What is a forum game? And what is this?: In a nutshell, a forum game is a thread in which anyone is allowed to participate. This Forum fills that role by allowing users to create threads(commonly called Games or Forum Games) which are open for anyone and everyone to participate in. It has one basic objective which everyone has to fulfil. It's fun and a nice way to get to know people. :)
And this is a guide for all newcomers and veterans. Basic knowledge everyone should have before creating or participating in a game.
Rules
I'll be honest with you here, Forum Games has a pretty good gig. The rules are not strictly enforced here and the probability of a flame war starting here is extremely slim at any rate. However, just because FG enjoys more leniency does not mean it's exempt from the rules.
General Conduct
This is a no-brainer. Be nice to everyone. Take everything in good spirits and be jolly! Keep it neat and clean. Do not partake in activities within the Forum Game which do not contribute to the game in any way. Offending users are liable to be warned and if the extent of the offence is serious, be permanently suspended i.e Banned.
Language
It's really eye opening when you see someone swearing terribly. But that's what the Off Topic is for. Do not engage in conversations which are inappropriate and/or NSFW.
Exemption of that One Rule
Whilst all the rules in Code of Conduct are enforced ever so slightly, there's one which is especially exempt from these forums. The 'Low Content' Rule. As most forum game objectives usually result in one-worded replies, the Forum Games is graciously excluded from this rule. Thus, saving a lot of active players from being outright banned.
Consecutive Posting
Definitely not a recommended course of action by a long shot. Remember, the Escapist servers are tasked with not only the forums functionality but also the video content. Please do not overburden the servers by posting repeatedly. It not only violates the rules of forum etiquette but also cause problems for the Tech side of things.
Guide for game creators.
Game creator (GC), game master (GM) or simply original poster (OP). I'll go with game master or GM for the sake of understanding.
Verification
The most important tool in your arsenal: the mighty search bar. First do a search before creating a forum game. It doesn't take long and it helps in keeping the place clean. Before creating a game thread, be sure to check that the previous version(if any) is still not active. Sometimes this job becomes harder 'cause most threads tend to 'sink' after a set time period. Having twoavatar versus threads makes the place clutter up, especially since people happen to participate in both. Confusion may arise as to which game were you participating in case you forgot the name. And honestly, redundancy does set it after a while.
Originality
Let's face it: Here, if you have an idea, someone has already done it. But fear not! For if you're lucky, the original game thread has now died and been done away with. And now you can set up shop and let everyone become familiar with you and your methods of gaming. The most agreeable form of forum gaming is situational, by the way. For example, the Bed Thread. If, however, you're not so lucky and there is a thread which embodies what you envisioned, don't despair. This is a perfect opportunity for you can tinker with your/the GMs idea to see how far you can set the limits before the red flags start to pop up.
Rules
As it comes with creating a game, you must lay down the ground rules in such a clear-cut manner that everyone understands them. Otherwise, the game becomes in danger of derailing. And again, Forum Games isn't really that strict in it's conduct about such matter, so if it derails and you're fine it, great! Everyone has a fun time. However, if you feel like that's an actual problem, we recommend getting co-GMs assigned just in case you aren't around to make sure that the game moves according to the rules set by you. And the rules themselves shouldn't be too restrictive. Unlike an RP, a forum game should ideally not limit the users imagination. For example, in the Versus Game, there is only one simple rule: Post a question, the next user answers and posts another question. It's a good example of a Forum Game in which the rule to play the game is kept simple. Therefore, it's easier to follow.
Moderation
In a place as dynamic as the Forum Games, it's the job of the game creator to keep the players in check. If necessary, you can assign users as co-GMs who will police the game and keep the players in line. Remember that the Report Button is your friend. If a user breaks the forum rules and practices flaming other users or derailing the thread too such an extent that it become intolerable, then the use of the Button is very much allowed. Or alternatively, you can contact a moderator who in turn, will deal with the user accordingly. But it doesn't mean that the GM has to be strict. It's a game after all, and so it is advised that you enforce the rules only when things get really out of hand. The best way to keep the thread in line is to have cooperation between the players and the GM.
Commitment
When you make a game, do not abandon it. Actively contribute to it and monitor it. You can try your luck by making another game thread or two, but if you already have a successful game thread going on, then why gamble with another right? Be active in that one and people will come to participate.
Guide for participants.
That is, of course, you the reader and the player. The one who'll post in these threads and hopefully continue posting in them for a happy long time. Your list of guidelines is occupied with all but two little details, which I'd rather you paid attention to, as they'll protect you from the prospect of getting banned.
Confusion
In the off-chance, two threads appear with seemingly the same function, it's best to bookmark the thread you're participating in so that's it's easier for you to return to it.
Derailing
Derailing in the simplest terms, is to drift away from the subject at hand. It's a practice which is generally frowned upon in new threads because of course, it's best to stay within limits and thus, you are advised to not take part in such a practise. Older threads, however, are allowed to drift away from topic... so long as the GM is also doing it. Consent to cause havoc makes it legal.
Copy/Pasting
Funny as it is, copy pasting large amount of text from another source which is not yours, does not make it your material. Like say, copying lyrics of a song. I'm just saying, the Forum Games are meant to serve as an outlet to random bursts of imagination. That's rather downplayed if the only thing actually posted are copy/pasted texts. Rather stock and boring. Be creative!
