Some added features for Axis v Allies arena

[jimson]

I understand that the AvA arena isn't where the money is for HTC, but it does have a small but loyal following and It would be great to have a small amount of development as it is kind of in no-mans land somewhere between a special event and a 24/7 arena.

As it is now, it really can't have a win the war reset as it resets to something other than the CM chosen 2 country planesets and CM chosen settings.

My wish is that it be possible to pin a default arena table to the terrain with the CM chosen settings that the map would reset to in the event of an accident or win the war situation.

To go along with this I would like to see a way to choose a set of terrains in a particular order for map rotation.

For example: D-day on bob09. When that map is won, it rotates to Battle of the Bulge on Arden08 to Crossing the Rhine on Rhinewin to Final Assault on the new Germany terrain etc.

Just a way to automatically run a campaign where players would get the satisfaction of meeting objectives and making the map rotate to the next phase.

Another thing I would like to see is some AI capability for the CM's. For example: ability to loop a series of AI bomber missions so that there would always be something for people to do, such as intercept, or escort, or to follow up the bombing raids with a base capture effort.

[trap78]

Seems to me the AvA is pretty close to the early war main for numbers. The latter being a fully supported by HTC. Your requests seem well thought out and show an effort to improve the AvA. It's reasonable to ask HTC to review these ideas and let the community know what resources are available to further develop this arena.

+1   

[AWwrgwy]

My wish is that it be possible to pin a default arena table to the terrain with the CM chosen settings that the map would reset to in the event of an accident or win the war situation.

To go along with this I would like to see a way to choose a set of terrains in a particular order for map rotation.

For example: D-day on bob09. When that map is won, it rotates to Battle of the Bulge on Arden08 to Crossing the Rhine on Rhinewin to Final Assault on the new Germany terrain etc.

Just a way to automatically run a campaign where players would get the satisfaction of meeting objectives and making the map rotate to the next phase.

What if the Axis wins the map? 

Battle of Brooklyn?


wrongway

[USRanger]

Great ideas jim!  Would make a huge difference.

HTC, please let us use the AI in the AvA & I will help deliver one kick bellybutton arena.

[fudgums]

What if the Axis wins the map? 

Battle of Brooklyn?


wrongway

[jimson]

What if the Axis wins the map?  

Battle of Brooklyn?
wrongway

That is an excellent question and one I've considered.

Since each set up strives for a reasonable balance and doesn't really model attrition, strategic advantage, morale, desperation, etc, I think rather than create an alternate history, keep it simple and just let it advance to the next representative phase of the campaign regardless of which side wins.

The players still get the satisfaction of rolling the map and reading "Knights have won the war," although it would be more appropriate in this case if the announcement read "Knights have won the battle."

[StokesAk]

AI in the arena would be awesome!

It would draw more people in too.

[jimson]

Ever since Combat tour was shelved, I've always thought that with a more modest amount of development, this arena would be a natural for "Combat Tour Lite."

[gyrene81]

Excellent ideas Jim.    I hope something can be programmed to accomodate them.

[chewie86]

Another thing I would like to see is some AI capability for the CM's. For example: ability to loop a series of AI bomber missions so that there would always be something for people to do, such as intercept, or escort, or to follow up the bombing raids with a base capture effort.

that would be just uber-awesome. 

[Vapor]

Good ideas. Usually when I get to play it is mid-afternoon eastern time with seemingly low population in AvA. I would like to see more along these lines with some AI ground targets or bridges to destroy. It would be neat to destroy a well modeled bridge. (Bridge over the river Kwai or Ludendorff Bridge.)

[Chilli]

  Fudgums, Battle of Brooklyn, I'm IN....  Although, that looks a lot like Chewi... maybe Battle of Spain?



+ 100    The ability to archive maps with specific features, allowing more time for scheduling and promoting historical matchups. 

[Clone155]

If AI was in the AVA, I think the numbers would go up +1

[jimson]

+ 100    The ability to archive maps with specific features, allowing more time for scheduling and promoting historical matchups.  

If you are talking about saving the settings and plane sets etc that can already be done just by saving the arena tables.

I started archiving all the set ups as we run them, just so when we repeat them it will just be a matter of loading them onto the server.

ground targets or bridges to destroy. It would be neat to destroy a well modeled bridge. (Bridge over the river Kwai or Ludendorff Bridge.)

Check out the last page or two of this thread http://bbs.hitechcreations.com/smf/index.php/topic,267808.0.html

One of the limiting factors is that it is difficult to run scenario type game play in a 24/7 arena and specific time events like snapshots and FSO are the domain of the SEA.

Some AI capability and especially win the war resets with ordered map rotation might sort of bridge the gap between scenario and 24/7 play.

The arena has more limited appeal than the main arenas and that could grow some, but the mains will never empty out in favor of the AvA.

One benefit to the game and HTC over all, is that it might help a little with customer retention.

When folks get bored with the MA this might give them something else to try instead of taking a break from subscribing.

We have a few players that have resubscribed only due to the recent changes in the feel of the AvA arena.

It seems it might be worth a small share of the overall game development.

[USRanger]

Would HTC consider a one month trial with AI being used in the AvA?  Just give the AvA staff the ability to launch pre-made missions at their leisure.  I'd be happy to build & donate as many missions as they need/want.  I see nothing but good for the AvA coming from it.

Just a trial???