Implementing Solo/Sam

[shoegaze]

Hmm I suppose I think solitaire games are quite a distinct thing, different in substance than board games, which are defined by testing ideas against another mind.

Solitaire games are still board games; they do not require a second person.

The social aspect is a key part of the experience for most board games, yes, but board games are not defined by it. Solo board games have existed for centuries.

[ufm]

Hmm I suppose I think solitaire games are quite a distinct thing, different in substance than board games, which are defined by testing ideas against another mind. More to the point, I think BGA is uniquely well-suited to meeting the interests and needs of board gamers, and think trying to also meet the interests and needs of solitaire gamers might create issues and distract from the core focus. So I think implementing solitaire gaming on a wholly different site would be my preference.

Is there any evidence showing solo modes generally disrupt matchmaking and harm the game at a significant level?
After all, BGA is a board gaming site and solo games are also board games as well, as shoegaze said.

Also, a lot of publishers actively request implementing solo mode.
However, solo modes are more likely to be dropped in freelance projects due to additional costs.

[electricalwell]

I would also really love to see the solo mode implemented!

[abhiroo]

Adding my vote for the Solo implementation! I just started learning this game a few days ago and love playing against Sam - wish it was an option on BGA!

[oreric]

I agree with many of you, a solo version of GWT would be great and give a chance for newer players to GWT like myself the opportunity to improve our skill in playing it w/o the pressure of playing slowly with other people. I think in the long run that has more positives than never making it solo.

[Soccerref]

It’s not a zero sum game, Patrick. Implementing a solo mode for GWT2 should in no way detract from adding Argentina. Many of us strongly support a solo mode so we can experiment with different strategies and not get blown out embarrassingly in a multiplayer game.
And because we enjoy playing solo too…

[robinzig]

It’s not a zero sum game, Patrick. Implementing a solo mode for GWT2 should in no way detract from adding Argentina.

It obviously does when, as is almost certainly the case here, the same developer would be doing both/either of them.

Especially when they may not even be getting paid for it, and even if they are, this will almost certainly not be their main source of income.

[ShelaMorton]

Just adding my wish for a solo version of GWT. I am just learning this game, and I love it, but it is so puzzling to me. If I had a hard copy of the game (which I will someday), I could play around with it until I figured it out a bit, but as it is, I have to awkwardly involve complete strangers in my fledgling attempts to learn it. It'd be nice to be at least a nominally decent player before I involve others, especially as some people get quite irritated with you when you don't know a game and play badly or, worse, take too much time to think. And I get that, I do. So solo play would let those people not have to play with me for a little while.

[Jellby]

I have to awkwardly involve complete strangers in my fledgling attempts to learn it.

Not really. You can play against yourself in hotseat mode.