Notice for the Trinity: participants, lurkers and creators.:
This guide is subject to change. If you have any questions regarding this guide, kindly comment or PM yours truly! Hope this guide helps you in your journey of exploring and participating in the much more vibrant side of the Escapist. Cheers - mParadox
mParadox: Derailing: Derailing ,in the simplest terms, is to drift away from the subject at hand. It's a practice which is generally frowned upon and thus, you are advised to not take part in such a practise.
Punishment for this must be described. I can personally say that whenever I've derailed a thread, pain followed in every situation. If you value your Forum life, don't derail!
OT: Great guide but now you've made me wonder what I can write up for a certain badge to help the community.
Oh wow. Cool beans, Para. I had no idea you put this up. It's about time someone put up something about forum gaming as opposed to just RP-ing. *Hugs Para*
What is a forum game? And what is this?: In a nutshell, a forum game is a thread in which anyone is allowed to participate. It has one basic objective which everyone has to fulfil[1]. It's fun and one of the best ways to get to know people.
And this is a guide for all new comers[2] and veterans. Basic knowledge everyone should have before creating or participating in a game.
Guide for game creators.
Game creator(GC)[3], game master(GM) or simply original poster(OP). I'll go with game master for sake of understanding.
Verification
The most important part: First[4] do a search before creating a forum game. It doesn't take long and it helps in keeping the place clean. Before creating a game thread, be sure to check that the pervious version(if any) is still not active. Sometimes this job becomes harder 'cause most threads tend to 'sink' after a set time period. Having twoavatar versus threads makes the place clutter up. Especially[5] here since people happen to participate in both. Confusion may arise as to which game were you participating in case you forgot the name.
Originality
...
Rules
As it comes with creating a game, you must lay down the ground rules in such a clear-cut manner that everyone understands them. Otherwise, the game becomes in danger of derailing. So, it's better to have co-GMs assigned just in case you aren't around to make sure that the game moves according to the rules set by you. And the rules ,themselves,[6] shouldn't be too restrictive. Unlike a RP[7], a forum game should never restrict the users imagination...
Moderation
In a place as dynamic as the Forum Games & RP, it's the job of the game creator to keep the players in check. If necessary, you can assign users as co-GMs who will police the game and keep the players in line. Remember that the Report Button is your friend. If a user breaks the forum rules and practices flaming other users or derailing the thread too such an extent that it become intolerable, then the use of the Button is very much allowed. Or ,[8]alternatively, you can contact a moderator who ,[9]in turn, will deal with the user accordingly. But it doesn't mean that the GM has to be strict. It's a game after all, and so it is advised to enforce the rules only when things go really out of hand.[10] The best way to keep the thread in line is to have co-operation[11] between the players and the GM.
Commitment
When you make a game, do not abandon it. Actively contribute to it and monitor it. You can try your luck by making another game thread or two, but if you already have a successful game thread going on, then why bother right? Be active in that one and people will come to participate.
Guide for participants.
Derailing
Derailing ,[12]in the simplest terms, is to drift away from the subject at hand. It's a practice which is generally frowned upon and thus, you are advised to not take part in such a practise[13].
Language
...
...
You knew I would pick apart your grammar, right? :3
[7] RP is an acronym here. Generally, in the case of acronyms, one would use the article associated with the pronunciation of the letter, not what the letter stands for. This is in the case of calling it an "RP" as opposed to a "role-play"
Eumersian: Oh wow. Cool beans, Para. I had no idea you put this up. It's about time someone put up something about forum gaming as opposed to just RP-ing. *Hugs Para*
I know. ^^ *hugs*
Eumersian: You knew I would pick apart your grammar, right? :3
Eumersian: Oh wow. Cool beans, Para. I had no idea you put this up. It's about time someone put up something about forum gaming as opposed to just RP-ing. *Hugs Para*
I know. ^^ *hugs*
Eumersian: You knew I would pick apart your grammar, right? :3
I did. >.> I'll get right on that. ^^
i like Para Gliding
yeh but Awesome those Rules will work out really well
now i just to check my Dating Avatars thread scuse me
Caramel Frappe: Whow, this is literally well organized, simple to follow up and shall certainly help me if I ever feel the need to make a Thread based off Gaming of any sort. Thanks for all the advise and tips on running on right, now I know I can make them successful ^_^
(Because literally, some Game Threads i've made were utter failures with no one interested to try them out. I'm much better at RP Thread managing thanks to the members who RP in them!)
Thank you and thank you. Yeah I know. So many game threads were failures 'cause the ideas were tragically unoriginal. =\
yeh but Awesome those Rules will work out really well
now i just to check my Dating Avatars thread scuse me
I see what you did there. -.O Hope the rules prove to be helpful. And I wish you success on the Date Game. It's pretty good. :3 And thankfully original. At least for now.
Derailing in the simplest terms, is to drift away from the subject at hand. It's a practice which is generally frowned upon in new threads because of course, it's best to stay within limits and thus, you are advised to not take part in such a practise. Older threads, however, are allowed to drift away from topic... so long as the GM is also doing it. Consent to cause havoc makes it legal.
How come I find it funny to read that when written by you..? Hmm... Might it be... Yes, that is most certainly why. Oh, the memories... <3
Anyhow, I should add something that isn't, well, derailing-y. Hmm...
