Please, implement computer opponents

[Infi220]

Computer opponents is the #1 feature I greatly miss on BGA. Even if the AI is not sophisticated it's still very useful as it allows practicing new games without worrying about restarting, losing or boring another human with my learning playthrough. Computer opponents were implemented on another online gaming site HappyMeeple while the site was active and many players used them.

[Meeplelowda]

it's still very useful as it allows practicing new games without worrying about restarting, losing or boring another human with my learning playthrough.

This can be achieved by starting a game in hotseat mode in which you would control all the players.

[Infi220]

That is not the same. I also enjoy playing games solo but most games require 2P+ and those that have a solo mode have modified rules. A computer player would allow me to play 2P+ games with standard multiplayer rules without having to play two-handed (which spoils the experience as it gives me 100% information from the 2nd player).

[klkitchens]

Computer opponents is the #1 feature I greatly miss on BGA. Even if the AI is not sophisticated it's still very useful as it allows practicing new games without worrying about restarting, losing or boring another human with my learning playthrough. Computer opponents were implemented on another online gaming site HappyMeeple while the site was active and many players used them.

Agreed. This would be a massive plus!

[Infi220]

There are also less popular games in which it takes several hours to find anyone willing to join. If there was a computer opponent feature I could play those unpopular games without waiting a long time for a 2nd player.

[ufm]

Currently, BGA does not allow implementing bots. It's a big red flag.
Note: Automas are not bots.

[cigma]

Programming and testing „intelligent“ computer opponents is a tremendous work to do. Consider that most programming work on BGA is done by volunteers in their free time. There isn’t even enough work force to support some decisive game bugs and the most voted suggestions. Given all that, it’s very unlikely to happen as you request.

But there are several other ways to help you with your problem:

1) You may use videos and BGA tutorials for your learning process. You can find them on the main page of each game in the learning section.

2) Watch some Let’s play videos or BGA replays played by other members.

3) Start your games in friendly mode, so no one has to worry about losing or cancelling a game. Besides, those games have no time restiction - but note that they are automatically cancelled after 4 hours without taking action.

4) Play games in slow mode or even turnbased-mode in order to have enough thinking time without boring someone. Playing turn-based is also helpful in finding opponents in less popular games. Or you may use the BGA bell function for that.

5) Learn games together with other people, like some friends or one of these groups:
Game Tutors https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=1111129
Talkative and friendly games https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=1088438
Play a game we have never played https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=10129965
Discover and Play all games - Tester tous les jeux https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=7553079
Goal: Playing Every BGA Game https://boardgamearena.com/group?id=10943848

Have fun

[cigma]

I forgot to mention that about 20% of the games on BGA have a solo mode, which is also very helpful to learn a game. You can find the complete list here: https://boardgamearena.com/gamelist?players=1 But remember, to open a table of a premium game you have to be a premium member.

[Infi220]

Thank you for the feedback. What you say makes a lot of sense. I actually played several solo and friendly games but I stopped once I realized they hurt my stats. I posted about this here: https://boardgamearena.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=41528
One solution could be to create another account just for solo and friendly games, but then I'd need to re-add my friends there and they may not be too excited about having me on their friend list under two accounts.