HOF Rules/F.A.Q.

[superslug]

Previous Rules thread.

The HOF Rules have been updated.

Three changes have taken place:

• Instances and variants of "reload" were switched to "reload/replay" in the Reloading section of the disallowed page. This doens't reflect any change in policy, merely an attempt to be more clear in verbage.
• An reload/replay exception has been established for crash victims:
  
  

  Crash Recovery:
  
  This section outlines the submission requirements when attempting to salvage a game following a crash to desktop (CTD).
  
  

  1. The CivilizationIV.ini file setting: “AutoSaveInterval” must be set to 1.
  2. Only the most recent autosave file can be used. Only one turn can be replayed.
  3. The turn replayed must be replayed as close to the way it was the first time as possible.
  4. The save file used to restart from must be supplied with the submission. Use one of the intermediate upload slots.
  5. As soon as you submit your game to the HOF website and have the submission #, send an email to hof@civfanatics.net with a message detailing what turns or game dates you crashed on. Otherwise, we won't know you crashed and will just assume the replaying is outside HOF rules and act accordingly.

  The policy is intended as an aid for the occasional crash. It is not a guarantee of acceptance. Submissions will be evaluated on a case by case basis. We will work with you where possible to help stabilize your system. The policy is not intended as a crutch for someone attempting to play a huge map when their system can’t support it. You should work within the limitations of your system.

 

[fret]

Are we allowed to use the Regenerate Map option?

I checked the FAQ but couldnt find anything about it there.

While looking I noticed that the "questions can be directed to this thread." links on the HOF pages are pointing to the old thread thats closed.

 

[superslug]

Are we allowed to use the Regenerate Map option?

I checked the FAQ but couldnt find anything about it there.

The FAQ is probably in dire need of updating. Yes, regenerate is perfectly acceptable. That's actually how Mapfinder works.

While looking I noticed that the "questions can be directed to this thread." links on the HOF pages are pointing to the old thread thats closed.

I'll get on that sometime today. Thanks.

 

[fret]

Wow, that was quick, thanks!

 

[DaveMcW]

Is it intentional that http://hof.civfanatics.net/civ4/ loads the map size tab with a random deity victory condition?

I would rather have the summary tab load first, unless it's a performance issue.

 

[azzaman333]

How long (generally) does it take to check a save after someone submits it?

EDIT: Also, why isnt the Fractal map okay for HOF use? At least, according to the HOF Mod.

 

[superslug]

Is it intentional that http://hof.civfanatics.net/civ4/ loads the map size tab with a random deity victory condition?

I would rather have the summary tab load first, unless it's a performance issue.

It's more of a design controversy than a performance issue. We've had lengthy debates in staff about what to display, and the current compromise is what's the default. I'd be shocked if we didn't revisit the subject some time, so feedback on the issue is certainly welcome.

 

[superslug]

How long (generally) does it take to check a save after someone submits it?

EDIT: Also, why isnt the Fractal map okay for HOF use? At least, according to the HOF Mod.

Verification time really varies, dependant on many factors. Some games are easier than others to analyze, how much cumulative free time the staff has any particular day, etc, etc. We try to get to them within 24 hours, often faster, sometimes not. There are occasions where a game will sit in the unchecked category for a few days, but rest assured it's impossible for us to forget about any incoming submissions.

Regarding the Fractal map, while we first thought it might be fun, we started having concerns about the rare yet unweildy superior start locations it could provide. These rare gems are considerably more accessible with Mapfinder, and we didn't want the HOF to become nothing more than everyone running MF to find "god-locations" on Fractal maps.

 

[azzaman333]

Thanks for the clarification superslug.

 

[fret]

@Superslug - I agree with DaveMcW.

When I first got back on line a few months a go, I almost immediately came to CFC. I looked at the new HOF and thought it was great.

However, after my 3rd or 4th visit, I still thought it was great, but the fact everytime the HOF page 1st loaded I was immediately clicking the 'summary' tab was mildly annoying.

And I still automatically click the summary tab immediately eveytime i visit the HOF site.

Put it to the public vote perhaps?

 

[Kalleyao]

I agree, Ilike Summary best.

 

[Big_Ben]

Yep, summary is my favorite

 

[Thrar]

Another vote for Summary plz.

 

[DaveMcW]

I would like to have a vote on Fractal. It came out too late for the original vote, and I think it deserves a chance.

 

[superslug]

I would like to have a vote on Fractal. It came out too late for the original vote, and I think it deserves a chance.

A petition/poll thread started by a nonstaff member wouldn't get shut down, or ignored.

 

[Arturus]

I downloaded the HoF mod but when I go to play a game after loading the mod, it gives me a couple of errors stating that my game will be invalid. It says that the mod is not installed in the correct place even though it is (granted Civ IV is not in my program files folder), and it says that the assets are not the same even though I just cleanly installed it and have not modified it in anyway.

Any suggestions? I had a fantastic starting position ruined by it

 

[Dianthus]

It says that the mod is not installed in the correct place even though it is (granted Civ IV is not in my program files folder)

Is it installed in the dir that the error message told you? I believe that message will also appear if the mod is installed in both places, so maybe have a quick check if it's in "My Documents\My Games\Sid Meier's Civilization 4\MODS". If it's there then delete it and try again.

... and it says that the assets are not the same even though I just cleanly installed it and have not modified it in anyway.

Part of the assets are the mod. If the mod is in the wrong place then this message will appear, so hopefully fixing the first problem will make this one go away as well. If this problem persists after fixing the first then we've got a utility you can run to detect what is different.

I had a fantastic starting position ruined by it

Well, at least you got the warning BEFORE you spent hours playing a game, only to get it rejected!

 

[DaveMcW]

Yay for for Fractal Map being approved!

Does this mean Shuffle is legal too?

 

[superslug]

Yay for for Fractal Map being approved!

Between MapFinder and Great Plains, Fractal isn't the competition killer I initially feared.

Does this mean Shuffle is legal too?

That would make sense wouldn't it? I'll take it under consideration.

 

[ruff_hi]

Are CivScale and BlueMarble approved for use with HOF submissions?