War Room FAQ, revised

[PPS_Simon]

http://privateerpress.com/war-room/w...s-war-room-faq

War Room, the first official utility app for WARMACHINE and HORDES, is coming to iOS and Android devices this spring! Here are some answers to your frequently asked questions.

How much will the War Room app cost?
War Room will be free to download from both the Apple Store and Android Marketplace. The download will include stat cards for all current WARMACHINE and HORDES battlegroup boxes and the WARMACHINE Two-Player Battle Box. Players will be able to purchase full faction decks for $6.99 that include all currently released stat cards for that faction. In addition, purchased faction decks will be updated with the stat card for each new faction model on the model’s release day.

What cards are included in the free download?
The free download includes all the stat cards from WARMACHINE: Prime and HORDES: Primal.It also includes model stat cards from the WARMACHINE Two-Player Battle Box and a special selection of Mercenary, Minion, and Retribution of Scyrah models.

Will there be discounts for purchasing faction decks in bulk?
Privateer Press will be offering three special bundles for users who wish to purchase multiple decks. The WARMACHINE bundle will include the decks for all six WARMACHINE factions for $35.99. The HORDES bundle will include the decks for all five HORDES factions for $29.99. The Ultimate bundle includes all decks for both WARMACHINE and HORDES for $59.99.

Will faction decks contain Mercenary or Minion cards that work for that faction? Will Mercenary and Minion decks contain cards for Ally units or non-Mercenary or Minion units that are allowed as part of specific Theme Forces or Contracts?
Players who wish to field Mercenaries or Minions in their armies will need to purchase the Mercenary or Minion faction deck. Those faction decks will include the stat cards for Ally units and for non-Mercenary and Minion units that are allowed as part of specific Theme Forces or Contracts.

Will models that are both Mercenaries and Minions be included in both Mercenary and Minion decks?
Yes. If a model can be fielded as a Mercenary and a Minion, that model's stat card will be included in Mercenary and Minion decks.

How soon will cards for new models become available?
New cards will become available on the day of their corresponding model's release or upon release of the expansion book in which it is included, whichever comes first.

Will League model cards be kept active indefinitely or only during the duration of that League?
League model cards will remain indefinitely available via War Room but will still only be legal for use during their corresponding league.

Will I be able to transfer my faction deck purchases between devices, or will I be required to purchase decks for each device?
You will create an account when you first get the app, and all your unlocked factions will be tied to that account rather than to the device you’re using. This means each faction you’ve purchased will be available on all your devices carrying the app, provided you're logged in.

Do I need to purchase faction decks to build army lists?
You can build army lists from any cards that are unlocked on your device. If you want to build an army from models outside of the cards included in the free download, you will need to purchase the appropriate faction decks.

Will I be able to access army lists I create on one device from a different device?
Yes. All your user data, including army lists, will sync to your account regardless of which device you use to create that data.

When playing a game with another War Room user, will I be able to see the stat cards for his list even if I haven’t purchased the deck for that faction?
Yes. All cards and rules are present in all installs, and you’ll be able to see the cards in your opponent’s army for the duration of your game.

Will War Room require Wi-Fi™ to create and join games? Will Bluetooth® or field communication be supported?
The only time you need to be online is to update content or play multiplayer. All other functionality works locally with the latest updated data on the device. Multiplayer use will require an online connection, whether Wi-Fi or from your phone’s service provider. Because we’ll be offering War Room on multiple platforms, no Bluetooth or near-field communication is supported.
Our development shop consists of experienced game developers and they have made sure the app is as optimized and streamlined as possible, resulting in minimal data usage. The service is hosted on servers that boast 99.9% up-time and dynamic scalabilty based on usage, so the online component will be extremely reliable.

How much space will War Room take on my device?
The final file size has not been determined yet, but we anticipate that the full install will be 70 - 80 mb.

What happens if a device fails during the game? Is all the information lost?
During games, the game data will be continually synced to the servers until the game is finished. This allows you to play a game over time, and if a device dies you can later pick back up where you left off.

Will War Room’s user interface be tailored to maximize screen space on different devices?
We want every user’s experience to be the best it can be, so handheld devices and tablets will get different UI treatments to present the amount of data that’s as usable and comfortable as possible.

Will I be able to print lists I create in War Room?
Lists can't be printed directly, but they can be emailed.

Will I be able to copy my opponent’s list for review after a match?
If you have the faction deck your opponent is using, you can copy his list for later perusal. Otherwise, you have access to the stat cards for his list until the game ends.

