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RE: When? - 6/3/2009 10:36:40 PM   
thelleha

 

Posts: 4
Joined: 12/31/2006
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets

I expect to be finished by the end of September, but Matrix Games needs a few weeks after I submit the finalized code to package the game for distribution.



And the good news is: I can postpone selecting a new computer, and also larger monitors to display larger segments of the map simultaniously.

Since my old comuter comply with my present requirements, I'll just wait a little more, I gues I'm saving a lot of money due to this . But I'm still looking forward to the release

(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1081
RE: When? - 6/3/2009 10:44:37 PM   
bo

 

Posts: 4176
Joined: 5/1/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets


quote:

ORIGINAL: ptey

About the postponement, I think the writing was on the wall atleast a month ago. Im glad you didnt choose to release a game almost unplayable due to bugs Steve.

Also, 500 hours for the AI seems low. I suspect it wont be competitive against anyone but a novice. Im fine with that though. Are you willing to share what your aim is here Steve?


I have a lot to do. My aim is to get things to work.

Steve it is good to get everything perfect but it is not practical with the scope of this game. I dont know how you got this far without help. Maybe you have put too much on your back trying to correct every little bug in the program, I am not saying release it too soon I am saying that when it is released rely on the good people here who really know this game to find minor program errors, when they post these errors you will know right where to go to correct them, your truly tough undertaking is to keep as close as you can to the true WIF board game and bring all those massive options to MWIF as compared to making up rules as you go along as many times it has been done in other war games by many programers, I believe that the best playtesters will be the people who buy this game [no knock against current playtesters] if they try different options and strategies for a week or so for testing purposes instead of jumping right into the game for real. As far as the AI goes I believe it will improve with every new update that you and matrix put out. As long as I am convinced that you and Matrix will stand behind this game for a good period of time and make corrections when needed then none of us has anything to fret about.

Willy

(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1082
RE: When? - 6/4/2009 3:22:19 AM   
bfontes


Posts: 9
Joined: 8/2/2004
From: Cranston, RI
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets


quote:

ORIGINAL: bfontes

It looks like Microsoft might be able to get Windows 7 out before this game is ready. So, will the game come with the "Windows 7 Ready" seal of approval?

I am not sure what that means.



MS is claiming they will be ready for prime time by October. Bill Gates is now telling us to look for the "Windows 7 Compatible" logo on any new software we buy.





quote:

" If you’re buying a new device or application, look for the "Compatible with Windows 7" logo. These products have passed tests that Microsoft designed to install readily and run reliably with Windows 7. "




Attachment (1)

(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1083
RE: When? - 6/4/2009 5:15:54 AM   
sapper_astro

 

Posts: 300
Joined: 7/5/2005
Status: offline 		Only people happy to beta test will upgrade to Windows 7 for the next couple of years.

(in reply to bfontes)
Post #: 1084
RE: When? - 6/4/2009 9:00:29 AM   
Caquineur


Posts: 96
Joined: 4/21/2009
From: Aix en Provence, France, Europe
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
quote:

ORIGINAL: Greywolf
Hum, basically what you want is a way to play a saved games into another setting than what it started.

I think there is no real trouble having a player taking on the spot of a AI.

On the reverse IIRC , and I think Steve will correct me otherwise, the AiO use extensive save of his decisionary process not to be taken into a loop. It is clear that taking mid-turn the place of a human player wont probably be possible. Taking back the situation from turn start will be hard and I think not possible because the AI is set to choose a strategy from start not to interpret the map to recognize what the previous player had in mind and started...

...

Yes.

...

My point here is that a game position has an underlying structure that is a function of the logic the players are using. The AIO understands its own logic, but human decisions can be quite bewildering - not only to the AIO but to other players.

...



Thanks to the both of you for these detailed explanations

Alain

(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1085
RE: When? - 6/4/2009 2:16:11 PM   
micheljq


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quote:

ORIGINAL: sapper_astro

Only people happy to beta test will upgrade to Windows 7 for the next couple of years.


Anyway even when Microsoft release a new product it's still in Beta. For a Windows operating system, it's best to wait one year, even 2 years, before using it. I suggest wait for the first service pack.

