Storytelling in GMR

[New Weird Order]

As a writer, I LOVE the storytelling that some of you do, and plan to participate in it myself, HOWEVER, sometimes too much information is given away in our pursuit of fun. Fun is the reason we are here, but I just want to let any storytellers know, that part of my idea of fun, is storytelling, which, true to its nature, may or may not be truth. Depends on how you treat me in game.

You have been warned. lol

What are your thoughts on this aspect of a long-term game? Should all in-game storytelling be honest? I mean, it is a world conflict where no one is trusted. Shouldn't a little fibbing go along with the fun?

I am not talking about cheating of course, but isn't this how the real world works?

Obviously, if you develop tendencies, they may even work against you in other games, or even soil your reputation- perhaps even make you feared!

So long as all table talk is done in thread, it seems legitimate (and FUN!).

Maybe such an ungentlemanly game should be announced up front.

Although it is only a game, you don't serve yourself well by immediately telling everyone the logistics of your exact starting position.

Thoughts anyone?

 

[New Weird Order]

In general, I just think we all give too much critical information away for free. Not to sound greedy, but after all, a New Weird Order is my goal in each game.

 

[Foffaren]

As long as you decide what to much info is, you can never reveal to much.

There should absolutely be lies in all storytelling. How else would you play your enemies against eachother.
Take the speed-optimized game for example. The constant squabbling and spreading of propaganda between EEE and Islandia has created a turmoil. It has been pointed out numerous times that the information they spread is false. Or is it? How is that not fun? Had things played out differently if they were honest?

If you take previous experiences with a player into a new game its just going to be boring. Every new game is a new style of play. Maybe you know a player thats very aggressive. You can prepair for the rush he most likely will do, but you shouldnt focus all your hate on one player just because he killed you last game. Maybe he's going tall, spamming wonders. Its a new game every time and that is the most important thing to remember.

I agree that people that says they start in tundra is telling to much. Its not hard to figure out that they are far north or south and nowhere near you if you have a jungle start. But this goes back to the first thing I said. Only you decide whats to much information to give away.

 

[Slvynn]

Obcourse, Its player decision what to reveal and what not... About my tundra starts, well, its last thing i revealed, being honest And i hope it does not break your immersion... You Always could tell RP wise that there were legends that Odd Nation Wearing White Clothes Lives Far Away and Riding Snow Hairy Mammoths We could also Cheat in our posts, or go for real diplomacy (Exterminate and Last Stand Games are actually like that - Intrigue, Power Pacts, Hidden Threaties.... Its fun

 

[New Weird Order]

I'm new to MP, so I'm testing the waters. I very much agree that not carrying over grudges into new games is vital to maintaining a healthy, long-term atmosphere.

 

[Slvynn]

Yes, it's a game.... And we play lots for fun and bit for win the competition. GMR is more to look at how things developing with a time. Stories could be extremely good with GMR as well.
Also, for myself, depending of settings and civ of choice (or Random civ roll) my gamestyle could vary very much.

 

[New Weird Order]

The NQ guys are on to something. We should all consider the NG (No Grudge) policy as well. Thanks for mentioning it.

Grudges could ruin GMR.

 

[Slvynn]

GMR is for fun, its long time game which develops like story, and noone promise he will not try to win in it by means he find to be fun.... so NG is awesome idea

 

[Foffaren]

I dont hold grudges in normal games either, with the exeption of EEE. Mostly cause he wiped the floor with me in my first real mp game. That is not something you forget that easy.

 

[LostKnight]

I tend to roleplay the Civ I am playing, even in multiplayer. So, playing the Aztec, I tend to be crazy and invade just because someone looked at me funny, while playing as the Netherlands, I trade every things cheap! Of course it might depend of the situation in such, but I like to do it!

Regarding grudges, we have to remember that its a game. We play because its fun! Grudges should not carry from one game to another.
If NWO take one of my city, I will hate him and help anyone to destroy him in game 1. But in game 2, he will be my best of friend, since he helped me against the crazy Romans!

