Change Lobby Greeting to help new players

[C64 nostalgia]

Something like the following but more congenial:

Welcome to the Planet M.U.L.E. Chat Lobby. New players are encouraged to view the instruction video: http://www.planetmule.com/instruction-video. Training games are also a great way to first experience MULE. It can be confusing at first.

[leahcim99]

and please include a small note:  TO ALL NOOBS:

IT IS NOT PERSONAL if we kick you for more experienced players....

[C64 nostalgia]

Plant MULE has a very small number of regular players. Without encouraging new players, Planet MULE will lose (almost) all of its players. We as a community need to be more friendly to newcomers. Part of us being open to new players is to have them know the basics before they start playing (and to stress how much we hate bailers).

Welcoming new players is extremely important. They are the lifeblood of Planet MULE's continued existence.

[leahcim99]

Please do not mis-read my comments.

I do agree that we need NEW Blood here at Planet Mule and I have played my share.

My point was that if I can play with 3 upper ranking players, I will - the game is much more enjoyable when all players are of similar skill levels.

I do not mind noobs and have played many games where I did not try to win, but to try and teach them and I will continue to help those who show a general interest in the game and also take the time to learn and understand protocol.

I just hope a new player who jumps right into my game without asking understands that they may be kicked - NOTHING PERSONAL, however, it is polite to inquire first when you are a relatively new player and joining games where the players average over 200 games played.

Perhaps we could implement a system where a new player has to complete at least 1 - 12 round training game before they can join in tournament games.

I have played games where it is PAINFUL to watch what a new player is doing - and have them quit when you try to help them out. It can really affect the enjoyment for EVERYONE in the game when players do not know what they are doing.

(ALSO, SOME of us PIRATES will take FULL advantage of NEW PLAYERS - YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE)   


Another suggestion is for players to join a game as an observer so that new players could see the differences between Planet Mule and the originals that they most likely fondly remember.

[Nannerpus]

I agree with both C64 nostalgia and leahcim99. Mule won't last as long or be as enjoyable without the continued addition of new players to the mix. So the more we do to encourage people who join to learn the game, practice and improve, the better Planet Mule will be for everyone.

One thing that might immediately improve the situation would be to prohibit the starting of any tournament game that includes an A.I. robot if that game is hosted by a disreputable (i.e., sub-50% rated) host.

Of course this will not be a perfect solution, but some hosts (and most of us know plenty of names) are able to get their M.U.L.E. fix by roping in a new (and likely uninformed) player and then booting them from the game or just giving them a beating with the help of two cooperative but easily manipulated robots. I can't imagine that anyone new would feel encouraged to return after such an experience; why waste one's time if that's the result? That kind of cheap con makes all of us look bad.

The idea I propose would not preclude a host with a good reputation from adding a bot or two to a tournament game and then abusing the situation. But the negative impact on their hosting percentage combined with the possible loss of a "legally finished" game in their statistics likely discourages that kind of abuse. And I don't think a reputable host should be precluded from adding an A.I. or two if it means a game can start immediately, since we all hate to wait for that tardy fourth fleshie.

As for new players (who do not have a host rating yet) that want to host and add an A.I. or two, fine with me. If the hosting percentage is changed to only report after the first, say, five to ten games legally completed, then it will accurately reflect every host's reputation without unduly punishing new hosts for the possible network-induced disconnection of another player or the host themselves.

Now, bring me some fresh colonists! Viva Irata, Viva M.U.L.E.!

[C64 nostalgia]

I agree. A lot of things can be done to help new players. Changing the lobby greeting is a very simple yet effective one.

The goal of "welcoming" new players helps everyone. Making MULE and Planet MULE more inviting; thus, encouraging new players. Helping new players not to be discouraged by playing without knowledge of the basics. Pre-sifting new players so experienced players are more willing to let them in their games, help them, or at the very least; be more tolerant... (Yeah, some repetition... trying to drive the point home)

[Chuckie Chuck]

All very good thoughts.  Any newbies that are familiar with the original, often play from the standpoint of playing against the AI.  That stategy doesn't work with 4 real players.

Secondly, many host that rope in one newbie and run two AI, do it knowing they will be able to boost their rating, using the old strategy that works well with AI play.  Newbie gets beat up, if they have no familiarity with the original it's even worse.

Seen lots of first timers come in once, and never come back.

[C64 nostalgia]

Please change the lobby greeting -- a very simple but very worthwhile change. I'm sure we could provide an exact wording, if desired.

Other interesting ideas have been discussed in this thread, but please focus on the original request.