Multiplayer PvP suggestion.

[Splitframe]

Hi,

I don't want to go into the specifics of the "how, if, when and should we" of the PvP Multiplayer in factorio, but should
it happen I would like to suggest a possible unit mechanic.

I happened to remember Starcraft ZoneControl recently and I thought it would fit nicely into the factorio scheme.

For those who don't know, Starcraft ZC is a custom map for Starcraft ( du'h ) and Warcraft. ( Please google it for the whole rule set )
The mechanic I'd like to mention is that you don't really control every individual unit just the whole mop.

Aside from some special units you would only control groups of units, but not only one unit.

Baracks ( Combat Robot Facilities? ) would produce directly into a group and groups can only be split evenly,
split by unit class or merged. Yes theoretically you could make n groups of 1 unit, but... well yeah... no.

I think it would fit because it plays into factorio's " automate it and mass it " concept. Many small units in groups
and those who have more resources and can produce many more robots with better upgrades win.

Hope you like it.

[GewaltSam]

I'd like a concept like that.

When I read that Factorio "may" go into a RTS direction in late (end-) game, i was a bit scared. Don't get me wrong, I love strategy, but I don't want to command a bunch of units around Starcraft style (or similar). If I get to set some kind of unit composition (not bot for bot, more like "3 factories for that and one for this high-end-unit"), and give them pretty simple commands, that would be great. Let me, for example, configure a rough walking direction, or set them on base watch (maybe patrolling my factory?). Let me give them the order to search and destroy a specific part of the map. Maybe I need relay stations to keep them under control? Maybe some kind of "strategic controller unit" that I need to keep the horde in check, like officer bots?

The thing I really DON'T wanna do is micromanaging units. It is a game about automation, after all. I want to build the structure, the infrastructure, the production. I want to tell them what they need to do, but they should then do it for themselves. If I find myself sitting in a command center right-clicking bunches of units into my enemies' base, then Factorio won't be my game any more.

[LordFedora]

I think it would be very factorio-esk if you started needing to micro manage the robots, but in true factorio style, you automate that to

[GewaltSam]

I think it would be very factorio-esk if you started needing to micro manage the robots, but in true factorio style, you automate that to

That would be fine. Micromanaging should be in most cases kind of unefficient, though - else, it goes the RTS road and you don't have a chance against people who simply micro manage better and quicker (like, pulling back damaged units, attacking from two sides, etc.). I would like to set up such attacks before they start, but I don't want to control them doing it the whole time. More quantity ("His defenses held! SEND MOAR!!"), less "quality attacks" (e.g. micromanaged attacks with control of specific units) would be the right way for Factorio, in my opinion.

Maybe I am trying to force my own style of gameplay on factorio here; I am just not a big fan of "hectic" and APM-focused strategy (APM = Actions per minute; the number of keystrokes and clicks you perform per minute. You need a higher number for good micro management), and I don't think it would fit this great game, either.

[Splitframe]

That would be fine. Micromanaging should be in most cases kind of unefficient, though - else, it goes the RTS road and you don't have a chance against people who simply micro manage better and quicker (like, pulling back damaged units, attacking from two sides, etc.). I would like to set up such attacks before they start, but I don't want to control them doing it the whole time. More quantity ("His defenses held! SEND MOAR!!"), less "quality attacks" (e.g. micromanaged attacks with control of specific units) would be the right way for Factorio, in my opinion.

Maybe I am trying to force my own style of gameplay on factorio here; I am just not a big fan of "hectic" and APM-focused strategy (APM = Actions per minute; the number of keystrokes and clicks you perform per minute. You need a higher number for good micro management), and I don't think it would fit this great game, either.

Exactly what I thought, hectic elements would totally destroy factorios calm gamestyle, an attack should only be kind of an "Attack and Forget" move.