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{THIS_GAME_BUGS}
#37022: "Tournament mode : skip functionality is abused by some players, which ruins the overall experience"
#37022: "Tournament mode : skip functionality is abused by some players, which ruins the overall experience"
What happened? Please select from below
Suggestion: in my opinion, the following would greatly improve the website
What happened? Please select from below
Suggestion: in my opinion, the following would greatly improve the website
Please check if there is already a report on the same subject
If yes, please VOTE for this report. Reports with the most votes are given PRIORITY!
| # | Status | Votes | Game | Type | Title | Last update |
|---|
Detailed description
• Please copy/paste the error message you see on your screen, if applicable.
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Please explain what you wanted to do, what you did and what happened
• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• Please copy/paste the text displayed in English instead of your language. If you have a screenshot of this bug (good practice), you can use Imgur.com to upload it and copy/paste the link here.
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Is this text available in the translation system? If yes, has it been translated for more than 24 hours?
• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• Please explain your suggestion precisely and concisely so that it's as easy as possible to understand what you mean.
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• What was displayed on the screen when you were blocked (Blank screen? Part of the game interface? Error message?)
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• Which part of the rules was not followed by the BGA adaptation?
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Is the rules violation visible on game replay? If yes, at which move number?
• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• What was the game action you wanted to do?
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• What did you try to do to trigger this game action?
• What happened when you tried to do this (error message, game status bar message, ...)?
• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• At which step of the game did the problem occur? What was the current game instruction?
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• What happened when you tried to do this game action (error message, game status bar message, ...)?
• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• Please describe the display issue. If you have a screenshot of this bug (good practice), you can use Imgur.com to upload it and copy/paste the link here.
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• Please copy/paste the text displayed in English instead of your language. If you have a screenshot of this bug (good practice), you can use Imgur.com to upload it and copy/paste the link here.
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Is this text available in the translation system? If yes, has it been translated for more than 24 hours?
• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
• Please explain your suggestion precisely and concisely so that it's as easy as possible to understand what you mean.
Need to improve the tournament setup options, so that the "skip player" functionality can be disabled, or is less likely to occur.
This problem is especially prevalent in tournaments with 4+ players per table. Even if one player's time runs out, the majority of players are happy to continue the game, especially if it is nearing the end.
Currently, it is very frustrating for everyone, when someone decides to "skip" a player, especially when only several minutes of over-allocation has past.• Which browser are you using?
Google Chrome v89
Report history
Mar 23rd 2021 14:34 • PurpleTurkey • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
Suggestions for additional tournament setup options :
1. Option to disable the "skip" player function.
This should be clearly stated in the tournament page, so that players who like the "skip" function, do not enter the tournament.
By having this option, the game can continue until completion, even if a player's time allocation expires.
If the total game duration is exceeded, then the current rules will apply.
2. Disassociate the total game duration from the player time allocation.
In the current options, the total game duration = player time allocation x number of players.
But this results in VERY long games, which can be even worse than "skipping" players.
An option to make each player allocation independent of the game duration could be added.
In all the above scenarios, the player(s) who exceeded their time allocation, will still lose reputation points etc.
1. Option to disable the "skip" player function.
This should be clearly stated in the tournament page, so that players who like the "skip" function, do not enter the tournament.
By having this option, the game can continue until completion, even if a player's time allocation expires.
If the total game duration is exceeded, then the current rules will apply.
2. Disassociate the total game duration from the player time allocation.
In the current options, the total game duration = player time allocation x number of players.
But this results in VERY long games, which can be even worse than "skipping" players.
An option to make each player allocation independent of the game duration could be added.
In all the above scenarios, the player(s) who exceeded their time allocation, will still lose reputation points etc.
Mar 31st 2021 6:43 • Justin Jake • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
Without the skip option, there might as well be no time limit for games.
Apr 9th 2021 5:19 • ExpendableEnsign • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
"If the total game duration is exceeded, then the current rules will apply" is a terrible result though.
Common scenario:
Player A takes 5 mins to take first move.
Player B takes 10 mins to take first move.
Player C takes 15 mins to take first move.
Player D never plays at all.
Currently, if players are sensible, someone will skip D.
Otherwise, game ends 2 weeks later. Result: A wins, followed by B, C and D.
A huge amount of time is wasted, A gets full points for no particularly good reason and C's tournament standing is ruined by D not playing.
What really needs to happen is for D to be skipped and the other players to continue playing and for their actual results to be recorded, not voided.
Common scenario:
Player A takes 5 mins to take first move.
Player B takes 10 mins to take first move.
Player C takes 15 mins to take first move.
Player D never plays at all.
Currently, if players are sensible, someone will skip D.
Otherwise, game ends 2 weeks later. Result: A wins, followed by B, C and D.
A huge amount of time is wasted, A gets full points for no particularly good reason and C's tournament standing is ruined by D not playing.
What really needs to happen is for D to be skipped and the other players to continue playing and for their actual results to be recorded, not voided.
Apr 15th 2021 10:26 • PurpleTurkey • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
In reply to ExpendableEnsign :
If a solution is implemented correctly, there would be no need to have tournaments with a 2 week game duration, as you suggest in your example. For the majority of tournaments, a 1 week game duration would be more than sufficient.
And the example you provide is not the main issue (someone who does not start their game) : in this case, no one has really started playing, so there is no frustration in terms of time investment. Sure, this slows down a tournament, but this has always been an "issue" with BGA tournaments.
