More Than a Game by Kate Goldman Read Free Book Online Page A

players you like. Everyone builds their own team. One player is yourself and the rest are all of the greats of the game. If you play against the game, the opposite team is chosen based on an algorithm.”
     
    “Algorithm?”
     
    “Yes. The program will take the stats of the players you choose and automatically select similarly ranked players based on what mode you have set. If you select beginner, it will select slightly less capable players, average will get players with almost identical stats and expert will get slightly better players so that you have to work harder to beat them.”
     
    “Impressive. I like that. What if you choose head-to-head?”
     
    “Then it skips the mode setting and you are at the mercy of how good a job you did selecting players. There is an auto-select function, but if you use that, the players are generated completely at random. You may get some great players mixed with not so great players. You may get a dream team or you may get a team that couldn’t find a puck, much less get it in a goal.”
     
    “Oh, that’s harsh. I like it.”
     
    “Also, I am working on a multi-player mode, but I don’t know how many people would use it. It basically lets you treat the game like the online fantasy teams. You and your friends can each play a position against another group of friends. I don’t have that function completely built yet, but should have it fleshed out soon and will firm it up after I’ve worked out the bugs in the basic game.”
     
    “It sounds fantastic so far. I’m completely bowled over by how much work you’ve already done on this. I’m ready to play!”
     
    And for the next three hours, that was what they did. Shane played the game and gave her some tips on further design considerations while she watched and took notes. He seemed to really be enjoying himself, despite the rough patches that had yet to be ironed out. It was nice to see him not consumed by his problems, even if it was only for a while.
     
    “I appreciate your letting me hide out here these past few days. It’s been a relief not to have to try to sneak in and out of my own house. This place is so much more comfortable than mine.”
     
    “This whole place would fit in your foyer.”
     
    “That’s what I like about it. It’s cozy, homey. My place is too massive, cold. I don’t know why I bought it. I think it was just because they were selling such a huge place at a low price and I thought it was fancy, someplace my mum would really enjoy, but I don’t think she likes it much either.”
     
    “Why not sell it and get something you prefer?”
     
    “I just might. Having all this happen lately has shown me that life is too full of twists and turns to be holed up in a big empty house playing video games. Other than the time I’ve spent with you, that is pretty much all I do anymore. Go to practice. Go to games. Lose myself in electronics.”
     
    “Perhaps that is just what you like to do for fun. There is nothing wrong with it. It’s not as if you’ve turned into a couch potato and aren’t getting any exercise.”
     
    “That could change. I used to get my exercise in so many more exciting ways. I mean, don’t get me wrong. I love that hockey keeps me in shape, but back in Ireland, there were so many things to do outdoors. I miss it. Your idea to go hiking tomorrow is just what I need. It will be perfect to clear my mind a bit.”
     
    “I’m glad I thought of it then.”
     
    “I am too,” he replied, looking at her thoughtfully.
     
    Leslie melted into his arms as he leaned forward and kissed her. No matter what was going on around them, this place felt safe and warm for her. He was the first man in a very long time that she had felt so incredibly comfortable with, in all aspects of the word. He had been a perfect gentleman while staying in her house, never once making her feel like he was rushing her into anything or taking advantage of being here. There was a part of her that