[BTS] Future BOTMs

[Deckhand]

We would like your feedback regarding future BtS Games of the Month (BotMs).

Spoiler Bottoms :

botms up

We have been running two BOTMs monthly: Noble/Prince/Monarch and Emperor/Immortal/Deity (with a recent emphasis on Deity).
Due to perceived lower participation and mapmaker availability.

Spoiler er What? :

lower participation was true for some months/games, but there were exceptions

DS and I have been late for several games. I was scheduled for Deity to start 15Oct and Noble to start 1Nov. DS released a game 13Oct and included a Deity save. I decided to combine my two games and release them 1Nov. However it was finally released for a 27Nov start.

My recommendation is that we drop back to one BOTM per month. Preferably to start on the 1st. December's game will be released sometime in December but later in the month.
GOTMs may make occasional appearances.
WOTM is likely over.

Topic 1: Should higher and lower difficulties be provided in the same game, with both eligible for awards? (as we did for botm185 and 186)
or should the additional difficulty be only as Adventurer saves? (not eligible for medals nor fastest finishes)

Topic 2: Any other thoughts/suggestions about Civ IV xOTMs.

 

[nocho]

Anything that keeps the BOTM alive will have my vote.

The more games the merrier, but I guess given mapmaker availability, participation and the actual meaning of "OTM" one game a month is reasonable.

On topic of different difficulties, I don't have a strong opinion, but I slightly prefer just one set difficulty level to be eligible for awards. That makes the games most comparable, which I like. Then again, there are obviously players that will only play deity or maybe immortal, so if adding these difficulties would drive participation, then fine with me.

 

[lymond]

Everything nocho said

I'd recommend providing a Deity challenger version with each game, if not too difficult for you guys, regardless of the mandated difficulty for that game. IMO Deity challengers would still be eligible. I mean if one is choosing to play it then they should certainly not be penalized. I think most won't, but the option is there for the pros. Only potential issue comparison wise is the increased score potential of Deity, but otherwise will generally be more difficult for those players to achieve fastest finishers...or maybe not..ha.

 

[krikav]

I agree with the above. One game per month is no problem at all!
I do really want a deity save, but it doesn't matter much for me if it's eligable for medals or not. The challenge, the good fun and the company is what I'm after.

 

[Xcalibrator]

Thank you for making these games available! If we go to one game a month, I would prefer to always have an Immortal or Deity challenger (or contender) version--don't care if it's eligible for medals.

 

[Deckhand]

Sounds great.


IIRC, we stopped offering different speeds of the same game because of scoring differences. I think I'd like to drop that restraint as well and occasionally offer different speeds in same game as well as different levels in games. [Not both speed and difficulty in same game (but having thought of it, might be fun, once)].

 

[mscellaneous]

The BOTMs currently keep me coming back to CIV4. A monthly cycle seems great, if it keeps the series running. Although I am playing on IMM, I'll take on any difficulty level.

 

[MarleysGh0st]

If you build it, I will play.

I'll support the idea of always having both Contender and Challenger levels, but for the opposite reason of those who will only play at Deity. I still find that level too difficult, and prefer a game that won't grind me into the dust.

 

[LowtherCastle]

Participation is clearly the biggest problem and issue, so we want each BOTM to be accessible to all, preferably. To me, that takes priority over scoring and competition details. If Deity players start winning all the competitions, just make those saves beyotching tough. That'll teach 'em.*


* Question is, what will it teach 'em, to win freakin' tough games?

 

[Jovan Kukic]

One BOTM per month is also OK for me. If BOTM staff is sometimes busy, then the solution in such cases could be some usual unmodified random map with some usual settings. And, just to remind you to make BOTM 178

 

[Noble Zarkon]

And, just to remind you to make BOTM 178

Sure

 

[Deckhand]

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year.

I've finally announced the "planned" "December" game.

 

[Fine_Distinction]

I prefer to have lower difficulty option (Noble/Prince/Monarch) and need Mac save. Was too busy to play recently, but now due to #stayhome hope to have a bit more time

 

[neilmeister]

What with the lockdown and all, I am back as there is nothing like old hobbies to bring happiness... I am about to put out a Vanilla game... and might even put out a Warlords one for the 'true' enthusiast.

No guarantees of how long I will be around....

 

[LowtherCastle]

What with the lockdown and all, I am back as there is nothing like old hobbies to bring happiness... I am about to put out a Vanilla game... and might even put out a Warlords one for the 'true' enthusiast.

No guarantees of how long I will be around....

Perfect time to get hooked on a SGOTM!!!

 

[Fine_Distinction]

So does it mean that a new BOTM will start around June 1st?

Based on recent BOTMs, I think it is clear than an easy ones (Ramsses, 12 submissions so far) are more popular than brutally tough ones (Toku, 6 submissions). And that everybody loves specials, like the lockdown ones, but I guess that it is a lot of trouble.

I think best game difficulty is Monarch or Emperor - that leaves a lot of space to make it much easier (e.g. Noble) and much tougher (Deity). I also do not care if other difficulties are eligible for medals. I want to be eligible to submit and replay, tough, that is my favorite part

I agree that maintaining participation is key, maybe we should try to advertise it e.g. in S&T forum?

 

[Deckhand]

So does it mean that a new BOTM will start around June 1st?

Not likely.
I was planning to create one around the 15th to start around the 20th.
We will see (I'm a lot better at planning than doing).

 

[DynamicSpirit]

So does it mean that a new BOTM will start around June 1st?

Unlikely seeing as it's now June 2nd

The next game is in preparation and will be announced soon. It'll be at monarch difficulty - but rather harder than typical for monarch. And, just like BOTM 194, it will be very unusual.

EDIT: Anyway, why are you worrying about the next game - according to our logs you haven't submitted your entry for the current game yet!

 

[Fine_Distinction]

It'll be at monarch difficulty. And, just like BOTM 194, it will be very unusual.

Monarch difficulty and unusual - sounds delicious, thanks!

EDIT: Anyway, why are you worrying about the next game - according to our logs you haven't submitted your entry for the current game yet!

LOL, you got me That is exactly the reason I am asking, I do not want to be stuck at home without a BOTM to play, so trying to find out whether I should submit 193/4 early, or to try to savior every turn and/or play as long as possible

 

[LowtherCastle]

Monarch difficulty and unusual - sounds delicious, thanks!



LOL, you got me That is exactly the reason I am asking, I do not want to be stuck at home without a BOTM to play, so trying to find out whether I should submit 193/4 early, or to try to savior every turn and/or play as long as possible

Sit at home on your BOTM and savor every turn.