Observer mode

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Create a mechanism for someone to observe the action without actually playing a 
game

Original issue reported on code.google.com by watusim...@bitfighter.org on 27 Oct 2013 at 8:30

[GoogleCodeExporter]

I think the best way to do this would be at the master server have a play and 
watch option the watch option being  based on /idle and perhaps a way to join 
the game once observing. also we should probably disable all /commands execpt a 
join and and a global chat I was thinking observer messages could be in blue 
red yellow or green.

Original comment by Cory.Pou...@gmail.com on 17 Dec 2013 at 6:31

[GoogleCodeExporter]

Let's revive this. I would be so pumped to see a spectator mode. It's helpful 
for running tournaments, managing parties, and gathering level editing 
feedback. Spectating is generally a nice way to watch the action without 
committing to playing, and it's a common staple of multiplayer games.

I don't know what the technical challenges of implementing such a mode are, and 
if those obstacles would shape how the mode is designed. But I think a simple 
system would be to have the spectator use WASD to navigate around the map, E 
and C to zoom in and out, Z to snap to the commander's map view (overall very 
similar to the level editor keys). The spectator could interact with everyone 
in the server, or maybe the server owner could set a toggle that would limit 
the spectator to only conversing with fellow spectators (to prevent abuse). As 
Cory said a different colored text for the spectator would be nice. A simple 
/idle /play system could bring the spectator in and out of the mode, as well as 
an option in the select teams menu.

Original comment by Jomskylark on 21 May 2014 at 6:54