Normal games are those where each turn takes as long as an entire live game at a minimum, although most usually go for 12, 24, 36, or even more hours per turn. In other words: 1 or 2 turns per day and sometimes a couple days per turn.

Live games are usually but not always gunboat - i.e. no messaging. It's challenging to get all your diploming done in 5 mins but can be very fun

While that may be true, hopsy, it isn't what differentiates them as there are plenty of regular gunboat games as well. Let's not muddle the issue, K?

Fair does

Not to veer off topic, but using the search function, when looking at games with phase < 1 hour (ie Live Games), when looking at gunboats, each page of games covers about 2 days whereas looking at normal diplomacy games, each page of games covers about 1 day. Therefor, there are about twice as many "normal" live games as gunboat live games on average.

But yes, live games are just what you would think. Just like live TV, the game progresses as you watch and all players are online for the entirety of the game. It makes for some very fast, frantic diplomacy and can be a great change from "regular" 24 hour phase games.

And yes, I *did* veer off topic, but I felt that the misconception that Live Games were mostly gunboat had to be corrected so Silent Noon didn't get misinformation on what Live Games actually were like.

Huh drano that's interesting. I prefer non-gunboat I think

I too prefer non-gunboat, you up for one?

I could be tempted if it starts soon

ha, i'll start one, how's 30 mins? is that too long of a wait?

i have a live game starting presently you should try it out and see if you like it
http://webdiplomacy.net/board.php?gameID=36134

my game is not live and starts in approx 20 minutes