Does War Room feature a collection manager?
No, this is not a feature of the core War Room app.

This thread is only for the discussion of the War Room FAQ. Any off topic posts will be removed.

[PG_DesertWynd]

Can't wait!!!!! Is there a release date yet??

[OniBeowulf]

My only question is are the in app deck purchases going to be through the corresponding (apple vs android) store or through a third party means? I don't want to go out and buy some itunes giftcards and then not be able to use them.

[Xarian]

Capabilities
- Will the app have any sort of modding capability, i.e. creating our own faction decks/cards?
- Will the app have any ability to store miscellaneous data, i.e. comments and notes about the cards? (I'm hoping, this would be really helpful to remember infernal rulings and errata as well as give ourselves play tips)
- Will the cards be updated with current errata, or do we just have to 'remember' it?

Operation
- What sort of zoom/etc modes are supported? Will we be able to force the android device to use its entire screen to display a single card?
- How is hitbox, warjack grid damage, healing, etc handled by the app?
- Will the app be able to keep track of special effects (e.g. upkeep spells) on models?
- How are multiple units/models of the same type handled? Are they given some sort of identifier?
- How easy will it be to 'take back' or reverse actions (people screw up all the time)?

Miscellaneous
- Is there a more specific release date?

[Halfhoot]

Will there be a pc version? It'd be nice to make lists on the nice big pc screen with a mouse and then access them on my phone later on when I go to play.

[Chip]

Will we be able to buy the decks with PayPal, or will we need a credit card?

[MetaphoricDragon]

Capabilities
Operation
- Will the app be able to keep track of special effects (e.g. upkeep spells) on models?

Actually this is an interesting thought, so expanding on that. Will the models stats as presented adjust to accommodate buffs on them? Thus will the app auto increase my Hit and Damage so I can finally remember my Templar has both Ignite and a Choir Buff on it.

[Navarp]

Will there be a pc version? It'd be nice to make lists on the nice big pc screen with a mouse and then access them on my phone later on when I go to play.

I would be willing to bet this isn't in the works, BUT it would be easy to implement as a Chrome Extension at the very least.

[ShockwaveIIC]

What cards are included in the free download?
The free download includes all the stat cards from WARMACHINE: Prime and HORDES: Primal.It also includes model stat cards from the WARMACHINE Two-Player Battle Box and a special selection of Mercenary, Minion, and Retribution of Scyrah models.

Glad to hear you've changed this.

Players who wish to field Mercenaries or Minions in their armies will need to purchase the Mercenary or Minion faction deck. Those faction decks will include the stat cards for Ally units and for non-Mercenary and Minion units that are allowed as part of specific Theme Forces or Contracts.

The bold part. Can you give an example or two?

[Jestor]

The bold part. Can you give an example or two?

Gunmages for Highborne

[Vex]

My only question is are the in app deck purchases going to be through the corresponding (apple vs android) store or through a third party means? I don't want to go out and buy some itunes giftcards and then not be able to use them.

Since they will be tied to the ID you create within the app, and due to the way licensing fees currently work with Apple, I am almost certain that you will buy faction decks directly from PP - probably via their website. So, I would hold off on the itunes giftcards if I were you.

[AJ the Ronin]

Capabilities
- Will the app have any ability to store miscellaneous data, i.e. comments and notes about the cards? (I'm hoping, this would be really helpful to remember infernal rulings and errata as well as give ourselves play tips)


Operation
- What sort of zoom/etc modes are supported? Will we be able to force the android device to use its entire screen to display a single card?
- How are multiple units/models of the same type handled? Are they given some sort of identifier?
- How easy will it be to 'take back' or reverse actions (people screw up all the time)?

Miscellaneous
- Is there a more specific release date?

All these are relevant to my interests.

- Will the cards be updated with current errata?
- Will the app be able to keep track of special effects (e.g. upkeep spells) on models?

I can't find it right now but I'm sure I read that the answer to these 2 are YES.

[TKaz84]

The bold part. Can you give an example or two?

Arcnae Tempest Gun Mages (Highborne), Long Gunners (Highborne/Most Wanted), Trenchers (Most Wanted), etc.

[ShockwaveIIC]

Gunmages for Highborne

So folks who buy the Merc deck will get
Long Gunners
Gun Mages
Defender
Charger
Sentinel
Swordknights
Ranger
Trenchers
(And solo's, non-character)

Because they are part of eMagnus second theme, but myself playing Zerkova's second theme can't have Gorman or Vanguards?!?!

