Ok, Im not sure if I am allowed to place a Suggestion in this section, especially since I usually post in the "Design" section. But here is the thing:



One thing about multiplayer is that u usally have to wait for some time, untill all players are rdy for the next turn. Perhaps in the first turns, that's not so long, but I guess in mid and late-game, it can really take some time. Usually to bridge that time, I am reading a book or doing some work. Many other communicate via Skype or TS³. Even though this sometimes isn't that satisfying and you end up waiting and not to know what to do. Now my idea could be a very interesting concept that also expands Amplitudes Communication with the Consumer by a new Implementation:



1. An expanded chatfunction (perhaps even lobbys) for operational communication:



Not everyone likes to get on TS³ or just doesn't have the programm or micro. Also while waiting you have plenty of time to chat with your fellows. Right now you can just chat with everyone and write messages to everyone. We defenetly need a "write to player" function (if there isn't one already, I didn't find it yet). This way, you can add strategic conference between players, while their enemies don't know what they are planing (except one player is a traitor and informing the other party).



2. Ping-function and Requests:



The Ping function is to show other player or players a location you are talking about. You choose the Ping-Function and click on a system you want. The Ping emits an audio-visual sound easy to see for any ally, or faction in a peace treaty. For multiplayer it also could be used for every player to show (regardless of the diplomacy-status). An extendet variant of this is the "War-Ping", the same as the Ping but with another color and another sound, showing allies where to attack or where to defend, instead of writing the name of the systejm and than have any player search for their own. This way you could ask players to send a fleet to a position or to aks for help during a invasion. This function would be very practicaly for AIs to, if you are able to trigger a reaction from your allied AI (of course it would be grate to have the AI asking for help if necessery and by this boosting diplomacy).



The Request could be an extended diplomacy function: The Request for help in a war (joining a non allied in war to boost diplomacy or to prepare for an alliance), or to defend a chosen system is another way to trade ressources and improve diplomacy with players and AI alike. It would also help with defence and war during the game.



3. An ingame Speak function:



To be honest, this is not my favorite suggestion and perhaps it is just not managable with the ressources of Amplitude but most strategicgames already have this and would replace the need of Skype or TS³. This would also need a function to be able to adress selected players, not just all.



4. Ingamecommunity:



Ok, we already have Steam for that, but since Amplitude is making such a great work in communicating with the consumers and with the community, why not having the functon to open a extrawindow (without having to leave the gamewindow!) for the Amplitude Community Webside? So if I don't have any planing to do right now and am just waiting for someone else to finish some fights, and do all the communication via TS³, I would love to search the internet, or just making some entries in my forums, discussing with others. Extended communityfunctions.

Also possible ideas: stream your game online (yeah, perhaps to much to ask, but who knows?), invite friends from the community to join the MP, or collecting rewards for MP factions while adressing the community.





So what are you guys thinking about that and is it even managable (side glance to the Devs )?

I'd even settle for a option to name your multiplayer game..



Anything what forwards communication is fine aswell during game.. thou I don't need more than the chat.

This all seems like a good idea if not having voice chat officially added a bit much, other than that those are mostly musts for multiplayer games where turns last a very long time especially if there is combat involved lol