[INF] PGF Multiplayer Options

[HexCode]

MULTIPLAYER MODES
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All-Human play modes are often referred to as Multiplayer or H2H play modes. H2H stands for "head-to-head" play, meaning all-human play. The preceding terms distinguish "things" from the way more popular play mode where a human does battle against a software program's Artificial Intelligence (AI).

A) HOT SEAT stands for two human players taking turns playing a game utilizing the very same computer. It's an "old-fashioned" form of H2H play. In fact, the very same human could be playing both sides (i.e., Auto-Hot-Seat). Play may be uninterrupted or punctuated by interim game-state saves.

B) PBEM stands for "play-by-email". Two human players take turns sending one another E-mails with attachments containing the current game snapshots as play evolves. This too is an "old-fashioned" form of H2H play.

C) ONLINE stands for network-enabled, all-human play. This can be a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN) (i.e., Internet-enabled). Either way, the presence of an appropriately configured and effectively maintained server is practically required. The "traditional" technical approach has been to adopt a technical solution based on the client / dedicated server architecture.

[VP] All-Human Play Modes
viewtopic.php?f=100&t=533

features a more detailed coverage of Multiplayer options under PGF.

CURRENT STATUS
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PGF doesn't include an in-built, match-making communication mechanism. Thus, players must arrange things using alternate communication channels such as E-mail or online chat services.

HOT SEAT

This Multiplayer mode is currently available.

PBEM

The fact that PGF does not... blare to the world that "Classic IGO / HUGO" play between humans is actually doable has led quite a few hobbyists to assume that such "things" just cannot be done. NOT SO...

PBEM MODE
viewtopic.php?f=100&t=533&p=8914#p8915

contains precise instructions on how one does it under PGF.

ONLINE PLAY

Currently, the requisite server which makes this play mode possible is unavailable.