I've been taking a look recently at the virtual boardgame playing tool called "VASSAL" (link), and I'm becoming quite impressed.
I think this engine might make it so that I don't need to program my own computer versions of my designs. I'm close to finishing a "Castle Danger" module for VASSAL (just need to do-up some help files) ... and it will basically have the same features I was planning for the next version of my own self-programmed game. The only thing missing is computer-guided rules enforcement ... so basically, it will play just like you had the physical board game out on a tabletop -- you gotta follow the rules yourself.
But, the engine has both a built-in play-by-email system, and (this is what sold me) a centralized server for setting up real-time over-the-internet play. And the game allows "observers" to watch the game in addition to the players.
I already had the graphics ready for use in my own program, so it only took me about a half-hour to build the guts of the module (as opposed to the 50 or more hours I was planning to put into programming my own). I'm thinking this may be a nice way to prototype and do virtual playtests of games with long-distance friends.
I haven't tried a game that uses cards yet ... but this engine is designed for rather complicated wargames, so I'm hopeful that it will allow a good deal of options.
Anyone else play around with this thing?
-Bryk
