Suggestion Idea: Add an option "weekends ONLY" and "weekdays ONLY" games. Similar to previous ideas, but not exactly
Specifics: Along with game type, etc. add the option of a game that will only be played on weekends OR only be played weekdays. The biggest problem would be time zone problems.
This could be solved a couple of ways.
1. First, post the time from which someone is playing next to their name in the "join games"/game finder menues, for this type of game only. Folks select this themselves in their profiles, so it is in their control
2. then, do one of the following:
A. Set a "standard" weekend/weekday based on one particular time zone. IN some cases, this might mean some folks "weekend"/ weekday" starts/ends at strange times, but they would know this in advance and could choose or not choose to play.
B. Allow players to specify the time zone which will determine the weekend/weekday start/end. The time would be posted with the game on the menu, so folks can decide if they like this "time zone" or not. This would probably be easiest for players, but might require too much programming.
C. Allow extra time for Saturday start and Sunday ending. Similar to #1, this might mean some folks have longer to play than others. In particular, someone's long Saturday might impinge upon another person's Sunday, meaning their Sunday overlaps into what is really their Monday. For this reason, I like the other two options better, but wanted to include it in case someone else thought of it.
None of these options is perfect, and I suspect that is why similar ideas were rejected in the past. However, everyone would know in advance and either like it or just skip this type of game.
WHY its needed?
To attract more players, especially more to premium ranks. The key here is OPTIONS. Many folks have access only during the week OR only on weekends. Some folks just don't want to play weekends -- in some cases for religious reasons, some want more family/friend time, etc. Other folks may ONLY be able to play on weekends. They may just be too busy during the week. Others can play any time, but are willing to put up with part-week games. Because this would be optional, and known before a game starts, no one would be "stuck", it would just open up games to folks who currently may not be so anxious to play, especially in those games that take longer to play -- ones that are often the most interesting if one doesn't have to worry about "timing out". I believe this option would attract a different crowd of folks who currently either avoid CC or won't go premium because they know they won't be able to finish a lot of games.
