Multiplayer Code of Ethics
Playing MP over the Internet means spending time with people whom often you don’t know. A lot of games are ruined because of inadequate behavior or simply misunderstandings.
I wrote this as a guideline for serious players. You may use all or part of it as you see fit, but I believe that if everyone agrees upfront on the “rules of conduct” the experience will be more enjoyable for everyone involved.
I hope you will find this useful. Please feel free to enrich it but try keeping it simple and rational. Ultimately this may become a common set of guidelines serious players will adhere to.
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1. Respect the other players
Be courteous, avoid using foul language (as a guideline don’t use language you would not use at work, with your family etc.) and don’t make your comments too personal. No one likes to be called names.
2. Be on time
Just like any other appointment agree a time with the other gamers and stick to it. If you can’t make it, let them know via e-mail, ICQ or posts in the HOI forum
3. Agree the rules in advance
If you feel strongly about a house rule or a bug in the system let the others know about it beforehand and agree how to play. Agree on the style of play, some favor a “gentlemen’s approach” (e.g maximal avoidance of exploits), others prefer the “anything goes” style, while others still look for historicity. There is nothing wrong with any style but different styles are not compatible and may lead to frustration, just agree it in advance.
4. Be flexible
Have a list of countries/scenarios you are willing to play. Don’t insist on playing always one country; don’t insist on playing a minor when there are not enough players for the major powers. Be ready to accept some “house rules”.
5. Everybody’s got to learn
Be tolerant of others mistakes and allow newcomers to play with you. The more people learn to play this game right, the more opponents and enjoyment you will have. Conversely if you are a beginner in MP, don’t insist on playing tough countries like Germany. Go for Italy, Nat China, France or Canada for your first few games.
6. Don’t just disappear.
You have another commitment? Let the others know about it as far in advance as possible (e.g. : “I can only play for another hour”) .. Don’t just leave a game in progress.
You think your situation is hopeless? Agree with your allies and the others the best course of action: fight to the bitter end, concede, start a new game, let the AI play on for your country, find another player or maybe take another country.
7. Keep your allies happy
They depend on you, don’t let them down. Let them know from time to time what you are doing/ planning. Ask for their opinion before making any rash/bold move. In particular, declarations of war and major operations should be discussed with your allies (at minimum inform them in advance).
Playing MP over the Internet means spending time with people whom often you don’t know. A lot of games are ruined because of inadequate behavior or simply misunderstandings.
I wrote this as a guideline for serious players. You may use all or part of it as you see fit, but I believe that if everyone agrees upfront on the “rules of conduct” the experience will be more enjoyable for everyone involved.
I hope you will find this useful. Please feel free to enrich it but try keeping it simple and rational. Ultimately this may become a common set of guidelines serious players will adhere to.
**************************************************
1. Respect the other players
Be courteous, avoid using foul language (as a guideline don’t use language you would not use at work, with your family etc.) and don’t make your comments too personal. No one likes to be called names.
2. Be on time
Just like any other appointment agree a time with the other gamers and stick to it. If you can’t make it, let them know via e-mail, ICQ or posts in the HOI forum
3. Agree the rules in advance
If you feel strongly about a house rule or a bug in the system let the others know about it beforehand and agree how to play. Agree on the style of play, some favor a “gentlemen’s approach” (e.g maximal avoidance of exploits), others prefer the “anything goes” style, while others still look for historicity. There is nothing wrong with any style but different styles are not compatible and may lead to frustration, just agree it in advance.
4. Be flexible
Have a list of countries/scenarios you are willing to play. Don’t insist on playing always one country; don’t insist on playing a minor when there are not enough players for the major powers. Be ready to accept some “house rules”.
5. Everybody’s got to learn
Be tolerant of others mistakes and allow newcomers to play with you. The more people learn to play this game right, the more opponents and enjoyment you will have. Conversely if you are a beginner in MP, don’t insist on playing tough countries like Germany. Go for Italy, Nat China, France or Canada for your first few games.
6. Don’t just disappear.
You have another commitment? Let the others know about it as far in advance as possible (e.g. : “I can only play for another hour”) .. Don’t just leave a game in progress.
You think your situation is hopeless? Agree with your allies and the others the best course of action: fight to the bitter end, concede, start a new game, let the AI play on for your country, find another player or maybe take another country.
7. Keep your allies happy
They depend on you, don’t let them down. Let them know from time to time what you are doing/ planning. Ask for their opinion before making any rash/bold move. In particular, declarations of war and major operations should be discussed with your allies (at minimum inform them in advance).