The issue is with a game with significant progress (ie 75%) : the majority of players have invested considerable time in a game, only to have someone use the "skip" function, and cancels all the investment players have made in the game (It's not just one player, it's many players who are impacted).
And an important point : often a player use the "skip" function immediately after someone's allocated time has expired, which is abusing the fair use of the "skip" function.
And I think you will find that your final suggestion will be extremely difficult to implement for BGA (allow other players to continue playing). This will require a major change to game mechanics.
My suggestions do not require a change the game mechanics (it only restricts how a game can end).
If a solution is implemented correctly, there would be no need to have tournaments with a 2 week game duration, as you suggest in your example. For the majority of tournaments, a 1 week game duration would be more than sufficient.
And the example you provide is not the main issue (someone who does not start their game) : in this case, no one has really started playing, so there is no frustration in terms of time investment. Sure, this slows down a tournament, but this has always been an "issue" with BGA tournaments.
The issue is with a game with significant progress (ie 75%) : the majority of players have invested considerable time in a game, only to have someone use the "skip" function, and cancels all the investment players have made in the game (It's not just one player, it's many players who are impacted).
And an important point : often a player use the "skip" function immediately after someone's allocated time has expired, which is abusing the fair use of the "skip" function.
And I think you will find that your final suggestion will be extremely difficult to implement for BGA (allow other players to continue playing). This will require a major change to game mechanics.
My suggestions do not require a change the game mechanics (it only restricts how a game can end).
Aug 23rd 2021 19:33 • Vandaley • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
This is especially a problem with simultaneous play. It is one thing is turn-by-turn play like Carcasonne where a player is playing much too slow, it is another in a game like 7 Wonders were clocks all run at the same time, it means that the total of time left for all players will always sum to less that the total time allowed for the tournament game. I have a suggestion about this here: boardgamearena.com/bug?id=41933
Oct 1st 2021 21:46 • freshhotpizzna • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
I was in first place in a 5 player game, and the last place player skipped the (out of time) 4th place player AFTER 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place finished, invalidating the game and corrupting the resulting tournament standings. Instead of receiving full 1st place standing, I received the average penalty standing despite having already won the game.
Feb 6th 2022 19:33 • FSKFSK • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
Tournaments right now have a pretty severe problem with absent players and severely slow players (players who only make 1-2 moves a day for a game that would take 40+ moves to finish).
My recommendations:
- Tournaments should use a Fisher clock system like regular turn-based games, something like +8 hours per move with a 1-2 day limit or other options for move frequency.
- If a player timeouts in a tournament, the game just ends rather than letting other people abuse the timeout system. (A player who is doing well in the game would want the game to finish, a player who is doing poorly in the game would want the game to be abandoned.)
- If it's a swiss tournament, a player who timeouts is kicked from the tournament, and the other players get points as if they had a bye. Those players can be paired together again if a tournament is configured for "don't pair the same players twice".
- If it's a multiplayer elimination tournament, everyone else advances even if the tournament was not configured that way. (I.e., if the tournament was "6 play 3 advance" and someone runs out of time, then the other 5 players advance.)
- If a player has too many tournament timeouts, they're banned from entering tournaments for awhile.
My recommendations:
- Tournaments should use a Fisher clock system like regular turn-based games, something like +8 hours per move with a 1-2 day limit or other options for move frequency.
- If a player timeouts in a tournament, the game just ends rather than letting other people abuse the timeout system. (A player who is doing well in the game would want the game to finish, a player who is doing poorly in the game would want the game to be abandoned.)
- If it's a swiss tournament, a player who timeouts is kicked from the tournament, and the other players get points as if they had a bye. Those players can be paired together again if a tournament is configured for "don't pair the same players twice".
- If it's a multiplayer elimination tournament, everyone else advances even if the tournament was not configured that way. (I.e., if the tournament was "6 play 3 advance" and someone runs out of time, then the other 5 players advance.)
- If a player has too many tournament timeouts, they're banned from entering tournaments for awhile.
Dec 5th 2024 18:00 • BananaHarambe • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
Please fix tournaments to allow organizers more options with time settings and ability to disable skipping.
Skipping currently has no consideration on whether a game will reasonably be completed on time or if it's a truly AFK player with no chance of a game finishing. Please just allow us to disable skip in tournaments and let maximum game duration take care of it.
Skipping rarely makes the tournament advance faster anyways. Players are usually waiting for another table to finish anyways.
Skipping currently has no consideration on whether a game will reasonably be completed on time or if it's a truly AFK player with no chance of a game finishing. Please just allow us to disable skip in tournaments and let maximum game duration take care of it.
Skipping rarely makes the tournament advance faster anyways. Players are usually waiting for another table to finish anyways.
Dec 6th 2024 0:50 • Infinitum90 • This suggestion has not been analyzed by the developers yet:
Especially in tournaments with 24h playtime (which is the most fair setting), a matchup of players from different regions can be hugely advantagious in terms of clock for one or the other. E.g. take an EU player who mostly plays in the afternoon and evening vs. an Asian player. It is not unlikely, that the EU player looses around 16h of clock time every day of the match. And the same applies the other way around for EU vs. NA. The maximum game time should be the hard limit on the game without any need for an option to skip on another player which offers potential abuse and impacts competitive integrity.
Add to this report
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- Another table ID / move ID
- Did F5 solve the problem?
- Did the problem appear several times? Every time? Randomly?
- If you have a screenshot of this bug (good practice), you can use Imgur.com to upload it and copy/paste the link here.
Change report status to:
bug?id=37022
