Hosting My First Remote Game

Yes, the day finally arrived in which I stepped up to the plate and took a swing at hosting a remote game. Even though I tested the technology beforehand, as everyone joined in, I discovered the volume on my audio feed was quite low.  After a few tries at logging out and in again, I managed to get the audio to an acceptable level for me to hear (most) of the five participants as I wandered across the game room.  I strained to hear some of the commands throughout the 3.5 hour session put we pressed on.  Clearly, I need to resolve the audio nuisance before I do this again.

I chose a hypothetical ECW battle as my first attempt since the rules and accompanying QRS are not too complicated.  I figured I could get through the game without too much stopping to consult or ponder rules.  Even though the rules are some of my own work, it has been a great, long while since they were last out on the gaming table.  The rules were given a close scrutiny in the lead up to this game.  

Two roughly equivalent armies were set out onto the table.  Not knowing precisely how many players would show up the remote game, each army contained fifteen maneuver units spread across five commands.  With four confirmations, there would be at least two players per side.  At game time, five players participated.

Initial Deployments

With the table set and the technology in place, we were ready to begin.  The Royalists occupy the left and the Parliamentarians occupy the right in the photo below.

Game time!

Now, being primarily engaged in translating commands to moves upon the table and hopping from one side of the table to the other, I failed in taking any photos of the in-game action.  I did take a few post-game photos showing ending dispositions.  Luckily, I have Graham's fine account of the battle to recommend for your viewing pleasure.  See Graham's account of the battle at: ECW in the USA.

Having experienced my first remote game hosting duties, how did I fare?  Well, to begin, I survived!  Despite some technology glitches and not having played the rules in years, GMing was quite enjoyable; a bit nerve-racking but enjoyable.

Ferocious clashes on the Royalist right.

A look down the battle lines from the Royalist right.

The Royalist left being pushed back by an aggressive Cromwell.

In a post-game self-retrospective of both remote hosting and the rules, I have identified what works, what does not work as well in a remote setting, and what can be improved upon for future games.  Much to consider, for sure.

One thing for certain, the respect I hold for the hosts of the many remote games in which I have participated is elevated even more after my first trial.

As for my earlier baseball analogy, I did not strike out at the plate on my first time up.  Next time up, I will have a better understanding of what the pitcher has in his arsenal and will be better prepared.