Suggestions for getting more human-human games going?

[ChrisGibbs]

Hi guys,

We're wondering if you had any suggestions of getting more human-human games going on the server? The server stats seem to indicate that a significant number of users are happy playing offline - could an option be to temporarily disable offline play?

Also, is there anything that could be added to the game to make it easier to recommend to family and friends?

Chris

[CMFapple]

You did an amazing job with this program.

If you can find a way to release it for Mobile (Android and iOS), then you will have Plenty of people playing it.
I hear that the Android screen size differences are the may detractor from development in that area. However a 1-size-fits-most approach would be good enough to get it off the ground.

Other mobile issue I could see is people starting a game and getting distracted by real-life activities. You might need to include a time-out and a random selection for the player that timed out (or maybe replaced by basic AI).

I tried to get my friends to play on-line about 1.5 to 2 yrs ago. But for some reason the game wouldn't allow anyone to log in at that time.

[ChrisGibbs]

Thanks - yeah an Android edition is in development.

One idea we are considering deploying is something called Virtual Geometric Investment (VGI). There is a brief overview of it here:

http://www.innerversion.com/vgi.php

What do you reckon of this idea? Would it make it more appealing to donate/invest in Tropic Euro?

[CMFapple]

I would say that something like that VGI, or Kickstarter, Gambitious, Indiegogo, etc etc, would be a great option.
You'd be surprised how many people would be willing to pay a small amount to help fund something cool.
I'd say skip Kickstarter since it typically wants the developer to offer many tiered rewards. Here I think the reward would be a free copy of the end result (if the product was going to be sell-able). Or at least a Ad-free version of the game.

Tell Kotaku, Penny-Aracde, 1up, etc about the project, and that will help get the word out, and hopefully supporters and players coming in.