Feature request: Spectator seating / recording

[Just Mick]

Simple feature. Different from extra seats in the game where "non-players" could sit. Let the host add seats for spectators. Simple example, if a game becomes interesting (or was expected to be) one of the players could send a message/shout to the server log, then people could wander in and watch the game play out.

Another really nice feature in the same vein would be a simple step by step recording of the game so no epic game would be lost and could be watched later so to speak.

[HoodieDM]

While the first request seems realistic, not sure recording step by step to watch would be feasible through the system.  There could probably be an option to do a step by step with text or code, but the only way to really "record" a game would be for one of the players actually playing or in your new case "spectating" to use their own system, like a fraps or something.

~HoodieDM

[Just Mick]

Well the game (read: session) can just record itself then you could save it in the end. You could then open the game and watch it. Pretty simple implementation wise (software engineer here)

[Just Mick]

I got to sit down in a four seat host yesterday. We ended up with a 3-way and another party sat down in the fourth seat. One noticeable difference without the concept of spectator seating is the turn has to be passed thru the non-playing parties. Also for people not playing giving them an avatar and everything takes up a bit much space.

BTW: The recording feature might come in handy if there is dispute about cheating. It would at least make it possible to setup more serious events. A referee seat would not suck to much either.

[whizzerd]

@just mick
if some one joins the room in your scenario w/ they 3-way then they could avoid the turn passing through them by simply vacating their seat, they will still be in the room and able to watch but the seat will be empty

[Just Mick]

Any idea what it means when the log says "Unknown has left his seat" or some such. The other day I had a game that was really go crazy like it was possessed... probably the netcode was just off base, but there was occasionally lines like that. There were only two players/seats neither named Unknown in the game.

PS: Gender neutral logging would be a nice option. Perhaps alongside his/her if people want to explicitly state their gender in their profile.