 

[Slvynn]

I tend to roleplay the Civ I am playing, even in multiplayer. So, playing the Aztec, I tend to be crazy and invade just because someone looked at me funny, while playing as the Netherlands, I trade every things cheap! Of course it might depend of the situation in such, but I like to do it!

Regarding grudges, we have to remember that its a game. We play because its fun! Grudges should not carry from one game to another.
If NWO take one of my city, I will hate him and help anyone to destroy him in game 1. But in game 2, he will be my best of friend, since he helped me against the crazy Romans!

agree on this

also about in-game grudges - we have few games like vassalage Last Stand one, and diplomacy like Terra and Exterminate where we could form pacts and do behind-scene diplomacy vs one who offended us, if you wantto do so, obcourse

 

[Onan]

Story telling and role playing just add to the fun, and of course propaganda and misdirection should be expected. In terms of giving info away, a player might even fib about their start location, if they wanted to be really devious!

Each game is fresh for me and diplomacy is determined by in game circumstances. Having said that, of course players do get reputations. I don't have any grudges. Rivalries, yes, but grudges, no. A grudge implies you're taking it personally and too seriously.

For example, Tabarnak and I, I think we've been at war in every single game we've had contact in so far. Rather than ill feeling, though, I think we've developed a friendship and mutual respect as a result. Certainly, we've had our moments. No one likes getting rolled and seeing all their hard work get destroyed. But that's part of the game...and I suppose one of the reasons I focus more on the story--cause a story of getting partially conquered and fighting back can still be satisfying, even if you're not going to win the game overall. Given the right situation, I'd be happy to work together with Tab in another game. I'm also really enjoying crushing him a little in our current Speed game.

All in fun, and a good civ war is a big part of the fun. Being able to have one against a solid MP player is about as good as it gets. Go dig around for a thread called Zombie Spaceships of Doom, it was one of our first live games together, over several sessions. It was a real cracker and I still remember it!

 

[New Weird Order]

So, apparently I am the naive one who thought you all were giving away free intelligence information. Score one for you guys.

 

[EEE_BOY]

I dont hold grudges in normal games either, with the exeption of EEE. Mostly cause he wiped the floor with me in my first real mp game. That is not something you forget that easy.

Sorry if your first MP experience is ruined by me. I hope we are still good I think I was fighting for some coals to get my factory up and end up taking more cities from you. But I also get punishment for warmongering and destroyed by American in that game. Plus my second city was razed, but I didn't blame any one. I played too much standard size game and mistake that 4 cities should planted, but that was too many for a tiny map we played.

I got beaten in a live OCC by a 16- year old guy both in wonder racing and military, but I add him as steam friend later in hope I can learn something from him to improve myself.

I myself was not a good MP player, so I play mostly SP. GMR games suit my style and schedule, but it does not have the built in chat system like normal MP game. In real world, diplomacy is naturally derived in a nation's power. When you are weak, try to ally some nations, when strong try to grow stronger and prevent threat from other rivals.

I don't think I told anything untrue, some may be exaggerated a bit, but it's mainly for fun and no harm was intended. I was not aggressive (I thought), but I play civs to its design, like England SoL, Siam elephant, Roman legion, Egypt wonder. So it's predictable that counter strategy can be developed.

 

[Foffaren]

Sorry if your first MP experience is ruined by me. I hope we are still good

Still
What? Like I was going to win my first mp with a civ that demands conquest.

 

[Onan]

Getting beat in MP is the best way to learn, especially if you play with someone who's willing to give you tips. If you're going to attack, it's good to make sure you have troop and hopefully also tech superiority, and then, almost more important, that your production is at least equal to your opponent's. Mixed unit types are better, of course GG helps, and fighting smart, like taking out key luxuries or strategic resources to give your enemy penalties to combat.

E, I'm guessing that was merle in that OCC.

Edit: Foffaren, you have to remember that E, in turn, was used as a floor rag by Islandia, the real enemy of everyone--and probably more severely than your whipping!