(in reply to sapper_astro)
Post #: 1086
RE: When? - 6/5/2009 8:56:59 AM   
Neilster


Posts: 2890
Joined: 10/27/2003
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Status: offline 		Re the AIO, many of the people making predictions seem to be relatively new here and perhaps haven't read the old AI threads. A tremendous amount of the fundamental work has been done and it seems to me that it's the actual implementation that still requires a lot of work. Given the quality of the work Steve has done on the rest of the project, I think he deserves the benefit of the doubt on this.

You could compare it to a car production line. Each of the assemblies is very complicated and require time to complete but when they come together you suddenly get a car very quickly. Perhaps Steve could give his opinion on this.

There's absolutely no point in whingeing about MWiF not needing an AI because it was decided long ago that it is going to have one, most potential players want one and to sell a semi-obscure wargame that you would either have to play against yourself or need to find online opponents would be commercial suicide.

A decent AIO will generate enough sales to produce a solid mass of MWiFers so that anyone who is after more of a challenge will be able to find human opponents. Who knows? The AIO may turn out to be much better than many assume anyway. I recommend a look at the old AI threads, especially the major power specific ones.

Cheers, Neilster

(in reply to micheljq)
Post #: 1087
RE: When? - 6/5/2009 9:47:17 PM   
HansHafen

 

Posts: 258
Joined: 2/3/2008
Status: offline 		Well, Neil, all I can say is the AIO hasn't executed one decision yet. And humans have problems making decisions re strategy and tactics in this game. I'm concerned. No one has been able to develope an AI worth a darn to date. If you know of a wargame with a good one, tell us. And Steve can't just make all the AI units have more speed or power or give them more "hit Points" like other systems do. I guarantee you this won't be done by September because the AI won't be done. And don't tell me I'm just a nay saying troll, because I do support Steve and this project. Reality must be acknowledged on both sides.  

(in reply to Neilster)
Post #: 1088
RE: When? - 6/5/2009 9:57:18 PM   
Anendrue


Posts: 817
Joined: 7/8/2005
Status: offline 		Steve you are qualified to be in any branch of the US Militray of your choosing now. After all, you have done so much with so little for so long you now can do anything with nothing.   We appreciate the hard work and effort you have put forth and we will wait until the game is finished. It has been a few years since I first said to our Troll that it will be done when it is done. So, if this takes a few more months or years I can wait. I just hope your bank account holds up long enough for you to finish this and get paid for your efforts.

_____________________________

Integrity is what you do when nobody is watching.

(in reply to HansHafen)
Post #: 1089
RE: When? - 6/5/2009 10:00:38 PM   
SamuraiProgrmmr

 

Posts: 353
Joined: 10/17/2004
From: Paducah, Kentucky
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quote:

ORIGINAL: HansHafen
No one has been able to develope an AI worth a darn to date. If you know of a wargame with a good one, tell us. And


IBM made a chess AI that could give a grandmaster a run for his money. (Cost them a bundle)

There was a PC Game done 10 years or so called OGRE (which was a table top game conversion). It had a great AI and was EXTREMELY hard to beat (but, of course, it was a small game.)

There are several Bridge (see my signature) games that are proficient (without cheating) ... GIB and Jack.

It can be done....

Wargames are different, in many respects. There are many more pieces and many more 'squares' than in chess.

I wish Steve luck and the best of skill.





_____________________________

Bridge is the best wargame going .. Where else can you find a tournament every weekend?

(in reply to HansHafen)
Post #: 1090
RE: When? - 6/5/2009 10:18:31 PM   
yvesp


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quote:

ORIGINAL: HansHafen

Well, Neil, all I can say is the AIO hasn't executed one decision yet. And humans have problems making decisions re strategy and tactics in this game. I'm concerned. No one has been able to develope an AI worth a darn to date. If you know of a wargame with a good one, tell us. And Steve can't just make all the AI units have more speed or power or give them more "hit Points" like other systems do. I guarantee you this won't be done by September because the AI won't be done. And don't tell me I'm just a nay saying troll, because I do support Steve and this project. Reality must be acknowledged on both sides.  



I agree.

Don't forget that even the IA script parser is not yet fully written. Have you ever tried to write a compiler ? or even a parser ?
That's by itself a work that's not done in a day.