[EDIT]Or Circle not getting pEiryss, yet eKruegers theme is the only time she can be taken.
[Second EDIT]Ignore the first edit as pEiryss is in Prime, thus comes with the free app. Actually, Merc players get most of their eMagnus theme free....

[Jake the Dog]

Glad to hear you've changed this.


The bold part. Can you give an example or two?

Highborn and Magnus

[ShockwaveIIC]

Highborn and Magnus

Because he is a Merc/ Minion he doesn't get included in Factions decks even if in a theme. (For this point Merc/ Minions are not factions)

[quindraco]

- Will the app have any ability to store miscellaneous data, i.e. comments and notes about the cards? (I'm hoping, this would be really helpful to remember infernal rulings and errata as well as give ourselves play tips)

SHAMELESS PLUG: If you bookmark the Unofficial Errata on your smartphone's browser, you have it with you any time you have the war room with you!

[Oniichan]

Since they will be tied to the ID you create within the app, and due to the way licensing fees currently work with Apple, I am almost certain that you will buy faction decks directly from PP - probably via their website. So, I would hold off on the itunes giftcards if I were you.

That sounds really clunky, and not particularly idealized for those of us who don't care to use credit cards or Paypal. I'd much rather be able to make my faction deck purchases from within the app on my iPhone, using credit I have on my iTunes account.

The question on Ally units for Mercenaries is still not terribly clear - are the Ally units included in their original faction decks *as well as* the Mercenaries deck? Kayazy in the Khador deck, Cephalyx in the Cryx deck, etc? The wording is not very clear, unfortunately...

[quindraco]

That sounds really clunky, and not particularly idealized for those of us who don't care to use credit cards or Paypal. I'd much rather be able to make my faction deck purchases from within the app on my iPhone, using credit I have on my iTunes account.

The question on Ally units for Mercenaries is still not terribly clear - are the Ally units included in their original faction decks *as well as* the Mercenaries deck? Kayazy in the Khador deck, Cephalyx in the Cryx deck, etc? The wording is not very clear, unfortunately...

In reverse order:
1) Yes, allies are on both the merc deck and their relevant faction deck. A much better question you should be asking is whether Pendrake is in the Cygnar deck, to which I believe the answer is also yes.
2) I'm not sure how you're getting credit onto your iTunes account without using a credit card, debit card, or online payment service tied to a bank account, but they're the most popular payment methods on the internet. If you don't have any of them, it's the future now! Sign up! Plus, this lets you spend real money on the thing, not Apple credits.

[Caterpillargreen]

Everything mercs can take in and out of theme forces and contracts are friendly faction merc models, hence the reason they will most likely get all the various cygnar cards that can be used by mercs.

[ShockwaveIIC]

Everything mercs can take in and out of theme forces and contracts are friendly faction merc models, hence the reason they will most likely get all the various cygnar cards that can be used by mercs.

The only time I can take Vanguards in Khador (without a Merc jack marshall) they are Faction as well....

[Oniichan]

I have an iTunes account and signed up just fine without a credit card. I buy iTunes cards at physical stores when I want to buy music/apps.

Also, good to hear about the ally cards being included in their actual faction decks.

[wargolem]

DId i miss where they gave a eta on this being available? I really want it and want it yesterday hehe so what is the projected release date.

[PG_Pyrodude32]

Sometime in March

[AJ the Ronin]

Sometime in March

Avoiding an answer like this is why on the other thread I asked: When in March is War Room released?

[j78]

Avoiding an answer like this is why on the other thread I asked: When in March is War Room released?

That was answered already..."sometime"

given the full install is 70-80. if I own all factions (or multiple factions) will I have the ability to only load some factions onto my phone/tablet/magic device, or will you be forced to load everything you load all the time. as a follow up question, any chance PP wants to send me a newer phone with more free space?

[The Happy Anarchist]

On the install size - with such a largish application, is there plans to allow it to install to the SD card, or mostly to the SD Card? I only have 128mb on the internal on my Droid and with all the apps that don't have the move to SD card option it could cause issues for me.

[OniBeowulf]

That was answered already..."sometime"

given the full install is 70-80. if I own all factions (or multiple factions) will I have the ability to only load some factions onto my phone/tablet/magic device, or will you be forced to load everything you load all the time. as a follow up question, any chance PP wants to send me a newer phone with more free space?

