pid46129
SOURCE DATE: 04-29-2017


So, is that what is meant by this concept of Partial Diplomacy? That players of this game of Alamaze can communicate, but only here in this forum thread, for stuff that is related to this game?

[Wookie Panz]

This is interesting as it appears that the game started with only 11 players and region 8, Storm Coast, wide open.
I've never seen this happen before.  I do recall there being an option for a 10 player game but it had to be set up by admin.

[VballMichael]

As has been stated elsewhere, the diplomacy thing is not so much a rule as an agreement between players not to work together too much. What is too much, you will next ask. Basically, limited diplomacy means all communications are on the forum (trades are on the forum, agreements to not attack for a bit are on the forum, etc.). The goal is more important than the exact mechanics. No long-term teammate in a game (game-long trading agreements or non-aggression pacts for the whole game). Many have interpreted this to mean you can trade with someone up to 3 turns in a row, but then need to do something else. Bottom line is, there is not really a rule, just a concept of not teaming up for gang attacks or long-term teammate. And no private communications with other players outside the Forum.

This is how I see it. Others may differ since this is NOT an actual Alamaze rule.

I have not seen a game start with 11 players and an empty region. If people feel harmed, we can check with Brekk about killing the game and trying again.

[Maximus Dominus]

As has been stated elsewhere, the diplomacy thing is not so much a rule as an agreement between players not to work together too much. What is too much, you will next ask. Basically, limited diplomacy means all communications are on the forum (trades are on the forum, agreements to not attack for a bit are on the forum, etc.). The goal is more important than the exact mechanics. No long-term teammate in a game (game-long trading agreements or non-aggression pacts for the whole game). Many have interpreted this to mean you can trade with someone up to 3 turns in a row, but then need to do something else. Bottom line is, there is not really a rule, just a concept of not teaming up for gang attacks or long-term teammate. And no private communications with other players outside the Forum.

This is how I see it. Others may differ since this is NOT an actual Alamaze rule.

I have not seen a game start with 11 players and an empty region. If people feel harmed, we can check with Brekk about killing the game and trying again.

Thanks for that explanation. It provides clarity - but it also embodies the potential for substantial confusion. Confusion in what things mean is never a good thing for new players.

Newcomers need to understand what they are getting into, without learning the hard way. If it isn't a rule, then it isn't binding. It becomes little more than a suggestion, at that point.

While clarification can be sought and obtained in the forum or by contacting support, that's just an extra step on the path towards gaining clarity - clarity that should be provided at the point that players are signing up for the game.

Your explanation is a good one, though.

[RELLGAR]

Let's redo??

[Brekk]

I suspect there was a player who tried to join, he hadn't registered and it registered him as "nobody". If you would like to restart let me know as Im sure he would still like to join.

[Maximus Dominus]

Restarting is fine, but can we use this same thread?