Here are some suggestions for improving the network connections and creating a better community online.
1) A default visible friend list built into the game.
2) A available player list
3) A default visable chat room
4) A game list that isn't a full screen.
See the attached picture I did for what I mean.
The chat/player/friend lists would be static while the game list would change when you enter or exit a game -> Lobby 1.jpg vs Lobby 2.jpg has the game list change and the chat room change.
Once a user enters the game... they see lobby 2 screen.
I'm glad you point this out Brazen. The aforementioned interface change would be more than welcome both in ease of use and design. Here's to hoping that Stardock takes this to heart. The fact that the friends' list and room information (presumabley connection info as well) would be constantly displayed in addition to the constant chat lobby without the need to open/close constantly, and with easy to use tabs to move through while talking via private message would be a huge addition to the online interface.
While I believe that the designers at Stardock went for an open clean feel with the available utilities via shift + tab and window movement/flexibility....I would readily welcome this change. Presumabley there would be less interface lag and it would be much easier to handle multiple private messages and lobby chat at one time.
I can easily see how this would provide easier to deal with utility in multiplayer and believe that it would strengthen the community as a whole within the game.
I'd love to see these changes, while the simplicity of the current browser style seems to fit in with the rest of Demigod's menus it also hampers the multiplayer experience quite a lot and lacks a lot of simple functions that could greatly improve it like the ones you listed.
Also, there is a "Edit Profile" button that allows you to modify things like your location, your favorite demigod and connection info.
It would also display non-modifiable things like record of win/loss, clan information, etc.
When you right click a person in the lobby room list (ie. Brazen) it would give you the option to invite them to your game, or view their profile, or open up a private chat.
It would be great if these things could be added too.
One thing that really makes me scratch my head: Why do we get booted back to the main menu after playing a custom game?
Along the same vein: It would GREATLY help it there was a "recent players" bit in the Impulse menu, so I could add people to my friends list AFTER the game ends. If you want to copy Xbox Live, please, Stardock, DO YOUR HOMEWORK. Typing Usernames is so 1988, especially with people that just LOVE making 1337hax0rzu50rnamez.
Looks like you spent some time on this, but I think that a majority of this functionality is already built into the impulse client (ala Shift-Tab). I do like the "Room List" but I think that comes down to creating a new IRC room to join manually to check with and sync it up with the status of the player.
Good job though, I wouldn't mind having that functionality built into the client itself.
Well played Brazen!
I would also like some additional information about the game before I join in. Specifically if favored items are allowed. Perhaps a simple item icon next to the game name if they are allowed or a circle with a line through the icon if they are not allowed.
-Aeth
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