How Long Does a Typical Game of Diplomacy Take: From Face-to-Face to Online

Have you ever wondered how long a typical game of Diplomacy lasts, whether it's played face-to-face or online? The length of a Diplomacy game can vary widely depending on the format and the players involved. In this article, we explore the different time frames and factors that influence the duration of a Diplomacy game, from traditional face-to-face play to modern online variations.

Face-to-Face Diplomacy

Traditional In-Person Play: When played in-person, the duration of a Diplomacy game can be quite lengthy. On the one hand, some competitive players find that the game can stretch to over three and a half hours. However, for less competitive games, it can take significantly longer, with documented instances of games lastin7 to 10 hours or more. The exact time can depend on several factors, including the players' familiarity with the game and their ability to manage their respective powers effectively throughout the game.

Some players have reported that it's not uncommon to spend over six hours on the game, even if they try to hurry. The longest games are often those in which players are deeply engrossed and do not want to call it quits until the game reaches a natural conclusion. In some cases, the game continues until one player surrenders, which can occur at any time during the marathon game sessions.

Indoor Diplomacy

Official Recommendations: For those planning to play a standard 7-player Diplomacy game in a traditional face-to-face setting, it's often suggested to allocate at least 7 to 10 hours for the game. This timeframe takes into account the varying levels of player experience, the need for detailed discussions and negotiations, and the time required for each phase of the game to be properly addressed.

Online Diplomacy

Online Variations: With the advent of the Internet, Diplomacy has found new life through online formats. These include both email-based play and browser-based platforms. The most significant advantage of online play is the elimination of cheating concerns and the possibility of extensive, hidden communication, which is both a hallmark and a challenge of the game.

When played online, the time per phase can vary widely. In competitive settings, such as server games, each phase can be limited to just 5 minutes, while in more relaxed games, a phase can last up to 3 days. The average time per phase tends to fall somewhere between 30 minutes and a few hours, depending on the agreed-upon format and the pace of the game. Players often find that online Diplomacy allows for a more flexible and often quicker pace of play, as they can engage at their own convenience and return to their games whenever they choose.

History of Online Diplomacy: Before the widespread adoption of the Internet, Diplomacy was often played by post mail. During these times, a single phase of the game could take up to a week to complete, given the distances involved and the waiting time for players to receive and consider their moves. This extended timeframe significantly increased the overall duration of the game, as it required multiple exchanges of mail over several weeks or even months to complete a single cycle.

Conclusion

The duration of a Diplomacy game can vary dramatically depending on the format and the level of competition. Whether you're playing a traditional in-person game that lasts several hours or an online game that can be completed in minutes, understanding the factors that influence the time can help you plan better and manage your expectations. Whether you prefer the slower, more strategic pace of an in-person game or the flexibility and speed of an online game, there's a version of Diplomacy for every player.

Keywords: Diplomacy game time, face-to-face Diplomacy, online Diplomacy