The Great Wargaming Survey, 2021 edition, included two questions on remote gaming for the first time. In examining the survey results (see: Remote Gaming in a Changed World), I concluded that remote gaming seemed more mainstream than I thought. With a 39% participation rate, initial response was encouraging for a continuation of this gaming model.
Given that the 2021 survey still saw much of the world in either lockdown or under restrictions, I wondered if the 2021 participation rate may prove optimistic in the long run as the world opens back up and Face-to-Face (F2F) gaming returns.
Also considered was whether or not remote gaming represented a transitory means of gaming. Would remote gaming fade quickly after F2F restrictions were lifted? Would remote gaming quickly be shuffled off into the dust bin of history once the world returned to normal? I had a year to ponder such questions while I awaited results from the 2022 survey.Let us turn to the results from the 2022 survey to look for answers to these questions.
Participation Rate:
The 10,872 survey responses captured in 2022 showed a drop in participation from the 11,172 in 2021. Of these, 478 respondents failed to answer the question on remote gaming participation so the usable total count dropped to 10,414. Of this total, 27% answered that they tried remote gaming in 2022. This percentage was down significantly from the 39% responding in the affirmative in 2021.
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| Table 1 |
Continuation:
With a drop of remote participation rate from 39% to 27%, does the survey suggest that continuation of remote gaming will wane as well? Of the 27% of respondents admitting to remote gaming in 2022, how many wargamers plan to continue gaming remotely? If a quickly fading fad then, perhaps, continuation would see an equally dramatic drop-off in expectations. Table 2 suggests otherwise.
With a drop of remote participation rate from 39% to 27%, does the survey suggest that continuation of remote gaming will wane as well? Of the 27% of respondents admitting to remote gaming in 2022, how many wargamers plan to continue gaming remotely? If a quickly fading fad then, perhaps, continuation would see an equally dramatic drop-off in expectations. Table 2 suggests otherwise.
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| Table 2 |
Surprisingly, Table 2 shows that only 6.5% of respondents who tried remote gaming in 2022 have no plans to continue remote gaming in 2023. This percentage is down from the 10% of 2021 respondents who answered that they would not continue remote gaming in 2022. So, 93.5% of respondents trying remote gaming in 2022 plan to continue gaming remotely in 2023.
While there may have been a segment of this market that tried remote gaming in 2021 and did not return in 2022 (39% participation rate v 27% participation rate), can one infer from the decrease in percentage of those not planning to continue that a cadre of remote gaming is solidifying? I suppose, time will tell but those wargamers sticking with it seem more likely to continue.
I plan to touch on the remote gaming topic again to look at the relationship between gaming frequency and remote gaming. From my own experience, gaming frequency continues at a brisk pace since my discovery of remote gaming more than two years ago. I know others find themselves in similar situations. As others did for me, I introduced more wargamers to remote gaming who in turn are introducing even more gamers. For me, this is a growing and rewarding facet of the hobby as my wargaming universe expands.
I end with a few questions to ponder.
- Does remote gaming represent a Big Bang in gaming expansion as more gamers are added into the universe or simply a flash in the pan that will fizzle out over time as F2F gaming returns?
- Have you tried remote gaming and plan to continue? If not, why not?
- Does remote gaming add value to your wargaming hobby?
As always, very interested to read about your experiences and evaluations of remote gaming.
Until next time.
You are leading the charge on remote gaming Jon and it will continue and grow if you have anything to do with it, by d@mn!!
ReplyDelete(tease, tease)
Regards, James
p.s. While I have no interest in doing it myself, I really enjoy the reports by yourself and others and love that it is connecting like-minded wargamers across the world—even more than our blogs do (*gosh*).
Thanks, James, for your flattering comment!
DeleteWhy no interest in gaming remotely?
It's simple and not from some 'aversion', philosophical objection or syndrome.
DeleteI'm content to play a handful of games a year. I prefer these to be either larger games with friends, played out over a day or few days, with plenty of breaks for banter, drinks and food or solo versions involving a few turns at a time. I spend enough time in front of the computer for work and hobby purposes. On that note, gotta get outside now!
Regards, James
Sounds like you have it covered and you know that you want and like.
DeleteMore interesting data and questions to ponder Jon. My conclusion, looking at your survey data and then my own observations of various blogs I follow, would be I would expect remote gaming to continue as a viable option for 20-25% of gamers. Over time, this may increase, as old fogeys drop out of the statistics, and younger gamers who are far more at ease in the digital world become the majority.
