Waiting screen before game - FAQ

[Jest Phulin]

Whatever happened to 'if it aint broke, don't fix it'?

However, in the same time, Club member subscriptions has dropped by 25%,

Um, it was broke....

Also, read how it is working -- it looks like the frequency of the message is based on the frequency of use of the site; the more someone uses the site, the more likely they are to see the message. A casual user won't see it any more than advertising at any other site. Someone who is constantly here using resources without contributing to the site will see it more often.

[Mortech]

I really enjoy and appreciate everything BGA provides for it's user base and I'm aware that, as a free player, I don't really have the right to complain. It's just a shame to see the introduction of a feature that only serves to punish non-subscribers. It's essential, after all, for a business model like this to have a thriving user base of free players to keep the lobbies populated. I can't see how this timer will help to keep new users coming back and could easily be frustrating enough to convince a lot of casual players to leave. While initial subscriber numbers may rise I don't think this feature will do any favors for BGAs overall growth.

Having said all that, there are much worse restrictions that could potentially be placed on free users to force them into subscribing, I just hope this isn't the start of a downward spiral to a pay to play service.

[sourisdudesert]

I can't see how this timer will help to keep new users coming back and could easily be frustrating enough to convince a lot of casual players to leave

New users and casual players should not be concerned by this timer (otherwise this is a bug).

[N_Faker]

Lets see then.

So the wait time starts at 30 second, which gradually increases to 39(max?) seconds after a few plays(around 4).
The frequency of its appearance appears to increase as you play more games. Assumingly within a set timeframe?
At which point it will increase to every game. Playing around 4 games continuously, triggers it to appear on every following game.

Is this just about, correct?
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No idea if such product placement tactics actually work or not, considering how it only artificially delays people.
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The wait duration is also present in replays, but only on non premium replays?

[Mortech]

New users and casual players should not be concerned by this timer (otherwise this is a bug).

So if a new/casual player joins a lobby with several regular players, is there a timer or is it bypassed by the presence of the new/casual player? How many games does a newbie have to play before they are subject to waiting? or is it based on ELO ranking, giving beginners a free pass so to speak?

[sourisdudesert]

So if a new/casual player joins a lobby with several regular players, is there a timer or is it bypassed by the presence of the new/casual player?

It is bypassed.

[javelinjpohn]

lame. BGA. told me to wait for 30 seconds. then I waited 4 minutes. then my opponent kicked me out of the game. then I lost lots of elo. lame
it doesn't work

[Quintious]

To use a well-known quote: "It's a bold strategy, Cotton, let's see if it pays off for em".

So colour me surprised, but I was under the impression you were collecting royalties for hosting games on this site, not paying them. It's good marketing for the companies to get people into the game online, who then go out and purchase the physical game.

The nag screen, for me, is problematic. It in no way inspires me to start paying a tax to avoid it. It does, however, give me pause about playing here. Now I get it, I'm a freeloader of sorts in that I don't pay for a membership here, but that's largely because most board games are free to play online. Given that the standard for board games online is open source/free to play, it's my guess that putting up a nag screen and irritating your player base with hold timers before one is allowed to play a game. My guess is that I'm like most people, and it would sooner inspire me to just play elsewhere rather than buy into a pay model.

I'm thinking you guys should go with a different revenue stream. If you were profitable by showing everyone their ELO's, that seemed a legitimate policy, then. Personally, I never cared about them, but if you're providing value to those who do in exchange for a fee, then you have a useful free market exchange.

Right now it's just sort of a time tax.

[insult]

do you mind telling the exact condition about when will a beginner be regarded as a non-beginner and see the waiting screen ? thanks. I think knowing this can facilitate the gaming experience a lot.

[N_Faker]

do you mind telling the exact condition about when will a beginner be regarded as a non-beginner and see the waiting screen ? thanks. I think knowing this can facilitate the gaming experience a lot.

30 days from join date