Then, you have to make all the inner tables that will support the decision process, write all the scripts for all countries (general strategies ; count at least 8 complicated such scripts) ; write all the other scripts for generic behaviors (keep troops supplied, fight air-air combat, move troops, move ships, produce, lay down produced troops...) ; that's also a lot of scripts.
Then plug these into the existing decision points in the program. You get an idea when Steve says that there are hundreds of decision points : all of these will have to be backed by some AI script, be it one line long (unlikely!)...

Then, debug and test all of this.
Loop around solving bugs in the scripts and decision process inner engine and improving them (and also changing the decision tables, which the first run will certainly not get right).

Not to forget that all of this has to be saved and restored at any point in any phase.

Wow! That's an awfull lot of work!
I'm not diminishing Steve in saying that it will likely not be completed in (the revised) schedule. I'm a professional programmer and programming architect and I would not sign for this on less than six months, possibly more. Steve working on a three eight-hour shift all by himself, it can possibly be completed within two months...

I greatly admire his work, and I really hope this project gets done and well done and I'm ready to wait two or four or six more months if necessary!

Yves

(in reply to HansHafen)
Post #: 1091
RE: When? - 6/5/2009 10:51:04 PM   
bo

 

Posts: 4176
Joined: 5/1/2009
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quote:

ORIGINAL: SamuraiProgrammer


quote:

ORIGINAL: HansHafen
No one has been able to develope an AI worth a darn to date. If you know of a wargame with a good one, tell us. And


IBM made a chess AI that could give a grandmaster a run for his money. (Cost them a bundle)

There was a PC Game done 10 years or so called OGRE (which was a table top game conversion). It had a great AI and was EXTREMELY hard to beat (but, of course, it was a small game.)

There are several Bridge (see my signature) games that are proficient (without cheating) ... GIB and Jack.

It can be done....

Wargames are different, in many respects. There are many more pieces and many more 'squares' than in chess.

I wish Steve luck and the best of skill.





I believe your right Samurai it can be done but very difficult to do. Avalon Hill did 3rd Reich and messed the AI up to high heaven and worse yet never did anything to improve it. I have all the Strategic Command Series and even though they are beer and pretzles games [fast games] I still enjoy them. The German AI is relentless on land and at sea. It pulverizes Poland, France, Greece, Yugoslavia and many times Russia, but it fails in two areas invasions and supply. [actually the whole game has a bad supply program Axis and Allies] Usually the first part of the invasion is well done, but if the Allies lost a lot of units then forget it, because the Allied AI would keep sending single units into France with no chance of survival. It is a very good game system but it lacks the depth of WIF or at least what I have been able to learn about WIF from the posts here. The AI moved quite a few units around and in general did a pretty good job of it. It can be DONE!
I dont want to pull a Bill Clinton I feel your pain stuff but I have empathy for the players who want to only play another human which is probably the best way to play providing both players are very capable at this game. Now they have to wait for the AI and other parts of the program to be finished, but just maybe in the long run it will be a complete game for everyone. One comment I have read which tells me the AI will be very important is that when most players are losing badly they quit the WIF board game! And one comment was never ever saw a game completed. At least with the AI you will be able to take the game to its conclusion if you want to.

Willy

< Message edited by bo -- 6/5/2009 11:14:31 PM >

(in reply to SamuraiProgrmmr)
Post #: 1092
RE: When? - 6/6/2009 6:46:05 AM   
Neilster


Posts: 2890
Joined: 10/27/2003
From: Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: HansHafen

Well, Neil, all I can say is the AIO hasn't executed one decision yet. And humans have problems making decisions re strategy and tactics in this game. I'm concerned. No one has been able to develope an AI worth a darn to date. If you know of a wargame with a good one, tell us. And Steve can't just make all the AI units have more speed or power or give them more "hit Points" like other systems do. I guarantee you this won't be done by September because the AI won't be done. And don't tell me I'm just a nay saying troll, because I do support Steve and this project. Reality must be acknowledged on both sides.  

My name isn't Neil.

TOAW 3 is a wargame with an excellent AI.

