> On Jun 2, 2020, at 22:40, Dave Ahn <ahn at netrek.org> wrote:
> 
> 
>> On Wed, Jun 3, 2020 at 1:05 AM Darrell Root <darrellroot at mac.com> wrote:
> 
>> I’m also curious how many of you have iPads with 3-button mice.  I suspect a native iPadOS port is possible and am curious regarding the interest level.  But I think the game is too complex for an iPhone version.
> 
> I think a version of Netrek that works on modern day tablets and smartphones could be a game changer.  On the one hand, it should make the game really accessible and could lead to a revival of sorts.  Netrek doesn't need millions of players but really just hundreds to sustain regular pickup play 24x7.  There are surely that many old geezers and enthusiasts.  On the other hand, it would involve some serious changes in attitude towards the UI and game mechanics.  It's arguable whether this is good for Netrek in its historical form and context (most of us would probably consider it destructive).  But at the end of the day, it's compelling to say that some sacrifices should be tolerated for the sake of long term survival.
> 
> The game is certainly too complex for non-keyboard, non-mouse devices.  But if it's possible to use voice as an input to substitute for messaging (macros) and most keyboard actions, it could work.  The non-computer players would be at a serious disadvantage vs computer players, so perhaps there would need to be some exploration about creating a reasonable balance if both are in the same game, i.e. handicaps placed on computer players or advantages given to non-computer players.  Or, it might make sense to separate them into different servers, classic vs new-gen.

I don’t know that tablet players would necessarily be at a disadvantage.

Let’s say we moved all commands to the screen. You tap on the galactic to get info on planets/ships (long press) and lock onto things (short press). You tap on the tactical to set course (short press) and lock onto local things (long press). Tap on a ship with one finger to phaser. Tap with two fingers to fire torps (doesn’t have to be on top of an enemy.) There can be little icons at the bottom of the screen for actions like cloak, drop/pick armies, etc, which can be pressed.

I suspect tap-to-phaser would be a significant improvement, even if torping is a little harder. I’d be interested in testing it...I’m on my iPad Pro constantly these days. Of course we’d have a bunch of old-timers crying borg.

This should help attract new players as well, as the UI would feel much newer with touchscreen controls and not need clunky keyboard commands to memorize. Might actually get a bunch of new players off the App Store with a modern-feeling touchscreen client.

> 
> Really nice and welcomed work, Darrell.
> 
> Dave
> 
> 
>  
>> 
>> Thanks!
>> 
>> Darrell
>> darrellroot AT mac.com
>> 
>> 
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