ReplyDeleteWhat began as a work around expedient to replace the traditional FtF gaming made impossible by Covid restrictions, has become an established format of wargaming - and for those gamers like yourself, Matt, Graham (Trebian), Peter in Australia etc, who have embraced the concept, I cannot see any reason why you would stop. The only way you can ever have a wargame with someone in another continent is obviously remotely and if you have enjoyed the experience, why would you stop?
I guess the only possible cloud on the horizon may be the programs/platforms that enable this type of gaming, such as MS Teams or Zoom, are no longer as economically viable to their creators as they once were, and if they started charging a monthly fee to access and use the technology, perhaps some gamers would reconsider using the remote gaming option? But in the meantime, like Blogger, as long as it is free and easy to use, I would imagine those who have already seen the benefits of remote gaming will continue to indulge, although perhaps there will be fewer new converts, as the absence of FtF options is no longer a driver to find an alternative?
Good to give you something to think about, Keith!
DeleteInterestingly, it is mostly the old fogeys that I game with remotely. Some do not have the ability to game F2F so this is a viable option to get back to gaming. I know several wargamers who fit into this mold. some had not gamed in years before remote gaming took hold.
I pay an annual subscription fee for Zoom. with the number of games it allows me to play and host, I figure it a bargain. Only the host needs a paid account. All others are free.
The other factors may be that many of the older gamers I know move from work driven locations to more remote places once they retire.
DeleteGood point, Doug!
DeleteMust admit I only did 1 remote game during the lockdowns. My main issue is I don't have the table space at home and rely on attending a club to get games in. Pretty much the same for the rest of the club members. I don't think remote gaming will be a passing fad. It has its place in wargaming and can bring players together who normally due to location who never play against each other.
ReplyDeleteI actually use less space Neil when hosting a game online. Only use half of my table, but it gives acceptable games.
DeleteChris/Nundanket
Neil, as Chris notes, one really does not need a lot of table space. A 4' x 4' space works perfectly. Actually, smaller tables work better for remote games than to larger tables, for me. I recommend giving it a go as a participant and see what you think.
DeleteRemote wargaming is here to stay and I expect it to be part of what I do now and forevermore. I expect that it'll decline as a proportion of what I am doing, but now the infrastructure and techniques are known and in place I can't see it going away.
ReplyDeleteGraham, I agree wholeheartedly. For me, I do not see remote gaming falling by the wayside. Gaming this way is just so darn convenient.
DeleteInteresting one, Jon. Never remote gamed myself but have read a lot of remote games reports, often featuring you or Graham. Noting the comment about perhaps the percentage increasing as oldies are replaced, most of the remote games I see through blogs, which need familiarity with t'internet and its ways, and often feature "gentlemen of a certain age". Have you cross referenced those saying they remote game with the age profile?
ReplyDeleteAnthony, thanks for your comments.
DeletePerhaps it is my own age demographics but it is mostly the oldies I game with in a remote setting.
As for cross-referencing with age (and other attributes), I have done this analysis. I save these results for another time.
Excellent piece Jonathan.
ReplyDeleteHaving been on a journey with remote gaming with the Rejects and your good self, I have no plans to abandon it. In fact it is opening up opportunities for our group to play more frequently. It has increased the number of games I host, and has given impetus to organising campaigns that could not be executed F2F. So, definitely added value.
It's not for everyone. Hosting can be an investment in time, space and appropriate tech which is not available to all. However, if a supermarket had a 27% share of the market they might consider that as winning.
I'm not sure that it is a "big bang", but it's a positive and valuable addition that makes a wargaming community wider and accessible. Gone are the days when to play a game with you would have meant an expensive holiday.
Even when I couldn't host a F2F because of covid I was still able to provide a game and so avoid complete disappointment.
Let's hope the platforms remain affordable. And thank goodness the Rejects are all happy to chip in a liitle cash towards the fees.
For me it is here to stay as long as there is someone to game with.
Thanks, Richard!
DeleteI am very pleased to see that remote gaming has taken hold at Group Reject with no plans to abandon this media.
This approach may not be for everyone but often times, those who claim it not for them have yet to give it a try.
Sharing the cost among a group is a good arrangement. As noted in a comment above, I pay the annual subscription price with no worry. Given the number of games I host in a year, the annual fee is a very small price to pay for the enjoyment generated. If a gamer is primarily a participant, the only costs are internet and device.
To me, this is a bargain.
I never did any remote gaming but I think that reflects my unfamiliarity and awkwardness with things like zoom or facetime.
