The following is the new DPG:
Definition of a Deadlocked game.
A game reaches a deadlock when the players cannot end the game (a solo is effectively blocked permanently and draw proposals are not being accepted) and the situation in the game isn't going to change. The game may or may not be truly in stalemate. A deadlock is when players refuse to end the game.
Criteria for a Deadlock.
1. The game must be a Ranked or No Rank game and must not be a short-handed game.
2. The game must have been deadlocked for at least 3 game years. To qualify, within the last 3 years:
- there has been no change in alliance structure;
- there has been no change in SC ownership across opposing factions;
- at least 2 draw proposals including all surviving players, whether the game is set-up as a DIAS game or not, have been unsuccessful, and
- there is evidence that negotiations to end the game have been seriously tried and failed (NOT APPLICABLE IN GUNBOAT GAMES).
3. There are no live draw proposals in place.
EDIT: Removed 11/4/2019 - Unnecessary
Before going on, I want to discuss some of these. First, I want to add some clarification to (4). If a draw proposal has been made in a non-DIAS game that does not include all the surviving players, this does not qualify. The idea is that players must have tried to end the game before we will consider stepping in and ending the game, which is always a last resort. A draw that does not feature all survivors is, of course, a way to end the game but you cannot expect any excluded survivor to accept this. For the DGP, this will not be considered as a 'serious' attempt to end the game.
Similarly, we expect to see 'serious' attempts to negotiate an ending to the game. This means that all players should have been involved... but it doesn't mean that one player not responding will delay the DGP. In other words, should a player refuse to take part in negotiations, this won't be seen as a failure to negotiate an end of the game. If a player has been included in negotiations but has not responded, this is enough. However, it also means a simple attempt will not be taken as a 'serious' attempt to negotiate; we want to see evidence of repeated attempts that have not been acknowledged or have been re-buffed.
Process for Referring a Deadlocked game.
1. Referrals must be by Private Message only.
2. Players must provide the game name and number.
3. Players must show that EACH criterion above has been met.
Moderator Procedure.
A. Initial Assessment.
The investigating Mod will check that all the criteria have been met.
1. If the criteria is not met the Mod will reply to the player who referred the game explaining why no action will be taken. The explanation will refer to only the criteria above. No reference will be made to content of messages. The game cannot be referred again by the same player for another three game years.
2. If the criteria is met, the Mod will post in the games Public Press advising that the criteria for a deadlock have been met and inviting players to give their opinion on the game being deadlocked by PM. Opinions must be given and received within one whole game year and the Mod will give the date before which opinions must be given.
The focus here is on the players who don't accept that there is a deadlock and wish the game to continue. What we want is a presentation of what these players will do to change the apparent deadlock. We aren't looking to discuss the validity of the DPG or criteria - these are in place. We also won't be accepting reasons such as:
"I'm waiting for a player to NMR or surrender."
"I'm waiting for a mistake."
"I'm not accepting a draw with ..."
These are not valid reasons to prevent a game which is deadlocked from ending. What we want to see are plans to alter the course of the game.
B. Second Assessment.
After the deadline given in (A.2) above, the Mod will:
1. Review the game in light of any discussion between the Mod and any players from the game.
2. Check for live draw proposals.
If the Mod feels the game is NOT deadlocked as a result of (B.1), this will be posted in Public Press and the game will continue. The game cannot be referred again for another 3 years.
If a Live draw proposal is in place, the Mod will allow the game to proceed until THAT proposal has passed. This will be posted in Public Press. If the proposal is not accepted, no subsequent proposals will prevent the Mod ending the game.
If the Mod feels the game is still deadlocked, the game will be ended.
Should the game be referred for the DPG a second time, we will require an explanation of why no change has happened. A second referral, where the criteria are met, will most likely result in the game being ended.
End game Procedure.
1. The Mod will force the game to end.
2. The game will be ended with a DIAS draw featuring all survivors.
3. If the game was a Ranked game, it will remain a Ranked game.