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Wednesday, June 16, 2021

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.

56 comments:

  1. It sounds as if you've "cracked the code" and added another dimension to your gaming repertoire. And a fine looking game: very inspiring (has caused me to pull out my Pike and Shot collection and give them a relook).

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    1. No cracking of the code yet, Ed! I may have decoded a few snippets of the transmission but much remains to figure out. Let’s see your pike and shot collection.

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  2. A good looking game. It is truly something to be proud of, mastering the tech for so many players. Hat's off to you Jonathan, not something I'd attempt.

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    1. You are very kind, Joe. I have had excellent role models in this venture.

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    2. @pancerni: It isn't as bad as it seems from the outside. I can thoroughly recommend the learn by doing approach.

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  3. Lovely figures and great play, sir! The format of the game and the way it is played is impressive!
    Jonathan, James Fisher answered your question about purchasing Strelets products in the US.Jonathan, in the US you can get them from places like Michigan Toy Soldier, Hobby Bunker. There is a list here:
    http://www.plasticsoldierreview.com/Links.aspx
    Scroll down to 'Sellers'.
    Cheers, James

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    1. Glad you enjoyed the figures and game, Thank you (and James) for the Strelets sources in the USA.

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  4. Remote hosting does get a bit easier over time but is always hard work. The benefits have been huge though.

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    1. David, very good to see that it gets easier with practice. Hard work pays dividends. I still have your fine Huzzah WotR game to chronicle one day. I have not forgotten!

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  5. Looks a great game Jonathan. I think remote game will carry on and be a part of our hobby from now on.

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    1. Thanks, Ray! I hope you are correct on the longevity of remote gaming. If we keep at it, it will not fade into the dustbin of history.

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  6. It sounds like a successful first effort Jonathan, and well done for sticking your neck out on this one. I find it hard enough trying to explain rules to people when I'm in the same room as them.

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    1. Well, I made it through! It helped greatly that I was surrounded by a compassionate supporting cast.

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    2. I would never have gone for the word "compassionate" when looking for an adjective to describe the Monday Night Group.

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    3. Well, "compassionate" is the word that came to mind.

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    4. I'd have gone with ill-disciplined but well meaning.

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  7. good for you Jonathan sounds like it work well. 4 or 5 Multiplayer game is an ambitious starting point ! The collection looks very impressive too 👍

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    1. Matt, at least it worked! Having five players was an ambitious start, for sure. It was a rather large game for a first try too. Glad you like the collection. They need to get out more often.

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  8. A splendid looking and sounding remote game, you certainly jumped in at the deep end with a multi player game. Respect Sir.

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    1. Thank you, Phil! I went into the deep end, no doubt, but there were plenty of lifeguards standing duty.

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  9. Well done on your first hosting of a virtual game Jonathan. Certainly way beyond me, aside from the lack of a space in which to set one up. The game looked great BTW.

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    1. Thanks, Steve! Remote gaming does not have to take up a lot of space. You could have a fine game on a card table, I think. Matt has been playing Commands & Colors remotely with his son.

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  10. Well done Jon -I have enough trouble joining a Team meeting on some occasions! All these international games enabled by the modern technology are an impressive innovation and seem to work pretty well.

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    1. Thank you, Ross! A competent game host makes this all possible and very enjoyable. I have some work to do on the competency spectrum but I see that it is doable for me.

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    2. You are too modest Jon. You handled the game really well. It probably helped that the players are used to the format by now. The idea of this being hard shouldn't put people off. Don't expect to be perfect the first time. Just give it a go.

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  11. Congrats. Lovely looking armies, pity I don't need another period.

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    1. Thank you, George! Do we ever really NEED another army?

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  12. I've been too nervous to take the plunge. Perhaps I should relook? Perhaps you (or another enterprising blogger) could post a "lessons learned" post about setup and key take aways ? I dont even know what I'd need to get started!

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    1. Steve, I was nervous in taking the plunge too. With encouragement and terrific support, I stepped off into the unknown.

      For lessons learned, Graham (author of BatRep linked in the text) is an excellent source for "Lesson learned" since he has been actively hosting remote games since at least last fall. I recall there being a Virtual COW panel discussion on this very topic. Maybe Graham could post a link to that material?

      Give it try! I am happy to offer up what limited knowledge I have.

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    2. I have just written a blog post over at Wargaming For Grown Ups, with my four rules for planning and running on-line table top games.