ReplyDeleteI would think that those who have tried it and have created a group to play with will continue. Others who have playing partners move away may pick it up as a way to game and keep in touch. The percentage of people using may drop a little but will level out as others see it's potential and begin to use it.
Dan, do not let unfamiliarity or awkwardness stop you. I think you will find gamers are eager to share this newfound tribal knowledge on remote gaming. Everyone starts at Ground Zero but the learning curve can be overcome quickly.
DeleteI played my first remote game long before Covid but it never rose above 1 or 2 games a year. Apart from the flurry of games around Virtual Huzzah 2 years ago, covid didn't change that, just the ftf games which are slowly returning. I don't have a good set up either to host or to participate and am waaay too out of touch with current trends in gaming to get an urge to change that and jump in, or to to do so even ftf though as ftf gaming resumes more often here I will probably take my turn as player under what others play as well as running some or just plain doing some smaller ftf with old friends.
ReplyDeleteSo, no change for me but I can definitely see the trend slowly growing.
There was an episode on the CNadian wargaming podcast Not sure thats the exact title) that talked about some real hightech remote games in Ontario and Quebec, and I
imagine in the US rather than the chatting online sort.
Thanks for your feedback on your remote gaming experience, Ross. I thought the remote game you hosted in preparation for Huzzah two years back was great fun. You ought to give it another try.
DeleteI do not recall the Canadian Wargaming episode on remote gaming. I may dig it up for a listen.
Like Trebian, can see it continuing at the 20-25% level. Also I would not be in the least bit surprised if someone comes up with a way of exploiting possibilities with the technology that you cannot do with traditional face-to-face games. That could cause an explosion in new ways of Wargaming. I can’t see what exactly, but I’m not one of those innovative types.
ReplyDeleteChris/Nundanket
Thanks, Chris! Seeing you dive into remote gaming and picking up the mantle to host has been terrific. You are bringing even more gamers into the fold. If we keep this up, the skies may have no limits.
DeleteAs for new technologies, I reckon Zoom has capabilities that are still not fully used. The chat function is a powerful feature for in game communications and I recently used the annotate/whiteboard feature for a group planning session.
After a quiet year on the remote gaming front, those numbers will go up again, as I help Tim and David playtest some new rules. With the two of them being located in Scotland, that certainly points out one of the advantages of same, namely allowing those who might never be able to share a game to do so, even when separated by an Ocean!
ReplyDeleteI just suggested remote gaming to an e-freind in Kansas with no local opponents. It may also be worth thinking about with Barry now having moved top the wilds of Maine! I am awaiting the next MS OS upgrade before investing in a new laptop, which is really necessary for me to host reliably.
Right now I am approaching 2+ games a month FTF, and that's probably near the limit of marital tolerance, at least until I retire, when the Empress will doubtless be happy to be rid of me at times, LOL!
Thanks for your insights, Peter! Playtesting worldwide is a great use of this technology. Certainly, reconnecting with gaming friends now in far flung places is another excellent usage.
DeleteWhen you hanker for a remote game without the threat of upsetting marital harmony, you know where to find me.
I am interested in reading more about your latest development project with Tim and David. Are they pushing the envelope back in time on ToR?
Shhh! I am bound by my (non-existent) non-disclosure agreement. Suffice it to say that is an expansion of the ToR engine, and, like the WotR, will include books(s) many scenarios.
DeleteWe'll definitely have to arrange another remote game sometime, Jon!
I will ask no more!
DeleteThat's fortunate; I wouldn't have to call in the Assassins Guild to protect state secrets! :-)
DeleteI suppose the remote gaming will be a steady, probably slowly growing portion of the hobby. While I have no read on younger players trying it out, I feel more older players are on the cusp of situations where weather or health issues curtail travel for gaming. I have some early stage Parkinson's; driving is nothing like it used to be, severely limiting available games. Maybe I should get a zoom account.
ReplyDeleteIn order to host a game, I assume at least one pc with camera, a tablet with a decent camera, and probably a third camera is needed. Do you need a mike set up as well?
I may try the remote route, even though i am blessed with two very steady FTF opponents and a local store that is heavily supporting miniatures gaming.
My particular slant would be to support our online (mostly email driven) campaigns.
If nothing else, I can measure my die rolling prowess for the wrong roll to Jonathan's!
Thanks for weighing in, Joe!
