The game is too forgiving towards AFK, stalling and lag

[KevonG]

The time rules already allow for very slow-paced gameplay, even when both players are active. But every few games I get an opponent that takes 1-2 minutes to complete the few clicks involved in setting up. And then you finally get into the game where turns can seemingly be stretched out almost infinitely. A rare few players have clearly done this to grief me, spamming the smile emote and stretching turns out for the maximum amount, but it's nothing in comparison to the time that's actually wasted in the average versus game.

 

I don't know if these people are trying to mow the lawn or something, while playing PTCGO simultaneously, but it's ridiculous how much time goes wasted just by sitting out the 20 seconds between actions, multiple times a turn.

 

I would really like a specific game type with all time limits halved, but since I know that won't happen, I just want to ask if you'll please start implementing some checks and penalties to fix these problems. If slow internet connection is a cause of any of them (I have no way of knowing) then these players should be stopped from queueing up. Players that consistently AFK should also get warnings and eventually penalties in my opinion. I can't say for sure this isn't happening but people play like no one has ever been punished for anything, and like the time rules are so forgiving they're basically a complete joke.

[SuperStone]

Huh.  Really?  I've always found the timer kind of restrictive.  When you take too long on one decision, it slices down your time for the next bunch, and this compounds for a while.  That's really annoying when you're at a pivotal point in the game and you need to think out every choice and run through every possible scenario.

 

Now, if someone is outright spamming, don't hesitate to report them.  You can do that via clicking on their avatar during the match.

 

But surely you don't think people shouldn't be able to play just because they have slow internet?  This is a free game- and that means it has to be available to all income brackets, including those who can't afford high-speed wi-fi.  It's also a worldwide game- and some places simply don't have access to good internet.  There's really nothing you can do about slow connections.  So really, my advice is this: be patient.  Understand that people are taking time because they have to.  And make sure you remember that they are people.

Edited December 5, 2018 by SuperStone

[SandaledOtter]

The time limit in events is halved.

 

 

Yes, you still have just as much time per action, but you can't waste it as much.

[Chasista]

A rare few players have clearly done this to grief me, spamming the smile emote and stretching turns out for the maximum amount,

 

I just want to ask if you'll please start implementing some checks and penalties to fix these problems

Players that consistently AFK should also get warnings and eventually penalties in my opinion.

 

people play like no one has ever been punished for anything,

 

I absolutely agree

 

And it seems for TPCi in this game there's no point in reporting.

 

But hey, can be kids, can be new players, can be slow connections... I always think, if I don't have time enough, don't play the game. And yes, that can be 45 minutes for a game, absolutely crazy, but goal is to enjoy. If you're not going to enjoy, better choosing another entertainment.