Breaking the Wave

One of the big non-rules changes I’ve made to Intergalactic, just added in the latest update, is a downgrade of galactic communication. So far it’s been fun to play with, and creates a groundwork that dodges some of the issues with a game with abundant long range communication.CommunicationSpace is not a silent void, but is loud and thick with the stuff of the stars, rippling in the wake of the god-lanterns. This renders wireless communication almost impossible. Short Distance - Wires, Pipes, and LoudspeakersA physical wire between terminals allows jittery data, audio, and video transmission, limited only by the length and integrity of the wire. Some prefer the blunter approach of a pipe between two locations, allowing muffled but reliable communication over a surprising distance. Loudspeakers are the final means of mass communication, when the message needs to reach those who are not waiting at a terminal or pipe. Long Distance - SignalsCommunication between vessels, or between an…