DeleteI have seen firsthand old wargamers who can no longer participate in F2F gaming (or difficult to do so due to physical or locational challenges) enjoy the chance to play a game again. As more wargamers find themselves under these possible restrictions, remote gaming is a useful alternative to enjoy companionship and exercise the grey cells.
To host a game, requirements vary. I have enjoyed games where the host used an iphone only. Others use tablets, pcs, laptops, etc. Hosts can use the webcam embedded within a laptop or separate webcams. Some use only one camera. Others use more than one. I typically use two webcams but preferences vary. It comes down to whatever works for you.
As Graham (Trebian) said to me early on, "just do it!".
An interesting analysis as always Jon. I think it will be telling to see the relationship between remote gaming and frequency. I'm sure this will be more informative on how big a part this plays in today's gaming set ups.
ReplyDeleteCurrently remote gaming not an option as touched upon before due to my parent carer duties, with solo gaming and the odd FtF game ticking the boxes for me. Naturally this might change but based upon recent Zoom and Teams calls, I can't see it giving me that visual fix that I enjoy with my games.
I'm glad it works for many and as others have said, I enjoy seeing the games that are put on and the fact that people from all over the World can get together for a game. I'm sure it's here to stay and can only be a benefit to the gaming community.
Thank you, Steve. If you check back to the link to the 2021 analysis, you will that I touch on remote gaming and gaming frequency. I plan to give an updated look at this topic.
DeleteWhile the visual fix may not be exactly the same as F2F, it certainly works well enough to conduct an enjoyable game. One plus I have discovered with a shift more remote gaming is that I have less damage to repair after each game. Not saying my friends are ham-fisted but...
Being able to interact with groups of likeminded wargamers from all over the globe is a big plus for me.
I hadn't checked the link but now having done so, it will be interesting to see what, if any difference there is, now that all restrictions have been lifted in terms of getting back to 'normal' FtF gaming, either at clubs or with friends at home.
DeleteSteve, you will see some changes from the 2021 survey results. What we attribute these changes to is a tough question to answer.
DeleteThanks for following up to check last year's link too.
DeleteI don't do a lot of gaming (least not as much as I would like) but it's not due to lack of friends, space, etc.. but my own lack of time. So when I do schedule a game I do F2F as the default; because i spent enough time looking at screens already.
ReplyDeleteBut I would try remote gaming; but not so much for game but for the chance to interact with others socially that I would not otherwise get to due to time/distance. Like yourself and other bloggers who I like and think would be genuinely game with all the time if we all in the same local spot. I've had this experience before, when I ran a guild for the online game of World of Warcraft; and we had members that all really got along well that were across time zones. 😁
Before the option of gaming remotely fell into my lap, I gamed rarely, much like you. While playing the game provides stimulation and enjoyment, it really is the human aspect of camaraderie and sharing our hobby that makes the venture worthwhile. When you are ready for taking the next step, let me know. Still, Sacramento is not such a long flight to Spokane.
DeleteOne interesting variable would be the influence of platforms. For instance, there is zoom-based remote gaming (sort of "do it yourself"), but there is also something like Tabletop Simulator, a dedicated platform with much user created content, among which many miniatures systems (like Black Powder, to name one) are very well represented. It would be interesting to see if the next survey on remote gaming might control for these variables (how many who answered this one were also on TTS, for instance)?
ReplyDeleteEd, you bring up a good point. What platform is being utilized for these remote games? I wonder if a gamer's definition of what exactly a remote game is may differ. Topics to consider for the next survey, for sure. What are all of the platforms that ought to be included as choices?
DeleteFollowing your blog has been all the proof I need that remote gaming is here to stay. I used to pay modest annual subscription at a club so I can't see that costs for zoom etc. would be much of an impediment. The problem I find is being able to arrange suitable times, plus I look upon my hobby time as a nice break away from my office and the computer screen. No doubt that may change over time if my face-to-face opponents end up retiring and moving away, and I myself have retired so I don't spend all day in front of a screen.
ReplyDeleteLawrence, thanks for your feedback. I understand not wanting to stare at a computer screen after having spent a workday doing the same. With decent picture quality, I do not find watching via remote a burden. Opposite, really. I think playing a game remotely is relaxing and enjoyable especially if the rules concentrate on decision-making over figure fiddling.
DeleteHere to stay, maybe, but not growing if you read George's comment below.
I like the idea of playing people I would never meet. I also did a work around with one camera on Zoom and the other on Messenger through lockdowns, I simply could not get the most out of a subscription as I don’t have a problem with FtF games. I cannot see it growing.
