Replays & PBEM misuse alerts

[DotComCTO]

Iain/Pip,

We've had this conversation on the TouchArcade forums, but I wanted to ask about the PBEM misuse alerts. As we discussed in those forums a couple of months ago, the PBEM logic would detect and report if there were too many reloads of a particular game. At that time, we discussed how this was implemented as a deterrent to cheating (e.g., load a game, move units to explore the map and find enemy units, quit the game and the reload the last turn). At that time, I brought this issue to your attention because not only to point out the potential for cheating in PBEM, but also to highlight that there is a legitimate use to reloading a turn: replaying the results of the prior turn. As I mentioned, I usually like to analyze the results of a turn from many angles. This affords me the opportunity to see where units were attacked from and where units were last seen moving to. I will frequently reload a turn 2 or 3 times just so I catch all the details.

At this point, I'm bringing this up again because the PBEM misuse alert is actually functioning; it is alerting me to the fact that I am reloading a game. So two questions: how long before I am told I can't use PBEM, and is there any ETA for a manual replay feature (ideally with the option to move forward and backward in time - like skipping to the favorite part in a song)?

I must be one of the few people requesting this feature, but I really do find it necessary since the replay speed and moving camera make it difficult to fully understand what is going on in a single turn.

Thanks for reading!

--DotComCTO

[Frostwave]

I'm glad to hear there is a system to. Detect cheaters since I had great concerns about this loophole I also agree that there has to be a better tool for watching replays when you start getting into 20 games u start to forget which one you are watching and it would help to be a Able to rewind and watch again . this would make it a better game and I can't believe we are the only ones who believe this . I think would also be nice if the opponent was alerted that a person has been reloading The game multiple times.

[DotComCTO]

Hi FrostWolf,

Right now, I only play against friends and family, so I tell them that this is what I'm doing. Personally, I'd be fine with a notification to the other player about multiple reloads, but only AFTER the "multi-replay" system is implemented. Personally, I can see how it would work very clearly:

• 1. To make things simpler, the replay function would only available at the beginning of a turn before any gameplay for the new turn have been made. Once you move a unit (move, not select) the replay function becomes unavailable.
  2. The replay function needs the standard "VCR" functions of: rewind to beginning, rewind, play, pause, fast forward and forward to the end; a sliding "scrubber" bar would be nice so players can go to the desired spot in the replay.
  3. Once the replay is done, the player could be prompted whether they want to leave replay mode.

Now, if #2 and #3 add too much complexity, then the multi-replay system could just be #1 with a prompt at the end as to whether the player wants to see the replay again or begin the new turn.

In the interim, I'd like to at least understand how long I have until I'm banned from the PBEM games I'm playing.



--DotComCTO

[Brenmusik]

[quote="

• 1. To make things simpler, the replay function would only available at the beginning of a turn before any gameplay for the new turn have been made. Once you move a unit (move, not select) the replay function becomes unavailable.
  2. The replay function needs the standard "VCR" functions of: rewind to beginning, rewind, play, pause, fast forward and forward to the end; a sliding "scrubber" bar would be nice so players can go to the desired spot in the replay.
  3. Once the replay is done, the player could be prompted whether they want to leave replay mode.

Now, if #2 and #3 add too much complexity, then the multi-replay system could just be #1 with a prompt at the end as to whether the player wants to see the replay again or begin the new turn.


--DotComCTO[/quote]

An excellent idea.

[pipfromslitherine]

The replay replay is going to be in the next update, which we are beginning to pull together, so hopefully no more than 2-3 weeks. Until then I really would recommend not reloading turns. We don't ban anyone without a real person taking a look, but it is against our rules for MP.

Cheers

Pip

[DotComCTO]

Hi Pip!

The replay replay is going to be in the next update, which we are beginning to pull together, so hopefully no more than 2-3 weeks.

Very glad to hear that Slitherine are implementing the multi-replay feature, and I'm looking forward to that one very much.

Until then I really would recommend not reloading turns. We don't ban anyone without a real person taking a look, but it is against our rules for MP.

Yeah. So that's the bad part. I'm in the middle of a couple of PBEM games now, and I rely on reloading games for the reasons I already stated. For me, your comment is the equivalent of, "don't play a PBEM game until the multi-replay feature is in place". I guess I'm going to be a "bad boy" and be a rule breaker for the next couple of weeks. Hopefully, you guys won't drop the "ban hammer" on my PBEM games.



--DotComCTO

P.S. If you need someone like me to provide some additional input in reviewing the multi-replay functionality, I'd be happy to assist. Drop me a PM.

[Frostwave]

A question about the replay feature, will we be able to rematch the entire battle from any turn that would be very useful, especially when battle is complete would be fun to watch entire match, even more useful when u have a bunch of games happening and u want to watch the last few turns to get a feel for that specific battle since I forget what has been happening in some battles that have not commenced for several days .

[pipfromslitherine]

Full replays and watching battles is on our wishlist, but it would be a ton of work and require an entirely different way of storing and replaying our turns. The next update will allow you to replay the last turns worth of action any number of times prior to giving any orders to your units.

Cheers

Pip

[DotComCTO]

Full replays and watching battles is on our wishlist, but it would be a ton of work and require an entirely different way of storing and replaying our turns. The next update will allow you to replay the last turns worth of action any number of times prior to giving any orders to your units.

Cheers

Pip

...and the skies parted, and the heavens cleared and there was much rejoicing throughout the land.



--DotComCTO