I was merely offering an alternative way of looking at the situation to all the doom and gloom. If it takes longer to develop the AIO then I don't care. If it isn't possible at all then that will be a very bad result. I prefer to remain positive. You can suit yourself.

Edit: BTW, re the AIO, didn't you say "Cool. Looks like you have alot of the work done. I await Spetember! :)" in another thread about 3 days ago?

Neilster


< Message edited by Neilster -- 6/6/2009 6:58:28 AM >

(in reply to HansHafen)
Post #: 1093
RE: When? - 6/6/2009 4:40:05 PM   
Anendrue


Posts: 817
Joined: 7/8/2005
Status: offline 		Good grief, lay off the speculation. Let the AI be developed before you decide if its good or bad. Give Steve a chance. We all know the history of IBM and its multi millions poured into big blue and successive programs. So no body really excepts an AI for that would challenge everybody every game. If the AI can challenge novices most of the time and capable players some of the time then its goal will have been extraordinarily achieved. Time will allow it to be refined. As we players want more challenge we will have to gravitate to the best AI of all, the human brain.

Look at it this way whiners and complainers need not apply for beta testing.

_____________________________

Integrity is what you do when nobody is watching.

(in reply to Neilster)
Post #: 1094
RE: When? - 6/6/2009 6:28:50 PM   
Jagdtiger14


Posts: 1686
Joined: 1/22/2008
From: Miami Beach
Status: offline 		I agree. I think the goal will have been extraordinarily achieved if the AI can callenge novices SOME of the time...and I am not looking for extraordinary when it comes to an AI. Capable players need not be challenged by an AI other than what you wrote...the human brain!
C

quote:

ORIGINAL: abj9562

Good grief, lay off the speculation. Let the AI be developed before you decide if its good or bad. Give Steve a chance. We all know the history of IBM and its multi millions poured into big blue and successive programs. So no body really excepts an AI for that would challenge everybody every game. If the AI can challenge novices most of the time and capable players some of the time then its goal will have been extraordinarily achieved. Time will allow it to be refined. As we players want more challenge we will have to gravitate to the best AI of all, the human brain.

Look at it this way whiners and complainers need not apply for beta testing.



_____________________________

Conflict with the unexpected: two qualities are indispensable; first, an intellect which, even in the midst of this obscurity, is not without some traces of inner light which lead to the truth; second, the courage to follow this faint light. KvC

(in reply to Anendrue)
Post #: 1095
RE: When? - 6/7/2009 6:33:52 PM   
pasternakski


Posts: 6565
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Neilster
My name isn't Neil.
Neilster


And I'm not Past, as some seem to believe.

I agree with you, old man. I'll say only this about AI in computer wargames (and I've said it so many times before, I'm sure most of you would prefer that I just shut up): if you don't have one that works to at least some competent degree, your game just ain't gonna sell.

Steve and his team are pulling a heckuva load with this undertaking. I am content to wait for a final, finished product that they are happy with releasing. With that, I grant all those fervent wishes and ... shut up.

_____________________________

Put my faith in the people
And the people let me down.
So, I turned the other way,
And I carry on anyhow.

(in reply to Neilster)
Post #: 1096
RE: When? - 6/7/2009 11:59:13 PM   
macgregor


Posts: 990
Joined: 2/10/2004
Status: offline 		I'm putting my 2 cents in. You don't don't see all the WiF boardgame players saying; 'gee, if I gotta wait for and pay for an AI that I'm not even going to use, I won't buy it.' Or worse yet, speculate that it won't sell at all. Why? Because that would be classified as a threat, and the WiF boardgamers are above making threats, least of all, to their own game designer. This is a game that comes with it's own following and thus, it's own set of circumstances. You AI guys really crack me up with your 'PC game expertise'. You're speculating and why? Because you want to threaten Steve into forgoing everybody but you, and concentrate all his effort into the stinking AI. I'm sick of it. Someone has to call you guys on this. You have no idea what kind of sales a game this popular will do. You just don't. I wish you'd just shut up.

(in reply to pasternakski)
Post #: 1097
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 12:51:08 AM   
Prince of Eckmühl


Posts: 2459
Joined: 6/25/2006
From: Texas
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quote:

ORIGINAL: macgregor

I wish you'd just shut up.


