Easy way to play Hotseat

[Olav Grey]

So I've been playing a local hotseat game with 2-3 other people and we've yet to find a system that works. We want to play it on the TV so it's more communal instead of taking turns looking at a laptop screen, however when we have to pick culture/patheons and when we get to mid game (eventually) we close out eyes or look away, which is kinda weird. We're also passing around the mouse.

So I'm wondering what are some good ways to play hotseat but it not feel like someone has to leave the room to play their turn. It's fun to play but again, I'm wondering if there's a better way.

[Damsteri]

That's the bad side of the hotseat games. Religion popup reveals which pantheons are selected and which civilization it was, once you have met them. Social policies can also be seen from one popup... can't remember the name of the popup now. I think the biggest problem is world wonders, because you can't hide that you are building a world wonder in same way, like you can do in online game. You can see also what wonder other civs are building in their capital if you have an embassy in their capital and you can use scouts to see what they are building in other cities, or you can use spies in late game.

Hotseat has some problems, but those problems are very early game problems what you mentioned, because other player can check religion, policies or wonders after they have met you, without needing to peek what you do in your turn. But, wars between human players are impossible in hotseat, if all players are watching other's turns.

Btw. You can use multiple mice in same computer, if you want.

[Olav Grey]

So any advice? We enjoy it but I'm just wondering if there's a better way

[Damsteri]

Usually those problems lead that I and my gf are playing co-op rather than against each others when we play hotseat. There is little advice other than leaving room during other players turns, but most of the things you mentioned can be seen in other ways, so it's not necessary to leave room that often.