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Post 11 Apr 2019, 2:59 pm

Well, since I only got 4 EOGs from players I will leave a statement myself.

This is the last of 4 games I ran to commemorate the Centennial of the Great War. The others were Battle of Verdux, Over There! and Zimmerman Telegram, each of which can be found in the Archives in case you're interested.

The players for each game were curated. One game involved guys who used to play Dip, but were now playing fantasy sports together, another involved guys involved in FTF gaming in NYC, but who decided to do a dip game, and the others were selected mostly by me, and from recommendations I solicited from some other players. Some observations:

First, curating the games by selecting the players make for better games, or at least games with fewer dropouts and NMRs. I'm not sure if the players had more fun or not, but they were, generally speaking, submitting orders and not dropping out.

Second, this is a human moderated game, and so the GM should put some human into the moderation. The GM can't really comment on the game in any material way, so the theme I selected was history and historical events that were happening 100 years ago. I enjoyed it. Maybe my players did, or didn't, but they could always skip that part if they wanted, but putting the human into the moderation is key to a good game.

Finally, I don't think I will be hosting another game soon. The Centennial is over and I was really too busy to GM this game, let alone another, but I encourage someone to step up and send some invitations. It's always good to see a game going on and to follow it from afar. Lots of us don't play Diplomacy often anymore, but getting in a game every year or two, working off the rust will good for many of you. I hope someone steps up.
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Post 11 Apr 2019, 5:02 pm

All things must pass, so Harrison sung, though it is too bad so many of the Redscape players are no longer around.

Anyway, I appreciate all of the work you did in this game, George, as I'm sure the other players do. And as you wrote, a human-led game is almost always going to be more satisfying for the players. I believe there was one accidental NMR, but that was about it. Thanks for inviting me to participate!


the other George
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Post 11 Apr 2019, 10:22 pm

From an observer's perspective, I always found myself dropping in on the this game for two reasons: 1) I know the players and watching the game play out was compelling from a perspective of the personalities. There was an intimacy at Redscape that faded long ago but your games kept that fire lit. 2) I enjoy the history lessons. Fascinating stuff, George, and I hope you find the time and energy to host another game in the future.
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Post 12 Apr 2019, 10:20 am

SLOTerp wrote:From an observer's perspective, I always found myself dropping in on the this game for two reasons: 1) I know the players and watching the game play out was compelling from a perspective of the personalities. There was an intimacy at Redscape that faded long ago but your games kept that fire lit. 2) I enjoy the history lessons. Fascinating stuff, George, and I hope you find the time and energy to host another game in the future.


You bet, SLOTerp! There was something cohesive in the old Redscape Crowd, both the players and the GMs. It is a shame, though I know that hardly anything remains constant for very long. And, like you, I fear that the newer trends (online, auto-judging) have consumed a number of older and most of the newer players.

But, it certainly appears you have a very healthy racing crowd, and I applaud your efforts and results! It's not my cup of tea, but I think it is great, all the same.

George Atkins