You've got an indefinite pronoun reference working there.

Steady mac!

PoE (aka ivanmoe)


_____________________________

Government is the opiate of the masses.

(in reply to macgregor)
Post #: 1098
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 1:01:37 AM   
Prince of Eckmühl


Posts: 2459
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From: Texas
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quote:

ORIGINAL: pasternakski

I'm sure most of you would prefer that I just shut up): if you don't have one that works to at least some competent degree, your game just ain't gonna sell.


I kinda wish that developers had never gone down the AI path with hex/turn based games. The best AI for wargames have always struck me as hash, anyhow. I want to play against human opponents, not the computer. For that matter, one of the best reasons for porting a boardgame over to a PC is that the move offers folks who are geographically isolated from other wargamers a chance to actually play. Conversely, I really have to question why someone would PREFER playing a computer over a human.

PoE (aka ivanmoe)


_____________________________

Government is the opiate of the masses.

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Post #: 1099
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 2:54:15 AM   
bo

 

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quote:

ORIGINAL: macgregor

I'm putting my 2 cents in. You don't don't see all the WiF boardgame players saying; 'gee, if I gotta wait for and pay for an AI that I'm not even going to use, I won't buy it.' Or worse yet, speculate that it won't sell at all. Why? Because that would be classified as a threat, and the WiF boardgamers are above making threats, least of all, to their own game designer. This is a game that comes with it's own following and thus, it's own set of circumstances. You AI guys really crack me up with your 'PC game expertise'. You're speculating and why? Because you want to threaten Steve into forgoing everybody but you, and concentrate all his effort into the stinking AI. I'm sick of it. Someone has to call you guys on this. You have no idea what kind of sales a game this popular will do. You just don't. I wish you'd just shut up.

Yo Mac nobody told you to shut up did they, these forums are just what they are supposed to be a place to get your views across without animosity to anybodys point of view. It is not a threat to say no AI no sale, a person is just saying I can do without this game if there is no AI, that is our perogative as buyers of anything that we have to put out our dollars for. If Steve decides to go without the AI fine with me, but Steve is a little smarter than that, he knows and Matrix knows that there is not enough of you board game players to make a profit and isnt that what its all about with Matrix "make a profit".
No AI no sale is a statement of fact not a threat. I guess I will just have to go through life playing Strategic Command with a very good AI. And by the way Battlefront's sales are booming with the SC series. Oh well!

Willy

< Message edited by bo -- 6/8/2009 2:57:06 AM >

(in reply to macgregor)
Post #: 1100
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 4:32:54 AM   
Prince of Eckmühl


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From: Texas
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quote:

ORIGINAL: bo

No AI no sale is a statement of fact not a threat.


Do you not enjoy playing against humans?

PoE (aka ivanmoe)


_____________________________

Government is the opiate of the masses.

(in reply to bo)
Post #: 1101
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 4:40:30 AM   
macgregor


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quote:

ORIGINAL: bo
Yo Mac nobody told you to shut up did they, these forums are just what they are supposed to be a place to get your views across without animosity to anybodys point of view. It is not a threat to say no AI no sale, a person is just saying I can do without this game if there is no AI, that is our perogative as buyers of anything that we have to put out our dollars for. If Steve decides to go without the AI fine with me, but Steve is a little smarter than that, he knows and Matrix knows that there is not enough of you board game players to make a profit and isnt that what its all about with Matrix "make a profit".
No AI no sale is a statement of fact not a threat. I guess I will just have to go through life playing Strategic Command with a very good AI. And by the way Battlefront's sales are booming with the SC series. Oh well!

Willy

Shut up? Perhaps not. But I've been thoroughly castigated as one of 'the impatient few' for proposing that the first release not worry about the AI quality. The way it stands now, Steve is anxious to finish the AI first because A)He has great faith in his ability to do so and B) He is being goaded by these 'AI first' people. But let me ask you a question; Will the AI be better if it is forced into this MWiF product #1; which has already been re-scheduled to the point of being indefinite? Or would it be better with MWiF product #1 out of Steve's way, allowing him to concentrate on the AI without deadline?