I highly doubt that since say you don't load the legion of everblight content and you play against a legion player. You wouldn't be able to see their cards. Basically you'll install the whole thing and your account will determine how much of the content you can actually access.

[kolonelk]

So for example, I buy the troll deck, I will also get the Alten Ashley card as he goes in Angus' theme?

[Cold-Iron]

I am planing on getting a tablet beaus of this app but I don't want to spend a ton on it so I got to ask. Will I be able to get it on the amazon app store and if not wold I be able to buy it on iTunes and then download it to a kindle fire?

[PG_Pyrodude32]

Avoiding an answer like this is why on the other thread I asked: When in March is War Room released?

I was just trying to give the most current information to a fellow poster - sorry if that's not specific enough, but it's the best that I can do. Hopefully, someone in the loop will be able to give an official release date soon.

[Kervin]

Personally I am going to wait on this for two reasons, one no collection feature in first release. Two is cost, I am glad that they are doing this but PP is acting a bit too much like another game company by pushing iBodger out of the equation. If PP had the collection in on fist release and the card packs did not cost so much then maybe.

Will this lead to PDFs of the rule books/NQs?

[Ulli]

So for example, I buy the troll deck, I will also get the Alten Ashley card as he goes in Angus' theme?

It also belongs to Skarre (Sea Dogs, Mariner, Freebooter) and some other special Theme Forces and Forces of Destinction from NQ, too.
So do you plan to include all these cards in the factiondecks?

It is the same thing that you plan for the mercs/minion decks (like including Gun Mages in the merc deck, ...)

[Ulli]

Another question:

How soon will cards for new models become available?

New cards will become available on the day of their corresponding model's release or upon release of the expansion book in which it is included, whichever comes first.

What about new models, previewed in NQ, like the Black Dragon Iron Fang Pikemen? Do we have to wait to the release of the models or the next book?

[Lord Phoenix]

Well, as the FAQ says, once the model is released the cards would be available in warroom. As the Black dragons are released the cards would be available. Usually NQ previews models that are released that month, so not really a problem.

[glamage]

The question that has been floating around my mind since hearing about the app:

Are Privateer Press planning to track game stats using the multiplayer facility?

Using the multiplayer games and damage box marking on casters they could quickly generate a huge database of information about the strengths and weaknesses of casters and factions against certain match ups.

They could use this data to help design the rules on their future releases to help further ensure game balance.

They could go further and look at the army list composition and see which models are prevalent and which ones are never seeing table time and use future releases/editions to try and balance this.

If they are planning to track this kind of information from the community, this may end up being the most revolutionary part of the product as other than large campaign events I don't think many wargaming companies would have been able for receive such detailed data from actual games 'in the wild' ever before...

[Quizboy]

Another question: does War Room have any kind of logging feature to avoid accusations of cheating, something like a timeline of the active game showing, for example

10:23 player 1 added 6 damage to Behemoth column 3
10:24 player 2 removed 3 damage from Warpwolf Stalker spirals 1, 2, 6

Also, while I realise there can't be any discussion of details, is PP confident there's adequate client/server verification in place to prevent users running edited copies of the app which record/send less damage than the player is seen entering etc?

[scout's honor]

Are Privateer Press planning to track game stats using the multiplayer facility?

If I get this app (which would depend on if I get a iPad 2 after the 3 is released), I'm not sure I'm going to be using the multiplayer facility for tournament games. Chances may be slim but if there is an issue with connectivity or, worst case scenario, the server - neither of which something the players have control over - that's going to be a serious complication. I don't much feel like flipping from my list to the other constantly anyway. Plus, obviously, this would only record matches between two players who are both using the app - I wonder how representative that'll be.

Somewhat related question: what kind of data volume should we see being transferred for an average 50-point game? I'm assuming it'll be fairly minimal, but still.

[glamage]

Plus, obviously, this would only record matches between two players who are both using the app - I wonder how representative that'll be.

I agree that it wouldn't be representative but provided that was kept in mind it could still be a useful tool.

Although I wouldn't be surprised with the growth in percentage of users with smartphones and tablets that if in a few years this was a much bigger deal than it is now.

[scout's honor]

Although I wouldn't be surprised with the growth in percentage of users with smartphones and tablets that if in a few years this was a much bigger deal than it is now.

Very well possible, but for now even if I get this app on an iPad I'll be lugging along my books and cards anyway - and probably for a good while to come.