Open games are games where the roles and mechanics of the game are exactly known to all players from the beginning of the game. Open games are played in the Central Park forum, and moderators sign up to moderate those games in this queue. Some open setups are old classics that have been played many times, and some are brand new.
Some setups are called "Semi-Open setups". This term means that something about the setup is randomized at the beginning of the game, usually which roles are used. If there is any mod discretion in the process, the setup isn't Semi-Open and therefore not open, but when the randomization is clearly defined, Semi-Open setups are a type of Open game.
The queues overlap somewhat; opens with a strong theme can be run in the Mini Theme Queue, and opens with fewer than ten players can be run in the Micro Queue. In those cases, moderators may choose where to queue the game.
Signup rules - Any player may sign up for a game, although the newbie queue is recommended for site newbies. To sign up for a game, type "/in" and add the name of the game in signups you want to play. Failing to specify a game risks being ignored. Be confident you can honor your other commitments when joining games. Hydras are allowed in the open queue to the extent the moderator is okay with them. Moderators have the right to reject any signup for any reason; this is most commonly used to respect player blacklists. If you wish to join a game that is not in signups yet, PM the mod asking to pre-in, which will reserve a slot for you when the game enters signups (you will need to confirm it). Mods may have at most 2/3 of their game size, rounded down, filled with pre-ins.
Universal Modding requirements - All users who wish to moderate a game must have spent three months onsite, and must have played at least one game as a player. A moderator cannot be active in multiple minis (Normal, Theme, Open) unless every mini involved has a backup moderator.
Universal Modding expectations - Moderators need to follow site rules and provide either their backup mod or the open queue listmod access to their mod PT. (If I am playing in the game, add another listmod instead.) They need to start their game 72 hours after it fills and update their game at least as often as the prod timer for their game. All possible role PM's must be provided either on the setup's wiki page/forum post, or in the OP of the game. If the setup page has role PM's, the moderator does not have to follow their formatting exactly, but they must provide at least one sample role PM in their OP.
First time moderation requirements - First time moderators must moderate a setup from the list of Approved Open Setups or one of the current Featured Open Setups. After modding one game, in any queue, they become eligible to mod other setups.
Queue slots - Only two setups are in signups at any one time. These are referred to as "slots". A game can occupy a slot for 18 days before it is pulled (unless the mod queue is empty, in which case games will pause at 3 days remaining). If a game has not filled at least 30% of its slots by 9 days, it may be pulled at my discretion.
A select number of setups will be included on the list of Featured Open Setups, which is a tweaked list of setups managed by the Open queue listmod with the assistance of the open review group. The purpose of this list varies, but it represents setups that we feel should be brought to wider attention. If there are any Featured setups in the queue, they will get priority in Slot 2. Slot 1 will always take whichever game is first in the queue.
Queue form - Use this form to join the queue:
- Code: Select all
/in to mod
[area][b]Game Name:[/b]
[b]Back-Up or Co-Mod:[/b] [i]Not required, but strongly recommended[/i]
[b]First Time Open Mod (Y/N)?[/b]
[b]Link to Setup:[/b] [i]Wiki or Open Setup subforum link for the setup[/i]
[b]Daytalk (Y/N)?[/b] [i]Recommended[/i]
[b]Number of Players:[/b]
[b]Hydras:[/b] [i]Will you allow hydras to sign up?[/i]
[b]Deadlines:[/b] [i]What are the phase lengths and prod timers?[/i]
[b]Restrictions:[/b] [i]Are there restrictions or special rules for your game?[/i][/area]
We are always looking for new setups to add to the Approved Open Setups list (especially 13-player ones). If we see a setup that consistently fills quickly and is enjoyed by the playerlist, we will consider it for addition to the list. Therefore, if there's a setup you like that you think should be added-- run it! Or post here that you would like to see it run. While the queue isn't the place for off-topic conversation, you're free to make a single post every so often listing setups you'd like to play in.
Resources:
Approved Open Setups
Featured Open Setups
Open setup discussion subforum - if you have an original setup you want to run, you should post it here first for feedback
Open setup review thread (can be better than making a new thread for a small idea)
Previous Open Queue thread