Starcraft 2: Why Diplomacy Fell Flat

why did starcraft 2 diplomacy never take off

StarCraft 2 is a popular video game with a dedicated fan base. One of the custom maps for the game is called Diplomacy, which is based on real-world geography and can support up to seven players, each choosing an initial state and starting location. The objective is to dominate the map through force and cooperation with other players, usually by securing cities for resources. However, Diplomacy has not been widely played, with some players reporting difficulties finding lobbies and lag due to large numbers of active units. This has led to a lack of interest from map makers in creating new Diplomacy maps, which may explain why StarCraft 2 Diplomacy never took off.

Characteristics Values
Difficulty High
Number of Players Up to 7 players and 1 computer-controlled player
Gameplay Different from the board game rules, plays more like Starcraft (melee) with a different rule set
Lag High due to a large number of active units
Maps Based on real-world geography, with each map portraying a different area like Europe or Oceania
Objective Dominate the map through force and cooperation with other players by securing "cities" for resources
Teams Players may form teams after the game starts
Winning Condition One player or team conquers the majority of the cities or totally eliminates the opposition

cycivic

The game's mechanics differ from the board game rules, playing more like Starcraft (melee)

StarCraft is a popular game that has spawned a large and dedicated fan base. One of the custom maps created by the community is called Diplomacy, which is based on real-world geography. The objective is to dominate the map through force and cooperation with other players, usually by securing "cities" for resources. The game mechanics differ from the board game rules, playing more like Starcraft (melee).

Diplomacy is a unique genre of custom StarCraft and StarCraft II multiplayer maps. Each map may portray a different area, like Europe or Oceania, and the game can support up to seven players, each choosing an initial "state" and its starting location. An eighth player is computer-controlled, representing neutral and conquerable territories. Players may form teams after the game starts, and it usually begins with small border skirmishes that can escalate into full-blown country knockouts.

The game differs from the board game in several ways. For example, resources are gathered from cities, either by owning a city or, in some versions, by simply running an army through it. Special units are also available from capitals, and players tend to adopt a more diplomatic playstyle. When starting as a European country, players tend to gang up on those who over-expand, not wanting them to get an advantage.

The Diplomacy maps have a large number of active units, which can lead to lag, especially in versions without limits on unit quantity. This can make the game challenging, even for experienced StarCraft players, as it requires a more defensive playstyle, at least in the early portions of the game.

Despite the differences from the board game, Diplomacy has a dedicated following, with players sharing strategies and fond memories of their gameplay.

cycivic

Diplomacy games with large numbers of active units can cause lag

StarCraft is a well-known and loved game, with a dedicated fan base. Diplomacy, or "Diplo", is a genre of custom StarCraft and StarCraft II multiplayer maps. The maps are based on real-world geography, with each map portraying a different area, like Europe or Oceania. The objective is to dominate the map through force and cooperation with other players, usually by securing "cities" for resources.

Diplomacy games can have very large numbers of active units, which can cause lag, especially in versions without limits on unit quantities. This can be a problem for players, as managing all that space and those units can be a challenge and a test of one's gaming skills. The lag can be frustrating for players, especially when trying to coordinate large-scale attacks or defences.

In addition, the Diplomacy maps have under 100 hours played in total, making it difficult to find lobbies and active players. This has led to a decrease in the creation of new maps, as map makers are shying away from big warfare maps. This further reduces the appeal of the game mode, as players are left with fewer options and potentially outdated maps.

The lag and lack of active players can be seen as interconnected issues, with the technical difficulties of managing large unit numbers driving players away and reducing the overall popularity of the game mode. This, in turn, leads to fewer players to share the technical burden, creating a cycle that ultimately hinders the growth and development of the Diplomacy game mode.

cycivic

The game is difficult, even for experienced RTS players

StarCraft's custom map, Diplomacy, is considered a challenging game, even for experienced RTS players. The game's mechanics are unique, and players need to adapt to its intricacies. While the predictability of enemy attacks is a notable feature, with players able to anticipate the direction and timing of attacks, the game still presents a formidable challenge.

