That sounds bugged. It should be 2 in one and 2 in the other (though I know that isn't desireable for some as well and we are likely going to add options on how to spread them out).

download Fraps and make sure you enable jpg.

Much easier

That is really wierd Validore, I wouldn't have believed it if I hadn't seen it. We tested that substantially before the last patch and made sure they were distributed according to various rules (none of which is to put them all in the same system). Besides 10 planets , 9 artifacts and 100 planets did you do anything else?

Schem, we are going to try adjusting the speeds between systems first. If that doesn't work, we'll play with the connectivity.

Having only played my first game last night, and not having had a chance to play around that much yet - I am glad to see this thread. From my first impression, I didn't know that there were multiple stars in other games. I was very weird to me to have so many planets orbiting on star.

6 players 3 vs 3 custom galaxy 30 planets 2 stars...i didnt bother scouting other galaxy...i found everyone

Large map 10 players 5vs5 teams Locked

No marauders, we were set to no-break alliances, 2v2v2 uhm, flagships, medium AI, no starting bounty, I think thats roughly all the options. I can send the first save game if you would like.

EDIT: Marauders were on.

There, he's explained all your screenshots. So here's what he meant:

1. If non-locked teams is enabled, and the game starts as an FFA, then everyone is considered to be a team of 1.
2. The pairing algorithm puts at least two "teams" in each solar system. Hence, if there are only two teams, then two teams of any size will all end up jammed into a single solar system.
3. If there are three teams, they might still end up in the same solar system (at least, this is from the screenshots posted above).
4. If there are four teams, e.g. 2v2v2v2 or 1v1v1v1, then you'll have two solar systems occupied at start: each with two teams.

Basically, the algorithm ensures that everyone starts with at least one opponent player in their solar system, and it puts everyone on the same team in the same solar system to start out with. I'm sure people will want to tweak this distribution, so of course we now look for Blair's comment about "options" to come to fruition in Beta 3....

Regards,

-allquixotic

I have to go with Schem on this one. The present inner star/planet system phase lane spiderweb is working alright (a bit more tweaking might be necessary).

I also really like the present time it takes to travel between stars.

But the Star to Star phase lane system should not be in series. ALL Stars should be interconnected with ALL other stars.

Not only does this make better sense, it also prevents needed to jump through several stars to get to your destination.