And just a reminder, you can always get in touch with GamePoint via our Helpdesk. We're happy to discuss all sorts of questions, issues and even take feedback there. While our staff members try to be social in chat as much as possible (staff members are also working on game and support issues), we want to highlight this particular opportunity to get to know everyone better.
Here's a link to some of the questions and answers that occurred during our last Question Hour session.
Play Bingo!
(Update) Here's what we discussed during the hour!
Q: Do we get our Coins back when there are disconnections clearly caused by GamePoint?
A: Yes, Coins are returned when disconnects are caused by GamePoint (like a maintenance for example). They’re returned by way of “undoing” the game, so your stake that you can see in your Wallet becomes “0” meaning that you didn’t lose anything. You’re welcome to contact us so we can show you exactly how to see this (And this is by going to your Games tab in your Wallet, identifying the game and clicking on it. There’s also a game identification number in the popup that you can refer us to if you’d like further clarification)
Q: Adjustments to the swear filter?/Context caught by the filter?/What words are caught?
A: The automated system is designed to catch inappropriate behavior, not just words here or there, meaning we see the entire context. Because the system addresses context in every room simultaneously, having an unfortunate typo here and there will not necessarily lead to a warning or sanction. Note though, if it’s a word/phrase that you have to misspell, abbreviate or work around because spelling it out in its entirety would be inappropriate, then those misspellings, abbreviations or work-arounds are also inappropriate. There is no list made public simply because some players will abuse this knowledge. But either way, it’s a build-up of behavior where we can see that the context was not accidental. Where it’s clear though that the context was still incorrect, please contact us because we’re always adjusting and making improvements. (And because the warnings are given automatically without having to rely on a report, the player is prompted to change that inappropriate behavior on their own. So now when you block such players, rest assured that if they continue that behavior, the system will address it.)
Q: If I have a certain way of speaking with my close friends and don’t mean it negatively, why do I still receive automated warnings/sanctions?
A: The automated system is working in all public rooms. Games, where in principle anyone can enter, are thus considered public rooms. We want to have a friendly and welcoming environment for all our players. Otherwise, if you want to have this certain way of speaking with your close friends, please keep it in private. In the end, the automated system has been a positive change and it’s good that not only is it helping to change behavior, but also leading us to a more constructive and good discussion which we’ll continue to have.
Q: How come sometimes friends cannot be added without seeing a notification about becoming a VIP?
A: It’s likely that someone has a full friends list. Without a subscription, you can have up to 100 friends. You can increase the size of your list with a subscription since VIPs can have 250 and SVIPs can have 500 friends. By the way, interesting suggestion on receiving a notification about your friends list being maxed out! In the meantime though, when you open your friends list, you’ll see the number/number showing you the amount you currently have.
Q: How come players with lots of Coins (such as those from the 100,000 Club) can play in low value rooms (1 Coin, 5 Coin, etc.)?
A: In principle, if you’re able to enter a room, then you’re welcome to play there. The only exceptions are the 100,000 Coin rooms and the Freeroll rooms where there are restrictions on who can enter and play (thus having either at least 100,000 Coins or no more than 250 Coins, and they’re that way as a special treat to the different types of players we have). Otherwise, players can play anywhere regardless of their Coin amount. Coin differences shouldn't remove so many opportunities for friends to play together. Nor should players be punished for buying Coins by preventing them to join their favorite room. In the end though, a player’s Coin balance has nothing to do with their chances, the cards that are generated and the balls that are called. For details about the process behind this, see the discussion from our previous session here http://www.gamepoint.com/news/post.php?id=1712
Q: Why does my sound go out sometimes?/Will missing cards in Teasers be fixed?
A: Please definitely please let us know about these kinds of issues! When you’re experiencing the issue, that’s the time to click on your avatar at the top left, select ‘Help’ and if the ServicePoint FAQ couldn’t help, contact us and be sure to select ‘Game Issues’. This sends a technical readout with lots of codes and data that our technical team can use to investigate. Though note that fixes may not be immediate.
Q: Will there be more mobile games?
A: Our recently released Android apps are definitely part of that ‘more’ and we’re still celebrating. (Update, since our Question Hour, we’ve made even more improvements to Android and now with the newest update, you can now experience the Bingo caller! Now you don’t have to take your eyes off the cards!) We know you want more mobile games and it’s definitely something that we hope to deliver with the same quality as Bingo! In the meantime, we hope you’re enjoying Bingo on iPhone, iPad and all Android devices, and CardParty, RoyalDice and WordTornado on iPad.
Q: How long can you stay in a Freeroll room?
A: The only restriction is on who can enter (players with no more than 250 Coins), but otherwise players can stay as long as they want. At the same time, players who win or buy Coins while in the Freeroll rooms won’t be kicked out. But when they leave and try to re-enter with more than 250 Coins, then they won’t be able to enter.
Q: Can we get different colored dice? Maybe buy them with Coins?
A: That’s certainly a suggestion that’s right up there with players also wanting different colored daubers on Bingo! While I’m not a coder or a magician, it’s part of my job to be your advocate and let our development team know that you really want this! We have actually been testing something similar to your idea in WordTornado. We had some tests where players could customize their tiles by winning games and leveling up. I think it would be cool and we’re always wanting suggestions from you either via our blog, on our Facebook pages or via Helpdesk.
Q: Why can people come and speak foreign languages in the English rooms/chat?
A: Everyone should respect the language of the room. Sometimes it is just a case of a player being lost and some gentle help is needed to get them to the right room. But if it continues or gets inappropriate, then you’re welcome to let us know and then block that player.
Q: Can we share Coins with our friends?
A: You can offer and receive some Coins with your Facebook friends on games like Bingo and RoyalDice. If we’re talking about free Coins too, then there’s always the opportunity for the free Coin gift that you can claim every 3 hours. And also sharing your successes on Facebook gets you free Coins too!
Q: Are we ever going to get the green hula dancer smiley back?
A: That smiley was cool! Can’t say that it definitely will or won’t be reused though. But you see that our sheep is back for spring, so look forward to all the event/seasonal smileys. I’M SO HAPPY about that sheep being back.
Q: Will we do this again?
A: Yes! And all our questions and answers will be updated to our blog page for reference. Though know that every time you comment there, or on Facebook, or via Helpdesk (or with me when you catch me online!) you’re always talking directly with GP staff. We’re always around to help in one way or another.
Q: Lamb or pork, Aida?
A: ALL THE ANIMALS. 