Diplomacy demands a defensive style of gameplay, at least initially, as players are advised to focus on scouting, gathering resources, and building defences. The game requires careful management of various aspects, such as troop deployment, resource collection, and expansion. Players must make strategic decisions, such as when to advance into enemy camps and when to retreat. The complexity of the game is further amplified by the potential for large numbers of active units, which can lead to lag and add to the overall difficulty.

The learning curve for Diplomacy is steep, and even players who have conquered StarCraft 2 on Brutal difficulty have found Diplomacy to be a formidable opponent. Players can expect to face repeated defeats before developing a solid understanding of the game's mechanics and strategies. The game demands quick thinking and adaptability, as players must balance defence and expansion while fending off relentless enemy attacks.

The unique features of Diplomacy, such as the focus on city domination and cooperation with other players, add to the complexity. The game's dynamic nature, with players forming teams and alliances, creates a challenging and unpredictable environment. Managing resources, territory, and diplomatic relationships becomes increasingly difficult as the game progresses and players vie for dominance.

Overall, Diplomacy in StarCraft 2 offers a demanding and distinctive gameplay experience that tests even the most seasoned RTS players. Its combination of strategic depth, intense action, and unpredictable elements creates a steep learning curve that challenges players to adapt and refine their strategies continuously.

cycivic

The game is more oriented towards defensive-style players

StarCraft's custom map, Diplomacy, is a unique genre of multiplayer maps based on real-world geography. While the game's objective is to dominate the map, the predictability of enemy attacks makes it more suitable for defensive-style players. This is especially true in the early game, where players are advised to scout the map and take out small enemy camps rather than engaging in large-scale battles.

In Diplomacy, players choose an initial "state" and starting location, with the goal of securing "cities" for resources and ultimately conquering the map. The game accommodates up to seven players, with an eighth computer-controlled player representing neutral territories. Players may form teams and employ strategies, such as expanding cautiously or aggressively, to achieve victory.

The predictability of enemy attacks in Diplomacy is a key factor that influences the gameplay style. Players can anticipate where and when attacks will come, allowing them to prepare their defences and strategize accordingly. This predictability favours defensive-style players who can effectively plan their moves and fortify their positions.

Additionally, the game mechanics encourage a more cautious approach. Players are advised to start by exploring their surroundings, collecting resources, and taking out small enemy camps. This gradual expansion helps players build a solid defence before engaging in larger battles. The game becomes increasingly challenging, testing players' abilities to adapt and strengthen their strategies.

Diplomacy's orientation towards defensive-style players is further emphasized by the significant number of active units involved. The management of large armies can be overwhelming, especially when considering the lag that may occur with versions having no limits on unit quantity. This complexity adds a layer of difficulty, making it crucial for players to adopt a thoughtful and strategic approach rather than relying solely on aggression.

cycivic

The game's maps are based on real-world geography

StarCraft's Diplomacy is a genre of custom StarCraft and StarCraft II multiplayer maps. The game maps are based on real-world geography, with each map portraying a different area, like Europe or Oceania. The objective is to dominate the map through force and cooperation with other players, usually by securing "cities" for resources. Cities are represented by "doodads" or beacons at their real-world locations, and players must overcome surrounding defences to capture them.

The maps may support up to seven players, each choosing an initial "state" and its starting location. An eighth player is computer-controlled, representing neutral and conquerable territories. Players may form teams after the game starts. The game ends when one player or team conquers the majority of the cities or eliminates the opposition.

Diplomacy games can have very large numbers of active units, leading to lag, especially in versions without limits on unit quantities. This can make the game challenging, even on the easiest difficulty levels. The predictability of enemy attacks, however, makes the game more oriented towards defensive-style players.

Some players have expressed a preference for certain maps, such as Diplo Infinity 2.8a, and specific countries to play as, like Germany, Spain, or Ireland, due to their unique advantages and strategies.

Frequently asked questions

Written by
Reviewed by

Explore related products

Share this post
Print
Did this article help you?

Leave a comment