09-01-2012, 11:37 PM
Don't know if PBM games will ever come back, though I could see PBeM games.
Mainly, you save postage costs using the Internet.
But if the game is to be successful, it needs to have something that can't be provided by retail games. Personally, I think it is the game master's interaction with the player that provided that 'umph' to PBM games.
I only every played two PBM games. StarMaster and the Quest for the Great Jewels.
The game master of StarMaster provided that tailored interaction with the player through Special Actions. You knew your actions meant something, and were listened too. I think the more detailed you were in your interactions with the game master, the more you got out of the game.
So I think a PBM or PBeM game needs to have game master interactive moderation with the player. Because that is the one thing PC games cannot provide, and web games seem to not want to travel that path. Interactive moderation is time consuming. You can not just build your game and invite the players to play, you have to continually interact when them and use your imagination. A growing player base is always going to tax you mentally, and physically. And probably take a toll on your family life. So you would need to either limit the player base to what you can handle, or hire additional game masters.
On the other hand, Quest for the Great Jewels, is made for the PC, or even a web based game. For nostalgia's sake, I would play it in any form, even a board game. Though I would rather play it on the PC or web now.
So in my opinion, a PBM or PBeM game needs to have that interactivity between the game master and the players. Hate to say it, but it is almost like playing D&D with your friends. That is the flavor you need for a PBM or PBeM game, if you want it to continue in the future. Otherwise, new players will see that they can play the same type of game faster on the PC, web, and consoles.
Mainly, you save postage costs using the Internet.
But if the game is to be successful, it needs to have something that can't be provided by retail games. Personally, I think it is the game master's interaction with the player that provided that 'umph' to PBM games.
I only every played two PBM games. StarMaster and the Quest for the Great Jewels.
The game master of StarMaster provided that tailored interaction with the player through Special Actions. You knew your actions meant something, and were listened too. I think the more detailed you were in your interactions with the game master, the more you got out of the game.
So I think a PBM or PBeM game needs to have game master interactive moderation with the player. Because that is the one thing PC games cannot provide, and web games seem to not want to travel that path. Interactive moderation is time consuming. You can not just build your game and invite the players to play, you have to continually interact when them and use your imagination. A growing player base is always going to tax you mentally, and physically. And probably take a toll on your family life. So you would need to either limit the player base to what you can handle, or hire additional game masters.
On the other hand, Quest for the Great Jewels, is made for the PC, or even a web based game. For nostalgia's sake, I would play it in any form, even a board game. Though I would rather play it on the PC or web now.
So in my opinion, a PBM or PBeM game needs to have that interactivity between the game master and the players. Hate to say it, but it is almost like playing D&D with your friends. That is the flavor you need for a PBM or PBeM game, if you want it to continue in the future. Otherwise, new players will see that they can play the same type of game faster on the PC, web, and consoles.