[HEADING=3]What is a forum game? And what is this? said: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[/HEADING]
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.
[ul][li]General Conduct[/li] 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.
[li]Language[/li] It's really eye opening when you see someone swearing terribly. But that's what the Off Topic [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/index/18-Off-topic-Discussion] is for. Do not engage in conversations which are inappropriate and/or NSFW [http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/NotSafeForWork].
[li]Exemption of that One Rule[/li]Whilst all the rules in Code of Conduct [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/codeofconduct] 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.
[li]Consecutive Posting[/li]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.
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[HEADING=3]Guide for game creators.[/HEADING]
Game creator (GC), game master (GM) or simply original poster (OP). I'll go with game master or GM for the sake of understanding.
[ul][li]Verification[/li] 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 two [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/362.271339-Your-avatar-vs-the-one-above] avatar [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/362.190615-Your-Avatar-vs-Above-Avatar] 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.
[li]Originality[/li] 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 [http://goo.gl/Tiy1M]. 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.
[li]Rules[/li] 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 [http://www.escapistmagazine.com/forums/read/362.263968-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.
[li]Moderation[/li] 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.
[li]Commitment[/li] 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.[/ul]
[HEADING=3]Guide for participants.[/HEADING]
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.
[ul][li]Confusion[/li] 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.
[li]Derailing[/li] 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.
[li]Copy/Pasting[/li] 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!
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[sub]This guide is subject to change. If you have any questions regarding this guide, kindly comment or PM yours truly!Notice for the Trinity: participants said:[http://www.escapistmagazine.com/groups/view/The-Forum-Games-Group]
Hope this guide helps you in your journey of exploring and participating in the much more vibrant side of the Escapist.
Cheers
- mParadox[/sub]