ReplyDeleteGetting a chance to game with wargamers I otherwise would never meet is a big plus for me. Remote play allows me to get in many more games than I otherwise would (or could).
DeleteI realize the medium is not for everyone. I know plenty of wargamers who want no part of gaming remotely. To each their own. As long as you have solution that works for you that is all that really matters.
As an aside, another look from a different perspective. I have a friend, who for years has been in a club that plays bridge.
ReplyDeleteAlong comes Covid lockdown and pretty much everyone continued to play on zoom - a new, but working alternative to the club scene.
Moving beyond the lockdown era and now learning to live with covid, his club has opened up again …… but only half the membership have returned to face-to-face play, the other half happy with zoom and being unhappy at returning to ‘in-person’ play. In effect, the old club has fractured into two bodies.
If that reflects a social consequence of covid, one might assume that some similar effect is at play in the wargame world.
Of course, boardgamers, via Vassal, have effectively been doing the remote thing for years and vassal modules seem an important element of game support these days.
But vassal no doubt has players that don’t own the game, which is obviously naughty boy stuff, but I wonder whether zoom has a similar element i.e. those who will zoom, but not host and get to game with other peoples toys, without having to commit that much themselves, in fact you don’t even need armies or terrain - in which case might some groups find that their host gets fed up continually doing all the donkey work, supplying good scenarios, figures, table, tech etc.
I don’t do zoom etc, but I don’t really have a strong view about it either way, my wargaming plate is already full so to speak, so I don’t have the mental space to give to it. If I wasn’t already fully engaged, then I would likely look at zoom to meet a need.
I know when I do photos for my blog, they NEVER look as good as what my eye ball is seeing, so I think the tech medium does seriously take away some of the aesthetic, so maybe part of me feels like the whole thing is like having a bath with your wellies on!
Good comment, Norm, with useful insights and much to unpack.
DeleteInteresting anecdote on your friend's bridge club. I wonder if the decision to split was as much due to convenience as fallout from COVID? I know that I find remote gaming much more convenient with less time commitment than an equivalent F2F game. When not hosting, I can sit down at the computer and enjoy a few hours of entertaining wargaming with friends with little stress. It is akin to having a long lunch with friends.
I make a distinction between remote and virtual gaming. This may boil down to a question of semantics but playing a game via VASSAL is a virtual game since a physical game/equipment is not in use. Everything is computer generated. Remote gaming, on the other hand, has at least one physical table with armies in play. Given my criteria, I say gaming via VASSAL is not remote gaming at all. All participants are looking in from afar. For now, we will skip a discussion of hybrid games. VASSAL is an interesting product and we could discuss the pros and con of using this tool for boardgaming not the least of which is an ethical one that you bring up.
As for your comment about a few players carrying the heavy load of hosting, I never feel this way. Never. There are many in the different gaming groups that never host. Some may not even have their own figures or a place to play. Some have a myriad of reasons of why they do not step up to host. Does this bother me? Not at all. I choose to host because I enjoy it. I want others to enjoy the experience as well. I am pleased that I can gather participants willing to play with my figures and rules. For game design, development, and playtesting exercises, what could be better? It would be interesting and perhaps insightful to have others weigh in on this last point on hosting v playing.
Thanks for giving me much to consider.
A very interesting discussion, and questions. Personally, I’ve done more regular remote gaming in the plague years than I ever did in person in my youth. And they have been a hoot! Originally I would host a Friday night byob game, or provide the table for it. Then as time and Family life grew it became a biannual DudeCon weekend. Someone would put on a game that they had planned and worked on and we’d all roll dice, drink beers and laugh. Now? We’ve grown from four to seven old farts that have known each other for decades. We’re spread across different states and time zones. We gather via zoom every Friday night, even if someone can’t or has to bow out early. We’ve played all kinds of games ~ and more are in in the offing. Some have been short one nighters, some have taken multiple sessions. They’ve all been fun. When we’re done rolling dice we talk about life and music. And, I think most importantly, we’ve kept the connections alive and reinforced them. As you’ve said it doesn’t take much tech or know how. If someone’s reading your blog or this comment they can host or play in a remote game. Do I miss FtF gaming? Oh yeah. But now I’m actually gaming more than I ever did in my misspent youth. That and the connections are priceless.
Delete~ Tom T
Thanks for your comment, Tom! As I read of your experience with remote gaming, I am nodding in agreement with all you say.
DeleteI never really played any LIVE remote gaming before the pandemic. (I had run wagaming campaigns through my blog, but the decisions the players made were strategic - submitting moves for an army - similar to a play-by-email version of the old boardgame Diplomacy).