My previous point was that the boardgame WiFers could threaten not to buy if they have to wait several more years and pay extra for an AI that they do not need. But then where would that get us? Alternate threats? Promises, threats, call them what you will -it places unnecessary pressure on Steve; who with Matrix have a better sales projection than you or I.

(in reply to bo)
Post #: 1102
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 5:31:55 AM   
macgregor


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quote:

I guess I will just have to go through life playing Strategic Command with a very good AI. And by the way Battlefront's sales are booming with the SC series. Oh well!

Willy






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Post #: 1103
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 6:28:31 AM   
yvesp


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quote:

ORIGINAL: Prince of Eckmühl
Conversely, I really have to question why someone would PREFER playing a computer over a human.



Hum...

The same reason that I have for not playing MMORPG : family constraints...
Do you have a family life ? A baby maybe, who will require your attention at any time and
whose requirements are obviously more important than playing a game ? As my opponent, how would
you react if I quit the game unexpectedly with no other warning that I may quit at any time ?
I guess that after trying, you'd just later ignore me as a player.

That's for the netplay part.

As for the PBEM part, well ; that could work. But it's just not my way of playing.
I like to have the game proceed at a steady pace (when I can put aside some time to play), and yes,
in netplay I would not bear myself as an opponent.

This mostly leaves the AI as an opponent who will not whine everytime I have to leave, and will
wait patiently for my return.

Guess what ? I'm sure a lot of people around are like me!
Played the game in their twenties, when they had no special constraints, but now married, with
children and a serious social life. And still in love with the game which they'd like to play...

Yves

(in reply to Prince of Eckmühl)
Post #: 1104
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 8:23:40 AM   
Greywolf

 

Posts: 105
Joined: 11/15/2000
Status: offline 		That is the main difference between the AI camp and the PBEM/Netplay camp to stigmatise something that isn't so clear cut :

The PBEM-Player want a MWiF that help them play more easily than what they are currently using to play WIF PBEM (Vassal,ZunTzu, Cyberboard,WiFFedit...)
The AI-Player want a MWiF so he just can play WiF...

That is the simple reason why a decent AI is important, if the AI is bad the AI player wont buy but the PBEM player wont care. The only thing that is important for the PBEM side is that the rules are correctly implemented and the save work.

A funny thing is that the players that currently have access (from other sources but still) to programs to suit their way of playing are the ones that are pushing for an earlier release, without consideration to the others players that have nothing to play WiF versus a computer opponent...

_____________________________

Lt. Col. Ivan 'Greywolf' Kerensky

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Post #: 1105
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 8:48:05 AM   
Greywolf

 

Posts: 105
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quote:

ORIGINAL: Prince of Eckmühl

quote:

ORIGINAL: bo

No AI no sale is a statement of fact not a threat.


Do you not enjoy playing against humans?

PoE (aka ivanmoe)



As a matter of fact, no I dont.

Except in cooperative games I find that playing against humans had a nasty competitive aftertaste to the game that I dislike. When playing with my brother we usually share the control of each side to lessen the confrontation part.

Humans tend to be not reliable and suffer displeasant emotionnal burst when confronted with extreme statistical results (favorable or not), they usually contest a lot of the rules and are prone to bail out of a game when losing or grumble or cheer and taunt when winning.

They are usually not avaliable to play when you have a few minuts avaliable, late at night or at lunch break.

There are humans I like to play with, those I know well, with whom I can freely speak and have a drink and laugh while pushing carboard counters around a map. Thoses are not on the internet, they are in real life...

_____________________________

Lt. Col. Ivan 'Greywolf' Kerensky

(in reply to Prince of Eckmühl)
Post #: 1106
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 8:57:42 AM   
Shannon V. OKeets

 

Posts: 22095
Joined: 5/19/2005
From: Honolulu, Hawaii
Status: offline 		The 3 main modes of play require the same basic code. You should never forget that the underlying code that is common to all modes of play is/was 90+% of the work.

The additional code for the PBEM system is to modify the sequence of play (very slightly - not much work to achieve that) and the interface for the Standing Orders. Plus the ability to send and receive emails.

The additional code for NetPlay is substantially more because of the need to accommodate all the possiblities of communications problems. Even if those happens rarely, the program has to be able to deal with it cleanly. The other major programming task for NetPlay is keeping all the different computers up-to-date with what is happening on the other machines.

