This is something that has perplexed me for a while. Why are game numbers re-cycled? I did see some discussion about it on the list, but i never read it in depth to formulate an answer. Is it a programming issue?
The reason im interested is that i think individual game numbers might elevate certain games in the memory. Im playing in g231 right now, which is my longest game in many years, at turn 45, and without any evident end in sight. For me at least this is something of a legendary game, just in the way that things have occurred and the way the war has swung to and fro. If we had individual game numbers perhaps certain games would attain that legendary status in our little community. Also, over time it could be the source of shared knowledge/experience…“oh i remember back in 2002 when i was in g231” etc. I`ve met a couple of fellow players who played with me several years ago, but without the “unique” game numbering making a connection was difficult.
Only a little point, but i was wondering what other people thought of this?
I’m in my 2nd game 66 in less than 3 years. Since the game number is the only “name” we have for the experience, it’s a lost opportunity this game number business. Programming has something to do with it, but I think the spacing between repeats could be greater if the company cared.
Very interesting point, I agree with all of you. An additional problem is that not too long ago MEPBM was run by different companies in US (GSI) and UK (GAD and Allsorts), so confusion with game numbers was bound to occur. In future, though, it should be possible to avoid that, if just by adding the year in which the game started to the game number, such as 663, or something like that.
I remember some “legendary” games, too - first of all 102 which started back in 1992. I wonder if we could manage to build up some kind of “Hall of fame”, in which game number, starting date, number of turns and winning side could be mentioned. I think bobbins has started such a project, maybe we can transfer it to this board and add the data that is still around in the community to the library. What do you say?