ReplyDeleteAlso I had talked about the idea of running a role-playing game online with a few friends that had moved away... but everyone was always just too busy with other things. Once the pandemic hit, those friends suddenly found they had nothing to do with clubs and activities cancelled (some of their own, but mostly their kids!)
For most of 2022 I ran a role-playing game online through a mix of Roll20 and Discord, and it was wonderful - it allowed me to reconnect and play games with friends that no longer lived in Saskatoon and found themselves in a similar situation of not having much else going on. It was the longest, most regular RPG campaign I've played in the three decades since I was a teenager. It was glorious. As we rolled into 2021 and things started opening up, the game fizzled and I haven't been able to really get it going again, despite many efforts. People are just too busy again.
I haven't really tried remote miniature gaming - or even boardgaming. I just don't have the technology or care to invest in or figure it out. (I did try one miniature battle of sort, during the role-playing game, to work out a larger battle the player characters were involved it).
Thanks, Tim! I wonder if you and your gaming friends will reconnect again once you all reach a certain age cohort and time is not such a constraining factor? As for remote gaming, if you have a good internet connection, you are good to go to participate.
DeleteF2F gaming will always be the no1 but what a fantastic expansion remote gaming has been for the Rejects. We don't get to meet up as often as any of would like, perhaps once a month, twice if we're lucky. But with no need to plan anything (if I'm just playing) I can go up my shed and have a game with my mates and a very nice new mate from the USA, (yes you) I say why the hell not!!
ReplyDeleteAs Richard said above it opens up so much more to the average gamer, you'd be mad not to give it a try.
Thanks, Ray!
DeleteI agree that remote gaming is almost like having Gaming On Demand. It is madness not to try.
One of the great pleasures emerging from the pandemic is the motivation and opportunity to meet wargamers from all over the world and enjoy a game with them. That genie is out of the bottle. Gaming with the Rejects has been great fun and yesterday, I finally got a chance to roll some dice!
Absolutely, we've been commenting on each others blogs for 10 years, the chances of meeting up face to face are pretty slim, so its brilliant that we can meet up online and game together. The world is our Zoom Oyster!!!
DeleteRay, I think the chance of meeting face-to-face has improved due to remote gaming. When I make a trip to England, Reject Central may be a destination.
DeleteI think it is here to stay. As for myself I'm not really sure how much I will, but is something I'm concidering. I think when I retire it will come more into focus.
ReplyDeleteChristopher
Good to see that remote gaming may hold a place for you in the future. In retirement, much comes into focus.
DeleteI'm professionally involved in online executive education. We have a boom in 2020 (our sales increased more than twofold) but still accounted 50% revenue increases in 2021 and 2022 respectively. It is true that after the lifting of restrictions the demand for in-person courses have increased substantially (we have successfully tested hybrid offerings) but there's a solid market for online.
ReplyDeleteI strongly believe that this will be the case also in our hobby, both options will coexist. Probably we are now living the trough after the boom of online wwargaming but a point of equiliubrium will be reached. I had the oppotunity to meet and engage with international players in 202 and we all feel the relations would be sustainable over time, even if never meet face to face.
Your professional assessment suggests that remote gaming may have a chance at taking hold with a market and demand that is stabilizing. While the stabilizing size may be less than at the height of the pandemic, this is very good news.
DeleteThanks for your valuable insights!
Interesting thoughts across the board. Clearly for some/many it has opened up lots of opportunity. I certainly don’t plan to stop. And when I discuss it with people who don’t remote game I find myself trying to explain that it isn’t a worse option to face to face it is just different. Both have a place for me, which reminds me I need to sort Lillehammer II out 🙂
ReplyDeleteMatt, as is frequently the situation, the commentary is much more interesting than the post!
DeleteRemote gaming offers a different perspective and experience. One other benefit not mentioned in the post is that it introduced you to miniature gaming on hex.
I await reports from Lillehammer...
Interesting post, and comments! I haven't done any remote gaming, not strictly true, when I spent the winter in Iceland a good few years ago I played chess on Skype with my daughter, maybe the thought of remote gaming brings back the feeling of never being warm?! I've also found with my club membership I'm playing more games than ever and like Stew it's the time that's the difficulty, plus my frankly luddite tendencies towards technology!
ReplyDeleteBest Iain
Thanks for your comment, Iain! Freezing while playing chess by Skype may make a lasting impression on me too.
Delete