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    3. Thank you, Graham! I knew you would provide a sound perspective.

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  13. Sounds like there are so many things to nail down as a host, that you did exceedingly well. Those are lovely armies.

    For sound improvement, would a bluetooth set of ear buds, which would better channel sound directly to your ear, make any marked difference.

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    1. Thank you, Norm. Perhaps you would enjoy giving this a try sometime?

      Bluetooth is a good suggestion. When I am participating in these remote games, I use a Bluetooth headset on my iPad. Having the sound channelled directly into my ears makes a big difference. Unfortunately, I ran the game from my laptop and my laptop does not recognize this device! I received a set of airpods as a gift from my wife. I have yet to try those with the laptop but that is my next step. There must be a workable solution for me. I simply need to find it!

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    2. Oddly perhaps, It’s not a thing that takes my fancy, I’m probably too anti-social :-) though I did like the ‘by e-mail’ Rivoli that you ran and I think with that sort of thing there is the potential of using the internet to full advantage with fog of war and getting a true command perspective.

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    3. You, anti-social? I do not believe it.

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    4. I just look at it as a chance to chew the fat about wargaming whilst someone else pushes the lead about.

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  14. Very impressive gaming (figures and technology-wise), Jonathan! Interesting to hear of the audio issues - reminds me of losing my voice when GMing at Enfilade. :)

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    1. Thanks, Dean! Lost your voice while GMing at Enfilade? That would be a challenging to running a game.

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  15. Great job! Taking on 5 players for the first game is ambitious but seems to have worked out. If everyone is having a good time then it’s a success. Hosting is usually a lot of work anyway but hosting online adds the extra skill of managing the tech. I’m glad you enjoyed the experience. 😀

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    1. The point should be made that the 5 players, including me, are all now experienced at playing on-line games. I think that makes a big difference. 5 players who've never tried this would be a big ask.

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    2. Thanks, Stew! Don't forget about the bit about moving all of the troops on table during a remote game too. Graham's point is a good one in that I was surrounded by seasoned veterans of this platform.

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  16. Sounds like you did well Jon judging by Graham’s comments. It certainly looks good.

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    1. Thank you! These encouragements have me 'almost' ready to tackle another game.

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  17. I'm glad it went pretty well, Jon. As I have found out in my few attempts, there is no end of things that can go wrong technically!

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    1. There is no end of things that can wrong. How true!

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    2. I think it helps to start simple and work your way up. Our first attempts were single camera POV using Skype and not expecting too much. You can over think the whole thing. If your players can see the table, just about, and hear you then that's a good starting point. Jon's basement is a big area, so sound was always potentially going to be an issue as he moved around.

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  18. Nicely looking game! Hope to be a Master of remote game was your successful experience and you had a lot of fun. Do you think some systems, which require precise measurements a bit too stressful for remote games?

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    1. Thank you, Dmitry! While grid games are probably better suited to quick play remotely, games with measured distances work fine as well. Measurements, angles, and facings may not be as precise in free-form games but warfare contains a lot of uncertainty. Both methods work fine.

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  19. Sounds like an excellent first 'outing' Jonathan and the photos of the game look great. There's a bit of anxiety in hosting any game isn't there? Hoping that the scenario that one has devised will 'work' and it will be a challenge and enjoyable for all. This must be doubly so (or more) when the players are remote and not necessarily known personally. Mind you, I am sure that everyone is understanding and just there to be a good participant.
    Perhaps a set of bluetooth headphones/microphone could help the audio, if you wanted to go that far. You'd be all 'DJ' then!
    Regards, James

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    1. Thanks, James. There is a bit of anxiety in hosting but this game went off with no major issues. Everything you mention is a concern when hosting. Perhaps we place too much pressure on ourselves? I may be ready to try again soon. I tried Bluetooth with my laptop but my PC would not recognize the device. I will try another Bluetooth device next time to see if that works.

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  20. Well done for hosting remotely, sounds like it all went well,my motto is "close enough is good enough " and it sounds like it fulfilled that criteria! Armies look lovely too!
    Best Iain

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    1. Thanks, Iain! It was close enough but plenty of room for improvement. I may try it again.

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  21. I could have sworn that I posted on this earlier in the week?!

    Great stuff, great set up and a great game! Have recently hosted a few virtual games myself, but have not been able to take any pics with only the one POV camera on a tablet. Plenty of time and opportunity in the future.

    Cheers, Ross

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