Spectator implementation poll

[TheGrandmaster]

The idea of a spectator is someone that is invulnerable and invisible, being able to fly around without the constraints of the physics and be completely unnoticed by the players. This is very valuable as both an administrative (catching cheaters) and recording tool, allowing non-players to enjoy a match from a distance.

pyspades already has a type of spectator already available via the /invisible and /fly commands, however it is bound to the restraints of the current client/server mechanics.

bcoolface has already released this video showing the potential of smooth and invisible flight.

But what would be the best way to implement this ability?

[Dany0]

Let's see...

How about all of the above plus recording demos and ability to look through other players view(in demos)?

[TheGeekZeke101]

I chose:

Separate spectator team, akin to green and blue, that has complete roaming abilities and does not take up a player slot.

Though, I don't think it's the only possible situation. I would like to see it as a reward for capturing the intel. The advantage is neat.

Personally the idea I chose should involve a "catch". You shouldn't be allowed to enter a team within 30 seconds to a minute after deciding. It would turn into a huge mess of people constantly switching, getting a large advantage. Not to mention, you wouldn't be able to contact any other player AT ALL. You could very well receive PM's, see game chat, and see "Spectator's chat". If people were allowed to communicate with in-game players it would really cause alot of BS. This should also be server side. I think the host should decide who can enter it, if it is incorporated, and ect.

Off Topic: You guys should try finding a way to have multiple answers

[TheGrandmaster]

I'll make it so 2 answers may be chosen.

[HermanCain]

Would you be able to use the chat while in this mode?

[TheGrandmaster]

I don't know.
I'd say that you'd have the same controls as a separate team - you can talk to your own team (the spectators, or in the first idea, other dead members), or you can talk globally to everyone.

[Tai]

Spectator mode obviously has some great uses (filming being one of them), as well as strategic formulation. I think there needs to be a limit to interaction somehow though (IE you have to log out after using spectate mode rather than just switch to a team) Capturing the intel seems like a cool idea, too.

As a pyspades player though, I definitely think it needs to be a toggled option.

[Articsledder]

I voted for the first 2 as toggle-able, and I would also like to add that there should be some kind of inconvenience involved, such as a timer during which you may not communicate with anyone except other spectators to prevent abuse.

Another suggestion (straight from Gmod Zombies) Is to have spectators appear as birds. If you feel they are intruding, you can shoot them down. Servers may toggle shooting them down too.

[Tai]

Another suggestion (straight from Gmod Zombies) Is to have spectators appear as birds. If you feel they are intruding, you can shoot them down. Servers may toggle shooting them down too.

Love this idea.

[PXYC]

Is to have spectators appear as birds. If you feel they are intruding, you can shoot them down.

Cool but unrealistic unfortunately.

[DaDMaR]

Cool idea -
I suggest - Mute Spectators - so they are silent observers not spies in the sky.............

[Tocksman]

(Separate team idea above) except it has a server-side on/off toggle

Please be sure to include an option to kick those who have been idle in spectator for a while.

[Articsledder]

Is to have spectators appear as birds. If you feel they are intruding, you can shoot them down.

Cool but unrealistic unfortunately.

Meh, its not as unrealistic as just plain flying around invisibly.

[Beret]

It shouldn't be after death, because there isn't enough time before respawn, and increasing respawn time would lead to a whole lot of other problems. I wouldn't mind the ability to look around from your corpse with the mouse though.

I'd prefer if it was a seperate team. Easier that way for making machinima, or just overlooking a battle. Also ideal for scoping out an unfamiliar map, or just looking at a glance how the current map has been changed around since it started.

Might want to disable the spectator team's ability to chat to everyone though, I've never had a problem with it in the past, but knowing AOS's player base, you can't be too careful.

[TheGrandmaster]

(Separate team idea above) except it has a server-side on/off toggle

Please be sure to include an option to kick those who have been idle in spectator for a while.

Soldat has had a spectator team for a long while, these days many servers use scripts to do exactly what you say here. And I agree, the ability to create such scripts should be available.