04-14-2016, 10:37 AM
This thread-snip raises a number of issues.
First, the "elevator pitch" of PBM games is a really good thing to focus on. There are so many demands and distractions pulling on people's limited leisure time, that there has to be a good concise 20-second description of what a game is about. Why should I play this and not another round of Civilization on the computer?
Second, Galac-tac doesn't shy away from the past glories of PBM. Indeed, based on the ad in the last Suspense & Decision, it embraces it with a photo of one of the old computers used to run it! I can see this going either way. It suggests the game is dated, but it also suggests it's been around a long time and is thus a good solid design. It also might appeal to the older crowd of those of use who were here for PBM's initial surge. It's hard to say whether this approach is great or questionable.
Third, I myself *love* game-log type articles. They are indeed perhaps my favorite type of PBM piece. I have long been meaning to consolidate some of the old "far horizons" stuff we played out here on the forum into a piece for the zine.
First, the "elevator pitch" of PBM games is a really good thing to focus on. There are so many demands and distractions pulling on people's limited leisure time, that there has to be a good concise 20-second description of what a game is about. Why should I play this and not another round of Civilization on the computer?
Second, Galac-tac doesn't shy away from the past glories of PBM. Indeed, based on the ad in the last Suspense & Decision, it embraces it with a photo of one of the old computers used to run it! I can see this going either way. It suggests the game is dated, but it also suggests it's been around a long time and is thus a good solid design. It also might appeal to the older crowd of those of use who were here for PBM's initial surge. It's hard to say whether this approach is great or questionable.
Third, I myself *love* game-log type articles. They are indeed perhaps my favorite type of PBM piece. I have long been meaning to consolidate some of the old "far horizons" stuff we played out here on the forum into a piece for the zine.