Gentlemen <Salute>
Further to my initial post on the subject of MP Gaming I add my further thoughts hereunder for your delectation.
Playing an MP game is not just a matter of jumping in and getting on with it, there is somewhat more involved I believe. There are several prerequisites to an MP game that may very well determine whether it will be a success or a flop/disaster. These requirements focus more upon the organiser/s and players themselves than the actual gameplay itself. I will set out a list hereunder which I believe may be relevant factors. Whilst by no means exhaustive or even entirely correct perhaps, ( I am open to correction) I have deduced these from my involvement in a number of MP games organised and run by two members with notable credentials in this field, specifically Blake Strickler & Tim Reneau. There are doubtless many others within the Club with equally notable credentials and I mean no disrespect to them, I merely do not know of them and of their encounters.
My points below refer to an organiser, and this point is crucial, I suggest. There needs to be someone to organise a game, set out the structure & commands and generally keep the game on track throughout. Someone in overall command who calls the shots. This individual may or may not be a player.
Good Organisation, Good Communication and Good Outlook & Approach are key skills by all involved, I contend, to a successful MP Game. MP games can, and do periodically, dissolve into bickering, petty squabbling and chaos, and therefore I believe that the points noted hereunder should provide potential players the opportunity to consider whether MP Gaming may be a suitable option for them.
Organiser/s:- Set Up & Explain Game Structure Clear & Unambiguous Communications (Prior & Throughout) Ability & Willingness to Control and Moderate Game Play & Possible Friction
Players:- Understanding & Appreciation of MP Game Role Co-operation & Compliance with Command Structure Willingness to Engage & Flexibility of Approach Humour & Respect Game Flow & Timeliness (Orders/Turns/Comms) Acceptance of Organiser as Final Arbiter
The ‘Bottom Line’ to successful MP gaming lies very much with each player involved, as I have attempted to outline above. It is a team effort, and meant to be so, and will only work when the team works/plays as a ‘Team’ and with that outlook and approach firmly and foremost in a players mind. Another point worthy of note in MP Gaming is that these are, by their very nature, usually bigger games and of longer duration, often taking many months to complete. This is, I propose, a further consideration for prospective players. I have not mentioned the optimum number of players in an MP Game, the matter is subjective perhaps. I suspect it sufficient to note however that the greater the numbers the greater the likelihood of friction/disruption, burnout, loss of interest etc. On a purely personal note I suggest that 3 or 4 players a side is a good and manageable number for which to aim. In conclusion, I present these, my thoughts and views, on MP Gaming.
These are purely my personal opinions and I invite any and all members to respond with their thoughts, views etc as desired, either positive or otherwise. I will not be upset or otherwise bothered by contrary views, and indeed I may learn something.
_________________ Karl McEntegart Lieutenant General Officer Commanding Army of Tennessee
Make my enemy brave and strong, so that if defeated, I will not be ashamed.
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