GMR game turn order based on time zones

[New Weird Order]

...based on time zones or possibly other factors. What is the tried and true method of handling this? Suggestions? Assuming we all play the same time of day: If I am GMT -5 and I am the game creator, should -4 go next, or -6 and so on? I see benefits to both.

 

[Onan]

I think it would be a faulty assumption that everyone plays at the same time of day. This is why I ask people in my games both their timezone, and what time they usually play their turns. Then you pretty much need a chart to line all that up...then once you've done that, and you get your head around which way the world turns and time flows, you can put players in a 'best' sequence after you, the host.

It's a fair bit of work. Basically since coming up with the order the first time, I've just added in new folks by comparing them to other known players' timezones, by looking at previously established orders in other games. Call it an art, not a science.

I did float the possibility of GMR players being able to specify their timezone and usual playtime in the GMR client, and one of the developers said they'd add it to their list. I'm sure if they've done that you could vote on it as a task you'd like them to prioritise. A computer would be much better at figuring this stuff out than the average host, as long as it's programmed right.

 

[New Weird Order]

To maximize efficiency, you definitely need both the time zone AND favored playing hours as you said. Thanks for the reply.