"Ways a computer can be used in miniatures gaming" Topic

Based on your experience and wild ideas, in what ways can a computer *best* be used to support miniatures gaming. Available choices to be proposed in this discussion. The number that can be voted for should be a small percentage of the total suggested; the poll looks for what the voter thinks is best, not just what does or might exist.

I do not think proposals should be confined to applications that can be bought off the shelf today, but perhaps uses that do not require specialized hardware and serious advances in robotics, like robot arms to move figures?

My proposals:
Computer moderated rules (I won't vote for it, but it is out there)
Hidden movement for campaigns
Preparation of scenario aids (maps, OOBs)
Research

random.org/dice/?num=2

A 1500 dollar solution to a 50 cent problem…

Rip it apart for bits to make Space Hulk modular corridors.

I would say various media, for playing in the background or to generate interest from people walking buy. A couple of cons ago, a fellow was playing terminator in the background during his game, of course the game was based on Terminator. I thought it was neat, as long as it in not too distracting.

Saving scenarios.

Keeping track of my collection

possible opponent for solo players
campaign management
preparing great graphics for examples of play
long distance game play via networking
accessing latest rules releases and updates
in the future..virtual miniature gaming…think Star Wars chess type of thing
Ken

The best use I can think of is to connect the computer to the internet and use it to access TMP! :D

Creating & printing decals sheets, signs, posters

Placing it under a sheet and using it for a hill.

I concure with the following and have used the Napoleonic Carnage and Glory rules at conventions.

Computer moderated rules
Hidden movement for campaigns
Preparation of scenario aids (maps, OOBs)
Research

I would add in the next 10 years virtural wargaming on a table top via computer interface and holographic figures.

Also I expect to see more CAD figures in the not too distant future.
VR
James Mattes

Ex Illis = Computer plus miniatures.

link

Stripped apart to be used as parts fodder for scratch built necromunda terrain.

1) Place on game map
2) glue on OGRE weapons
3) call it OGREZilla

I use it for…

1) Research
2) Tracking my collection (Excel and Filemaker Pro)
3) Building scenarios and army manifests from Filemaker Pro directly from my collection inventory.

I use mine for just about everything mentioned above
communications
text creating and editing
graphics
data base management
net searching
music management (itunes to find the correct music to paint by)

my newest use is to download rules and books to my new Kindle, electronic book reader and speaker. Walked to lunch listening to Swords around a Throne. Every rule set I get in pdf goes into the machine. Sorry it is not color, or I would have a great painting reference device. Apple will probably do a color one soon.

Ditto the access TMP and downloading free Flags. That's it.

Keep and develop roster sheets. I can use my net book and place on table without much inconvenience

A spreadsheet to find I have spent far too much on the hobby

reading and creating rules

reference pictures for painting, terrain and sculpting

Making maps

Acting as a battle clock, objectives have to be take at a certain time, alternative orders may be given

Making blogs

Listening to podcasts

Editing photos

It burns the odd duff DVD to use as a terrain base!

Scenario generator

Uniform research and painting guides. Also a place to store PDF versions of rulesets

Aside from the obvious, writing and playing computer-assist miniature rules, I use the computer a great deal when creating non-computer-assist rules too. I keep all my research and notes in Word or Excel, do nearly all my calculations in Excel, do nearly all the graphics in Paint Shop Pro, and do all the layout work in Word.

If nothing else, the computer is a big help when laying out all the charts, tables, and forms. We seem to have a lot of those things in wargaming.

I use the Computer Strategies rules as computer moderated rules for opponents and for solo games.

I also use the computer for research on military history.