The concept:
A stand alone GUI where-in a user can select what map they would like to play. The program also checks for updates and will alert the user if a program update is a available. As well it can download new maps acting as a content delivery system.
Pros:
+Mappers now have much more control over how the player starts.
+Perfect map specific XMl sets can be swaped out before map load allowing for more stability.
+Auto update as well as a stream lined map delivery system.
+While more than one start location would exist in the XMLs by using save games to load the maps mappers can plan around only one start location allowing for more linear game play.
+If mapper so wishes it a player can be allowed to pick their start location.
+A broken map will no longer effect other maps.
Cons:
-Player name would no longer be user chosen.
-Server would be required to support content delivery and auto update.
-Player would be less inclined to join forum. Although SMRE(Sid Meier's Railroads! Express!) would likely have less of this effect VS SMRI.
How it works:
User selects map, if multiply start locations have been made available user can also select that. User hits "go". SMRE then moves the appropriate XMls and map files into the SMR /My_games folder and loads the a save of that map. SRME then closes itself to reduce system load.
What and Who we'd need:
Programmer: From what I can tell we have a few of these people flying around the forum.
GUI Artist: Creates the UI.
General Artist: Does the more general art including program icon and background.
A Server: I don't know exactly what would be required but I would think that a standard website host would work.
Now of course this may never make it off the drawing board, but hey atleast I through it out there.
