On Saturday night just past, four brave and patient volunteers played another multiplayer Skype test game. It was a very enjoyable evening with different tech issues, some more virtual moderating lessons learned, and a successful game to boot.
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| The view from Maryland at the point where the site owner made an impromptu tour of the battlefield. (Another issue for the planning committee.) 40mm figures on a 4'x5' tabletop. |
The biggest issue at this point, one which I doubt I will be able to resolve, is that Skype seems to disable the zoom on my cell phone video camera which means I have to physically move the tripod to get a wide or close up view with subsequent visual distortion and off table shots while while changing focus as well as time lost. Not game stopping but disappointing and annoying. Still have a few days to work on it.
There are still 3 spots open for the Saturday game: Hold the Line virtual Huzzah: Affair of Outposts
and 2 spots on Sunday: Hold the Line virtual Huzzah: Frogs and Lobsters
Well that's enough on this topic until the games are played.
Thanks again for the enjoyable game, Ross! I suppose I should hold off reporting on our Saturday game until after your convention game?
ReplyDeleteNot at all. The scenario's already been blogged here a few months ago.
DeleteIt was a pleasure having you join us.
Then I should have paid more attention to your earlier game so that I would have been prepared!
DeleteGlad you both had a good time.
ReplyDeletethanks, learning is good, learning in the virtual company of 4 friends while playing a game is even better.
DeleteWe've switched from Skype to Zoom for remote games, but I suspect neither will help with your camera problems. I usually just prop my laptop up on a couple of boxes and frame the table with the camera. We don't bother with close ups, and the players seem to manage, although you sometimes have to describe things. It doesn't suit micro managers of course.
ReplyDeleteOnce this virtual convention is done I plan to shift to Discord, a practice session there showed better video display and did not interfere with zooming in and out.
DeleteCats and wargaming tables in my experience don't mix well , I have several chewed treetops and spearpoints to prove it .
ReplyDeleteTch! My old cat never bothered but over the last 25 years neither Minnow nor the late Hector have as much as touched a figure or knocked a tree over.
DeleteRoss, I'd be interested in the Saturday game or the Sunday game if it was after noon.
ReplyDeletemadpadre@gmail.com
Cheers,
M
That would be great,and an absolute pleasure for me.
DeleteIt would be best though to follow the link and sign up on the website, no charge I think even though it says buy the price is $0, Registered gamers would have to take precedence. The Sat game is 3-7 Eastern, but the Sunday one starts at 10 am unfortunately.
Looking forward to the debrief.
ReplyDeleteIs there going to be a debrief?
DeleteI suppose an NS wargamer virtual coffee and debrief/discussion/planning session might be in order.
Well done for struggling with the Skype business. I suppose one could see it as adding an extra 'unseen event' card.
ReplyDeleteIt certainly adds an element of Fog of War to the remote players!
DeleteBest of luck on this Ross. Sorry I can't participate. Still waiting on my last hop to Saudi Arabia from Qatar..... I'm assured Friday. No time given, and I was loath to mention to the Air Farce that there are 24 hours in said Friday, would they be so kind as to recommend the one closest to the flight... I shall be in Lurk Mode for the next few weeks to see how this all goes for you.
ReplyDeleteEric
I always try to remember that I don't know who is lurking... good luck with the flight and whatever follows.
DeleteGreat looking gaming, Ross!
ReplyDelete