New Forum: War Gaming and Technology
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Basic List
Fundamentals of establishing an environment for video and audio broadcasting of a miniature war game event for remote players, using IP Pan/Tilt/Zoom cameras.
Rule #1: DO NOT USE DIGITAL ZOOM. Use only optical zoom or camera reposition.
Rule #2: NO BAD AUDIO. All captured audio must be with the best and most affordable microphones affordable.
Rule #3: SIGN BOARD OR POWERPOINT SLIDE announcements. A dry or wet erase board/easel or powerpoint slide must be shown on screen showing an image or text describing any pauses or breaks and resume time, or jump-to slides describing where the game is at in phases or events, for instance, "Back in 10 minutes" or "Next Episode in 20 minutes.."
Software or broadcast software must be available to enable switching the source to computer screen instead of camera, one example is ManyCam.
Rule #4: HEX GRID MOST LIKELY NEEDED. Almost certainly, a hex grid system must be used especially if games are to be replicated in other locations for simulcasting events.
Rule #5: ANCIENT/MEDIEVAL GAMES ARE EASIEST. Or, Horse and Musket and Ancients games are likely to be more successful because of their grand tactical nature, i.e. skirmish games will be more difficult to manage.