GamesGrid -- SECOND VERSION EVEN BETTER
Ken Arnold
NEW BETA RELEASE OF GAMESGRID SOFTWARE =
The GamesGrid has a new software version and some beefed up network
hardware. The =
result is more features and more speed for the players.
With an emphasis on fostering the community aspects of Backgammon,
CyberArts is =
pleased to announce the latest version of the GamesGrid. Included in
this version are =
several wish list features from our users - as well as a number of
features that enhance =
the playability of the game.
Since communication between players (and watchers) makes the game
more interesting and fun, =
GamesGrid now offers a number of ways for people to communicate.
Players can =
communicate with one another privately - or in groups. Watchers can
talk to players and =
watchers, just watchers or to specific individuals. You can, for
example shout to =
everyone on the server (or ignore shouting if you choose), talk to
players on the match =
board who haven=92t begun to play, issue a general invitation or hold
private =
conversations. Chatting allows you to talk to old friends, make new
ones and makes =
game playing (or watching) more dynamic and friendly!
=
The Beta 2 version also contains tools for professional and serious
players. When issuing an =
invitation, players can check on the effect winning or losing a game
will have on their =
rating; players can now create and edit matches, track game scores
including games in =
progress, see a list of users connected to the server while playing a
game. You can also =
tailor the list of people who show up on your match board - as well
as indicate anyone on =
your affinity list and, in particular, anyone with whom you have an
unfinished match. =
For people who have used the GamesGrid previously now, when you are
on the game board, you =
can talk to players on the match board. Additionally, the accept
invitations status is fully =
functional, the invite dialog has undergone some requested changes
and the ranking list =
filter now has a maximum of ten. (It also allows players to page
through the ranking list.) =
The match board redraws more rapidly, you can send multiple
invitations simultaneously =
and, since downloads from the server are now in smaller blocks, the
match board populates =
faster. And, to let players know how soon a match will be completed,
game score tracking =
has been added to the match board. =
To enhance communication, ten programmable macros (shortcut keys)
have been added for =
expressions or phrases that you type frequently. Once you have
created your set of phrases =
(such as Thanks for the game! or I've never seen such great
rolling!), the macros will =
enable you to more easily and speedily chat with players and
watchers.
A five minute tutorial featuring 10 screens that describe the new
features of GamesGrid is also =
available with the download. It contains step-by-step help on
important topics such as how =
to communicate with users, watch a game, invite a player and play a
game etc. The tutorial =
allows novice users or those new to GamesGrid to quickly understand
how to play =
Backgammon on the Net. There is also reference help for more
advanced players.
All GamesGrid players are now invited to use Version 1.0 Beta 2 Build
130. We thank you for =
your participation and continue to look forward to your feedback.
See tou on the Grid!
Ken Arnold
President, CyberArts the authors of GamesGrid
Julian
Would you trust a software house who can't format plain text to 80
columns? 8-)
--
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Julian Hayward 'Booles' on FIBS jul...@ratbag.demon.co.uk
+44-1344-640656 http://www.ratbag.demon.co.uk/
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"A week is a long time in politics, and three weeks is twice as long."
- Rosie Barnes MP
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