The AI Opponent code doesn't have the problems as the other 2 main modes of play, since the whole game is played on one computer. But of course, the code to make decisions has to exist.

I think of the different player 'groups' as being similar to customers in a restaurant, where each one wants to be served first. Hey, the restaurant doesn't stay in business unless it can serve all its customers - with a smile

_____________________________

Steve

Perfection is an elusive goal.

(in reply to Greywolf)
Post #: 1107
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 2:02:41 PM   
Caquineur


Posts: 96
Joined: 4/21/2009
From: Aix en Provence, France, Europe
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: Shannon V. OKeets
June 1, 2009 Status Report for Matrix Games’ MWIF Forum
Accomplishments of May
...
Player’s Manual
...
I have processed most of my notes on file data structures into the appendices. To complete the appendices I want to list all the files included in the released product, with a simple explanation for why they exist.
...

I really like that idea - thanks !

(in reply to Shannon V. OKeets)
Post #: 1108
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 3:23:19 PM   
micheljq


Posts: 791
Joined: 3/31/2008
From: Quebec
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: HansHafen
No one has been able to develope an AI worth a darn to date. If you know of a wargame with a good one, tell us.


Sid Meier's Civilizations III, IV, Alpha Centauri.

Company of Heroes has an excellent AI.

Rise of Nations. There are others.

(in reply to SamuraiProgrmmr)
Post #: 1109
RE: When? - 6/8/2009 3:31:24 PM   
Prince of Eckmühl


Posts: 2459
Joined: 6/25/2006
From: Texas
Status: offline
quote:

ORIGINAL: yvesp

The same reason that I have for not playing MMORPG : family constraints...
Do you have a family life ? A baby maybe, who will require your attention at any time and
whose requirements are obviously more important than playing a game ?


My play time tends to vary. If I've got a lot of non-gaming commitments, I tend to play games that require less time, certainly not something like WiF.

quote:

As my opponent, how would you react if I quit the game unexpectedly with no other warning that I may quit at any time ? I guess that after trying, you'd just later ignore me as a player.


I'd likely encourage you to try PBEM as an alternative.

quote:

As for the PBEM part, well ; that could work. But it's just not my way of playing.
I like to have the game proceed at a steady pace (when I can put aside some time to play), and yes,
in netplay I would not bear myself as an opponent.


I think that you may be underestimating the value of PBEM. Find the right partner, and he won't mind waiting a week (or month) for a turn. Don't get me wrong, however. I'd much rather play FTF, in the flesh. My very best friends are all wargamers, the overwhelming majority of them from Central Texas.

quote:

This mostly leaves the AI as an opponent who will not whine everytime I have to leave, and will
wait patiently for my return.

Guess what ? I'm sure a lot of people around are like me!
Played the game in their twenties, when they had no special constraints, but now married, with
children and a serious social life. And still in love with the game which they'd like to play...


Yves, I was always aware of the folks who preferred not to play against people. Twenty-five years ago, they would come to club meetings to hang out and talk about wargames. I didn't really get it, in that they had these games that they played solo, but wouldn't go near a game against another person. In many cases, they appeared to know the rules and had some interesting insights into play. I'd also make note of the fact that companies like AH tried to accommodate them with solo-only games.

Then computers came along, and the pendulum swung way out in the other direction, in the favor of play against the AI, rather than people. That's where I got off the train, BTW. I purchased a computer in the late 1980s to work on an instrument rating for my pilot's certificate, but I didn't play turn/hex based wargames on it. What did get my attention were games like Task Force 1942, Close Combat and Sid Meier's Gettysburg, titles that a lot of folks believed weren't real wargames because they didn't have turns and hexes!

And so it's gone, at least for me. I enjoy playing against people because I sincerely believe that it's more challenging. And I genuinely treasure the social and fraternal aspects of wargaming as I've experienced it over the last forty years. In that respect, it's really no different than playing golf with your buddies, or bridge with a circle of friends. Of course, you can turn those into solitary adventures as well, but I can't imagine why anyone would do so.

PoE (aka ivanmoe)


_____________________________

Government is the opiate of the masses.

(in reply to yvesp)
Post #: 1110
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