Here are a few questions I'm particularly interested in:
How did you like the game? Absolutely loved it Jia! Kudos as GM, which the forum version absolutely requires. I can only imagine how challenging it was for you on the back end to be privy to so many different conversations and keeping them straight. Since I am the only one, besides you, who has played the offline table version, I must say this went a lot better than expected but I did really miss the fun of the facial/body bluffing, squirming, in-your-face accusations and laughter. You laugh so much at the table game... and well, we involved drinking but that evolves into a drunken mess where everyone is a spy and no one really cares. LOL
Anything you liked or disliked about it? I know the game calls for the spies to know each other and conspire from the start unbeknownst to other players, but could it work if everyone started on the same playing field? No one knows what position the other holds? I think you may have touched on reasoning why this couldn't work in the initial post, but that is alluding me right now.
Considering that the forum version of this game is currently in "beta", where do you see room for improvement? I think you need to stress, very clearly and repeatedly, that any behind-closed-doors conversations need to include the GM. I had to remind both Kel & Tristan of that. I also think instating that 24-Hour response period is important to keep the flow of the game going, yet not too rigid where people around the globe cannot play in a single game. Maybe post in sign-ups that it would require that kind of attention, because well... real life happens... and games can be shorter or longer.
Did you feel that the game was too easy for either the Resistance or the Spies? I didn't feel like it was too easy, but I can say now that because it was a Beta run, I really didn't play the game as I normally would. I was being very random, and not strategic, just trying to fling mud, accusations, and keep things entertaining rather than really seeking out my Resistance members. BUT, that being said... Tristan really did fool me in the end. I think for having been thrown in to our game, and never having played, he did really well. I was pretty convinced by that last team vote Dire & T1G were the spies extraordinaire. Next game, I am playing to win! BOOM!
Was the spread sheet any help at all, or did you stick to your memory/the thread itself to keep track of the game's votes? I definitely think the spreadsheet would be helpful if I remember it. I ended up scrolling through the thread to refresh my memory which wasn't very efficient or timely, but with only five players, was manageable. I think it would be cool if you could post screenshots of your spreadsheet in the thread for convenience sake. I do think that type of streamlined documentation is really helpful, though more effort for the GM.
Any ideas on how to improve moderation of the game? I would say moderate without giving too much away. Be there for inquiries from the players, but don't offer up tips/suggestions/strategies, as hard as I know that must have been to sit out.
Any additional thoughts? Tristan was going to offer an achievement for winners of future games, but maybe a special achievement for the GM as well? This way it gives incentive to other players to want to GM, and gain that special achievement, while offering Jia or other GMs the chance to play as well.
Thank you so much Jia for thinking to try this on the forums! I think the Beta was a huge success even though The Resistance failed this time. There is always tomorrow and failure is just a lesson in how to succeed the next time! RAWR!
