I am not sure about other games, but in Quarto the thinking time required varies greatly as the game progresses. Before the 4th piece is chosen, it is impossible to have a game win, and non-thinking fast random play is just about as effective as any other strategy. However, after 10 pieces have been played (less with the advanced 2x2 variant), each choice and its implications is critical. Even on slow speed, many experienced players seem to time out.
I suggest that instead of a constant amount added to the player's time bank each turn, the amount increases based on the game progression.
Something like the first move gives a player X seconds, the second 1.25X, third move 1.5X, etc. This will allow the game to still progress quickly in the beginning (if players are concerned about timing out), but still allow the increased thinking required late in the game. Just increasing the constant amount could lead to stalling in the beginning.
I suggest that instead of a constant amount added to the player's time bank each turn, the amount increases based on the game progression.
Something like the first move gives a player X seconds, the second 1.25X, third move 1.5X, etc. This will allow the game to still progress quickly in the beginning (if players are concerned about timing out), but still allow the increased thinking required late in the game. Just increasing the constant amount could lead to stalling in the beginning.
