[Controls] PAYG: Priority Construction

[Golan2781]

Subject:
An addition to the Pay-As-You-Go system allowing to mark orders for reliable construction.

Description:
This is meant to reduce the need to gauge rates in a PAYG economy. Using a special command when placing an order, players can make sure the unit will be built as fast as possible.
Currently, when several orders are being processed and the player runs out of money, any subsequently gained money is distributed evenly among all orders, increasing the time it takes to finish each. A priority order will ensure that an order is processed as quickly as possible.

In order to place a priority order, a modifier key ([shift], [ctrl], [alt]) needs to be pressed when making a construction order.
If the player has enough money, the cost of the object is subtracted immediately. As the object has already been payed for, it will be constructed without pausing even if the player runs out of money.
If the player doesn't have enough money, the object is added to a priority queue. If the player runs out of money, any income will first be spent on the objects of the priority queue before regular construction resumes. Money is assigned directly to the priority queue (not just at the rate of construction upkeep) meaning once a player has more money then needed to finish priority construction, regular construction resumes even before the priority objects have been finished.

A priority order would be marked in the UI, for example with a red frame around the icon.

Positive Effect:
Players can count on the reliability of Pay-Up-Front when needed.
Players can quickly adjust their production without having to cancel/stop other queues.


Negative Effect:
Reduces the skill required to manage rates.
Adds additional control overhead.

Media:
[None]

[[GR]Agm]

I *might* be able to get behind this even though it means any old noob can go "LOL CTRL+CLICK" and queue up 10 units whether they have the money or not, effectively eliminating C&C's already basic macro entirely from the skill pool. Would be nothing more than a noob crutch, but at least build rates would be semi-reliable.

[Golan2781]

I don't understand what you're trying to say, simply queuing up units would not be changed by this. This only has an effect with multiple queues operating simultaneously, otherwise it's the same as before.

[stormgear]

*sits comfy on a chair and grabs some popcorn and drinks and waits for the Golan v Agm showdown :P*

I think he meant that this idea is a spoonfeed for cluttered build queues. Instead of just you do the management on building the units that you need on the go or specifically building what you just need, you now have a special command to shoulder that burden for you.

Other than that this is a good improvement for the PAYG system. This can be good for players who likes to "plan ahead" on what units they want to build while they micro off more important stuff.

Edit:
Btw, what is the "[strg]" key? Is it "stormgear" key? :P

[[GR]Agm]

I don't understand what you're trying to say, simply queuing up units would not be changed by this. This only has an effect with multiple queues operating simultaneously, otherwise it's the same as before.

Your idea is for a pay-as-you-go system, which allows players without money, to queue up units. Your idea would do a great job of making build times more consistent in a PAYG system, but the nature of pay-as-you-go allows players with sloppy multi-tasking skills to produce units as well as someone with great multi-tasking skills.

So while I like your proposed improvement for PAYG, PAYG is still a noob crutch money management system compared to pay up front. Thus I'm torn between liking your idea enough that I'd be ok with PAYG, and simply outright hating the fact that PAYG makes it easier for terrible players to compete with better players.

[Golan2781]

I consider the decision to use PAYG or PUF separate from this. Thanks for clarifying your point though.

Btw, what is the "[strg]" key? Is it "stormgear" key? :P

Sorry, [ctrl] is the one. [strg] is on German keyboards.

[Lauren]

Yes, German keyboards are strong!
No it's just control in German.

[ConKid66]

Sounds like a good idea.

[Borreh]

I am all for this idea.