Let's get some consensus about how this game fits into TG's stable of games, and how we, as a community, are going to play it.

Unlike our CS:S server, 2142 server, PR server, etc., we could get by without TG-provided L4D servers. Anyone can rent their own servers, host locally, or just play on some vacant "dedicated" server - where they can impose their own rules/expectations. For some, that might blur the line about how the core principles of Tactical Gamer apply... or what 'jurisdiction' TG has over the game. That being the case, I want to make sure that we, as a community of like-minded gamers, are all on the same page about how we expect to play this game and how the primer applies to Zombieopolis.

To be clear, the last thing we want to do here is create a bunch of restrictive rules - fortunately, the game rewards TG-style play and as such is largely self-policing. The intent of this post is simply to refresh expectations and reaffirm why we're here.


First, to set the context for the discussion, let's agree that the primer is a reflection of how we want to play. If you read it as a big-brotherly "this is how I must play", then you might be in the wrong place. If it's more "this is my vision of gaming nirvana", then you're home. If you're playing with a bunch of TG'ers, this is what they're looking forward to also. This is why they wear the tag. This is how they wish everyone played... regardless of the name on the server or the number of |TG| tags in the game. It's the philosophy that drew us all to TG in the first place.

Originally Posted by Tactical Gamer

1) Create an environment conducive for mature gamers to enjoy the games they play without the everyday interference from the less-than-mature gamers.

2) Create an environment where there was mutual respect for your fellow gamers and where all members would be working together to advance the enjoyment of their hobby.

3) Support game play in a near-simulation environment. Where the focus of play would not be solely on doing what it takes to win, but doing so utilizing real-world combat strategy and tactics rather than leveraging exploits provided to players by the design of the game engine, regardless of the level of advantage, if any, it gives over the opposing team.

I think the first two tenets are pretty straight forward and don't need any explanation/discussion... Don't grief less experienced players. Don't swear excessively because you think it makes you sound badass. If teams are unbalanced, balance them - don't just continually destroy the other team while blaming the character randomizer. Have patience with inexperienced teammates - help them along. etc., etc.


It's the third one that might be a stretch at first - a Zombie Simulator?!?

Yes! It is! What's that mean? It simply means that we want to play "immersively", as characters within the apocalyptic world created by the game developers. In Co-op mode, it means you shouldn't give away spoilers to first-timers - let them make the [potentially bad] decisions and experience the fear you did your first time. It means not using the endless-explosive-throwing bug or any other exploits. In Versus mode, when the competitive juices get flowing, there may be a win-at-all-costs urge. Just because you can do it, doesn't mean you should (even if it helps you win). Many enjoy that no-holds-barred style of gaming [and that's cool, we can still be friends ], but it's just not a style that Tactical Gamers are interested in.

(See this post for further context.)




replies are welcome